How to link points to the motion You must first define the whole motion into simple terms, pick out the key words and define those words and then your will have what is in debate circles known as the re-defined version of the original motion. Your side usually plays a role on what points you must have, like proposing is agreeing to the motion at hand while as opposing is disagreeing to the motion. This means when you are proposing you must find points that are in agreement with the motion, any point that supports the motion is welcome but it must be explained so that the audience may understand. And when opposing you must look for points that are against the motion, points that disagree with the motion, these are points which must show the audience to believe your views and not those of the proposing side. And be informed that sometimes there are motions that are usually closed in nature where to find exact information is a problem. But the basis is still the same define it and find any point that might be in support of your side, that is why you need to be good in researching widely. So when the motion is closed make it a point to look for points that may at least offer support to your points but this will depend on how you explain them. Sometimes if you are opposing and the motion is against, you could agree to the motion but offer alternatives the motion…………………………..we are not saying it cannot be done but we are saying if? It is very important to do a lot of research works because you will come across a lot of information, and motions that are closed are best handled with providing evidence give a lot of examples. You need to be creative when dealing with such kind of information, consult your relatives about the motion even friends can give such valid information. Listen to songs of struggle like reggae music, gospel and any other type of music which might be deemed helpful as well as speeches done by famous people in our societies. Be informed that all motion are balanced in they own way; it is up to you as a debater to make the motion work to your advantage. Lastly points depend on how you define the key words of the motion and you need to devote time to do research, brainstorm with your fellow debaters. Points are available out there you just need to look around and am hopeful that you will find all that you want………ask God for help and am sure he will not let you down……….…he has being good to me always.

                                     Speech to inform

The situation in Egypt has been unpredictable due to the uprising and this means education is not taking place.

 Apart from violence the protesters are using the power of speech to advance their demands.

In fact it is persuasive speech been used here, because of its power to influence change.

A persuasive speaker entices the audience to trust his or her views as the best options; we talked about this last week.

Today we make progress by discussing another type of speech known as the speech to inform or information speech.

As the word suggests information speech, it informs those in attendance of latest and historical information.

The major purpose of this speech is to make the audience more knowledgeable, to educate them on various topics.

As a result of this, the audience always depends on those who provide such information as being the best in that particular field.

Therefore, the speaker should be familiar with the topic, such that in case of queries answers must be given.

Some categories of people using this type of speech are the teachers, shop attendants, parents, tour guides and many more.

Teachers are the best providers of information speeches, they do this in every lecture, for instance in Science demonstrations.

Speeches that talk about people, places, animals and structures are information speeches.

Events like the trade fair, the agricultural show and at Museums are some of the places where the speech to inform is commonly used.

The speech to inform is very common where even by just explaining how to use a mobile phone to a friend; it is a speech to inform.

When we go to a shop to buy anything, we ask shop attendants to give advice on the thing we intend to buy, that is information speech.

Even when on Educational tours like to Munda Wanga, the tour guide is always on hand to give information regarding the animals.

Imagine going to a Science Lab, Shop, Museum and nobody giving you the information you need.

This is the reason why we must give credit to the teachers, shop attendants, tour guides and many others who give us information on a daily basis.

Information is vital in life we depend on it to make informed decisions in life.

Don’t forget to give thanks to God always and read more about the speech to entertain next week.

Comments:mikeishmeal@yahoo.com or 0967719061 or log on to: http://speking.blogspot.com/

                My view

The aspect of public speaking has for many years been looked down as nothing that can move this country forward , many people think or believe that they don’t need the skills of public speaking because they think its just a tool of becoming a Politician, Lawyer  and many other related professions.

Alas, this is not true because in today`s world, we can not run away from the aspect of communicating well. Because in order for one to do this he/she needs to learn these skills of public speaking in order to communicate effectively.

Many people underrate themselves of being potential public speakers, but the truth is, on a daily basis speeches are given by ordinary people in society. Just by explaining how to use a mobile phone to customers is speech presentation even when a street vender persuades a motorist to buy his merchandise it`s still speech presentation and many other areas.

My view and belief is that once a person acquires the skills of public speaking, Zambia will have people who will be able to analyze and interpret issues that affect us, rather than engage in acts of violence or being used even be cheated.

Public speaking skills are not taken seriously in our schools I have a strong feeling that my column will compliment what careers teachers do in schools. Many youths have not seen the importance of public speaking because they have being made to believe that it is a hindrance to their academic success.

 I was involved in debate for over 5 years, during my secondary school days at Kamwala Secondary School; this was from 1998 to 2003.

After completing my secondary education in 2000, I was invited by Ms Florence Nkowane who by then worked for International School of Lusaka; she was the coordinator of “ZAMUN”.

This is where I trained students from various schools debate skills, lobbying skills and resolution writing.

I also took part in National Youth Parliament in 1999 at the National Assembly then later on took part in the largest debate programme in Zambia called the Zambia Model United Nations in short ‘ZAMUN ‘.

ZAMUN was a stimulation of the real United Nation where students represented member countries of the United Nations. I was involved in this programme for 3 years in which I represented countries like Saudi Arabia, U.S.A, France and Morocco in various committees such as disarmament, Environment, Human Rights and the General Assembly.

And in this programme my achievements were from being a delegate to ambassador then I became the deputy secretary general of the general assembly and I was also privileged to be joint best delegate with Timothy Katanga who now works for the office of the president.

And these are some of the examples of individuals who have done debate and are excelling in life, Mutuna Chanda worked for the post newspaper now with the BBC, Gloria Kabungo now musician, K Smash now with muvi TV, Nathan Sinkala now with the Barclays Bank as an Accountant, Kwenda Paipi worked for the post newspaper now with the World Vision, Makebi Zulu now a lawyer, Chiteta Kayombo now with MTN Zambia, they are so many.

                Therefore I have the experience in this area and am able to provide the best information not only through my knowledge but also from books and the experienced people whom I have interacted with during my life of debating.

Public speaking skills are for everyone so that we communicate well and these skills help in so many ways such as becoming confident, improvement in written and spoken English Language, in research and leadership qualities are seen when one is able to express themselves.

                                   How to link points to the motion

You must first define the whole motion into simple terms, pick out the key words and define those words and then your will have what is in debate circles known as the re-defined version of the original motion.

Your  side usually plays a role on what points you must have, like proposing is agreeing to the motion at hand while as opposing is disagreeing to the motion.

This means when you are proposing you must find points that are in agreement with the motion, any point that supports the motion is welcome but it must be explained so that the audience may understand.

And when opposing you must look for points that are against the motion, points that disagree with the motion, these are points which must show the audience to believe your views and not those of the proposing side.

And be informed that sometimes there are motions that are usually closed in nature where to find exact information is a problem.

But the basis is still the same define it and find any point that might be in support of your side, that is why you need to be good in researching widely.

So when the motion is closed make it a point to look for points that may at least offer support to your points but this will depend on how you explain them.

Sometimes if you are opposing and the motion is against, you could agree to the motion but offer alternatives the to motion…………………………..we are not saying it cannot be done but we are saying if?

It is very important to do a lot of research works because you will come across a lot of information, and motions that are closed are best handled with providing evidence give a lot of examples.

You need to be creative when dealing with such kind of information, consult your relatives about the motion even friends can give such valid information.

Listen to songs of struggle like reggae music, gospel and any other type of music which might be deemed helpful as well as speeches done by famous people in our societies.

Be informed that all motions are balanced in they own way; it is up to you as a debater to make the motion work to your advantage.

Lastly points depend on how you define the key words of the motion and you need to devote time to do research, brainstorm with your fellow debaters.

Debate will improve your thinking fast abilities, making quick decision which is a must in debating you must take interest because as we grow chances to speak in public increase as well, the early the better

Points are available out there you just need to look around and am hopeful that you will find all that you want………ask God for help and am sure he will not let you down……….…he has being good to me always.

Persuasive Speech

By: Sichula Mike

Am so grateful for the encouragements I keep receiving from you my readers from different parts of the Zambia even those in Norway, South Africa and Botswana.

There are many types of speeches which include acceptance, Funeral, wedding speeches and many others.

But today let’s look at one type of speech called Persuasive speech.

The word persuasive comes from persuade which is to challenge something on someone to change their point of view.

Persuasive speech is mostly used to convince others about someone’s personal view.

Some examples of the people who use this type of speech include politicians, Lawyers, pastors’ even street vendors and debaters.

To persuade is to make your audience accept your point as been the best option. But this takes logical arguments and leave room where possible for compromise so that you are not seen to be imposing your views on the people.

This type of speech is a difficult to deliver effectively as it may be opposed by the people due to their cultural, political and religious beliefs.

Take for instance trying to change the minds of Mr. Sata, the leader of the opposition to rejoin the country’s ruling party, do you think it is ease?

This is the reason in last week’s article l said before coming up with any type of speech it is important to have a purpose, what do want to achieve?

Because without it your speech will not have an impact as well as it won’t follow.

Setting the purpose will also make the speech suit the occasion and the audience will appreciate it for many days to come.

This year prepare yourself for such because it is an election year, they are coming and in numbers seeking your vote with the persuasive speech.

What is a Speech?

By: Sichula Mike

I have being stating the word speech in almost every article done so far; speech and public speaking are inseparable.

Today let’s find out what is a speech? Those that don’t know you have every reason to be happy because you will learn something new.

A Speech is a collection of ideas put together or something that you present to people in written or orally, a speech is a report of something.

A speech has three parts which include; an introduction, the main body and conclusion.

An introduction is the starting point and it serves the following;

It capture’s the attention of the listener, introduces your topic, shows the importance of the topic also previews the outcome.

The core of any speech is the main body, contains details of the speech, the real message you want your audience to hear.

When preparing your speech it is important to consider your purpose in the first place.

The purpose has a bearing in arranging your ideas, is it a speech to inform, Persuade, Entertain?

The main body is the longest part of the speech and it must be given the greatest amount of preparation.

If possible don’t make your speech too long, listeners find it difficult to follow everything and retention is hard.

Retention is the ability to recall what you just heard or read easily.

The last part of a speech is the conclusion, this is the summary you cannot finish your speech by just saying thank you or am through, you need to end in style.

A good conclusion does the following; informs the audience that you are about to end, summarizes the major points and leaves them with an idea to remember.

Lastly am looking forward for a time in Zambia when electing our leaders will strictly be based on good speech presentation.

Look out for part one in the series of (3) types of speeches that we hear on daily basis.

By: Sichula Mike

I have taken sometime addressing debate topics because it is an important activity.

Last week’s topic highlighted the duties of first speakers of simplifying the motion so that the audience may have a better and clear understanding.

Today let’s make progress by stressing that the second and third speakers don’t need to define the motion, but he/she should have own introduction which must be in line with the team’s views.

They just add on what the first speakers stated, to emphases the other points of the team.

And the correct order of salutations is as follows, the first person to be acknowledged is the chairperson and salutations usually come after you have done the introduction.

 Salutations put you in control of your speech; help the speech to flow.

After the chairperson, you need to pay respect to the judge(s) of the debate contest.

You need to be observant to know how many judges are present.

Then you move to the time allocators’ or the people who keep the time while you speak.

The next people to be acknowledged after time keepers are the door bouncers or sergeant at arms they keep order during debate.

When that is done you must pay respect to the panelists of either sides that is your side and the opponents, without them you cannot have a debate.

Most important and last in the order of seniority is the audience, you are there to teach them through your speech.

The audience is the reason you are presenting your speech, just imagine speaking in an empty hall.

The audience is there to be informed, to be educated and to be entertained as well as helping spread your message.

Up on finishing the salutations you proceed to your main points and it is advisable for the first speakers to have a maximum of two points.

Hopefully you will find these useful in your debating, look out for next week’s interesting topic on what is a speech? In your favorite Education Post newspaper

Debate Salutations

By: Sichula Mike

I have taken sometime addressing debate topics because it is an important activity.

Last week’s topic highlighted the duties of first speakers of simplifying the motion so that the audience may have a better and clear understanding.

Today let’s make progress by stressing that the second and third speakers don’t need to define the motion, but he/she should have own introduction which must be in line with the team’s views.

They just add on what the first speakers stated, to emphases the other points of the team.

And the correct order of salutations is as follows, the first person to be acknowledged is the chairperson and salutations usually come after you have done the introduction.

 Salutations put you in control of your speech; help the speech to flow.

After the chairperson, you need to pay respect to the judge(s) of the debate contest.

You need to be observant to know how many judges are present.

Then you move to the time allocators’ or the people who keep the time while you speak.

The next people to be acknowledged after time keepers are the door bouncers or sergeant at arms they keep order during debate.

When that is done you must pay respect to the panelists of either sides that is your side and the opponents, without them you cannot have a debate.

Most important and last in the order of seniority is the audience, you are there to teach them through your speech.

The audience is the reason you are presenting your speech, just imagine speaking in an empty hall.

The audience is there to be informed, to be educated and to be entertained as well as helping spread your message.

Up on finishing the salutations you proceed to your main points and it is advisable for the first speakers to have a maximum of two points.

Hopefully you will find these useful in your debating, look out for next week’s interesting topic on what is a speech? In your favorite Education Post newspaper

Debate standards in Zambia

By: Sichula Mike

Over the years gone by it is heart breaking and disappointing watching the standards of debate go down.

Debate used to be a highly respected and regularly organized activity during my high school days.

Debate in many developed countries like United States and Britain is still even today a highly organized activity among students in high schools, colleges and universities.

Some of the reasons why the standards have come short are partially the lack of sponsors to organize annual debates.

Others who have sponsored do so to just market their agendas over looking the real basics of debate.

Sometimes organizers lack the debate procedure and these have greatly contributed to failing standards.

Even the moderators and judges have to some extent played negative roles in lowing debate standards.

In order to have a really good debate, sponsors should invest in human resource to train debaters.

There is need for sponsors to engage people who once debated to be judges and moderators.

It is for this reason today`s topic seeks to point out one area of debate which has not been spared in failing standards.

This area is known in debate circles as called debate salutations.

Salutation is acknowledging people in authority of any debate session,

each panelist needs to have an introduction of the motion.

The duty of first speakers is to simplify the motion based on their team`s side.

The importance of simplifying the motion is to make the people in the audience understand the motion.

You simplify the motion by picking out key words in the motion and define those words

For instance “Technology has brought more harm than good “as our motion!

If you are the first speaker of the Proposing team, the key words to define is technology…more harm and if you are opposing the key words to define might be technology…good.

When you picked out the key words you should define them in simple terms to suit your team’s side.

Later read the redefined motion so that when you begin to argue your point the judges and audience will make a distinction between proposing and opposing views.

I would urge the Ministry of Education to consider organizing inter schools debates annually so that students can be debating regularly.

Next weeks topic will look at the full details of what the other speakers’ duties

How to Control Your Voice

By: Sichula Mike

Everyday we use the voice to communicate with friends but have you ever thought how to control your voice so that you present speeches more interesting and memorable.

The voice is the mark of every person, the voice is like fingerprints no one has the exactly voice as yours.

Three elements control the usage of the voice so that when we speak, people always remember the speech even when it was done years ago.

 For instance the late American black activists Dr Martin Luther King with his ‘’ I have a dream speech’’

The first element is volume, this is the measure of how loud or soft we speak.

When you speak too softly your audience will have difficulties hearing you. Your message will not be effective no matter how good it is.

Do you think if President Obama spoke softly during his campaign speech of ‘’ yes we can ‘’ it could have made an impact? Not a chance!

Therefore in order for your voice to make an impact on the audience, your voice should be loud enough to be heard.

You need to adjust your voice to suit the situation, imagine at a funeral your voice demands to be soft unlike at a wedding.

The second element is rate, this is the speed at which you talk and it can be referred to as your speech rate.

The rate at which you speak tells a lot about your feelings at that particular moment.

A high rate might suggest feelings such as anger, confused and impatience or not ready to speak.

A slow rate might suggest feelings such as you are not too well, tired, in doubt. When you are at ease, the speech rate takes care of itself.

Have you ever wondered why when you prepare a five minutes speech but only discover that in three minutes you are through presenting it.

This is due to nervousness which makes you to speak rapidly whereby you even speak unclear and skip certain words.

 Pausing is necessary it does not mean we are afraid to present the speech but it shows that we are calm and in control.

The third element is pitch, this means the highness or lowness of our voices when we speak. The best way to develop vocal control is to prepare well and the need to be in control of your own voice.

Merry Christmas to all my readers, till we meet next year!!!

Comments: mikeishmeal@yahoo.com  or 0977719061, 0967719061

I have taken sometime addressing debate topics because debate is such an important activity. Last week we highlighted the duties of first speakers which are mainly to simplify the motion so that the audience may have a better and clear understanding. Today we make progress by stressing that the second and third speakers don’t need to define the motion, but he/she should have own introduction which must be in line with the team’s views. The main duties are to add on what the first speakers stated, to just emphases the other points of your team. And the correct order of salutations is as follows, the first person to be acknowledged is the chairperson and salutations usually come after you have done the introduction. Salutations put you in the mood of your speech; it helps the speech to flow. After the chairperson, you need to pay respect to the judge(s) of the debate contest. You need to be observant to know how many judges are present. Then you move to the time allocators’ or the people who keep the time while you speak. The next people to be acknowledged after time keepers are the door bouncers or sergeant at arms they keep order during debate. When that is done you also pay respect to the panelists of either sides that is your side and the opponents, without them you cannot have a debate. Most important and last in the order of seniority is the audience, you are there to teach them through your speech. The audience is the reason you are presenting your speech, just imagine speaking in an empty hall. The audience is there to be informed, to be educated and to be entertained as well as helping spread your message. Up on finishing the salutations you can proceed to your main points and it is advisable for the first speakers to have a maximum of two points. Hopefully you will find these useful in your debating, look out for next week’s interesting topic on what is a speech? In your favorite Education Post newspaper For comments and more log on to: http:/speking.blogspot.com/or call 0967719061I have taken sometime addressing debate topics because debate is such an important activity. Last week we highlighted the duties of first speakers which are mainly to simplify the motion so that the audience may have a better and clear understanding. Today we make progress by stressing that the second and third speakers don’t need to define the motion, but he/she should have own introduction which must be in line with the team’s views. The main duties are to add on what the first speakers stated, to just emphases the other points of your team. And the correct order of salutations is as follows, the first person to be acknowledged is the chairperson and salutations usually come after you have done the introduction. Salutations put you in the mood of your speech; it helps the speech to flow. After the chairperson, you need to pay respect to the judge(s) of the debate contest. You need to be observant to know how many judges are present. Then you move to the time allocators’ or the people who keep the time while you speak. The next people to be acknowledged after time keepers are the door bouncers or sergeant at arms they keep order during debate. When that is done you also pay respect to the panelists of either sides that is your side and the opponents, without them you cannot have a debate. Most important and last in the order of seniority is the audience, you are there to teach them through your speech. The audience is the reason you are presenting your speech, just imagine speaking in an empty hall. The audience is there to be informed, to be educated and to be entertained as well as helping spread your message. Up on finishing the salutations you can proceed to your main points and it is advisable for the first speakers to have a maximum of two points. Hopefully you will find these useful in your debating, look out for next week’s interesting topic on what is a speech? In your favorite Education Post newspaper For comments and more log on to: http:/speking.blogspot.com/or call 0967719061

2010 IS GONE!!!!

From: Sichula Mike

Date: 10thDecember, 2010

I have great doubt that when Danny the musician composed and produced that hit song titled “kaya” some years back; little did he know that it would make such an impact.

Even when Fifa chose South Africa to host the first World Cup on African Soil, many of us did not believe it would come to pass.

But today wherever you are, as you read this article 2010 is gone and 2011 is here.

My suggestion could be have you ever thought that public speaking could be one such tool you might need in this New Year! Make it a resolution that God willing by the end of the year you must become a great speaker.

Please people we are not saying all people should be public speakers not at all but they are a lot of benefits with public speaking skills.

Others become good speakers that is good and later use the skills in their respective careers

Others will the skills of analyzing, listening and writing skills that are essential in anyone`s life.

For instance analyzing skills helps to deep down look at issues that affect us.

For listening skills, we become good listeners for development and whenever, we attend any function it be a political rally we shall listen for key words not mere gossip.

Writing skills help us to do reports at school and in many areas in this co-operate world, others will become speechwriters.

As the curtains for 2010 have gone down never to be seen again, it is just wise to say thank you to the creator for his unchanging message of love that is and was with us in the year that has just ended.

We managed to achieved others goals by setting plans for them, others just came our way through the creator’s giving.

If by whatsoever reason you might not have achieved what you planned to get in 2010.

Do not despair the very fact that you are alive is the reason to believe that time is very much on your side.

But you need to identify the weakness that hinder your progress and develop plans that should propel your success this time around.

Lastly I urge organizations such as Anti corruption commission, Drug enforcement commission, and the Anti Voter apathy and many other groups who have agendas to consider organizing debates.

Happy New Year!Comments: mikeishmeal@ yahoo.com or 0977/0967719061