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Speaking Outline

Student’s name

Institution affiliation
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I. Introduction

A. Attention-Grabber

 Recall a time when faced with a difficult situation and the weight of negativity felt almost

unbearable.

 Introduce the concept of positivity as a powerful tool to navigate challenging times and

emerge stronger and happier.

B. Speaker Credibility

 Share personal experience with embracing positivity and its impact on my life.

 Mention research and observations of how positivity has helped others around me.

C. Preview of the Speech

 Define positivity and optimism.

 Explore the effects of positivity on well-being.

 Discuss how to cultivate positivity in daily life.

II. Understanding Positivity

A. Definition of Positivity

 Positivity is a mental and emotional attitude of seeing the bright side, expecting favorable

outcomes, and maintaining optimism.

 Emphasize that it does not negate challenges but focuses on constructive approaches to

overcome them.

B. The Science Behind Positivity

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 Positive thinking rewires our brains and improves neural connections, increasing

resilience and emotional well-being.

 Positive emotions trigger the release of "feel-good" chemicals like endorphins, dopamine,

and serotonin, reducing stress and anxiety.

III. The Impact of Positivity on Well-being

A. Physical Health Benefits

- Studies show positive individuals have lower blood pressure, more robust immune systems, and

reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

- Embracing positivity leads to healthier lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and balanced

nutrition (Fieldscher, 2016).

B. Mental Health Benefits

 Positivity as a natural defense against depression and anxiety, fostering a more resilient

mindset.

 Greater emotional intelligence helps cope with negative emotions and manage stress

effectively (Scheier & Carver, 1993).

IV. Cultivating Positivity in Daily Life

A. Gratitude Practice

 Expressing gratitude shifts focus from lack to abundance in life.

 Keeping a gratitude journal or reflecting on positive aspects boosts happiness.

B. Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences

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 The company we keep profoundly impacts our mindset and outlook on life (Stewart,

2020).

 Building relationships with positive, supportive individuals fosters optimism and personal

growth.

C. Mindfulness and Positive Affirmations

 Mindfulness practices keep us present, reducing unnecessary worries about the past or

future.

 Repeating positive affirmations reprograms the subconscious mind and fosters optimism.

V. Conclusion

A. Recap Key Points

 Summarize the definition and effects of positivity and optimism on well-being.

 Highlight the significance of cultivating positivity in daily life.

B. Call to Action

 Encourage the audience to embrace optimism and transform their outlook on life.

 Remind them that positivity is a powerful tool for leading happier, more fulfilling lives.

C. Closing Statement

 End with a powerful quote or thought that reinforces the central message of the speech.

Self-Critique
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The speech preparation process involved topic selection, research of the selected topic,

developing a central idea, creating an outline, identifying supporting materials, practicing, and

delivery. One of the problems I encountered during the speech preparation was time

management. Ensuring that the speech fits within the allocated time can be challenging,

especially if you have much information to cover. I experienced a challenge trying to adjust the

lesson to fit that given time. I practiced with time to gauge the length of the speech. Creating

appropriate and effective visual aids was also challenging. I spent significant time practicing and

incorporating the visual aids into the speech. I also had the challenge of prioritizing, condensing,

and cutting the large amounts of information I had gathered to fit the time frame.

Even after preparing the content, recording a speech presented its challenges. Recording

myself triggered nervousness, similar to speaking in front of a live audience. I took comfort in

knowing I could always re-record the speech if needed. I treated the recording as an opportunity

to practice and improve my delivery. Striving for a natural and engaging delivery can be difficult

when recording alone. I imagined speaking to a small, friendly audience to allow the flow of

information in my mind. I stumbled over words on several occasions during the recording. I

would pause and take short breaks before continuing where I left off. Time management was also

a significant issue during speech recording. Ensuring your recorded speech fits within the desired

time frame can be challenging. I practiced my speech with a timer and re-recorded some sections

to meet the time requirement.

I identified the introduction, body, conclusion, and supporting materials in my speech

with verbal citations. The introduction contained an attention-grabber, a hook, and the central

idea. In this part of the speech, I introduced myself to the audience. The speaker’s credibility and

preview of the main points were also found in this part. The body of the speech is the part where
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I delved deeper into the topic. In this part, I presented the supporting information and evidence

that supported the main idea. I divided this part of the speech into three parts: Understanding

Positivity, The Impact of Positivity on Well-being, and Cultivating Positivity in Daily Life. Each

section likely contains detailed information on the respective subtopics. I used three supporting

materials with verbal citations in these body sections. The conclusion is the final part of the

speech, where I summarize the main points discussed in the body. This part also restates the

central idea and delivers a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the

audience.

There are a few things I would change in my speech. I would be concise and focus on the

most impactful points that align with the central idea. I would also incorporate specific real-life

examples to support the benefits of positivity and optimism. Concrete data and stories can make

the speech more compelling and relatable to the audience. I would also incorporate memorable

quotes and personal anecdotes about positivity and optimism.

I maintained good eye contact with the camera throughout the speech delivery. My vocal

tone was pleasant and expressive, which helped me convey enthusiasm and passion for the topic.

However, there were moments when the vocal variation was more dynamic, especially during

the delivery of critical points. I exuded a sense of confidence and presence. I used appropriate

gestures to emphasize points and appeared at ease while speaking.

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References

Fieldscher, K. (2016). How the power of positive thinking works. The Harvard Gazette.

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2016/12/optistic-women-live-longer-are-healthier/

Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1993). On the power of positive thinking: The benefits of being

optimistic. Current directions in psychological science, 2(1), 26-30.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/20182190

Stewart, H. (2020). Optimism, Hope and the Power of Positive Thinking. Hospice care.

https://www.hospiscare.co.uk/optimism-hope-and-the-power-of-positive-thinking/