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Christine Clapp is a Communication Consultant and Coach based in Washington D.C. In 2014, she published a co-authored book, “Presenting at Work: A Guide to Public Speaking in Professional Contexts”. She is a Lecturer of Public Speaking at George Washington University. She has been awarded as a Distinguished Toastmaster and is a regular contributor to Toastmaster Magazine.
Her book “Presenting at Work”
Co-written with Bjørn Southard, her former debate partner. They both had the same idea in mind: a book absolutely practical for people in the workplace. It covers several speaking situations: a job interview, going to a networking event and introducing yourself, leading a meeting, giving a panel presentation, giving a keynote address at a conference, and even how to give a toast. Also, the goal was that the book is easy to read and that people use it time and time again.
How to outline a speech: Oreo Outline Method
Christine started to design the method because her students and clients all wanted to deliver extemporaneous speeches. Neither a manuscript nor a roman numeral outline are useful in these situations. The Oreo Outline method has 4 differences with other outline methods:
- One piece of paper.
- Oriented horizontal (landscape mode), from left to right.
- At the top and bottom, the speaker writes word-for-word the opening and closing of her speech.
- Ocular cues, such as transitions.
As speaker, your single-page Oreo Outline can be “your speaking notes”, and you bring it with you to the lectern.
This method also works with leading a meeting, giving a toast, written speeches, Q&A sessions, and even introducing yourself at networking events.
You can also try Christine’s Online outline tool
How to transform from an expert to a thought leader
Develop your communication skills. Five pillars of speaking with confidence: stance, sound, smile, silence, and sight (eye contact).
Her favorite quotation
“If you can’t write your message in a sentence, you can’t say it in one hour.” —Dianna Booher
Recommended book
Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds
Routine to Shine
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Rehearse well in advance so you don’t need to sacrifice your sleeping hours on the day before your speech.
Links
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[…] I recently was interviewed by Oscar Santolalla for his “Time to Shine” podcast, which highlights “successful public speakers who share their experience and secrets.” We discussed my popular speech outline method, which is known as both the Oreo Outline and the Sandwich Structure. Listen here. […]