ZW Kit Home

Start Here

What's In The Kit?

What is Zero Waste?

Additional Resources

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• A captive audience
  
• Speech outline

Objective

A speech or presentation is an excellent way to deliver your Zero Waste message in a meaningful, targeted way to individuals that may be prompted into action by your words.

How To Do It

Step 1 (2-3 months before giving speech): Write speech. Use the outline provided here as a model to work from. Make sure your speech is no longer than 30 minutes, allows time for audience questions, isn't too technical, tells a story or two, and, most importantly, presents Zero Waste (or pretty darn near!) as a realistic and compelling concept.

Step 2 (Optional-1-2 months before giving speech): Obtain Zero Waste Video. This video can add variety to your presentation. Call the GrassRoots Recycling Network at 706-613-7121 or go to here for more information or to order the video.

Step 3 (1-2 months before giving speech): Practice and edit your speech. Solicit feedback from co-workers or friends.

Step 4 (1-3 months before giving speech): Arrange speaking venues. Service organizations like the Lions Club or the Rotary Club tend to book their speakers several months in advance; however, always have your speech ready to go as sometimes there are cancellations and a replacement speaker is needed right away.

Step 5 (Date/time of Speech): Deliver the Speech. Arrive early to the venue to (1) set up any equipment you may be using; and (2) chit-chat privately with individuals in your audience and with your hosts-this will lessen your anxiety and familiarize you with their interests.

Step 6 (Within one week after speech): Send a thank-you. Call or write your speech hosts thanking them for inviting you to speak, and ask them for ideas on other speaking opportunities with their organization, or for suggestions of other groups that might want you to speak.

Tips

• Give your first speech to a receptive and affirming audience, such as a group with similar goals to your own. This will help you gain experience and confidence with the speech. Of course, if you prefer the "trial by fire" approach, then deliver your first speech to an audience from whom you expect substantial resistance!
  
• Know your audience and the organization they represent. At the outset of your speech you may want to make a connection by mentioning an award your audience's organization has won, or by telling how you or a family member or friend has been connected with the organization.
  
• Edit your speech for different audiences. For example, a business group may want a greater emphasis on the bottom-line benefits of Zero Waste; a group with an environmental conservation focus may want a greater emphasis on the environmental benefits of Zero Waste; and a group with an educational or political focus may be most interested in the logic of the case that can be made for Zero Waste and in the content of the public dialogue on the issue.
  

Co-producers of the Zero Waste Activity Kit

Contact Us	© Zero Waste USA © Archive maintained by Laughter On Water	Search