Help For A Speech

[Rosendust2121]

Hey everyone,

I am doing a demonstration speech on fountain pens and while I am covering the basics of cleaning and how to hold the pen, is there anything else I should cover? My time limit is 2-4 minutes.

Any help is appreciated!

Regards,

Rosendust

 

[ParkerDuofold]

Hi Rosendust,

 

It all depends on what type of public speaker you are... if you're a prolific windbag like yours truly... 4 minutes can evaporate quickly just on proper cleaning techniques... maybe touch on the different types of filling systems and how they compare and contrast when it comes to cleaning them.

 

That said, if you're trying to gain converts... you may want to focus on the more positive aspects of fp use... such as the ease of pressure when writing... the wide range of ink colors available, etc.,...

 

... or is this for a public speaking exercise in mechanical demonstration?

 

 

- Anthony

[Shaughn]

Yes,

Skip the cleaning part. Your time is too short for both and most FP's come with a cleaning/filling instruction. Concentrate on the right holding; show and explain the perfect grip (tripod) and emphasize writing light. That is: without pressure on the nib.

 

Practise in front of the mirror untill you are in a 2 minute slot, and you'll find yourself talking at the event for 4 minutes (You'll have interaction with your public which is not at the mirror sessions.)

 

 

 

 

edit for typo

Edited January 21, 2018 by Shaughn

[ralfstc]

How about something positive about FPs, and why we use [obsess about] them? The history, the effect on our handwriting, the benefits for folk with arthritis, the ecological pluses?

 

Just a thought :-)

 

Ralf

Edited January 21, 2018 by ralfstc

[Rosendust2121]

Hi Rosendust,

 

It all depends on what type of public speaker you are... if you're a prolific windbag like yours truly... 4 minutes can evaporate quickly just on proper cleaning techniques... maybe touch on the different types of filling systems and how they compare and contrast when it comes to cleaning them.

 

That said, if you're trying to gain converts... you may want to focus on the more positive aspects of fp use... such as the ease of pressure when writing... the wide range of ink colors available, etc.,...

 

... or is this for a public speaking exercise in mechanical demonstration?

 

 

- Anthony

 

I also have to clean one of my fps while talking. So, yes like that

Edited January 21, 2018 by Rosendust2121

[ParkerDuofold]

Hi Rosendust,

 

Well, that's okay, too... you can stretch that out several ways... start out by explaining the importance of flushing the bulk of the ink out under a running tap and letting the pen soak a while before actually flushing it out with a bulb syringe, (or whatever),... for your actual demonstration.

 

Discuss inks... how some are high maintenance; others, low... the importance of not letting a pen sit unused for extended periods of time... and how regularly used pens only need seldom cleaning.

 

Be sure to discuss and demonstrate the wicking and drying out process... and the importance of it.

 

All this will give you well over 4 minutes... and as Shaughn said, practice in front of a mirror if it helps you... and then edit it down as needed to fit your slot.

 

 

- Anthony

 

 

EDITED to add text.

Edited January 21, 2018 by ParkerDuofold

[sidthecat]

The thing that justifies a cranky, inefficient artifact like a fountain pen is how it can express the writer’s personality. Perhaps you can find a way to demonstrate this.

[SoulSamurai]

The thing that justifies a cranky, inefficient artifact like a fountain pen is how it can express the writers personality. Perhaps you can find a way to demonstrate this.

This. Demonstrate flex nib writing by getting a nib that flexes very visibly (a Noodlers or a dip pen), show how the lines varies and how lovely flexed script looks.

[Bluey]

If it's just a few minutes or so I would want to stay focused on a specific aspect of fountain pens, rather than going for the world speed talking record to fit in everything there is to know about fountain pens. Four minutes is really not a lot, and it will pass surprisingly quickly.

 

I would probably structure it like this:

-what is a fountain pen (15-30 seconds)

-how to hold the pen, including showing the preferred angle and most healthy grip. Also show how not to hold the pen (1 minute)

-cleaning the pen, including flushing the nib section and converter or piston (2 minutes)

-wrap up conclusion, maybe about how you enjoy using your pens (15-30 seconds)

[mitto]

Say whatever you truly feel about using fountain pens and be brief.

[ParkerDuofold]

Hi all,

 

Within the academic discipline of public speaking, (in college, I majored in business and minored in public speaking); there are several specific hurdles one must pass.

 

One of those hurdles is a "mechanical demonstration"; Rosendust has confirmed above that this is the unit she is working on now.

 

Her presentation MUST stay specific to that requirement or she will get a lower... or even a failing grade for her presentation. (I did how to clean and lube a Ruger 30-06 rifle... back then, you could still bring firearms to a college for "academic use").

 

At any rate, Rosendust CANNOT talk about the psychology of fp's; how to hold a fp, etc., etc.

 

WHATEVER she says MUST directly correlate with cleaning a fp. To diverge from this core topic in ANY way, WILL lower her grade.

 

Be well.

 

 

- Anthony

 

 

EDITED for typo.

Edited January 22, 2018 by ParkerDuofold

[Krulle]

It starts with the question: "what do you want to achieve?"

 

do you want your public to start using fountain pens, do you want them to be informed ...?

 

 

Second question: what public will you have in front of you? Are they familiar with pens? are they enthousiastic about pens?