STYLES OF SPEECH:

The 'Vote Of Thanks' Speech!

So, a speaker has been invited to your school to inspire the students! Then, the headteacher says, "Would you mind thanking the speaker, after they've spoken?". You need a VOTE OF THANKS speech. It's a pretty unique form of speech making; luckily LAMDA give you some pretty simple steps to make it as easy as possible. It's simple, just THANK your audience!

Aim: address the audience with a short conclusion to the main speakers address

T title contrast - if possible try to express the original title of the speech in another imaginative way.

H highlight - select the item of particular relevance from the speech that stands out in your memory.

A add - enhance the highlight with something fro your own experience. Take care that you do not make another speech and that you support what the speaker has established.

N nice - say something nice about the speaker, without being patronising.

K key closing words - say something positive:

eg “I know you will all join me in extending a most sincere thanks to you, our speaker”

then give a personal thanks:

“Mr Speaker I found your speech illuminating, I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to welcoming you back after your journey to Antarctic’

Here's a handy example:

T

Ladies and Gentlemen I know that as students of the University of Oxford you will have found Mr. Lok’s insights into his perspective of public speaking very interesting, I suspect the upcoming entrepreneurs I oversee in start-up society might have a few questions for you, Mr. Lok, but I know they will have been challenged and inspired by your words today.

H

As the chair of the start-up society, someone who is regularly asked such questions on this matter, I found it particularly interesting when you talked about the certain ways of overcoming stage fright.

A

It brought back some rather tender memories. Believe it for not, I was, like you all here today, a student once. In my final year I was required to make presentation, in support my thesis, to a small group of professors. I was well prepared, I knew my subject and I had even gone to the effort of making some engaging visual aids to enhance my points. However, in the moments immediately before I was due to step to the podium I froze. I couldn’t think, I couldn’t speak, I could barely catch my breath! My heart was racing and my vision began to blur. I felt like a grand piano was sitting on my chest. I dragged myself into a chair and passed out.

I woke up to a group of anxious professors helplessly peering down at me - how many of you have had nightmares like that?

Of course, as Mr Lok pointed out, stage fright is more common than we think. According to a recent study in the New Scientist Magazine as many of 75% of us experience anxiety and stage fright every single time we’re asked to step out on stage.

My experience led to anxiety. My anxiety led to fear. My fear stopped me stepping onto stage for nearly three years. I was only able to break the cycle when I discovered meditation. For me, breath work was the perfect remedy for stage fright; by focusing solely on my breathing I was able to regain a feeling of control over my body. I practise a deep breathing technique of 2:1 breathing - basically exhaling for twice as long as I inhale. It grounds me and keeps me focussed on the very simple task ahead of me.

N

I’d like to add that to Mr. Lok’s already extensive list of techniques for combatting stage fight. Perhaps soon, Mr Lok, everyone here will be able to “speak, not shake” as you so eloquently put it. I believe the Musicians Union recommendation for stage fright is a pre-show trip to ‘The Lamb and Flag brewery’. Though, I personally would advise against it!

On behalf of the university management, and all the students, I would like to thank Mr. Lok for taking precious time out of his schedule and consenting to be our guest today. Sir, indeed you’re words have inspired the students. We look forward to welcoming you back to the start-up society in the near future.

K

We have been fortunate to be assisted by our society secretary. You have been a constant support and you have given us a lot of encouragement. Thank you, Miss Belle.

I thank all the family members for their presence this morning. You always help us in carrying out such important events. Last but not least, I thank you all the students for showing their interest in the program. I once again thanks everyone for making this program successful.