FerroxLabs Public Speaking Coach
When to Use
Use this skill when:
- User needs to prepare for a speech, presentation, or public speaking event
- User wants to improve delivery skills: voice, pacing, body language
- User has speech anxiety and needs techniques to manage it
- User wants feedback on a speech draft or presentation outline
Do NOT use this skill when:
- User needs slide design help -- use presentation-design skill
- User wants to write persuasive copy -- use copywriting skills
- User needs debate or argumentation strategy -- different from public speaking
Process
- Step 1: Determine speaking context: audience, venue, time limit, purpose
- Step 2: Structure the speech: hook, core message, supporting points, close
- Step 3: Develop delivery techniques: vocal variety, pacing, pauses, gestures
- Step 4: Create anxiety management plan: breathing, visualization, preparation drills
- Step 5: Design rehearsal schedule with progressive practice (mirror, recording, live)
Purpose
This skill coaches users through all aspects of public speaking, from preparing a structured speech to delivering it with confidence and impact. It covers both prepared presentations and impromptu speaking, providing frameworks, scripts, and techniques backed by communication research and professional speaking practice.
Questions to Ask the User First
- Speaking context: What is the occasion? (Business presentation, class lecture, wedding toast, conference talk, pitch, panel, interview)
- Audience: Who will you be speaking to? How many people? What do they know about your topic?
- Topic: What are you speaking about?
- Time limit: How long is your speaking slot?
- Goal: What do you want the audience to DO, THINK, or FEEL after your talk?
- Visual aids: Will you use slides? Props? Demos?
- Experience level: How much public speaking experience do you have?
- Anxiety level: On a scale of 1-10, how nervous does speaking make you?
- Preparation time: How much time do you have to prepare?
- Specific concerns: Is there anything specific you are worried about? (skipping words, shaking voice, boring the audience, Q&A)
Speech Structure Frameworks
Framework 1: Monroe's Motivated Sequence
The gold standard for persuasive speeches. Five steps that mirror how people are naturally persuaded:
MONROE'S MOTIVATED SEQUENCE
=============================
STEP 1: ATTENTION (10% of time)
Hook the audience immediately.
Techniques:
- Startling statistic
- Provocative question
- Brief story or anecdote
- Bold statement
- Relevant quote
- Demonstration
Example: "Every 40 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide.
That's the time it took me to walk to this stage."
STEP 2: NEED (25% of time)
Establish the problem that demands attention.
- State the problem clearly
- Provide evidence (statistics, examples, expert testimony)
- Show how it affects the AUDIENCE specifically
- Make the audience feel the urgency
# ... (condensed) ...
Tell the audience exactly what to do.
- Be specific ("Sign this petition" not "Think about it")
- Make it easy (provide a link, a form, a next step)
- Create urgency ("Before you leave today...")
- End with impact (circle back to your opening hook)
Example: "By Friday, send me your team's interest in the pilot program.
Let's be the department that leads this change."
Framework 2: The Classic Three-Part Structure
CLASSIC SPEECH STRUCTURE
==========================
INTRODUCTION (10-15%)
1. Hook / attention getter
2. Establish credibility ("why should you listen to me?")
3. Preview: "Today I'll cover three things..."
4. Transition to body
BODY (75-80%)
Point 1: [Strongest or most foundational argument]
- State the point
- Support with evidence
- Provide an example or story
- Transition to next point
Point 2: [Second argument or development]
- State the point
- Support with evidence
- Provide an example or story
- Transition to next point
# ... (condensed) ...
CONCLUSION (10-15%)
1. Signal the end ("In closing..." / "To wrap up...")
2. Summarize key points (brief -- they've heard the details)
3. Memorable closing (story, quote, callback to opening, challenge)
4. Thank the audience
RULE OF THREE: Audiences remember things in groups of three.
Three main points is optimal for most speeches.
Framework 3: Impromptu Speaking (PREP Method)
PREP METHOD FOR IMPROMPTU SPEAKING
====================================
When you have 30 seconds to 2 minutes to prepare:
P - POINT
State your main idea/position clearly in one sentence.
"I believe remote work is here to stay."
R - REASON
Give one strong reason WHY.
"Because it fundamentally changed what employees expect from work."
E - EXAMPLE
Provide a specific example or story.
"At my company, we surveyed 500 employees and 87% said they would
look for a new job if forced to return full-time to the office."
P - POINT (restate)
Circle back to your opening statement.
"That's why I'm confident remote work isn't going away."
OTHER IMPROMPTU FRAMEWORKS:
- STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result
- Past-Present-Future: "It used to be... Now it is... In the future..."
- Problem-Solution: "The challenge is... The answer is..."
- What-So What-Now What: "Here's what happened... Why it matters... What we do next"
Audience Analysis
AUDIENCE ANALYSIS WORKSHEET
=============================
DEMOGRAPHICS:
Size of audience: __________
Age range: __________
Professional background: __________
Education level: __________
Cultural considerations: __________
KNOWLEDGE:
What do they already know about my topic? __________
What jargon will they understand? __________
What do they NOT know (and need to)? __________
What misconceptions might they have? __________
ATTITUDE:
How do they feel about my topic?
[ ] Supportive -- they already agree
[ ] Neutral -- open but uninformed
[ ] Skeptical -- need convincing
[ ] Hostile -- actively disagree
# ... (condensed) ...
What problem do they want solved? __________
What's in it for THEM? __________
CONSTRAINTS:
Time of day (energy level): __________
After a meal (attention lower)? __________
End of a long event (fatigued)? __________
Mandatory or voluntary attendance? __________
Storytelling Techniques
The Story Structure
STORYTELLING FRAMEWORK FOR SPEECHES
=====================================
1. CHARACTER: Who is the story about?
Make the character relatable to the audience.
Best: A real person (you, a colleague, a client).
2. SETTING: Where and when?
Specific details make stories vivid.
"Last Tuesday at 3 AM in a hospital waiting room" > "Recently in a hospital"
3. CONFLICT: What went wrong? What challenge arose?
Conflict creates tension and attention.
"The test results came back, and they weren't what we expected."
4. JOURNEY: What happened next?
Take the audience through the experience.
Include emotions, not just facts.
5. RESOLUTION: How did it turn out?
Connect the resolution to your speech's main point.
6. LESSON: What does this mean for the audience?
"That experience taught me that..."
Explicitly bridge the story to your message.
STORY TIPS:
- Use dialogue: "She looked at me and said..." (brings characters to life)
- Use sensory details: what you saw, heard, felt
- Keep it under 2-3 minutes for a supporting story
- Practice the story until it feels natural, not memorized
- One story per main point is usually enough
Body Language
BODY LANGUAGE GUIDE
====================
POSTURE:
[ ] Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart
[ ] Weight evenly distributed (don't sway or lean)
[ ] Shoulders back and relaxed (not stiff)
[ ] Avoid: crossing arms, hands in pockets, fig leaf position
EYE CONTACT:
[ ] Make eye contact with individuals for 3-5 seconds each
[ ] Cover all sections of the room (left, center, right)
[ ] With large audiences: look at foreheads (appears like eye contact)
[ ] Avoid: staring at one person, reading from slides, looking at the floor
GESTURES:
[ ] Use natural, purposeful hand gestures above the waist
[ ] Match gesture size to audience size (bigger room = bigger gestures)
[ ] Use open palms (signals honesty and openness)
[ ] Avoid: fidgeting, playing with pen/hair, pointing at audience
MOVEMENT:
[ ] Move with purpose (step toward audience for emphasis)
[ ] Use the stage (don't hide behind the podium)
[ ] Move during transitions between points
[ ] Stand still during key moments for emphasis
[ ] Avoid: pacing, rocking, wandering aimlessly
FACIAL EXPRESSION:
[ ] Match your expression to your content
[ ] Smile when appropriate (it's contagious)
[ ] Show emotion when telling stories
[ ] Avoid: blank/frozen expression (nervous default)
Vocal Variety
VOCAL VARIETY TECHNIQUES
=========================
PACE:
Normal: 130-160 words per minute for presentations
Speed up: When building excitement or listing items
Slow down: For emphasis, key points, and emotional moments
PAUSE: The most powerful vocal tool
THE POWER OF THE PAUSE:
- Before a key point: builds anticipation
- After a key point: lets it sink in
- Instead of "um" or "uh": silence is powerful, not awkward
- Recommended: 2-3 meaningful pauses per minute
VOLUME:
Project: Speak to the back row, even with a microphone
Louder: For emphasis and energy
Softer: To draw people in (creates intimacy)
Variation: Monotone volume puts people to sleep
PITCH:
# ... (condensed) ...
- Story: conversational, natural
- Call to action: confident, direct
FILLER WORD ELIMINATION:
Common fillers: um, uh, like, so, you know, basically, actually
Strategy: Replace every filler with a PAUSE
Practice: Record yourself and count fillers
Goal: Under 2-3 fillers per minute is excellent
Slide Design Principles
SLIDE DESIGN RULES
====================
RULE 1: ONE IDEA PER SLIDE
If you have two ideas, make two slides. Slides are free.
RULE 2: MINIMAL TEXT
Maximum 6 words per line, 6 lines per slide (the 6x6 rule)
Better: Use an image with a single headline
Best: The slide reinforces your words, not replaces them
NEVER read your slides aloud
RULE 3: LARGE FONTS
Title: 36-44pt minimum
Body text: 28-32pt minimum
If someone in the back can't read it, the text is too small
RULE 4: HIGH CONTRAST
Dark text on light background OR light text on dark background
Avoid: colored text on colored backgrounds, gradients behind text
RULE 5: CONSISTENT DESIGN
# ... (condensed) ...
SLIDE TYPES TO USE:
- Title slide (name, topic, date)
- Section dividers (one word or phrase, large)
- Data slides (one chart with clear takeaway)
- Image slides (full image + short headline)
- Quote slides (attributed quote, large text)
- Blank slides (when you want full attention on YOU)
Q&A Handling
Q&A MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
=========================
BEFORE Q&A:
[ ] Anticipate the top 5-10 likely questions
[ ] Prepare concise answers for each
[ ] Have 2-3 supporting data points ready
[ ] Decide: Q&A during the talk or at the end?
DURING Q&A:
1. Listen to the ENTIRE question (don't interrupt)
2. Repeat or paraphrase the question (ensures audience heard it)
3. Answer concisely (30-60 seconds)
4. Check: "Does that answer your question?"
HANDLING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS:
"I don't know":
"That's a great question, and I want to give you an accurate answer.
Let me look into that and follow up with you after."
Hostile question:
# ... (condensed) ...
Rambling question:
Wait for a pause, then: "If I understand correctly, your question is
[simplified version]. Is that right?"
"Gotcha" question:
Stay calm. Pause. Respond to the substance, not the tone.
"That's a fair challenge. Here's what the data shows..."
Speech Anxiety Management
ANXIETY MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT
=============================
WEEKS BEFORE:
[ ] Prepare thoroughly (anxiety drops with preparation)
[ ] Practice out loud at least 5 times (not in your head -- out loud)
[ ] Practice in the actual room if possible
[ ] Record yourself and watch (uncomfortable but invaluable)
[ ] Visualize a successful presentation (5 minutes daily)
HOURS BEFORE:
[ ] Physical exercise (burns adrenaline)
[ ] Eat a light meal (not too full, not hungry)
[ ] Avoid excessive caffeine
[ ] Review your opening and closing (these are your anchors)
[ ] Power pose for 2 minutes (arms wide, chest open -- debatable science but confidence boost is real)
MINUTES BEFORE:
[ ] Box breathing: Inhale 4 sec, Hold 4, Exhale 4, Hold 4 (repeat 5x)
[ ] Progressive muscle relaxation: tense then release major muscle groups
[ ] Positive self-talk: "I am prepared. I know this material. The audience wants me to succeed."
[ ] Arrive early and familiarize yourself with the space
DURING THE SPEECH:
[ ] Focus on your MESSAGE, not yourself
[ ] Find friendly faces in the audience (they will smile and nod)
[ ] If you lose your place: pause, breathe, look at your notes, continue
[ ] Remember: the audience cannot see your nervousness as clearly as you feel it
[ ] Channel nervous energy into enthusiasm
REFRAMING ANXIETY:
Anxiety and excitement are physiologically identical (elevated heart rate,
adrenaline, heightened awareness). Tell yourself: "I'm excited" instead
of "I'm nervous." Research shows this simple reframe improves performance.
Speech Preparation Checklist
SPEECH PREPARATION TIMELINE
=============================
2+ WEEKS BEFORE:
[ ] Define purpose and audience
[ ] Research and gather content
[ ] Create outline using chosen framework
[ ] Draft key stories and examples
1 WEEK BEFORE:
[ ] Complete first draft
[ ] Create slides (if using)
[ ] Practice run-through #1 (rough, with notes)
[ ] Time yourself and adjust content to fit time limit
[ ] Practice run-through #2 (smoother, fewer notes)
3 DAYS BEFORE:
[ ] Practice run-through #3 (minimal notes)
[ ] Finalize slides
[ ] Practice run-through #4 (focus on delivery, not content)
[ ] Prepare Q&A answers
DAY BEFORE:
[ ] Final practice run-through #5 (from start to finish, standing)
[ ] Prepare everything you'll need (laptop, adapters, clicker, water)
[ ] Confirm logistics (room, time, AV setup)
[ ] Get 8 hours of sleep
DAY OF:
[ ] Light review of opening and key transitions
[ ] Arrive early, test all technology
[ ] Meet early arrivals (breaks the ice, builds comfort)
[ ] Deliver your talk
[ ] Collect feedback afterward
Output Format
When coaching public speaking, provide:
- Speech structure -- Outline using the appropriate framework for their context
- Opening options -- 2-3 strong opening hooks to choose from
- Key messages -- The 2-3 things the audience must remember
- Story suggestions -- Where and how to incorporate stories
- Slide recommendations -- Number of slides and key content for each
- Delivery tips -- Specific vocal and body language guidance
- Practice plan -- Schedule for rehearsals before the event
- Anxiety tools -- Personalized techniques based on their anxiety level
- Q&A prep -- Anticipated questions with prepared responses
Example
Input: "I have to give a 10-minute best man speech at my brother's wedding in 3 weeks. I am terrified of public speaking."
Output:
Speech Plan: Best Man Toast
Context: Wedding reception, 10 minutes, ~100 guests, emotional occasion Anxiety level: High -- requires desensitization plan
Speech Structure (10 min)
- Opening (1 min): Personal greeting + one-liner to get a laugh and settle nerves
- Story 1 (3 min): Childhood/growing-up story that shows your brother's character
- Story 2 (3 min): Story involving the couple that shows why they work together
- Tribute (2 min): What your brother means to you, welcome to the partner
- Toast (1 min): Raise glass, short memorable line, "To [names]!"
Delivery Notes
- Speak at 70% of your normal speed (nerves will speed you up)
- Pause after laugh lines -- give the audience 3 seconds
- Make eye contact with 3-4 friendly faces, not the whole room
- Hold cards in one hand, keep the other free for gestures
3-Week Anxiety Reduction Plan
- Week 1: Write speech, practice alone with recording (3x)
- Week 2: Deliver to one trusted person, then a small group (2x each)
- Week 3: Full rehearsal standing up with cards. Practice box breathing (4-4-4-4) before each run
Emergency Plan
If you freeze: take a sip of water, glance at your cards, smile, and say "Where was I?" The audience is on your side.
Edge Cases
- Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.