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Warm Fuzzy
A Warm Fuzzy is a note of encouragement to the speaker. It helps the speaker discover what their strongest points. Once a speaker knows what their better skills are, they can begin to work on new skills.
A Warm Fuzzy also encourages the listener to pay attention and be supportive.
Completing a Warm Fuzzy is simple. Write:
- What you learned from the speech, and
- What you liked about the speech.
Sandwich Evaluation
In the Sandwich Evaluation Form, a skill to work on is suggested, sandwiched between two of the speaker’s stronger skills. By pointing out the positives of a speech, the speaker is more likely to keep a realistic perspective of their delivery rather than develop an overly negative perspective by over focusing on a single skill that needs improvement. Speakers who do not know how to improve, really value this kind of evaluation.
We also use this technique because it is an excellent tool to use in the workplace. A poor leader only points out what a worker is not doing well. This is a poor way to approach a person because most people will respond in a defensive manner, meaning they will not be receptive to hear what you say. The worker’s self-defense mechanism kicks in, causing him/her to not listen to the boss, to deflect blame or become angry. The poor leader does little else other than offend the worker and stamp out motivation to improve.
As a leader, it is important to keep your employees motivated. Expressing gratitude and not losing sight of what is working well will make your employees more open to your suggestions.
We begin learning this skill in Pipe Up for Teens with the Sandwich Evaluation.
TOP Sheet
When you have a speech, submit this completed form to the TOP Sheet Clerk when you arrive at the meeting.
Speakers write their own introduction in the 3rd person to be read by the Meeting Leader who introduces them . The TOP Sheet is designed to aid you in writing your introduction.
T is for Topic. First, establish the topic of your speech.
O is for Objective. What do you hope listeners will acquire from your speech? Make sure it is relevant to your audience.
In Pipe Up, the objective of the speech can also be the new skill that the speaker is working on. This signals to the audience what feedback they can give you.
P is for Person. Who is speaking? Why would we listen to them? In Pipe Up we often give fun facts about a speaker. Last of all, what is his/her name?
Example of an introduction for a Baby Book Speech in Pipe Up:
T– The Baby Book Speech is one of the most enjoyable speeches that we get to hear at our club.
O– It is an informal talk in which the speaker introduces themselves to the other members.
P– The speaker we are about hear from
- has 11 siblings
- has a cat called Cato
- and prefers chocolate-chip mint ice cream.
Please help me welcome, Jonathan Baker!
Meeting Leader initiates clapping and welcomes the speaker with a handshake.
Example in a Professional Setting
Professional speakers write their own introduction to assist the person introducing them. If you are asked to be a guest speaker, remember to write a short introduction in the third person.
T-Sunny days make everyone feel good. They draw people outdoors where people soak up not only sunshine but also the essential nutrient, Vitamin D.
O– Not everyone lives in a climate where they get enough sun exposure to acquire the Vitamin D they need for good health. Thankfully, there are alternative therapies to boost one’s Vitamin D levels.
P– Tonight’s speaker has a medical degree from The University of Washington and has been in private practice in Alaska for 17 years. She regularly appears on evening news programs including XYZ News and Triple M News. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Dr. Susan Fraser.
Public Speaking Objectives
Keep a copy in a plastic sleeve in your binder. It is useful to refer to when you are writing a Warm Fuzzy or for a Sandwich Evaluation for a more advanced speaker.
You can also refer to the rubric for self-assessment and practicing at home. First, find your strengths and then choose one skill to incorporate into your speech. When you start mastering the new skill in class, choose another skill to work on for your next speech.
The 3-Point Speech Outline
The 3-Point speech is one of the most communication tools to master.
- Tell them what you are going to tell them
- Tell them
- Tell them what you told them
You can never go wrong using this outline. It is a classic. Use it for Off-the-Cuff, in business meetings and to write 5 paragraph essays.
The Story Outline
One of the most crucial tools in communication predates the famous bard Homer: the story.
Information packed inside a story is more entertaining and memorable than facts alone.
This outline includes a list of elements to enhance your story.
Keep your binder well-stocked.