Our keynote speaker is a man who I'm sure is very well known to all of you. He's Professor
of Fruitology at Dubbo University and has written many books on the subject of tropical
fruit. So without further ado, I'd like to introduce our keynote speaker, Doctor Sam
Thankyou Denise. The Honourable Judith Bryant, Minister for
Trade, Professor Eric Vogel, Professor of Economics at Wagga University, distinguished
guests, ladies and gentlemen. Today's topic 'why bananas are bent' is a very significant
one in terms both of international trade, and culture. In thinking about the topic,
I felt it would be appropriate to address briefly the history of bananas and banana
farming, the many qualities of bananas, both positive and negative, and of course examine
the uses of the banana. But first let me tell you a story about a
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope I've been able to clear up a few misconceptions, and leave
you with some new ideas about how we might view bananas in the future.
We've seen, in looking at their history, that bananas have a significant role in many cultures.
I've also noted their positive nutritional qualities. And in addressing the main question,
why bananas are bent, we've learned that the reasons are many and complex.
Madam Chair, thank you for the opportunity to address the conference today, and thank
you ladies and gentleman for your kind attention. Making a formal speech to an audience is a
scary thing for many people - even more so if it's in a language that is not your first
language. What are the things you can do to prepare a formal speech in English? First
of all, let's look at the structure of the speech. In a formal situation, like a keynote
address, the speaker will be introduced by someone else.
Our keynote speaker is a man who I'm sure is very well known to all of you. He's Professor
of Fruitology at Dubbo University and has written many books on the subject of tropical
fruit. When introducing a speaker, research their
background and accomplishments - that is, the important things they've done, such as
books they may have written, important positions they've filled, and of course their proper
title or qualifications, such as Professor.
Here are some useful phrases to use when introducing a speaker. Practise them with Denise:
Our next speaker is well known to all of you.
Our next speaker needs no introduction.
Without further ado, I'd like to introduce
Please make him welcome, Doctor Sam Eriks. When giving a formal speech to an audience,
we need to be aware of protocol. Protocol means the proper or customary way of doing
things in formal situations. Part of the protocol for a formal speech is addressing the audience
at the beginning. A keynote speaker needs to know who the important people are at the
meeting, and address them using their formal titles, starting with the most important people.
The Honourable Judith Bryant, Minister for Trade, Professor Eric Vogel, Professor of
economics at Wagga University, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
If there is a representative of government, such as a minister, they would be acknowledged
first, then any other people of particular note.
Include their title, name and position.
Then he addresses 'distinguished guests' - this can include anyone who has been invited to
attend the event. And finally he says 'ladies and gentlemen', which means everyone else.
What does Doctor Eriks do next? In thinking about the topic, I felt it would
be appropriate to address briefly the history of bananas and banana farming, the many qualities
of bananas, both positive and negative, and of course examine the uses of the banana.
He outlines the three main parts of his speech. Listen to him again. What are the three parts
of his talk? I felt it would be appropriate to address
briefly the history of bananas and banana farming, the many qualities of bananas, both
positive and negative, and of course examine the uses of the banana.
The first one is the history of bananas and banana farming, the second one is the many
qualities of bananas, and the third one is the uses of the banana. In listing things
like this in a speech, it's important to use pauses in speech so that the audience can
follow and hear the three points.
How does it sound without pauses? I felt it would be appropriate to address
briefly the history of bananas and banana farming, the many qualities of bananas, both
positive and negative, and of course examine the uses of the banana.
In making a speech, it's important to use pauses to help make your point. In the list,
pause before each point in the list. Pause between sentences, and before making a major
point, like this: The point I want to make is this: not all
bananas are bent. Stress and intonation are important too. In
saying, not all bananas are bent, Doctor Eriks stresses the word 'all' because it is the
most important word in that statement. In listing the three parts of his speech, notice
how his intonation is rising in the first two parts, and then falling for the last.
This indicates to the audience he has finished the list:
The history of bananas, the many qualities of bananas, and the uses of the banana.
In describing his topic, he said, "I felt it would be appropriate to address" and then
names the parts of his speech. To 'address' something here means to talk about it. You
could also use words like consider, discuss, outline, cover.
Pronunciation is important too - it's a good idea to practise your speech out loud, especially
any difficult words. I've also noted their positive nutritionist,
nutrition, nutritional qualities. What does Doctor Eriks do next in his speech?
But first let me tell you a story about a banana.
He says he is going to tell a story about a banana. When making a speech, it's good
to put in some personal touches - a story of something that happened or a joke.
We move now to the end of Sam's speech. How does he finish?
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope I've been able to clear up a few misconceptions about bananas,
and leave you with some new ideas about how we might view bananas in the future.
First, he signals that he is ending his speech, by repeating 'ladies and gentlemen'. Then
he says, "I hope I've been able to clear up a few misconceptions". By using the present
perfect, 'I have been able' he signals that he is talking about his speech up to now.
Practise with Doctor Eriks some ways of signalling the end of a speech:
I hope I've been able to clarify the issue.
I hope I've addressed the major concerns about this issue.
Next he restates the major points he's made. We've seen, in looking at their history, that
bananas have a significant role in many cultures. I've also noted their positive nutritional
qualities. And in addressing the main question, why bananas are bent, we've learned that the
reasons are many and complex. Notice the use of the present perfect in re-stating
There are other phrases that could be used in this way:
Finally, how does Doctor Eriks wrap up his speech?
Madam Chair, thank you for the opportunity to address the conference today, and thank
you ladies and gentleman for your kind attention. Well, there's a lot more we can say about
making formal speeches, but I hope you've learned some useful tips today. Thank you
for your attention, and I'll see you next time for The Business of English.