the  speech.  Most  large  commands  have  access  to  a graphics or training aids section which can prepare almost any type of visual aid you may need, as long as you can supply them with a rough idea of what you want. Most   speeches   are   supported   or   illustrated   with overhead transparencies, 35mm color slides or video presentation. Remember to discuss the entire outline with the speaker to be sure it is evolving as he visualized it. Polish the Speech You should start to word the speech only after the entire outline and plan for the presentation is agreed on. Put yourself in the speaker’s shoes and mentally place yourself in the physical setting before the specific audience as you write. Check out the aids, preferably in the setting where the speech will be given. If requested, listen to your speaker  rehearse  the  speech  and  suggest  improvements. If you are concerned about the length of the speech, keep in mind that the optimum speech length is 20 minutes.  Figure  on  one  minute  per  page  of double-spaced   text. SPEECH  WORDING A speech is meant to be heard, not read. This means that you must write the speech in words that the speaker would use in conversation with a representative member of the group to which he is speaking. As a speech writer, your  job  will  be  easier  if  you  imagine  your  speaker talking to this representative member and telling him the information he has planned to communicate (the points in the prepared outline). Pick out a member of the group, imagine him sitting across the desk from you asking a question now and then,  putting  in  an  argument  occasionally.  Write  your speech to him, interjecting questions and answering arguments in words that the speaker would really use in everyday  conversation.  Start  the  speech  from  the listener’s point of view. Use spoken, not written, language. Some words cannot be heard and understood as quickly as you say them. If the audience does not catch the meaning of a word, their minds are held up at a mental stoplight while the speaker goes on alone. Avoid pretentious language such as “fatuous” and “it behooves.” Use the simplest words  to  help  the  audience  to  understand. Use  examples  for  every  point,  preferably  the  per- sonal  experiences  of  the  speaker.  Be  sure  the  example really supports the point you are making. There is a surefire  formula  for  getting  the  point  across:  (1)  state your point, (2) use an example and (3) restate your point. Check your script. Be sure that statements important to your  objective  do  not  stand  nude,  so  to  speak,  without an example or a “for instance” to clothe them. The following is a list of a variety of “talk traps” that you should avoid when wording a speech: . Do not get crushed by the weight of your own over-detailed  and  over-illustrated  speech. .  Beware  of  falling  into  the  void  between  two points in a bad transition. . Do not find yourself out on a limb with no place to go after a big introduction. . Do not become the prisoner of too many main points. . Do not get trapped in a jungle of abstractions. DELIVERY  TECHNIQUES Perhaps the most common dilemma faced by every speaker is that of nervousness. However, what most speakers forget is that this condition can be positive as well  as  negative.  Of  course,  should  you  lose  conscious- ness upon reaching the podium, your nerves are working against you! On the other hand, if you feel anxious and “keyed up,” your nerves are doing just what they are supposed to do. The race horse that is alert and spirited before a me is often the favorite; the one that is calm and somewhat sluggish is almost al ways counted on to lose. The same applies to speaking. Nerves can be an asset to a speaker by mentally preparing him for his pre- sentation. Only when extreme nervousness or extreme nonchalance exists does the speaker need to concern himself with the natural phenomenon of nervousness. Nervousness is a natural and healthy thing. For most people, speaking before a group for the first time is not easy. By understanding the techniques necessary for building self-confidence, however, you will be well on your way to becoming a more effective speaker. The first thing you must do is develop a positive attitude-convince  yourself  that  you  have  the  ability  to improve.  No  one  is  a  born  speaker  or  instructor. Speaking well is a skill that is developed as a result of training  and  practice.  Once  you  have  convinced  yourself you can improve, you are ready to begin. The fastest method of developing self-confidence is to be thoroughly prepared. If you have carefully followed the steps in preparation described in this chapter, you should be confident that the material you have prepared is adapted to the needs and interests of your audience You will have the points that you wish to make organized in 6-16