6 days in, and the Clapocalypse just keeps coming! Today at Camp One Clap an old friend of the One Clap Speech and Debate podcast is here to help! YuYu Yuan, co-host of the Half Hour Podcast and Cheyenne East alum, has tips and thoughts for platformers looking to find the topic that they will like and to write the speech they will like too!
Hi there, Campers! Hey platform folks... you ever struggle to find a topic that you will like and write a speech that you will genuinely like too? Well, YuYu is on the case!
Unlocking the Secrets of Crafting Powerful Speeches
Today, we are joined by the talented YuYu, a seasoned speech coach and Stanford senior, who shares her expertise on crafting speeches that leave a lasting impact. Whether you are a novice or an experienced speaker, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories to help you refine your speech-writing skills and boost your confidence.
Selecting a Relevant and Relatable Topic
One of the most crucial aspects of speech writing is selecting a topic that is both relevant and relatable to your audience. YuYu emphasizes the importance of choosing a topic that resonates with current events and societal issues. A timely and impactful topic not only captures the audience's attention but also makes your speech more meaningful and engaging.
YuYu suggests starting with three potential topics that provoke curiosity and spark questions. This approach ensures that you remain engaged and curious throughout the entire speech-writing process. By asking yourself how the chosen topic impacts you and others, you can find a broader context that connects with your audience.
Transforming Your Topic into a Compelling Narrative
Once you have selected a topic, the next step is to transform it into a powerful narrative. YuYu highlights the importance of thorough research and personal engagement with the material. By incorporating your unique perspective and understanding of the topic, you can create an original and impactful speech.
YuYu also shares her own experiences and challenges in writing, emphasizing that writing a speech is akin to composing music or crafting a story. Good pacing is essential to keep the audience engaged and ensure that your message is received effectively. By breaking up emotional stories, shortening explanations, and strategically placing jokes, you can maintain the audience's attention and enhance the overall impact of your speech.
Harnessing the Power of Free Writing
Free writing is a valuable technique that allows you to generate raw content and explore new ideas. YuYu encourages speakers to write continuously for 20 to 30 minutes, letting their thoughts flow freely. This approach helps overcome perfectionist tendencies and writer's block, providing a solid foundation for further refinement.
Once you have a first draft, it's time to focus on composition and structure. YuYu advises treating your speech like a narrative, with a clear beginning, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion. This storytelling approach ensures that your speech has a natural flow and keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
Seeking Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Feedback is an essential part of the speech-writing process. YuYu recommends seeking input from peers, coaches, and even friends and family members. By listening to their feedback and making necessary adjustments, you can refine your speech and enhance its clarity and impact.
Recording and reviewing your performance is another valuable technique for improvement. While it may feel uncomfortable, watching yourself perform helps identify areas for enhancement and allows you to see your speech from the audience's perspective. This self-assessment is crucial for honing your unique writing style and delivering a polished and compelling speech.
YuYu also emphasizes the importance of embracing your unique voice and writing style. Everyone has their own way of constructing sentences and explaining ideas, and it's essential to use this to your advantage. By honing your style and continuously seeking feedback, you can develop a distinctive voice that resonates with your audience.
Engaging Your Audience through Topic Selection and Research
Engaging your audience is the ultimate goal of any speech. YuYu underscores the significance of selecting a topic that not only interests you but also connects with your audience. Thorough research and a deep understanding of the topic are essential for creating a speech that is both informative and captivating.
YuYu advises speakers to read extensively and explore different perspectives on their chosen topic. By doing so, you can contribute to the broader understanding of the subject and add your unique insights. This approach not only makes your speech more original but also enhances its relevance and impact.
The Journey to Continuous Improvement
Speech writing is a continuous journey of improvement. Yu Yu encourages speakers to revisit their past work and experiment with different approaches. By reading your old speeches and writing assignments, you can gain a better understanding of your writing style and identify areas for enhancement.
YuYu's advice to "read more, write less" resonates deeply with the importance of continuous learning. By exposing yourself to diverse sources of information and different writing styles, you can refine your own approach and bring fresh perspectives to your speeches.
Crafting a powerful speech requires a combination of careful topic selection, thorough research, and personal engagement. YuYu's insights and practical tips provide a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of speech writing. Thank you to YuYu for taking time and sharing her thoughts about creating platform pieces! It is great to have YuYu at Camp!
YuYu Yuan Camp Bio:
YuYu Yuan is the Assistant Program Director and coaches Platform Speech at Palo Alto High School. She’s a senior at Stanford majoring in both Ethnic Studies and Anthropology. YuYu competed at Cheyenne East High School in Wyoming in Public Forum Debate, Original Oratory, Extemporaneous Speaking, Program Oral Interp, and Poetry. She is a three-time national qualifier, getting to out-rounds in PF and top 30 in OO. She is a State champion in OO and PF and an NIETOC semifinalist in OO. During her free time, YuYu enjoys dancing with Stanford Chinese Dance, free writing, baking, crocheting, and binge-watching shows on Netflix.
In addition to the podcast content for Camp One Clap, One Clap Speech & Debate is also launching social media challenges to engage the community. These challenges are designed to help participants connect, learn, and grow within the speech and debate community... plus, they are fun! Tag the podcast's social media accounts or use the hashtag #CampOneClap24 to claim some spooky Clapocalypse stickers and other swag.
I'll be posting my completed Social Media Challenge posts on the One Clap Speech and Debate accounts too!
If you’d like to join the discussion here at One Clap Speech and Debate, shoot me an email at lylewiley@gmail.com or reach out here on the website. You could also contact me on social media:
Facebook: @oneclappodcast
Instagram: @one_clap_podcast
TikTok: @oneclapspeechanddebate
Your voice matters!
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