Last Friday November 6, I did a workshop in public speaking for the 2009 LeadNY class.  

The LeadNY program, run from Cornell University, provides a two-year program of seminars, workshops, and field trips for people in
New York’s $4 billion agriculture industry.  It’s a big commitment.  People from all over the state travel to various cities for a series of three-day events, learning how to lead their industry.

After my workshop, five brave souls had volunteered to be guinea pigs, each presenting a five-minute persuasive speech.  Experience level ranged from an ex-teacher to not so much.  Did I mention that they were brave?

Check out a of the few topics I learned about:
conservation tillage
mobile meat processing

Many of the LeadNY participants want to influence public and social policy, so it’s a good idea to start practicing early.  And, as with any speech, practice is the only thing.

Plenty of online sites offer How To Write the Persuasive Speech.  Here’s my favorite.

Looking at the Persuasive Speech definitely takes us back to the basics.

• Know your Audience—and use that to connect with them
• Learn what makes a good argument.  That’s argument as in “reason to believe,” not as in “talk radio.”
• Practice well.

Meanwhile, thanks to the LeadNY folks for the maple syrup and the interesting speeches.