Speaking assessments.

Post Reply New Topic

So, theyrer nothing huge in the grand scheme of exams, but I'm taking GCSE courses at the minute, which includes speaking assessments. I've done a few already to do with role play of novels we are reading, and managed pretty average marks. (I'm terrible at speaking in front of more than more than about 2 people so that's pretty good for me.)
The thing is, we have been given a task for us to present a 10 minute talk on a hobby, interest or pretty much anything we like, which would be fine(ish.) On the task sheet we have been given however, it points out very specifically that to achieve a good mark, we have to not only find enough to talk about for 10 minutes, we are also judged by:
-how amusing the presentation is
-how engaging you are with your audience (25 teenagers who mostly think I'm a freak or something... )
-How well you use body language to put across your points
-How your tone of voice portrays your emotions on the subject

The ones in bold I feel are really, really harsh to judge me on. Any advice from aspies who are good at public speaking? I know, these exams are only a tip of the iceberg of my final grades, but hey, any advice is good, right?

I had to take a speech class a couple years ago and was graded on eye contact with the audience. I talked to my teacher about Asperger's and how I had trouble with making eye contact. He was very understanding about it and agreed not to mark me down for not looking at the audience.
You should talk to whoever is administering the test and explain your situation. Then they might not grade you so harshly on your tone of voice and body language.

Thanks very much for your reply I might consider telling my English teacher, especially if she can accommodate for it at all.