Speech

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WHAT IS THE SPEECH EXERCISE?
As we move into middle management, and especially upper management positions, the need to be able to effectively represent the organization by making formal presentations increases. Personnel at these levels may be called upon to make presentations for a variety of groups, such as consumer or client groups, citizen groups, administrative bodies, or elected officials. The Speech exercise is designed to separate those who are skilled in making presentations and answering questions by members of the audience from those whose talents lie elsewhere. The pressure of making formal presentations is well-known to those who have been called upon to do so. While some thrive under these conditions and make very effective organizational representatives, others may succumb to the pressure and make inappropriate statements or respond to questions in a way that detracts from the overall image of the organization. Individuals who are successful in the Speech exercise are more likely to effectively represent the organization and its point of view, especially in controversial situations that demand interpersonal sensitivity coupled with the power of persuasion. Individuals skilled in making formal presentations:

>>>>• Present ideas in a clear, articulate, organized manner
>>>>• Capture the attention of the audience
>>>>• Respond to questions in a straightforward and appropriate manner
>>>>• Interpret questions correctly, quickly and logically
>>>>• Provide logical defense of own position when challenged

POSITIONS USED FOR?
The Speech Exercise is appropriate for any supervisory/managerial position that involves speaking before groups of people. As a rule, the Speech Exercise is more appropriate for middle and upper management positions. MPS has a large inventory of speech topics, but develops new topics for unique positions free of charge. We also maintain topics for specialized occupational groups.

SPEECH EXERCISE USED FOR:
>>>• Middle Management
>>>• Department Heads & Executives
>>>• Police Captain, Deputy Chief, Chief
>>>• Fire Battalion Chf., Asst. Chf., Deputy Chf., Chief
>>>• Transit (middle mgmt. & department heads)
>>>• School Principal, Asst. Principal, Administrator

TEST FORMAT
The Speech Exercise may be conducted utilizing several different formats. The goal is to simulate, as much as possible, the circumstances that are likely to exist in the real world. The most common approach is to have a luncheon in which current managers and others in the organization (and perhaps including community leaders) are invited to meet and mingle with the candidates, have lunch, then observe candidate speeches when lunch is concluded. Prior to the designated time for lunch, candidates are given a variety of relevant speech topics from which to choose, then provided 30 minutes to prepare a 6 - 8 minute speech. At the conclusion of each candidate's speech, specially designated members of the audience (role players) ask questions. Role players are given explicit instructions on the types of questions to ask (e.g., one question type is known as the "challenge" question). Alternately, the exercise may be conducted without the luncheon and the number of observers may be reduced to 4 - 6 people; however, this approach would normally be appropriate only for lower level professional or supervisory positions.

SCORING & REPORTING OF RESULTS
MPS does all of the scoring for you. Results are reported in the form of a rank-ordered list of the candidates. In addition, MPS uses a behavioral checklist approach to provide performance feedback for candidates on each of the factors measured. Behavioral checklists include both positive and negative behavioral descriptors, and are designed to assist assessees in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and developmental needs.

VIDEOTAPING THE EXERCISE
All necessary instructions and diagrams to properly set up and videotape the exercise are supplied. All that is required is a standard video camera and 1/2" VHS videotaping system. No camera work is required.

SOME SPEECH ISSUES
>>> • Organizing Information: Logically presenting so others understand
>>> • Stress Management: Projecting self-assuredness in a formal setting
>>> • Audience Challenges: Handling questions that express disagreement
>>> • Public Relations: Effectively representing the organization
>>> • Personal Impact: Projecting confidence and competency