Video Game Public Speech

[tholly]

alright, on friday i have to present a 2-3 minute speech in my art of public speaking class about something about myself that not many people might know about. i hate public speaking (it is ranked #1 fear in people, death is #5), but, i figured i would do it on my video game collecting

we can bring a prop if we want
i dont have my DP guide at school and cant go get it (2 1/2 hr. away), but i have a Video Game Collector mag that im gonna bring

i plan to say that the magazine pretty much sums up a lot about me
im going to say that i have around 700 games and around 40 systems and arcade machines

im going to say my favorite systems are odyssey 2 and xbox and im going to say that i love FPS's and Racing games

i figured i could mention that i do a release list for the DP wire and quickly explain that and i could mention that im working on the xbox collection list for the guide (sorry im taking so long joe and spoon, a demanding girlfriend and a juniata education make free time hard to find)

anyone have any comments about this?

[Oobgarm]

I'd detail a bit on how and why you're into collecting. And remember to make eye contact. ;)

[goatdan]

A suggestion -- for your prop, instead of bringing in a magazine I would suggest brining in a pair of controllers. When you start your speech, you want to get their attention, and using a magazine that collectors understand won't get the attention of a group of non-collectors.

I would suggest this...

Start off the speech by stating that you realize that many people in the room really love playing games on something like this (hold up an Xbox controller.) State that you do too. Then state that the thing that you figure that most people don't know about you is that you also love playing games on something like this (hold up an Odyssey2 controller if you have on that disconnects from the system).

Then structure your speech around why you like gaming on both systems and how you even collect games, checking their rarity online and chatting about them and so on.

The Odyssey 2's controller would really get a lot of people's attention because you would be one of maybe two or three people that actually have seen one, and may be the only one who knows what it is. A lot of people would probably think to themselves, "Ohhh... Xbox! Yeah, I like that too... WTF is that thing?!?"

Regardless, have fun with it. Public speaking can actually be fun... and you'll get to talk about something you love, so it should make it a little better! Good luck!

[tholly]

damn....i like that idea, and i have 8 xbox controllers here...but, my odyssey 2 is at home, and it has attached controllers

[digitalpress]

Remember last Friday's "Caption THIS!" photos? It was me standing at a podium with a Steel Battallion controller. Actually if you go back to the CGE 2k4 photos, and click on alumni photos you'll see several of me up there. It was my annual presentation to our distinguished guests. It's one of the few things I look forward to every year.

Public speaking can be a LOT of fun. One thing I've learned over the years is to build humor into your speech. It's BEST, in fact, if you can start the whole thing off with a one-liner or quick, funny anecdote. It will put you at ease and create an instant bond with your audience.

I agree with Dan that you shouldn't use the magazine itself. A controller is a good "break the ice". Walk up there with some old relic and say "Remember this? ... followed by your "what you do" routine. I'm sure an audience of your peers will relate to videogames in some way so I'm sure you'll do really well with your presentation. Another good way to get your audience interested is to throw a question in there that you think a few people might raise their hand on. People love to be "in". Try "Hands up... how many of you played Super Mario Bros on the original NES?".

Let us know how it turns out but I'm sure it will go really well.

[Drexel923]

I hate public speaking, mostly because of my nervousness...once I almost passed out during a 2 minute presentation (on my favorite musician no less). Definitely don't want to do any more of those. Anyway, good luck. The only advice I can give you is prepare more information than you think you need to fill the time. I know with me, I always talked pretty fast and before I new it, 5 minutes of info was said in about 1 minute.

[Cantaloup]

For more material you might also mention the recent resurgence of the popularity of retro games through both compilations for modern systems (Midway Arcade Treasures, etc.) and devices like the Atari Flashback. Maybe mention some of the differences between older games and the games of today and why the older games are still worthwhile to you.

I'm not sure of the exact nature and parameters your speech is supposed to cover, so it's hard to advise you specifically. I hate public speaking too, but I find the best way to do well is to practice in advance. A 2-3 minute speech should go by pretty fast, though it may not seem like it at the time. But you should have plenty of opportunity to rehearse a speech of that length.

I bet several people will ask you questions or talk to you about video games after class. Who knows, you might find some new friends who share your hobby.