ASSISTING THE SPEAKER
speakers bureau must provide capable assistance to a
speaker who has accepted an engagement. The
The public affairs office that desires a truly effective
following is a list of things for you to consider:
Brief the speaker on the purpose of the speech,
the importance of the engagement to the
command, the value that can be derived and the
benefit expected. Be sure he understands any
special guidelines that apply to the speaking
engagement.
Help the speaker analyze the audience, occasion
and location.
Assist in selecting an appropriate topic and in
narrowing the topic for the particular audience.
Advise the speaker, if he so desires, on format,
organization, sequence of ideas, support
material, and so forth.
Make sure the speech receives a security and
policy review. Edit the speech as necessary for
propriety.
Provide an opportunity to critique the presenta-
tion in rehearsal.
Provide assistance obtaining audiovisual devices
and aids. It is sometimes necessary to train the
speaker on setting up and operating the
equipment. Assign an assistant if the speaker
feels he will encounter difficulties operating the
equipment and making the speech simul-
taneously.
Provide the speaker with material that will
prepare him to answer special questions not
directly relevant to his subjects that maybe asked
at the conclusion of his talk.
EVALUATION OF THE SPEAKING
ENGAGEMENT
After the speech, attempt to determine the effec-
tiveness of the presentation. Ask the speaker to submit
a speaking engagement evaluation report (fig. 6-18) that
should be sent with the speaking confirmation letter;
request comment from the organization; request
comment from military personnel who may have
attended the presentation; and seek to attend various
presentations yourself from time to time to make
personal evaluations.
considerable effort required will reap immeasurable
success from realizing the full potential of Navy
speakers.
The public affairs office that is willing to expend the
6-45
