How to Roast Vegetables Posted: 18 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST There are several easy steps you can take to make your veggies perfectly roasted. Cut your vegetables into equal sizes and coat them in a thin layer of oil and seasoning to bring out their best taste. When you go to roast them in the oven, it's important to note that harder vegetables such as potatoes and carrots will take longer to cook than softer veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. When your vegetables have browned edges and soft centers, they're ready to be eaten! [Edit]Chopping and Seasoning the Veggies - Preheat your oven to . is an ideal temperature for roasting, but a temperature near this works well too. Vegetables need to be cooked at a high temperature to achieve the perfect tenderness and caramelization—if the temperature is too low, the vegetables will overcook before they reach the desired browning. For roasting frozen vegetables, the oven should be heated to . [1]
- Wash the vegetables before peeling them, if necessary. Rinse your veggies under cool running water to remove any dirt. If you're chopping up garlic or onions, make sure you peel them first with your hands. Other veggies can be peeled using a peeler or knife, such as cucumbers, eggplant, or potatoes.
- Chop or dice the vegetables into small sizes. While your veggies should all be around the same size once they're cut up, it's best to cut harder vegetables into smaller pieces than softer vegetables. This will ensure the vegetables cook more evenly, especially when they're all together in the same tray.[2]
- Use a sharp cutting knife to cut the veggies into cubes or small pieces.
- Softer vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, can be in larger pieces than harder vegetables, such as potatoes.
- Add oil and seasoning to the veggies. You can place the veggies in a large bowl or a plastic, sealable bag. Pour enough oil over the vegetables so that they all have a thin sheen to them; of oil should do the trick. Sprinkle any seasoning that you like over the veggies as well, such as salt, pepper, or fresh herbs and spices.[3]
- Olive oil is the most common to use on vegetables, but you can also use toasted sesame oil, peanut oil or safflower oil.
- Toss the vegetables in the oil and seasoning so they're evenly coated. If you placed the veggies in a large bowl, you can use your hands to move the vegetables around, distributing the oil and seasoning evenly. If you put the veggies in a plastic bag with the oil and seasoning, seal the bag and gently shake it to coat the vegetables.[4]
- While you want the vegetables to be well-coated in oil, they shouldn't be dripping.
- Prepare a metal baking sheet so the vegetables won't stick. Cover a large roasting pan with parchment paper or aluminium foil for an easy cleanup, or you can use a nonstick spray to coat the baking sheet. Metal baking sheets will help the vegetables roast evenly, and a metal sheet with low sides is important so that any water can easily evaporate.[5]
- The vegetables will need to have plenty of space so they roast evenly, so you may need to prepare more than one baking sheet if you're cooking lots of veggies.
[Edit]Planning Your Veggie Trays - Give your vegetables plenty of space on the baking sheet. No matter how you group your vegetables, they all need enough space to roast properly. Instead of piling them on top of one another, space them out about from one another.[6]
- If the vegetables are crowded too close together, they will steam rather than roast.
- Spread all of the veggies on one tray to cook them all at once. If you're short on time and want to get all of your vegetables roasted quickly, spread them all out on the tray evenly once they're coated in oil. This works especially well if you're cooking veggies that have similar roasting times.[7]
- You may need to keep a closer eye on this batch of vegetables to make sure they're all cooking okay.
- It helps to chop harder veggies into smaller pieces than the softer veggies when you combine all of them together.
- Pair vegetables with similar cooking times together for better control. If you're cooking a large group of both hard and soft vegetables, group all of the soft vegetables on one tray and all of the hard ones on another. This will let you easily remove the softer vegetables once they're roasted and let the harder vegetables continue to cook.[8]
- For example, put your asparagus and green beans on one tray and your brussels sprouts and carrots on another.
- Add vegetables to the baking sheet in stages to monitor their roasting. If you want to cook all of your veggies on one baking sheet but also want them to be perfectly roasted, consider only putting the harder vegetables on the tray first. Once the harder veggies have cooked for a while, you can then add the softer ones to the tray.[9]
- Let your harder vegetables roast for about 10-15 minutes before adding in the softer veggies.
- Roast all of your vegetables individually for perfect roasting times. This takes a bit more effort, but it also gives you complete control over how long you leave each vegetable in the oven. Roast all of your potatoes on one tray, all of your bell peppers on another, and all of your string beans on another.[10]
- This method works well if you're roasting large amounts of individual types of vegetables.
- Use more than one baking sheet at once, if possible, for faster and easier roasting.
[Edit]Roasting Them in the Oven - Put the veggies in the oven once it has preheated. It's best to wait until your oven reaches at least before putting the vegetables in to roast. If you put them in while the temperature is still low, they'll get soggy instead of crispy.[11]
- Mix the vegetables with a spatula after 10-15 minutes. Using a spatula or similar tool to move the vegetables around the pan will help promote even browning. Doing this after they've been roasting for 10-15 minutes is good, though if you're roasting only soft vegetables you might want to do it a few minutes sooner.[12]
- This is also the time to check on your veggies to make sure they're cooking properly.
- Look for browned edges that indicate the veggies are roasted. Depending on the type of vegetable you're roasting, this could take anywhere from 15-45 minutes after you put the veggies in the oven. Softer vegetables tend to only take 15-20 minutes to roast, while harder ones take 30-45 minutes.[13]
- Soft veggies such as zucchini and eggplant will only take 15-20 minutes while harder veggies such as parsnips and sweet potatoes will take roughly 30 minutes.
- Pierce a vegetable with your fork to see if it's done. You want your roasted vegetables to be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Take the pan out of the oven and stick a fork into one of the vegetables. If it goes through easily and feels soft while the outside of the vegetable is a bit browned, it's ready to eat![14]
- If you can't tell whether the veggies are done or not, roast them for another 5-10 minutes just to be safe.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Cutting knife
- Oil (such as olive oil)
- Salt, pepper, desired seasonings
- Large bowl or plastic bag
- Metal baking sheet
- Parchment paper, foil, or nonstick cooking spray
- Spatula
- Fork
- Peeler (optional)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
How to Make a Terrarium Posted: 17 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST A terrarium is a miniature indoor garden inside a glass container. Terrariums are low-maintenance and are perfect for people who don't have a green thumb or who don't have time to care for an outdoor garden. They also add a bit of outdoor beauty and peace to desks, night tables, or any place where space is limited. To create your own terrarium, all you need are a few plants with similar light and water needs, a glass container, and some growing and drainage medium. [Edit]Choosing Your Plants and Container - Select plants with similar needs. You can grow just about any low-maintenance plant in a terrarium, but you'll need to choose plants that will grow well together. Get a selection of plants that grow in similar conditions in the wild, such as woodland, desert, or tropical plants.[1]
- For instance, if you choose a woodland theme, you might grow moss, foam flowers, and hepatica. Many of these plants do best in cool, shady conditions.
- Desert plants, such as cacti and other succulents, do best with brighter light and low humidity levels.
- Tropical plants, like Tahitian bridal veil and Venus fly traps, like warm and humid conditions.
- Pick plants that stay small. Plants that grow really wide or tall aren't the best options for terrarium gardens. Instead, stick to small, low-growing plants, or those that can be easily pruned down to a manageable size.
- For example, starfish plants are ideal for terrariums since they only grow to be about tall when they're fully mature.[2]
- Some terrarium plants, like club moss, like to spread horizontally. You may need to trim them back to keep them from taking over the entire terrarium. Others, like the false aralia, need to be pruned to prevent them from getting too tall.
- Opt for an open glass container for low-moisture plants. You can use just about any kind of glass container for a terrarium, from a fish tank to an old-fashioned glass bottle. However, if you're growing plants that like dry conditions, such as succulents, you'll need a container that doesn't retain too much moisture. Choose an open container with relatively low sides for these kinds of plants.[3]
- For example, a fish tank or an old punch bowl could make a great terrarium for some haworthia, hens and chicks, and mini-cacti.
- Avoid growing succulents or cacti in containers with tall or curved walls, since these retain more humidity and don't promote good air flow.
- Get a more enclosed glass container if your plants like humidity. Tropical and woodland plants typically enjoy plenty of moisture, so they do best in more closed-off environments. If you have plants that need humidity, try using a container such as a jar, a vase with a broad bottom, or a Wardian case (which looks like a tiny greenhouse).[4]
- Some plants that do well in more enclosed containers include ferns, begonias, mosses, and ivies.
- You can even create a fully closed-off environment by growing your plants under a glass cloche or inside a bottle.
[Edit]Planting the Terrarium - Clean the glass container with soap and water. If the container was previously used, wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy water and rinse it well to remove all soapy residue. Wait for the container to dry completely before you begin adding your growing media and plants.[5]
- Even if the container was never used before, it's still a good idea to wash it before planting in it. Let it air out for a few days so any water from the washing, as well as manufacturing residue, can evaporate.
- Add rocks to the bottom of the container for drainage. Pour some horticultural gravel or aquarium pebbles into the bottom of the container.[6] While the amount you need to put in will vary depending on the size of your terrarium, a layer about deep is usually sufficient.[7]
- You can buy gravel or pebbles at gardening centers or pet supply stores. You could also use crushed pottery, rock chips, or even glass marbles for your drainage layer.
- This drainage layer is necessary to prevent the soil from becoming soggy in your terrarium, which can lead to problems with mold, bacteria, and root rot.
- Pour in a layer of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal acts as a filter in your terrarium, removing toxic chemicals from the water and soil. Put a layer about deep on top of your drainage material.[8]
- The charcoal is most effective if it sits on top of the drainage layer. However, if you're working with a very small container, you can also mix the charcoal into the drainage material.
- You can purchase activated charcoal from a pet or garden supply store.
- Put a layer of sphagnum moss on top of the charcoal. Take some dried sphagnum or sheet moss and soak it in water for a few seconds. Squeeze out the moss so it's slightly damp, but not dripping wet. Place the moss on top of the layer of charcoal to prevent soil from filtering down into the drainage layer.[9]
- Keep the layer of moss thin. You only need enough to completely cover the charcoal layer.
- You can purchase sheet moss or sphagnum moss at a pet store or home and garden supply center.
- Dump in your growing medium. Cover the layer of moss with some potting soil that's appropriate for the plants you'll be growing (e.g., succulent mix if you're building a desert terrarium, or a general potting soil for tropical plants). It's helpful to dampen the soil slightly first to reduce dust. Make it moist, but not muddy.[10]
- The amount of soil you'll need will vary depending on the size of your terrarium, but you'll probably need to add a layer at least deep to accommodate the roots of your plants.
- Ideally, all the material you've added so far should take up about ¼ of the depth of the container.
- If your container has a narrow opening, use a large funnel to pour in the soil.[11]
- Insert your plants into holes in the soil. Use your finger or a tool (such as a chopstick) to make shallow holes in the soil. Remove a plant from its container and tease the roots gently apart to remove excess soil. Nestle it carefully into a hole and add more soil around it, patting it down gently. Repeat with the rest of the plants.[12]
- Before adding any plants, trim off any dead foliage. It's also a good idea to treat them with a gentle pesticide, such as neem oil or dilute dish soap, to get rid of any hidden bugs or other pests.[13]
- Make sure to leave between the plants if possible so that there's plenty of room for air flow between them. Trim the leaves so that they don't touch the edges of the terrarium or the other plants, if necessary.
- Place some decorations in the terrarium if you like. If you wish, you can add some small figurines, marbles, or other decorations to give your terrarium a fun or elegant look. You can also add moss or pebbles between the plants to make it look a little neater.[14]
- Get imaginative with the decorations if you want. For example, you could add some pretty crystals to create a fairy garden look, or add some sand and seashells for a beach theme.
- Mist the plants to water them. If you already moistened the growing medium, you won't need to add a lot of water. Use a plant mister to spritz down the foliage and the top layer of soil.[15]
- If you plan to cover your terrarium, wait one day and mist the plants again. Then, once the foliage is completely dry, add the cover.
- Keep the terrarium in a place where it will get enough light and warmth. Terrariums are ultra low-maintenance, but in order to remain so they must be placed in an ideal location. Research the needs of your plants and put the terrarium in a spot where they'll get the kind of light and temperature conditions they require.[16]
- For example, if you're growing succulents in a shallow dish, put your terrarium in a sunny window so they can get plenty of light throughout the day. Ferns will probably do better in an area where they get filtered light (such as near a window with gauzy curtains over it).
- Avoid keeping your terrarium in a spot where it will be exposed to temperature extremes or temperature fluctuations, such as near a heater, air conditioner, or drafty doorway.
- Put the terrarium in a stable location where it won't get knocked over easily.
[Edit]Maintaining Your Garden - Water your plants whenever the soil gets dry. If your terrarium is open, you'll need to give it frequent, light waterings. Use your finger to test the soil every few days. If it feels dry beneath the surface, mist your plants or add enough water to the soil to make it moist, but not wet.[17]
- Take care not to over-water your plants. Standing water in a terrarium can quickly lead to rot.
- If your terrarium is completely closed, it may only need watering every 4-6 months.
- Remove any unhealthy foliage. If you see weeds, mold, or sick plants, remove the affected foliage or soil immediately. Also, remove wilting parts of the plant, such as old flowers or dead leaves.[18]
- You can also prevent larger plants from outgrowing their space by regularly pruning them or pinching back the tips.[19]
- Air out enclosed terrariums after watering them. If your terrarium is airtight, air it out any time you water the plants. Wait until the foliage is completely dry before you put the cover back on.[20]
- It's also a good idea to air out your terrarium if you notice a lot of condensation on the walls or mold starting to grow in the soil.
- Succulents typically do not do well in closed terrariums. High humidity levels will cause them to rot.
- Some large plant stores have sections devoted to small terrarium plants.
- Many plants will start from cuttings or leaves. If you know someone who grows these plants, ask to take a small start.
[Edit]Warnings - Do not over-water your plants. Only water them if the soil and the sides of the glass are dry.
- This article describes a decorative terrarium for plants. If you want to build a terrarium to keep a reptile, amphibian, or other small animal, be sure to read about the needs of that animal.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Glass container
- Pebbles or gravel
- Activated charcoal
- Sphagnum or sheet moss
- Potting soil
- Plants
- Decorations (optional)
- Plant mister
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
How to Be a Leader Posted: 17 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST To be a leader, you don't have to be an elected official or a CEO. Whether in day-to-day life, at school, or in the workplace, a leader is someone who provides example, guidance, and direction. A fancy title doesn't make someone a true leader; rather, qualities and actions do. If you want to be the best leader you can, put effort into developing your skills, balance authority with compassion, and demonstrate that you're worthy of your team's trust. [Edit]Developing Leadership Qualities - Be confident, even when you don't have all the answers. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, keep your head up when talking, speak loud and clear, and use the right gestures when you speak to emphasize key points. Project confidence, and have faith in your ability to get your team from point A to point B. Additionally, be secure enough to admit when you don't know something without letting it phase you.[1]
- Imagine saying, "I don't know," while looking down and fidgeting. Now imagine saying, "I don't know the answer, but I'll look into it and get back to you," as you stand up straight and look the person in the eye.
- Not knowing something doesn't make you a bad leader. Ineffective leaders, on the other hand, get insecure and refuse to admit when they're wrong.
- Keep in mind there's a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Acknowledge that you don't know everything, and avoid acting like you're superior to everyone.
- Learn as much as you can about your field. Take every opportunity to refine your knowledge, whether you're managing a sales team or the president of a school club. Knowing what you're talking about will build your confidence and earn your team's trust. While it's impossible to know everything, your team will doubt your abilities if you say "I don't know" to every question they ask.[2]
- Even worse, if you don't have an answer, make something up, and turn out to be wrong, your team won't trust you.
- For example, if you're planning a fundraiser at school for a charity, check the organization's website for guides on coordinating events.
- If you're the head of an engineering team, learn everything you can about the products you create, attend professional development events, and stay updated on relevant new technologies and software.
- Find a more experienced mentor. There's always room to grow, even if you're in a top leadership position. Reach out to a person you admire who has strong leadership skills. You could ask them to chat over coffee or lunch, or see if they're open to being a long-term mentor.[3]
- Look for role models who've overcome challenges and reached goals similar to your own. For instance, if you're a young woman in high school or college, attend public speaking events by women in leadership positions.
- It might be intimidating to ask someone to be a mentor, but try to relax. Just get in touch with someone who's achieved the goals you've set for yourself, show interest in their achievements, and ask for advice.[4]
- In addition to seizing opportunities to learn from those with more experience, you should mentor those you lead.[5]
- Learn how to manage conflicts. If there's a heated disagreement between team members, tell those involved to get their emotions in check. Have them take some time to cool down, if necessary. Identify the source of the conflict, and take steps to address it.[6]
- Try to see each person's perspective, and remain objective. If there's a way to find a win-win scenario, do your best to negotiate a compromise.
- Suppose you run a factory, and a blueprint typo led to a canceled order. The salesperson is angry that they lost a commission and yells at the designer who made the typo. Instruct them to cool down, stress that getting angry is unacceptable, and assure both that a new double-check system will prevent future issues.
- Keep in mind in a professional setting, you might need to let HR handle an escalating conflict between employees.
[Edit]Providing Effective Leadership - Be firm, but be kind. As a leader, you need to enforce clear rules and boundaries. However, your team will turn against you if you don't balance authority with compassion.[7]
- When you enforce a rule, explain to your team why that rule is important. Instead of barking, "Don't waste paper," tell your team, "Please try not to print something unless it's absolutely necessary. Our supplies costs are way up, and it's hurting the bottom line."
- Be decisive instead of second-guessing yourself. Stand by your decisions, but don't be a tyrant. Gather information, listen to a range of opinions, and make time for debate. Then, when the time for discussion is over, make a firm decision.[8]
- Suppose you and your friends are debating on what to do that night. Everyone is dilly-dallying and nixing each other's ideas. Then someone steps up and says, "Guys, we're doing 'this.'" That person rose to the top, saw the situation needed direction, and took charge.
- Keep in mind there will be times when you'll have to make decisions yourself and times when you'll need input. Ask yourself, "Will a snap decision compromise morale? Does a decision have to be made right now, or do I have time to discuss this with everyone else?"
- Be flexible and, if necessary, shift gears when new information becomes available.
- Delegate tasks and explain roles clearly. A leader doesn't micromanage their team or try to do everything themselves. When you assign tasks, define your expectations clearly and provide any necessary training. It'll be easier to trust team members to perform a task if you set them up for success.[9]
- A clear expectation would be, "Complete specification profiles for at least 5 installation projects by the end of the week." A vague expectation would be, "Do some specification profiles."
- When you need to train someone, demonstrate the task yourself, and narrate the steps as you perform them. If possible, observe them when they start and, if they make an error, gently correct them.
[Edit]Earning Your Team's Trust - Treat your team with respect. Show them sincere compassion, as they'll be able to tell if you're genuinely concerned for them. Hear them out when they express their opinions, praise them for their hard work, and never use inappropriate language. Remember, you set the tone, so model the type of behavior you'd like your team to display.[10]
- Bear in mind showing them respect doesn't mean you should cave in to their whims. You're in charge, and you know what's best for the team.
- If someone disagrees with you, listen to their argument, and use their input to refine your decision. If you can't use their suggestion, let them know that you respect their opinion, but are going in another direction.
- Keep your promises. Break your promises and you'll lose respect. You may be charismatic and knowledgeable, but you're bound to have a mutiny on your hands if you break your word.[11]
- In order to keep promises, you have to know what's doable and what's not. Be realistic when you make a promise, and make sure it's something you can deliver.
- For example, don't promise your staff big raises unless you're 100% certain you have room in the budget. If you're an officer of a club at school, don't promise that you'll get more funding when you haven't even talked your principal or school administration.
- Ask for feedback from those you lead. As a leader, people may be intimidated by you, and they might not rush to lend you constructive criticism. Instead of waiting for someone to speak up, ask your team specific questions about how you can improve your performance.[12]
- Don't ask yes or no questions about whether or not they like you. Instead, ask specific questions, such as, "In your opinion, what can I do to be a better leader," or "What are some ways I could communicate more clearly?"
- Hold yourself accountable. Stand by your decisions, and take responsibility for the consequences. If things go wrong, the buck stops with you, so don't blame others to cover your mistakes.[13]
- Think of yourself as the captain of a ship; the fate of the ship is in your hands, and it's up to you to steer everyone in the right direction.
- When things don't work out as planned, a good leader perseveres. Instead of sticking your head in the sand, treat setbacks as learning opportunities.
- Dress in a way that's consistent with your role. Your appearance can inspire confidence, but know the difference between dressing to impress and dressing to influence. Dressing to impress, or being overdressed, could drive a wedge between you and those you lead.[14]
- For instance, if you manage a casual restaurant, wearing a suit and tie is impractical, might turn off your customers, and could alienate your staff.
- If you're president of your high school class, wearing a crisp button-up or neat dress to a meeting is better than wearing ripped jeans and a stained, wrinkly tee-shirt.
[Edit]How Do I Maintain Trust While Promoting Efficacy And Efficiency With My Team? [Edit]Additional Help - Help your team to achieve both individual and collective goals. Remember, setting individuals up for success is part of getting the group from A to B.
- Always practice what you preach. There's no better way to lose your credibility as a leader than to be a hypocrite. If you set a rule, be sure to follow it. Lead by example and others will follow in your steps.
- Don't be a manager, but a leader.
- Charisma is helpful, but it's more important to be trustworthy than charming. Sincere kindness will get you farther than phony charm.
[Edit]Warnings - As a leader, you're in the limelight, which means your moves are under a microscope. Your morals and values are just as important as your knowledge and skills.
- Be mindful when forming close relationships with members of your group. Don't pick favorites or give people preferential treatment.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
How to Write a Persuasive Speech Posted: 17 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST A persuasive speech is a speech intended to convince the audience to do something. Whether you want to get people to vote, stop littering, or change their minds about an important issue, persuasive speeches are an effective way to sway an audience. There are many elements that go into a successful persuasive speech. But, with some preparation and practice, you can deliver a powerful speech. [Edit]Preparing to Write - Learn about your topic. It is important to know as much as you can about the topic you'll be speaking on. If you aren't already well-versed in the subject (e.g. because it has been assigned to you), do some research and learn as much as you can.
- Especially if your topic is a controversial one, it's a good idea to know the arguments on all sides of the issue.[1] Whatever argument you are making, you'll be more persuasive if you can address the views of the opposing side.
- Spend some time reading books or articles about your topic. You can go to the library and ask a librarian for help finding books, or just go online and find some articles. Make sure to use reliable sources, like major news organizations, or academic books or articles.
- Opinion-oriented sources, like editorials, talk radio, or partisan cable news, can be valuable for finding out what other people think about your topic. But, don't rely on them as your only source of information. They can be very biased.[2] If you use them at all, make sure to read a variety of viewpoints on the matter, not just one side.
- Know your goal. It's important to understand exactly what it is you are trying to achieve with your speech. This way, you can tailor your content to fit your goals.[3]
- For example, if your topic is recycling, it's important to know a lot about recycling. But, your speech will need to reflect exactly what you hope the audience will do. Are you trying to get people to vote in favor of a citywide recycling program? Or are you trying to convince them to sort out their glass and cans and put them in a separate bin? These will be different speeches, so having the goal spelled out early will help you craft your message.
- Understand your audience. It is also important to understand your audience and their views and knowledge about the topic. This will also influence the content of your speech.[4]
- An audience that knows little about your topic will need more background information and simpler language. An audience made up of experts on the topic would likely find such a simple speech boring.[5]
- Likewise, an audience that already supports your view on a topic will be easier to persuade to take some action. You won't need to convince them you are right, but only that they need to do something. By contrast, an audience that does not agree with you will need persuasion to even consider your point of view.[6]
- For example, imagine you want to convince your audience to support a city-wide recycling program. If they already think recycling is important, you only need to convince them of the value of this specific program. But, if they don't care about recycling or oppose it, you will need to first convince them that recycling is worthwhile.
- Choose the right persuasive approach. Depending on your topic and your audience, there are several ways you might try to convince people of your point of view. Since the days of ancient Greece, speakers have relied on three main persuasive approaches.
- Ethos. These are appeals to the audience's ethics or morals.[7] For example: "Recycling is the right thing to do. Wasting our limited resources steals from future generations, which is immoral."
- Pathos. These are appeals to the audience's emotions.[8] For example: "Think of the animals that lose their homes every day because of trees being chopped down. If we recycled more, we could save these beautiful forests."
- Logos. These are appeals to the audiences logic or intellect.[9] For example: "We know that there is a limited supply of natural resources. We can make this supply last longer by recycling."
- You can rely on any one or some combination.
- Outline your main points. Once you've chosen the best persuasive approach for your audience, brainstorm the main points you'll make during the speech.
- The number of points you can make to support your position will be determined by how much time you have to speak.[10]
- As a rule of thumb, three to four supporting points is usually a good number.[11]
- For example, in the speech about recycling, your three main points might be: 1. Recycling saves resources, 2. Recycling reduces the amount of garbage, and 3. Recycling is cost-effective.
[Edit]Writing your Speech - Write a strong opening. Before you can begin persuading your audience, you need to open the speech in a way that will make them want to pay attention. A strong opening has five main elements:[12]
- An attention grabber. This could be a statement (or sometimes a visual) that gets your audience's attention. It can be a good idea to be a little startling or dramatic at the opening of your speech. For example, you might start with information (or pictures) showing how a nearby landfill is nearly full to capacity.
- A link to the audience. This is a means of showing that you have something in common with the audience. Show that you have a similar background or share an emotional connection of some kind. This will really depend on knowing your audience. For example, if you are a parent, speaking to other parents, you might emphasize the concern for your own children's future. If you share a common interest or ideological position with your audience, you can emphasize that.
- Your credentials. This is a means of showing that you are knowledgeable or an authority on the topic of the speech. Highlight the research you've done on your topic. If you have any personal or professional experience with the topic, be sure to emphasize that, too. In the recycling example, you might say "I've invested many hours studying the recycling issue and the types of programs available in other cities."
- Your goal. Explain to the audience what you hope the speech will accomplish. For example: "I hope by the end of my talk that you will agree that we need a city wide recycling program."
- A road map. Finally, tell the audience what the main points of the speech will be. For example, "I believe we must start a recycling program for these three reasons...."
- Offer persuasive evidence. The main body of your speech should contain the points you outlined in Part 1. It should provide the audience with several convincing reasons to support your viewpoint.
- Arrange these points logically. Don't jump from one point to the next, and then back again. Instead, complete an argument, then move on to another that flows logically from it.[13]
- Use credible sources from your research to back the points you are making. Even if your point is more emotional (pathos), introducing some factual information will make your argument stronger. For example "Each year, 40,000 acres of beautiful forests are destroyed to make paper, according to a study from the American Recycling Institute."
- Use real life examples that the audience can relate to. Even an argument based on facts and logic (logos) should relate to the audience's lives and interests. For example: "In these hard economic times, I know many of you are afraid that a recycling program will mean a costly increase in taxes. But, the city of Springfield started a program like this one three years ago. So far they've seen an increase in revenue as a result of the program. Many residents have seen a decrease in their taxes as a result."
- Address the counter-argument. Although it is not strictly necessary, your argument may be stronger if one or more of your supporting points addresses the views of the opposing side. This gives you a chance to address your audience's possible objections and make your argument stronger.[14]
- Make sure that you describe opposing views fairly and objectively. Consider whether someone who actually holds that view would approve of the way you are describing their position. If you aren't sure, find someone who thinks that way and ask![15]
- For example, you would not want to say: "opponents of recycling just don't care if we waste our precious resources, or our money." That's not a fair description of their opinion.
- Instead, you might say: "opponents of recycling are concerned that the cost might be much higher than just using new materials," and then go on to offer an argument about why recycling might be the more cost-effective option.
- Conclude with a call to action. The conclusion of your speech should remind your audience of what you have told them. It should also make it clear exactly what you hope they will do next.
- Don't just restate, verbatim, what you've already said. Instead, use this as an opportunity to reinforce the way your main points support your call to action. For example: "To sum up, I've shown you (points a, b, and c). These three undeniable facts point to a city-wide recycling program as the most sensible and ethical step we can take in helping create a more sustainable future. Please, join me in voting 'yes' on this program in November."
[Edit]Delivering your Speech - Practice your speech. When it comes to making your speech work in real life, the most important thing you can do is practice, as much as you can.
- Try practicing in front of a mirror, so that you can see how you are delivering the speech. This can help you notice your facial expressions and body language. These can help or hinder your ability to get your message across.[16]
- For example, you might notice you are slouching, or that that you fidget with your collar. These actions suggest to an audience that you aren't confident.
- Better still, record yourself with a video camera and watch the tape afterwards. This can help you see (and hear) where your delivery needs improvement.[17] It has the benefit of providing audio, and also won't distract you as much as a mirror when you're speaking.
- Once you've practiced on your own a few times, try giving the speech to a small group of friends or family members. Ask for their feedback on your message and delivery.[18]
- Dress appropriately. On the day of the speech, dress appropriately for the venue and audience you'll be speaking to.[19]
- Generally speaking, this will mean dressing professionally. But, the degree of formality will vary. A speech to a film club to convince them to show your film won't require the same degree of formality as speaking to the executives of a movie distribution company.[20] For the executives, you would want to wear a suit. For the film club, that might be overdoing it.
- Relax. Many people find public speaking intimidating, but try to relax and be yourself as you give your speech.
- Be friendly and make eye contact with the audience.[21]
- Move around, where appropriate, but don't fidget or pick at your clothes or hair.[22]
- Don't read the speech. It's okay to use a few notes to keep yourself on track, but your speech should be mostly memorized.[23]
- Roll with the punches. If you make a mistake, don't let it derail your whole speech. This might be an opportunity to use a little humor. Then, move on.[24]
- Involve your audience. If there is something specific you'd like your audience to do, provide them with any resources you can to make it easier. It is difficult to motivate people to take action, but if you make it simple, they will be more likely to follow through.[25]
- For example, if you want them to contact the mayor, demanding a recycling program, don't just ask them to do it. Give them stamped, addressed envelopes to send a letter, or cards with the mayor's phone number and email address. If you do this, many more people are likely to follow through.
- Speak forward, projecting your voice toward the audience with confidence. Do not speak down toward the floor.
- Try to cite sources for statistics and use credible, non-biased sources.
- While researching your audience, learn what motivates them. Try to motivate them with the same ideas and values that they already hold dear.
- Don't be afraid to use a little appropriate humor in your speech. It can make difficult topics easier to hear about, and make you appear more likeable to the audience.
- Look around at the audience, making eye contact, especially during pauses in your speech. If you're feeling nervous about this, pick out a single person in the audience and pretend you are speaking only to them. After a little while, pick someone else, and repeat.[26]
- Relax by thinking of a comforting memory before starting your speech. This can help to make you feel less nervous when you start.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid being confrontational, when possible. Don't be sarcastic or mocking when discussing viewpoints other than your own. This can be alienating to your audience, even those who may agree with you.
- Don't be pompous or arrogant during your speech. Be humble, and be open to questions, suggestions, and feedback.
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