oral presentation about friendship

3 Minute Speech on Friendship

Good Morning to one and all present here. I am going to present a speech about friendship. Friendship is one of the treasures that anyone can possess. God gave us the right to choose friends because they will be with us forever. Our parents and siblings are loving us as they are our own blood. But a friend is someone, who is initially a stranger. Then they take their place in our life above all the other relations. Friendship is nothing but true and pure love without expectations in return.

Role of a Friend

True friends always support each other even during the hardest of times. A true friend is one who feels happy for our success, on the other hand, who feel gloomy for our failures. A true friend may criticize also so that we may come out of our weakness.

He may scold us if we do a mistake and guide the right path. That’s why it is being said that true friend is more precious than any gem in our life. Love from your friend will always be unconditional. They may expect nothing from us but shower their love always.

Friendship – A Divine Relationship

Friendship is a divine relationship, which is beyond the definition of blood relations. It is the only relation that is truly priceless. We may acquire all kinds of pleasures by putting our efforts. But even then life may remain dull, without having someone to share our life with some true friends.

It’s natural that human being always tends to find emotional support and social life. In spite of having everything in life, we may remain in a vacuum. It happens only when we have no such good friend to share our small and small happiness in life. Friends are always there to listen to us unconditionally.

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There is no Second Chance for True Friendship

Friendship will provide us with thousands of fun moments in life which we may memorize in our old age. But side by side, with times this relation may have moments of crisis. A misunderstanding may crop in and this amazing relation may start weakening.

Always be the first one to save the friendship. God forbid, if due to some unfavorable reason distance ever arises within this relation, we must not let our friend go. Hold his or her hand and apologize for any mistake done. There is nothing more pathetic in anyone’s life than losing a true friend.

Friendship is a relationship that is like a newborn baby. Friendship is always pure and like a bundle of joy which only needs more and more nourishment to grow. Never ignore true friends or take them for granted. We may come across various people at different phases of our life. Many may pretend to be our friends but never go by outward glitter.

At last, I wish to say that a good friendship is very difficult to come across. Therefore, we should appreciate this divine relationship having a base on understanding and feelings. We just need friends to live happily. Lasting friendship is a blessing for everyone.

We don`t need to pretend to be someone else when we spend time with our friends. They give us total freedom to be who we are in reality. We should always be grateful to people who make us happy. A true friend is one of the most precious possessions in anyone’s life.

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Speech Script: About Friendship

Good morning/afternoon/evening, ladies and gentlemen! Today, I stand before you to explore the beautiful and transformative concept of friendship. Friendship is a bond that enriches our lives, brings us joy, and provides us with unwavering support. In this speech, we will delve into the essence of friendship and discuss how to craft a memorable speech that captures its essence. Together, we will explore the key elements that make a speech on friendship impactful, inspiring, and relatable. So, let us embark on this journey of celebrating and honoring the remarkable power of friendship.

Table of Contents

Friendship Speech Tips

Understanding friendship.

Before we dive into the art of writing a speech on friendship, let us first understand the true essence of friendship. Friendship is a treasured relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine care for one another. It is a bond that transcends boundaries, celebrates our similarities, embraces our differences, and provides us with emotional support during both our triumphs and trials. True friendship is a sanctuary where we can be our authentic selves, where acceptance and understanding abound.

Defining the Purpose and Tone

When crafting a speech on friendship, it is essential to define the purpose and tone of your message. Consider the occasion and audience for which you are delivering the speech. Are you speaking at a graduation ceremony, a farewell party, or a casual gathering of friends? Understanding the context will help you determine the appropriate tone—whether it be celebratory, reflective, or even humorous. Additionally, consider the main message you want to convey about friendship. Is it the importance of loyalty, the power of shared experiences, or the impact of support? Clarifying your purpose will ensure a focused and impactful speech.

Sharing Personal Experiences

One of the most effective ways to connect with your audience when speaking about friendship is by sharing personal experiences. Draw from your own life and reflect on memorable moments that highlight the significance of friendship. Whether it’s a heartwarming anecdote, a transformative journey, or a lesson learned, personal stories add depth and authenticity to your speech. By sharing your experiences, you create a relatable connection and inspire others to reflect on their own friendships.

Utilizing Emotional Appeal

To create an impactful speech on friendship, it is important to tap into the emotions of your audience. Friendship is inherently tied to our emotions, and evoking those emotions can help drive your message home. Use descriptive language, vivid imagery, and heartfelt anecdotes to paint a picture that resonates with your listeners. Whether it’s describing the joy of shared laughter, the comfort of a shoulder to lean on, or the strength of unwavering support, engaging emotions will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Incorporating Inspirational Quotes and Literature

Quotations and references from renowned authors, philosophers, and poets can add depth and richness to your speech on friendship. Seek out quotes that capture the essence of friendship and amplify your message. Whether it’s Aristotle’s reflections on true friendship, William Shakespeare’s poetic musings on companionship, or contemporary authors’ insights, incorporating these literary gems adds credibility and showcases the universality of friendship. These quotes can serve as touchstones throughout your speech, reinforcing your main ideas and inspiring your audience.

Offering Practical Advice and Reflection

A memorable speech on friendship goes beyond anecdotes and emotions; it also offers practical advice and encourages self-reflection. Share tips for nurturing and sustaining friendships, such as active listening, open communication, and being present in each other’s lives. Encourage your audience to reflect on their own friendships, to reach out and mend broken bonds, and to cherish the connections they have. By providing practical guidance and fostering introspection, your speech can inspire meaningful action and personal growth.

Friendship Speech Example #1

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning/afternoon/evening!

Today, I stand before you to celebrate a timeless and precious bond that has shaped humanity since the beginning of time: friendship. Friendship is a gift that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. It is a bond that brings light to our lives, adds color to our experiences, and provides us with the support and companionship we need to navigate the ups and downs of life.

Friendship is a testament to the beauty of human connection. It goes beyond mere acquaintanceship and delves into the realm of deep understanding, trust, and shared experiences. A friend is someone who knows us for who we truly are and accepts us without judgment. They see our strengths, our weaknesses, and everything in between, yet choose to stand by our side through it all.

In a world that often feels divided, friendship unites us. It breaks down barriers, fosters empathy and compassion, and reminds us of our shared humanity. Through friendship, we learn to appreciate our differences, to celebrate diversity, and to embrace the richness that comes from engaging with people from various backgrounds and perspectives.

Friendship is a source of joy and laughter. It is in the company of friends that we find ourselves at ease, able to let go of our worries and simply enjoy the present moment. Whether it’s sharing a hearty laugh over a funny story, embarking on adventures together, or simply spending quality time in each other’s company, friends bring a sense of joy and lightheartedness to our lives.

But friendship is not just about the good times. It is during the challenging moments that the true strength of friendship shines through. Friends are there to offer support, lend a listening ear, and provide a shoulder to lean on. They offer words of encouragement, helping us find the courage to face our fears and overcome obstacles. In times of sadness or loss, friends offer solace and comfort, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

To cultivate and nurture friendships, we must be willing to invest time and effort. It requires being present, actively listening, and showing genuine care and interest in the lives of our friends. It means being there for them in both good times and bad, celebrating their achievements and providing a source of strength during challenging times. Small gestures of kindness and thoughtfulness can go a long way in deepening the bonds of friendship.

In a world that is increasingly connected through technology, it is important to remember the value of face-to-face interactions and genuine human connection. Put down your phones, step away from the screens, and engage in meaningful conversations with the people around you. Take the time to truly listen, to understand, and to be present. In doing so, you will not only strengthen existing friendships but also create opportunities to form new connections.

In conclusion, let us cherish and honor the power of friendship. Let us celebrate the friends who have enriched our lives, and let us strive to be the kind of friend that we ourselves would like to have. May we continue to cultivate meaningful connections, to embrace the diversity of the human experience, and to uplift and support one another on our respective journeys.

Thank you for your attention, and may the bonds of friendship continue to inspire and illuminate our lives.

Friendship Speech Example #2

Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of life’s greatest treasures: friendship. Friendship is a beacon of light that guides us, a source of strength that uplifts us, and a tapestry of shared memories that weaves together the chapters of our lives.

Friendship is a gift that knows no boundaries. It transcends age, gender, race, and background. It is a connection that forms when two souls resonate with each other, when trust is built, and when hearts align. Whether it’s a childhood friend who has been by your side through thick and thin or a new acquaintance who has entered your life and quickly become an integral part of it, friendship has the power to transform and elevate our existence.

True friendship is based on a foundation of trust, respect, and authenticity. It is a safe haven where we can be our true selves, free from judgment or pretense. Our friends see us for who we are, flaws and all, and love us unconditionally. They provide a space where we can express our hopes, dreams, fears, and vulnerabilities without fear of rejection. In their presence, we can grow and evolve, knowing that we have their unwavering support.

Friendship is not just about the good times; it is also about weathering the storms together. It is during the challenging moments that the strength of friendship shines brightest. Friends offer a listening ear, a comforting embrace, and words of wisdom when life becomes overwhelming. They provide a fresh perspective, offering guidance and encouragement to help us navigate through difficult situations. With friends by our side, we are reminded that we are never alone in our struggles.

Friendship is a source of inspiration and personal growth. Friends challenge us to step outside of our comfort zones, to embrace new experiences, and to discover hidden talents and strengths within ourselves. They believe in our potential even when we doubt ourselves, pushing us to reach for the stars and achieve greatness. They celebrate our achievements with genuine joy, and their unwavering support fuels our drive to succeed.

In a fast-paced world where technology often replaces genuine human connection, it is important to prioritize and nurture our friendships. Take the time to reach out to your friends, to listen to their stories, and to create new memories together. Plan outings, organize gatherings, or simply have a cup of coffee and engage in meaningful conversations. Invest in the relationships that bring you joy and fulfillment, for they are the threads that enrich the fabric of your life.

In conclusion, let us celebrate the gift of friendship. Let us express gratitude for those special individuals who have touched our lives, who have shared our laughter and wiped away our tears. May we cherish and nurture these connections, for they are the foundation of love, support, and understanding. And as we continue our journey through life, may we always be open to new friendships, for each one has the potential to bring new meaning and joy to our lives.

Thank you for your attention, and may the bonds of friendship continue to grace our lives with love, laughter, and profound connections.

Friendship Speech Example #3

Today, I would like to speak about the extraordinary power of friendship—a bond that enriches our lives and shapes our very existence. Friendship is a testament to the beauty of human connection, a source of joy, and a pillar of strength in times of need.

At its core, friendship is a relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and shared experiences. It is a bond that transcends superficial differences and embraces the essence of who we are as individuals. True friends accept us for who we are, flaws and all, and support us on our journey of self-discovery and growth.

Friendship is a sanctuary where we find solace and comfort. It is a space where we can freely express our thoughts, emotions, and fears, knowing that our friends will listen without judgment. They offer a shoulder to lean on, a compassionate ear to hear our sorrows, and a kind heart to share our joys. In their presence, we feel seen, heard, and understood.

Friends are the companions who accompany us on life’s adventures. They are the ones who laugh with us, explore new horizons with us, and create memories that become the fabric of our stories. They bring lightness, laughter, and a sense of playfulness into our lives, reminding us to embrace the beauty of the present moment.

Friendship is also a catalyst for personal growth. Our friends inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves. They challenge us to step outside of our comfort zones, pursue our passions, and confront our fears. They provide honest feedback and constructive criticism, helping us recognize our blind spots and encouraging us to strive for continuous improvement.

In a world that can sometimes feel fragmented and isolated, friendship has the power to bridge divides. It fosters empathy, compassion, and understanding. Through our friendships, we gain exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and worldviews, broadening our horizons and enriching our lives. Friendship teaches us the value of acceptance, tolerance, and embracing diversity.

To cultivate and nurture friendships, we must be willing to invest time, effort, and genuine care. It requires active listening, empathy, and a willingness to be there for our friends in both good times and bad. We must celebrate their successes, support them through their challenges, and be a source of strength and encouragement when they need it most. Small gestures of kindness, such as a heartfelt message or a thoughtful gift, can go a long way in nurturing the bonds of friendship.

In conclusion, let us pause and celebrate the immense value of friendship. Let us express gratitude for the friends who have walked alongside us, bringing joy, support, and inspiration. May we continue to foster these connections, nurturing them with love and care. And as we move forward, may we embrace new friendships, extending our hearts and minds to create a world where friendship knows no boundaries.

Thank you for your attention, and may the spirit of friendship continue to illuminate our lives with love, laughter, and lasting connections.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, friendship is a powerful force that enriches our lives and shapes our very being. Crafting a memorable speech on friendship requires a deep understanding of its essence, purpose, and audience. By sharing personal experiences, utilizing emotional appeal, incorporating inspirational quotes, and offering practical advice, you can create a speech that resonates with your listeners and leaves a lasting impact. So, let us celebrate the beauty of friendship, honor those who have touched our lives, and continue to cultivate meaningful connections that will uplift and inspire us throughout our journey.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for joining me on this exploration of friendship through the art of speechwriting.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

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• Friendship Speech

Friendship Speech for Students in English

Friends are the family one chooses, and true friends stay with us through thick and thin. A speech on friendship can be given on the occasion of friendship day or any occasion when one wants to celebrate friendship and share the role of friendship in one’s life with others. Here, we will discuss several ways of presenting a friendship speech, like a long speech on friendship and a short speech on friendship. Also, 10 lines on friendship speech in English are discussed below.

Long and Short Friendship Speech in English

Long speech on friendship.

A long version of a speech on friendship can be framed as follows. 

Very good morning to everyone. Today, I would like to deliver a speech on friendship which will take us on a walk through the streets of nostalgia and relive the precious essence of friendship that we all have experienced. 

Friend. That one kid who stole your candy in school or the one student who gained more marks than you in college, or the topper who taught you everything just before an exam in university. Every friend that crosses our path in life always has something to give us, be it good memories, lessons, or just something worthwhile. True friends are always there for us through thick and thin, through good or bad, and through weal and woe. True friends support us in our decisions and correct us for our well-being. Through this speech on friendship, I am delighted to extend my gratitude to all such friends I am blessed with. 

All types of friendships have something or the other that’s unique and special, a best friend, an acquaintance, or a group of friends. Whoever that may be, a friend should always be the one who fuels our passion to flying rather than clipping our wings. As we grow older, making new friends seems to be a tough job as we create a comfort zone of our own. So, the ones who remain friends since childhood and never give up on each other are the ones who are valuable. 

Friendship shouldn’t be accompanied by jealousy, ego, or insecurity. A good friendship is one where people can share all their emotions heart to heart without the fear of being judged. Although friends have numerous memories to giggle about, friendship is not only about smiles or jokes. Friends should always respect each other, understand each other and support each other throughout. No one is perfect in this world. So, insecurities and flaws just make a person complete and friends are the ones who never judge each other over each other’s flaws or insecurities, rather support each other when they get agitated due to the same. Searching for the good in people, accepting their flaws, and staying loyal help people end up being good friends. 

Friends are very special as we choose them to be with us and include them in our lives. So, one must make sure that they choose good ones. In this busy world, people tend to drift apart from each other due to work or other engagements. Friendships are the strongest when they reach a stage where they don't need to communicate every day to maintain the bond. 

In conclusion, I would like to say that with time, friends also become family and a place for us to seek closure. Such friends should be cherished and celebrated as much as possible, and gratitude should be expressed from time to time. I am so grateful to have such amazing friends who are like a family to me. I am thankful for these precious bonds that I have created over time and spending time with them makes everything better. Friendship is the only bond that survives through thick and thin.

Short Speech on Friendship

A short friendship speech can be given on any occasion. Here, students can find an easy way to express their views on friendship in simple words.

Good morning all, today I will speak on friendship. It’s an apt topic for me; a few years ago I would not even have the courage to stand on this stage before you all. I owe a lot to my friends who have supported me and converted my weaknesses into my strengths. Friends are the ones who bring out the best in you. They will always be there for you and turn to your side in good and bad times. Friends are special as they never make you feel alone. They uplift you when you feel discouraged. They are the ones who also bring us to the right path when we are lost.

In friendship, there is no room for negativity or negative emotions. Negative emotions like ego, jealousy, hatred, possessiveness, and anger can only ruin relationships. A true friend is one who can recognize such emotions and help you bring them out. This proves their sincerity and loyalty towards you and such friends should always be held close. We all lose some friends along the way due to distance or misunderstandings. On the other hand, we also gain many real friends who believe in us and support us no matter what the circumstances are. 

In conclusion, I would like to add, friendship is a mixed bag and there is every emotion in it and many ups and downs along the way. We should enjoy this gift of friendship and always lead with love, honesty, and understanding.

10 Line Friendship Speech

This form of friendship speech is very useful for students in grades 1-3, who are only discovering friendship in their way, and in these 10 lines, they can understand it simply and more clearly.

Friendship is the first relationship we form after the family.

Making friends is a very natural tendency in one’s life.

When one is younger, they form more friends easily as they are curious and new in this journey of life.

Such early formed friendships can last a lifetime together.

As these childhood friends grow along with us through the good and the bad times.

They are sincere, loyal, honest, understanding, and non-judgmental.

As one becomes older, one becomes angry, jealous, and egoistic.

No friendship should be led with harboring negative feelings.

Friendship is the purest form of bond between two people or more.

The more true friends you have the more sweet life becomes and we can live life to the fullest.

Friendship is one of the most beautiful relationships people can have. A speech on friendship can be given on the occasion of friendship day or even any other normal day because friendship, whenever celebrated, just warms everyone's hearts. So, these are some ways of giving a good speech on friendship like a long speech on friendship, a short speech on friendship and a 10 lines friendship speech in English.

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Student Opinion

15 Prompts for Talking and Writing About Friendship

Questions to help students reflect on the meaning of friendship in their lives

By Natalie Proulx

Who are your closest friends? How much do you share with them? Do you actually like your friends? What have you learned from them?

Below, we’ve rounded up 15 questions we’ve asked students over the years all about friendship. You can use them as prompts for writing or discussion, inside the classroom or out. We hope they’ll inspire you to reflect on your friendships, consider how you can strengthen the ones you have, and motivate you to reach out and make new ones.

Each prompt includes an excerpt from a related New York Times article, essay or photo; a link to the related piece; and several questions to help you think deeply about it. Many of these questions are still open for comment from students 13 or older.

You can find even more ideas for teaching and learning about friendship in our related lesson plan: How Students Can Cultivate Meaningful Friendships Using The New York Times .

1. Who Are Your Friends?

Do you have a “best friend,” a few close friends or a large group of friends? What interests, experiences, passions and circumstances forge those relationships? What are some of your favorite memories or admirable characteristics you associate with your friends?

Use this Picture Prompt to talk or write about your most important friendships.

2. How Alike Are You and Your Friends?

Did you know there is science behind how we choose our friends? Research has shown that we tend to befriend people who are much like us in a wide array of characteristics, including age, race, religion, even our handgrip strength.

In this prompt , you’ll read more about the things that bond us, and then share what you and your friends have in common.

3. Do You Have Any Unlikely Friendships?

Though we tend to connect with people who are like us, sometimes friendship happens with someone we’d least expect. That was the case for Spencer Sleyon, a 22-year-old rapper and producer from East Harlem, and Rosalind Guttman, an 81-year-old woman living in a retirement community in Florida, who met playing the Words With Friends game.

Do you have any surprising friendships like this one?

4. How Much Do You Share With Your Friends?

Do you often express your innermost thoughts, feelings and struggles to those closest to you? Or do you tend to keep those things to yourself? Being vulnerable can be scary, but research shows it’s important for building connections with others.

Use this prompt to reflect on what it feels like to open up to your friends, and how you might try to do more of it.

5. Do You Have Satisfying Friendships?

Are internet friendships as fulfilling as in-person ones? In a guest essay, a writer argues that “The kind of presence required for deep friendship does not seem cultivated in many online interactions. Presence in friendship requires ‘being with’ and ‘doing for.’”

Do you agree? Can online “friends” be true friends? Share your opinion.

6. Do You Have Any Close Friends?

Do you prefer to have many casual friends or just a few close ones? What makes a person a “best” friend? Do you wish you had more close friendships? This prompt explores these questions and more, as well as shares expert advice for developing deeper friendships.

7. How Do You React When Your Friendships Change?

Have you ever become less close to a friend over time? Have you ever felt jealousy when your friend joined another friend group? Have you ever had a friendship just fizzle out? These kinds of changes happen all the time, but they can be difficult to navigate.

Tell us what you do when you feel a friendship start to shift.

8. Do Social Media and Smartphones Make Your Friendships Stronger?

Does being able to stay constantly in touch with your friends via social media, texting and location sharing strengthen your friendships and make them easier to maintain? Or does it do the opposite? Weigh in with your experiences on this prompt .

9. Do You Like Your Friends?

It may sound like a strange question, but a 2016 study found that only about half of perceived friendships are mutual. That means you might not even like someone who thinks of you as a best friend. And vice versa.

Is this is true for any of your relationships?

10. How Often Do You Text Your Friends Just to Say ‘Hi’?

When was the last time you texted, called, emailed or messaged a friend just to say “hello”? Research suggests casual check-ins might mean more than we realize. Do you underestimate how much your friends would like hearing from you?

Read what experts have to say and then share your thoughts.

11. Is It Harder for Men and Boys to Make and Keep Friends?

American men appear to be stuck in a “friendship recession,” according to a recent survey. Less than half of men said they were truly satisfied with the number of friendships they had. The same study also found that men are less likely than women to seek emotional support from or share personal feelings with their friends.

Does this reflect your experience? Weigh in.

12. Do You Have Any Intergenerational Friendships?

“When applying to my job, I had no idea of the friendships I would be making with 70+ year old women. They teach me new things every day while I hear their life stories and things they have done,” Laura from Ellisville wrote in response to this prompt.

Do you have any friends who are significantly younger or older than you? What do you think we can gain from these kinds of intergenerational friendships? Tell us here.

13. Have You Ever Been Left Out?

Imagine it’s a Saturday. All your friends told you they were busy, so you’re sitting at home, alone, mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. But then you see a post that stops you in your tracks. It’s a picture of all of your friends hanging out together — without you. This is what happened to Hallie Reed in her first semester at college.

Has something like this ever happened to you? Use this prompt to talk or write about how it felt.

14. What Have Your Friends Taught You About Life?

“My friends taught me different perspectives on life.” “My friends have taught me to not care what other people think.” “My friends have taught me to be myself.”

These are just a few of the responses teenagers had to this prompt. What have your friends taught you?

15. Have You Ever Had a Significant Friendship End?

Few relationships are meant to last forever. In a guest essay, Lauren Mechling writes that “even bonds founded on that rare, deeply felt psychic connection between two people” are “bound to fray.”

Have you experienced this with someone with whom you were once very close? What happened? Share your story.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx

Enjoying the Small Things

On Friendship: A Best Friend Interview

March 6, 2018 By Kelle

One of the most frequent questions I get from writing and sharing online is “How do I get a Heidi?” And, listen–if I knew how to clone my best friend and sell her, I’d be rich. I encourage my kids to be careful when using “best” to define one friend so as not to make other friends feel bad and to keep friendship circles wide and free, but I’m almost 40, and it is a well-known and accepted fact in our circles that our friendship has earned its title. I can’t imagine life without Heidi, and everyone who knows our friendship knows that “best” isn’t about exclusivity but rather years of stories, love and support that have granted us the highest honor of friendship…the best of the best. If I’m told a secret prefaced with “Don’t tell any one,” I clarify with, “Wait–I can’t tell Heidi ?”, and the answer is always the same: “Well of course you’ll tell Heidi. Everyone already assumes that.”

The waiter came by at one point after noticing the questioning and typing going on and asked, “Is this a job interview?”

“Oh, we already got the job,” we laughed. “We’re best friends.”

What would you say are the three most important things that make your friendship what it is?

Heidi: I’m going to say honesty is #1. And a mutual respect for each other as people. Like I feel like we admire so much about each other. And the safety to be or say anything. I truly believe I could call and tell you anything, and you’d be there for me.

Kelle: Well you know that’s true.

Heidi: What’s your three?

Kelle: Vulnerability is huge for me. I think we’ve both revealed our most unattractive qualities to each other and exposed the things that we don’t love about ourselves. We’ve seen each others’ houses trashed, snapped at our kids in front of each other, talked about failures, cried, admitted we’ve got messes. Once you get that out of the way, you don’t waste any time performing in a friendship to portray an image you want a friend to see–that we’re smart or good moms or funny or successful or have put-together houses or whatever. That’s exhausting and wastes so much space in a friendship that could be spent investing in real connection. We’ve both opened the junk drawers in our lives, so to speak, for the other one to see, and we’re both still here, completely unaffected by those messy parts about each other. So every forward step in our friendship can now be spent loving, supporting, writing stories, making memories, having fun and really being there for each other. I also think our friendship wouldn’t be what it is today if we hadn’t gone through hard things together. We’ve weathered disagreements in our friendship as well as some really hard things in life together. I know I’m making this way too long of an answer here, but I’d say the last and maybe most important thing is this deep desire for each other to succeed and be our best. It’s one thing to show up for each other when we’re down or laughing about the messes, but sometimes I think friendship is proven most real and beautiful when women wholeheartedly support and celebrate each other when we succeed. My life is happier when you succeed and are truly happy. If you want to be president, I’ll stake my yard with “Vote for Heidi” signs. If you have a huge victory happen or a dream come true, I want to be the first one you text so I can show up at your house to jump up and down and celebrate with you.

What trait do you most admire in each other?

Kelle: This one’s easy, and I think anyone who knows you would say the same. It’s your empathy. I’ve never met someone who thinks about others’ situations more than you. And you don’t just think about it. You do s omething about it. You are so good about asking the question “How can I make that person feel loved?”

Heidi:  This one’s easy for me too. It’s your joy. Your zeal for life. Like you’re really fucking happy about a lot of shit. It’s refreshing.

When you meet new people, what is it about someone that makes you want to be their friend immediately?

Heidi: Good energy.

Kelle: Feeling inspired by them–like I could learn from them.

I have a hard time in friendships when…

Heidi: …people aren’t vulnerable with me. But I’m learning you have to earn vulnerability. I expect it right off the bat, and that’s not very fair.

Kelle: Ughhh. So true. Sometimes I think when we focus on vulnerability so much, we set ridiculous standards. Like a woman shouldn’t have to shake your hand and blurt out, “My life’s a mess, I yell at my kids, and my breath stinks in the morning” in order for me to like her. I don’t want to misinterpret vulnerability for “Give me dirt.” And I definitely don’t want to be a woman who needs to hear weaknesses about another woman in order to accept her. A beautiful woman whose kids listen to her when she barely whispers “Time to leave the park” and walks over to a car that’s not littered with snacks? That doesn’t mean she’s not vulnerable or likable.

What’s an immediate friendship turn off? Like you have no interest in developing a friendship if…

Heidi:  People are mean. Hearing someone make fun of someone. Group gossip. If a group of women is talking about another woman, I’m out. Not that we don’t ever vent to each other about someone who was mean or a little off or whatever. But we do it in the safety between just the two of us, we don’t waste a lot of energy on it, and we keep it focused on our reaction and feelings rather than ripping the other person apart. But that collective group talking about another woman? No.

Kelle:  Same. We’ve talked about this one a lot.

You’re both super busy moms. What’s your key for staying close?

Heidi: We talk pretty much every day, right? Even if we don’t see each other.

Kelle: I don’t even think about it any more. It’s just habit–the minute the kids are dropped off at school, I get back in the car and call you to start out my day. And then maybe three other calls throughout the day.

Heidi: I think spontaneity is important too. We know how hard it is to create perfect pockets of time for friend dates, so we take what we can get. A lot of “Stop, drop, and roll” dates where one of us invites the other one over or out to grab a drink and the other one says yes without having to clean the house or take a shower.

Kelle: And I feel like we’re good with creativity when it comes to making space to get together. We text each other when we’re going to Target to see if the other one wants to go, and we’ve had some of our best times together, pushing carts side by side in the produce aisle. In fact, I’m pretty sure we’ve stood in the home section for an hour straight, crying and talking about life.

Heidi: I can distinctly remember at least twice that we’ve done that. They should just make a table for us to sit down there.

Kelle: We’ve also accompanied each other on work dates just for fun. And we have a lot of post preschool drop-off coffee dates, even if they’re quick.

Do you guys ever judge each other?

Kelle: I originally said no to this, but you totally called me out.

Heidi: We totally judge.

Kelle: I think there’s so much in our women culture right now that celebrates supporting each other, high-fiving each other, lifting each other up, praising each others’ successes, accepting differences and NOT judging (which–YES!–is the ultimate goal and absolutely what I seek to be in a community of women)–that my immediate response is “I do that! I support women! I don’t judge!” But that’s not completely honest, and I want to pay attention to my humanness. I don’t want to feel shame about real, normal feelings or pretend that I never feel them. I judge sometimes. I judge people I love. Sometimes my judgments are warranted or simply identifying things I do or don’t want for my life. But it’s more about what I do with my judgments (they are always more about me than the person I’m judging) and how I analyze my feelings rather than the idea that I’m out there with a pasted-on smile, high-fiving and “You Go, Girl!”-ing every single thing any woman does. I love Amy Poehler’s advice on this: “That is the motto women should constantly repeat over and over again: ‘Good for her; Not for me.'”

Heidi: I think in any deep friendship, you do end up judging. That might be a really shitty thing to say, but that’s sometimes what pushes us to be honest and real and helps us to be better. We feel the freedom to say to each other, “I think you’re being too hard on your kid” or “You need to get your shit together.” That’s burned us before too though. We’ve said it at the wrong time or have pushed too far, and it’s hurt us. That seldom happens, but it does. But I like the fact that we feel the freedom to call each other out. I think we’ve helped each other be the best versions of ourselves.

Kelle: I think we’ve also earned permission to judge. We have so many years and stories behind our friendship and an underlying foundation of love and wanting the best for each other that we know we can be honest with each other. We have some unspoken rules too. We know that our friendship is too precious to ever let something take that away. If we’ve hurt each other in any way, we don’t do that thing where we get awkward or don’t talk to each other. We make efforts to work things out quickly.

Do your husbands support your friendship?

Kelle: 100%. I think they both know that we are better humans, better moms and better wives because of our friendship. And I don’t put so much pressure on Brett to be my “everything” and fulfill all these areas in my life because friendship (among other things) helps fulfill them. I’m more than just my marriage. Brett’s said many times, “I’m so glad you had Heidi to talk about that with, because I’d be clueless.”

Heidi: Believe me, our husbands’ lives are better with us in the picture. They benefit, and they know it. There are things we do for each other that let them off the hook. And they know we are fair sounding boards. I’ve complained about Jeff before, and you’ve stood up for him; likewise, you’ve vented about something Brett did and I’ve called you out and pointed out what he did right.

Kelle: I think every relationship is different. What we have works for us and our families. We take our kids on trips together to fun crazy places our husbands might not be that into, and people might judge, but it works for us.

What’s your favorite friend memory?

Heidi: We have so many, but I know we’re going to answer this the same way.

Kelle: What, Nella’s birth?

Heidi:  Yes. It was such a raw, precious time, and I think friendship goes to a new level when you get to be there for someone when they are hurting in the way that you were and to be present to the love that was unfolding.

Kelle:  You literally stayed in that hospital for four days straight. I’ll never ever forget the way you showed up.

Heidi: I remember feeling at the time like I had some kind of superpower. If I think back to that time and how it felt, I thought I could protect you from any negative energy coming in.

Kelle: I actually think God waived the earthly filter and really did give you that superpower then.

Favorite things you do for each other that make good friendship tips? 

K: We give each other pep talks before either of us goes someplace that makes us feel uncomfortable or intimidated. I love the texts you start madly sending right when I need them: “Just shine your white light. Focus on the light that you want to bring to the room and the way you want people to feel. Your light is so bright. You got this!” They are such powerful texts to receive.

H: I got that from Oprah, you know. How about picking up each other’s cameras and taking pictures of each other without being asked. So many of the photos of me with my kids were taken by you.

K: Same here. And I love them so much. I love how I’ll go to edit photos after a party, and there will be 100 that I didn’t take. You are so good about that.

H: We are good about loving each other’s moms. When our moms are visiting and we take them to a social event or have people over, we always support each other. You’re so good about making my mom feel at home and talking to her, and I always make sure to sit with your mom and find out more about her life. I love your mom.

K: And I love yours. I love the comfort I get from sending my “You know the drill” text when I’m on a plane and it’s about to take off. I know if anything were to happen, you’d implement “the plan.” Take over. Make sure my kids know I love them. Clean the house before the mourners arrive. Screen any potential new wife to make sure I’d approve.

H: We pick up each others’ kids. Like when you forgot to pick up Dash from preschool a couple weeks ago and I texted, “Dash is in my van. You forgot him.”

K: I love that being your friend means a life contract of being there for my kids. Whenever I have a fleeting worry about Nella being accepted, you always say, “Life contract, Kelle. Every party, graduation, life milestone, you have my family in party hats cheering her name. That’s five of us which can fill a room, so any worry that no one will show up should be non-existent.”

H: And you do the same for mine. Honestly, I think loving each other’s kids is one of the best things you can do for a friend.

K: The meals you make for people. Food is such a wonderful love language, and you do that for people so well. And the goody bags of treats you drop off before road trips.

H: We buffer each other’s parties. Like if there’s a new person coming who doesn’t know anyone else at the party and I’m busy entertaining, I know you will make sure she feels welcome. You’ll represent me. I don’t even have to ask.

K: I can’t tell you how many times new friends I’ve introduced to a big group of people have said later, “Your friend Heidi? She’s so nice and easy to talk to.” Actually, now that I think of it, most people like you better than me once they meet you.

H: That’s not true.

K: No, it is, and I’m totally fine with it. And I think one of my favorite things we do for each other is saying yes. All these crazy ideas we’ve had, calling each other last minute to see if we want to get in the car and drive two hours to explore some city. We’re good at saying yes, and I think so many of our memories and bonding moments are because of our yesses.

H: But I still wish I would have said no to that crappy hotel you thought was “charming” on that road trip with the kids. Oh my God, that was disgusting. I should have never listened to you.

K: Hey, you can’t win them all. You know there are a billion more things we could list here, but we have to end this somewhere, right?

H: To be continued…

K: In real life.

Have a question or thought about friendship? Do you have a best friend or a story about connecting and building meaningful relationships with women? One of my favorite things to dig into and talk about is creating intimate friendships with women. Tell me your thoughts, your stories, your favorite thing about your best friend or tips for staying close.

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March 6, 2018 at 12:43 pm

LOVE this! Everyone should be blessed with a girlfriend of this caliber. The world would be a much better place 🙂 Xoxo, K&E

March 6, 2018 at 1:42 pm

I’m curious about the origins of your friendship. How/when did you meet?

March 6, 2018 at 2:11 pm

I’ve always wondered that also.

March 7, 2018 at 1:26 pm

March 6, 2018 at 4:59 pm

I had lived here in Florida a week, knew no one, and another teacher at the school where I was hired set me up on a blind friend date with her cousin, knowing we were both from Michigan and having a feeling we’d hit it off. I walked into a restaurant looking for a girl wearing a purple shirt, found her and 4 hours later they closed the restaurant while we were still talking. The rest, as they say, is history.

March 6, 2018 at 7:59 pm

A blind friend date?! I love that idea so much! I need someone to set me up, lol!

September 6, 2018 at 2:29 pm

March 6, 2018 at 1:47 pm

Love this! Thank you both for sharing and opening up. Your honesty and love for each other is refreshing.

I love this so much! Thank you for sharing about your friendship! I am at the stage in my life that I am trying to cultivate and maintain great friendships and I need all the advice, ideas, and support I can get! Thank you! And to one day having a Heidi 🙂

March 6, 2018 at 1:57 pm

I had a best friend, like 20+ years in the making. She judged, and I reacted harshly. I quickly backed down and apologized, but she never did…We were both in the middle of a lot of really tough things. I miss her. It’s been 8 months, and I’m heartbroken. Reading this was so hard, but gives me a lot to think about. Thanks for sharing yourselves.

March 6, 2018 at 9:41 pm

20 years? Why not call/text/email her? That’s such a long time to be friends to end it now. I hope you guys get in touch soon!!

March 7, 2018 at 2:50 pm

Thanks, yes, she was my maid of honor in my wedding and that was 17 years ago. I did email her, apologized more… said I was devastated… she responded that she was too, but didn’t have time to respond then and would later, but she never did. I haven’t heard from her, but her siblings have unfriended me on Facebook, so she extended the breakup if you will…I don’t really know if anything more I do just becomes pathetic, I’m not sure I’m supposed to have try harder than this when she seems fine with it. I don’t know.

March 8, 2018 at 12:47 am

I am in a situation just like yours and it hurts so much. We were best friends since 8th grade. We are now 42. It ended over a year ago. We call each other’s parents mom and dad. She is still in touch with my brother and cousins through social Media. My dad even emailed her to tell her how heartbroken I was. She said she would write more in detail later and never did ????

March 6, 2018 at 2:12 pm

You two are so blessed to have each other. I “had” a Heidi … but when I got sober she left and it broke my heart. She never spoke to me again and that was 13 years ago. I cried for days but knew it was better to be sober for my kids without my bestie than to start drinking again just to have my friend back. Now at almost 55 years old I have yet to have a friend that close. I have friends … but I don’t think I’ll ever have that experience again. Perhaps deep down I am protecting that part of me – I don’t ever want to hurt that bad again.

March 6, 2018 at 2:21 pm

I love this! As women we naturally seek support, friendship, and connections that cannot be shared or experienced in any other way. The thing that impresses me is your husband’s support and encouragement in the friendship. It’s wonderful they understand the depth of your friendship together and how much your life thrives because of each other. Thank you for the uplift, friend.

March 6, 2018 at 2:25 pm

Love this! Just curious…do you have pictures of the two of you when you first became friends? That would be fun to see!

March 6, 2018 at 2:43 pm

Ha. Yes. And I meant to dig some up, but they’re on an old hard drive that’s not connected to my computer right now.

March 6, 2018 at 2:46 pm

“Dash is in my van.” So funny. In enneagrams, are you a 7w8? And Heidi a 2? I envy 2’s giving and thoughtful spirit. It’s awesome that you are both confident that you are not physically moving away from each other. We seem to have to leave all our awesome friends or they move away. Thanks for sharing.

March 6, 2018 at 3:30 pm

And if you are a 7, I envy the drive and energy!

March 6, 2018 at 3:06 pm

Love this and it brought tears to my eyes, however, you didn’t answer a big question…..how did the two of you meet??? What is the story there and did you hit it off right away or no?

March 6, 2018 at 4:39 pm

Oh, I agree. I’d love to know how you two met and if it was an instant friendship.

March 6, 2018 at 4:10 pm

Oh, this was a good one! Close, not sister, friendships are the biggest blessings in life. My best friend from childhood & I are still close as ever. My best friend from high school is still one of my closest friends today. As an adult, I lost my best friend to cancer. It was soul crushing. Her husband is one of our dearest friends & our mutual friend has stepped into the position of my current best friend. It’s that free to be who we are comfort & safety that is so needed in my friendships. I have one question (thank God I don’t have to deal with this)…how would you handle it if one of you were a Trump supporter…lol??

March 6, 2018 at 4:17 pm

One of my favorite posts. Thanks for sharing.

March 6, 2018 at 4:38 pm

I loved this post so much. I’m so lucky to have a best friend just like this. <3

March 6, 2018 at 5:22 pm

Ah, this is such a fun to do! You are blessed to have a BBF that you can rely on. xo

http://www.cantiquejoice.com

March 6, 2018 at 5:44 pm

I LOVED this post. My “Heidi” is currently living in Alaska (I’m in Arizona), so we aren’t able to spend as much in-person time as we’d like to, but so many pieces of this post resonated with me. She loves my kids fiercely (and she doesn’t even really “like kids”!), is a constant supporter of my dreams, and would drop everything in a heartbeat if I needed her by my side. I love hearing about women supporting other women like this — building each other up to take on life!

March 6, 2018 at 7:18 pm

You are both so lucky to have each other. This made me tear up.

March 6, 2018 at 8:06 pm

Beautiful! And fun too!

What a lovely post and friendship you two share! I am so grateful for my women friends. My husband is my best-bestie, but I truly believe women need other women. My 6 week old daughter has been back in the hospital now for 6 days. On Sunday, my friend Myriam stopped by with a hospital goodie bag. Yesterday, my friend Mary stopped by with lunch and time for a nice chat. Today my friends Cathy and Niki stopped by to visit for 2 1/2 hours, to laugh and cry with me. I didn’t ask these friends to come, but they showed up for me and my little girly and I am so grateful for that! I’m lucky to be in a circle of amazing women, that are so welcoming to new friends too! Whenever someone new moves into town, we always reach out to them and bring them in. I live across the continent from all of my extended family, so these friends and their families have become my family. Also, my childhood bestie always has my back even though she also lives across the continent from me. Sometimes months pass between our interacting with one another, but we always pick up where we left off and are each others’ cheerleaders in our challenges of life.

March 7, 2018 at 10:56 am

Amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this interview with us. It made me think about my own friends, my sisters, my mother. What I can do better. What I am already good at. Thank you!!

March 7, 2018 at 11:10 am

Oh how I love this post! It’s my BFF and I to a “T”!

March 7, 2018 at 12:30 pm

So many thoughts on this one! Your opener reminded me of a Mindy Kaling quote, “Best friend isn’t a person, it’s a tier.” I’m not sure if she said that as herself or as a character in a show, but it made me stop and think. I have a best friend (Emily! She is the best!) whom I’ve known since 9th grade, but I also have a circle of best friends from different walks and times in my life that embody the idea of a tier or status. I also wanted to introduce you to Kahlil Gibran (if you haven’t heard of him already) and his words on friendship from “The Prophet” (one of my all-time favorite books). “And a youth said, “Speak to us of Friendship.”

Your friend is your needs answered.

He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.

And he is your board and your fireside.

For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, nor do you withhold the “ay.”

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not;

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.

If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.

For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?

Seek him always with hours to live.

For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”

March 7, 2018 at 12:58 pm

any ideas on what to do with a friend while she comes to town to visit ME Chicago to lil old Tucson

i am trying to be a good friend but am severly intoverted . any help or advice is appreciated.

March 7, 2018 at 2:07 pm

Your friend is coming to visit YOU, so hopefully that takes some of the pressure off to entertain her during her stay. 🙂 I do enjoy a good walkabout – if the weather is nice are there any parks or gardens you could go visit? Or if it’s not nice maybe you could check out a local museum. Then you could spend time together but have something to focus on besides each other, and wouldn’t require too much interaction with strangers. Maybe you could plan a nice meal to prepare together, or just ask her if there is anything specific she is looking forward to for her trip. No matter what you do, I hope you have a great time together!

March 7, 2018 at 3:05 pm

I’m curious how you both deal with envy and competitiveness within a friendship? I strive to recognize those feelings as I have them and let them go so I can be genuinely happy for my all my pals. But, sometimes they set me back so hard. I especially dislike when I feel competitive over my children’s talents and achievements versus my friend’s children’s talents and achievements… you know?

March 10, 2018 at 11:14 pm

great question! Kelle would love an answer to that!

March 11, 2018 at 6:59 am

Such a great question! With Heidi, we’ve been in it so long that competition isn’t really present outside of healthy push-each-other-further stuff–although she did take the Christmas cookie bake-off title last year after a lot of smack talk between both of us–it was hilarious. We are very honest about envy. Sometimes it feels good just to say “I feel so jealous right now–I mean, I’m happy for you, but man I want that for my life too” and talk about it further. It’s so refreshing when people just lay these feelings on the table so it’s not shameful or hidden. As for children’s talents/achievements competition with parents–I’ve seen it so many places, and it’s awful because parents are putting SO much pressure on their kids by doing it. Sometimes it means choosing one amazing friend to be able to say everything you want to say about your kid with trust that it will be well received but not doing it in a larger group of friends. And training our little brains to understand our kids are who they are, we accept them, their accomplishments are not reflections of us, they stand alone–and we can smile and listen to parents go on and on about how well their child is doing and how talented they are and quietly remember that it has nothing to do with our own kid. Apples and oranges. Each one is on a different path and we celebrate their path (but I know it’s easier said than done).

March 8, 2018 at 4:49 am

Thank you for sharing! I love this! I have been blessed to have a few very close friends with this type of relationship. My best friend I met 20+ years ago as a freshman in college, and I love that we are so real together and how much she adores my crazy kids. She’s in California and I’m in Germany, so it can get very lonely without her. Thank god for technology!

September 6, 2018 at 1:00 pm

Dude a dating type site for best friends, start one and let me work for you.

September 6, 2018 at 2:02 pm

Could not stop crying while reading this! There is literally a puddle at my feet! Love you and Heidi! What a beautiful friendship!

September 7, 2018 at 11:26 am

Ummmm y’all need to make mugs “you’re the Heidi to my Kelle” “You’re the kelle to my Heidi” Xoxoxo

September 7, 2018 at 6:16 pm

You’re killing me. xo I love this.

May 13, 2020 at 12:51 pm

Love what I never started ?

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• Speech Topics For Kids
• Speech About Friendship

Speech about Friendship

Speculating upon what to write and what not to write when you sit down to prepare a speech on friendship? This article will offer some hand-holding and assist you to write your own friendship day speech.

Speech on How Important It Is to Have a Friend?

As social beings, humans always look out for companionship irrespective of the kind of people they are. Friends make one’s life meaningful and colourful. As kids, your cousins would be the first friends you make. As you grow up, you meet random people who express similar interests, and these are the ones who become your friends eventually.

Friendship is as sweet as it is, but you should always try to make the right kind of friends who would be a strong support in helping you grow. Bad friends can make you feel good about what you do, especially when you do something that is not right. This kind of a friendship would never help you grow to become the kind of person you are destined to be. Good friends, on the other hand, are one of the most wonderful treasures life can possibly give you. Friends are the family you choose. They always stand by you in every situation, no matter what.

Below are a few samples that would aid you in writing a speech on friendship, one that you can say not just on a friendship day but any random day when you want to let your friends know how important they are to you.

Friendship Day Speech

Short speech about friendship, faqs on friendship day.

Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in the month of August. The idea of celebrating Friendship Day globally was first thought of by Dr. Roman Artemio Bracho in 1958. It, however, was made official by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011. July 30 was declared as the International Day of Friendship with the idea of instilling friendly relations between people, countries, cultures and individuals, which would, in turn, inspire peace among different communities. Since then, people all around the world celebrate Friendship Day by exchanging friendship bands, gifts and greeting cards.

Being in school, Friendship Day was one of the most anticipated celebrations when you wait to collect as many friendship bands as possible every year. To a school kid, the number of friendship bands meant that you had a lot of friends. Friendship bands are definitely a good way to make new friends and also to remind your old friends that they matter to you. However, I would like to say that the number of friendship bands you gain on a Friendship Day does not count. All that counts is that you have at least one friend who has always got your back and would not give up on you even when you give up on yourself. You will feel a lot more lively and confident with just this one person by your side. Friends don’t stand by you only when you are happy; they make sure you are holding up and getting better even in the toughest times. They will love you for what you are and hold your hand even at your worst.

Make friends with your kind of people, and you will have the time of your life. There might be misunderstandings and fights among friends, but it is these fights that would make your bond even stronger. Friends eventually become your family. So, on this Friendship Day, I wish you good friendships and a life filled with happiness and adventure. Happy Friendship Day everyone.

Vladimir Lenin said, “Show me who your friends are, and I will tell you what you are.” The friends you keep are a reflection of the kind of person you are. One becomes friends with people who share similar interests. C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” Those who like the same songs, bond over a favourite series or a nostalgic place are the ones who would for sure turn out to be the closest and thickest of friends.

Friends always stand by you. From participating in competitions to getting scolded by parents and teachers, your friends will be there all along. They will keep all your secrets safe and give you the solutions to almost every problem. A good friend guides you and helps you choose the right path.

Have you ever thought what it would be like to live in a world without friends? Those who have had good friends in their life can never imagine a life without them. Friends can influence your life to a great extent in both good and bad ways. It is up to you to choose the right company to keep. Cherish your friends and the times you spend with them because they make the future you. So choose your friends wisely and live life to the fullest.

Why are friends so special?

Friends include the best kind of people you have in your life. Friends can be your unpaid therapist. They can help you out of any mood swings and can cheer you up even if you do not want to feel better. Having a good friend is one of the greatest gifts of life. Cherish your friends and the times you spend with them because they make the future you.

What makes a good friend?

A good friend would be a person who is a well-wisher and the one who would always push you to do your best. A good friend knows you better than you think you know yourself. A good friend would hold your hand and stand beside you in all your happiest and saddest moments of life.

What are the quotes you can use in a friendship day speech?

Some examples of quotes that can be used when you write down your Friendship Day speech are given below: “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” — Walter Winchell “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson “A good friend is a connection to life, a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.” — Lois Wyse “True friends are those rare people who come to find you in dark places and lead you back to the light.” — Anonymous

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• Speaking exams
• Typical speaking tasks

Oral presentation

Giving an oral presentation as part of a speaking exam can be quite scary, but we're here to help you. Watch two students giving presentations and then read the tips carefully. Which tips do they follow? Which ones don’t they follow?

Instructions

Watch the video of two students doing an oral presentation as part of a speaking exam. Then read the tips below.

Melissa: Hi, everyone! Today I would like to talk about how to become the most popular teen in school.

Firstly, I think getting good academic results is the first factor to make you become popular since, having a good academic result, your teacher will award you in front of your schoolmates. Then, your schoolmates will know who you are and maybe they would like to get to know you because they want to learn something good from you.

Secondly, I think participating in school clubs and student unions can help to make you become popular, since after participating in these school clubs or student union, people will know who you are and it can help you to make friends all around the school, no matter senior forms or junior forms.

In conclusion, I think to become the most popular teen in school we need to have good academic results and also participate in school clubs and student union. Thank you!

Kelvin: Good evening, everyone! So, today I want to talk about whether the sale of cigarettes should be made illegal.

As we all know, cigarettes are not good for our health, not only oneself but also other people around. Moreover, many people die of lung cancer every year because of smoking cigarettes.

But, should the government make it illegal? I don’t think so, because Hong Kong is a place where people can enjoy lots of freedom and if the government banned the sale of cigarettes, many people would disagree with this and stand up to fight for their freedom.

Moreover, Hong Kong is a free market. If there's such a huge government intervention, I think it’s not good for Hong Kong’s economy.

So, if the government wants people to stop smoking cigarettes, what should it do? I think the government can use other administrative ways to do so, for example education and increasing the tax on cigarettes. Also, the government can ban the smokers smoking in public areas. So, this is the end of my presentation. Thank you.

It’s not easy to give a good oral presentation but these tips will help you. Here are our top tips for oral presentations.

• Use the planning time to prepare what you’re going to say. 
• If you are allowed to have a note card, write short notes in point form.
• Use more formal language.
• Use short, simple sentences to express your ideas clearly.
• Pause from time to time and don’t speak too quickly. This allows the listener to understand your ideas. Include a short pause after each idea.
• Speak clearly and at the right volume.
• Have your notes ready in case you forget anything.
• Practise your presentation. If possible record yourself and listen to your presentation. If you can’t record yourself, ask a friend to listen to you. Does your friend understand you?
• Make your opinions very clear. Use expressions to give your opinion .
• Look at the people who are listening to you.
• Write out the whole presentation and learn every word by heart. 
• Write out the whole presentation and read it aloud.
• Use very informal language.
• Only look at your note card. It’s important to look up at your listeners when you are speaking.

Useful language for presentations

Explain what your presentation is about at the beginning:

I’m going to talk about ... I’d like to talk about ... The main focus of this presentation is ...

Use these expressions to order your ideas:

First of all, ... Firstly, ... Then, ... Secondly, ... Next, ... Finally, ... Lastly, ... To sum up, ... In conclusion, ...

Use these expressions to add more ideas from the same point of view:

In addition, ... What’s more, ... Also, ... Added to this, ...

To introduce the opposite point of view you can use these words and expressions:

However, ... On the other hand, ... Then again, ...

Example presentation topics

• Violent computer games should be banned.
• The sale of cigarettes should be made illegal.
• Homework should be limited to just two nights a week.
• Should school students be required to wear a school uniform?
• How to become the most popular teen in school.
• Dogs should be banned from cities.

Check your language: ordering - parts of a presentation

Check your understanding: grouping - useful phrases, worksheets and downloads.

Do you think these tips will help you in your next speaking exam? Remember to tell us how well you do in future speaking exams!  

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24 Oral Presentations

Many academic courses require students to present information to their peers and teachers in a classroom setting. This is usually in the form of a short talk, often, but not always, accompanied by visual aids such as a power point. Students often become nervous at the idea of speaking in front of a group.

This chapter is divided under five headings to establish a quick reference guide for oral presentations.

A beginner, who may have little or no experience, should read each section in full.

For the intermediate learner, who has some experience with oral presentations, review the sections you feel you need work on.

The Purpose of an Oral Presentation

Generally, oral presentation is public speaking, either individually or as a group, the aim of which is to provide information, entertain, persuade the audience, or educate. In an academic setting, oral presentations are often assessable tasks with a marking criteria. Therefore, students are being evaluated on their capacity to speak and deliver relevant information within a set timeframe. An oral presentation differs from a speech in that it usually has visual aids and may involve audience interaction; ideas are both shown and explained . A speech, on the other hand, is a formal verbal discourse addressing an audience, without visual aids and audience participation.

Types of Oral Presentations

Individual presentation.

• Breathe and remember that everyone gets nervous when speaking in public. You are in control. You’ve got this!
• Know your content. The number one way to have a smooth presentation is to know what you want to say and how you want to say it. Write it down and rehearse it until you feel relaxed and confident and do not have to rely heavily on notes while speaking.
• Eliminate ‘umms’ and ‘ahhs’ from your oral presentation vocabulary. Speak slowly and clearly and pause when you need to. It is not a contest to see who can race through their presentation the fastest or fit the most content within the time limit. The average person speaks at a rate of 125 words per minute. Therefore, if you are required to speak for 10 minutes, you will need to write and practice 1250 words for speaking. Ensure you time yourself and get it right.
• Ensure you meet the requirements of the marking criteria, including non-verbal communication skills. Make good eye contact with the audience; watch your posture; don’t fidget.
• Know the language requirements. Check if you are permitted to use a more casual, conversational tone and first-person pronouns, or do you need to keep a more formal, academic tone?

Group Presentation

• All of the above applies, however you are working as part of a group. So how should you approach group work?
• Firstly, if you are not assigned to a group by your lecturer/tutor, choose people based on their availability and accessibility. If you cannot meet face-to-face you may schedule online meetings.
• Get to know each other. It’s easier to work with friends than strangers.
• Also consider everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. This will involve a discussion that will often lead to task or role allocations within the group, however, everyone should be carrying an equal level of the workload.
• Some group members may be more focused on getting the script written, with a different section for each team member to say. Others may be more experienced with the presentation software and skilled in editing and refining power point slides so they are appropriate for the presentation. Use one visual aid (one set of power point slides) for the whole group. Take turns presenting information and ideas.
• Be patient and tolerant with each other’s learning style and personality. Do not judge people in your group based on their personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender, age, or cultural background.
• Rehearse as a group, more than once. Keep rehearsing until you have seamless transitions between speakers. Ensure you thank the previous speaker and introduce the one following you. If you are rehearsing online, but have to present in-person, try to schedule some face-to-face time that will allow you to physically practice using the technology and classroom space of the campus.
• For further information on working as a group see:

Working as a group – my.UQ – University of Queensland

Writing Your Presentation

Approach the oral presentation task just as you would any other assignment. Review the available topics, do some background reading and research to ensure you can talk about the topic for the appropriate length of time and in an informed manner. Break the question down as demonstrated in Chapter 17 Breaking Down an Assignment. Where it differs from writing an essay is that the information in the written speech must align with the visual aid. Therefore, with each idea, concept or new information you write, think about how this might be visually displayed through minimal text and the occasional use of images. Proceed to write your ideas in full, but consider that not all information will end up on a power point slide. After all, it is you who are doing the presenting , not the power point. Your presentation skills are being evaluated; this may include a small percentage for the actual visual aid. This is also why it is important that EVERYONE has a turn at speaking during the presentation, as each person receives their own individual grade.

Using Visual Aids

A whole chapter could be written about the visual aids alone, therefore I will simply refer to the key points as noted by my.UQ

To keep your audience engaged and help them to remember what you have to say, you may want to use visual aids, such as slides.

When designing slides for your presentation, make sure:

• any text is brief, grammatically correct and easy to read. Use dot points and space between lines, plus large font size (18-20 point).
• Resist the temptation to use dark slides with a light-coloured font; it is hard on the eyes
• if images and graphs are used to support your main points, they should be non-intrusive on the written work

Images and Graphs

• Your audience will respond better to slides that deliver information quickly – images and graphs are a good way to do this. However, they are not always appropriate or necessary.

When choosing images, it’s important to find images that:

• support your presentation and aren’t just decorative
• are high quality, however, using large HD picture files can make the power point file too large overall for submission via Turnitin
• you have permission to use (Creative Commons license, royalty-free, own images, or purchased)
• suggested sites for free-to-use images: Openclipart – Clipping Culture ; Beautiful Free Images & Pictures | Unsplash ; Pxfuel – Royalty free stock photos free download ; When we share, everyone wins – Creative Commons

This is a general guide. The specific requirements for your course may be different. Make sure you read through any assignment requirements carefully and ask your lecturer or tutor if you’re unsure how to meet them.

Using Visual Aids Effectively

Too often, students make an impressive power point though do not understand how to use it effectively to enhance their presentation.

• Rehearse with the power point.
• Keep the slides synchronized with your presentation; change them at the appropriate time.
• Refer to the information on the slides. Point out details; comment on images; note facts such as data.
• Don’t let the power point just be something happening in the background while you speak.
• Write notes in your script to indicate when to change slides or which slide number the information applies to.
• Pace yourself so you are not spending a disproportionate amount of time on slides at the beginning of the presentation and racing through them at the end.
• Practice, practice, practice.

Nonverbal Communication

It is clear by the name that nonverbal communication are the ways that we communicate without speaking. Many people are already aware of this, however here are a few tips that relate specifically to oral presentations.

Being confident and looking confident are two different things. Fake it until you make it.

• Avoid slouching or leaning – standing up straight instantly gives you an air of confidence.
• Move! When you’re glued to one spot as a presenter, you’re not perceived as either confident or dynamic. Use the available space effectively, though do not exaggerate your natural movements so you look ridiculous.
• If you’re someone who “speaks with their hands”, resist the urge to constantly wave them around. They detract from your message. Occasional gestures are fine.
• Be animated, but don’t fidget. Ask someone to watch you rehearse and identify if you have any nervous, repetitive habits you may be unaware of, for example, constantly touching or ‘finger-combing’ your hair, rubbing your face.
• Avoid ‘voice fidgets’ also. If you needs to cough or clear your throat, do so once then take a drink of water.
• Avoid distractions. No phone turned on. Water available but off to one side.
• Keep your distance. Don’t hover over front-row audience members; this can be intimidating.
• Have a cheerful demeaner. You do not need to grin like a Cheshire cat throughout the presentation, yet your facial expression should be relaxed and welcoming.
• Maintain an engaging TONE in your voice. Sometimes it’s not what you’re saying that is putting your audience to sleep, it’s your monotonous tone. Vary your tone and pace.
• Don’t read your presentation – PRESENT it! Internalize your script so you can speak with confidence and only occasionally refer to your notes if needed.
• Lastly, make good eye contact with your audience members so they know you are talking with them, not at them. You’re having a conversation. Watch the link below for some great speaking tips, including eye contact.

Below is a video of some great tips about public speaking from Amy Wolff at TEDx Portland [1]

• Wolff. A. [The Oregonion]. (2016, April 9). 5 public speaking tips from TEDxPortland speaker coach [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNOXZumCXNM&ab_channel=TheOregonian ↵

communication of thought by word

Academic Writing Skills Copyright © 2021 by Patricia Williamson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

• Annotated Bibliography
• Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
• Group Presentations
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• Types of Structured Group Activities
• Group Project Survival Skills
• Leading a Class Discussion
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Works
• Writing a Case Analysis Paper
• Writing a Case Study
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Reflective Paper
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Generative AI and Writing
• Acknowledgments

In the social and behavioral sciences, an oral presentation assignment involves an individual student or group of students verbally addressing an audience on a specific research-based topic, often utilizing slides to help audience members understand and retain what they both see and hear. The purpose is to inform, report, and explain the significance of research findings, and your critical analysis of those findings, within a specific period of time, often in the form of a reasoned and persuasive argument. Oral presentations are assigned to assess a student’s ability to organize and communicate relevant information  effectively to a particular audience. Giving an oral presentation is considered an important learning skill because the ability to speak persuasively in front of an audience is transferable to most professional workplace settings.

Oral Presentations. Learning Co-Op. University of Wollongong, Australia; Oral Presentations. Undergraduate Research Office, Michigan State University; Oral Presentations. Presentations Research Guide, East Carolina University Libraries; Tsang, Art. “Enhancing Learners’ Awareness of Oral Presentation (Delivery) Skills in the Context of Self-regulated Learning.” Active Learning in Higher Education 21 (2020): 39-50.

Preparing for Your Oral Presentation

In some classes, writing the research paper is only part of what is required in reporting the results your work. Your professor may also require you to give an oral presentation about your study. Here are some things to think about before you are scheduled to give a presentation.

1.  What should I say?

If your professor hasn't explicitly stated what the content of your presentation should focus on, think about what you want to achieve and what you consider to be the most important things that members of the audience should know about your research. Think about the following: Do I want to inform my audience, inspire them to think about my research, or convince them of a particular point of view? These questions will help frame how to approach your presentation topic.

2.  Oral communication is different from written communication

Your audience has just one chance to hear your talk; they can't "re-read" your words if they get confused. Focus on being clear, particularly if the audience can't ask questions during the talk. There are two well-known ways to communicate your points effectively, often applied in combination. The first is the K.I.S.S. method [Keep It Simple Stupid]. Focus your presentation on getting two to three key points across. The second approach is to repeat key insights: tell them what you're going to tell them [forecast], tell them [explain], and then tell them what you just told them [summarize].

3.  Think about your audience

Yes, you want to demonstrate to your professor that you have conducted a good study. But professors often ask students to give an oral presentation to practice the art of communicating and to learn to speak clearly and audibly about yourself and your research. Questions to think about include: What background knowledge do they have about my topic? Does the audience have any particular interests? How am I going to involve them in my presentation?

4.  Create effective notes

If you don't have notes to refer to as you speak, you run the risk of forgetting something important. Also, having no notes increases the chance you'll lose your train of thought and begin relying on reading from the presentation slides. Think about the best ways to create notes that can be easily referred to as you speak. This is important! Nothing is more distracting to an audience than the speaker fumbling around with notes as they try to speak. It gives the impression of being disorganized and unprepared.

NOTE:   A good strategy is to have a page of notes for each slide so that the act of referring to a new page helps remind you to move to the next slide. This also creates a natural pause that allows your audience to contemplate what you just presented.

Strategies for creating effective notes for yourself include the following:

• Choose a large, readable font [at least 18 point in Ariel ]; avoid using fancy text fonts or cursive text.
• Use bold text, underlining, or different-colored text to highlight elements of your speech that you want to emphasize. Don't over do it, though. Only highlight the most important elements of your presentation.
• Leave adequate space on your notes to jot down additional thoughts or observations before and during your presentation. This is also helpful when writing down your thoughts in response to a question or to remember a multi-part question [remember to have a pen with you when you give your presentation].
• Place a cue in the text of your notes to indicate when to move to the next slide, to click on a link, or to take some other action, such as, linking to a video. If appropriate, include a cue in your notes if there is a point during your presentation when you want the audience to refer to a handout.
• Spell out challenging words phonetically and practice saying them ahead of time. This is particularly important for accurately pronouncing people’s names, technical or scientific terminology, words in a foreign language, or any unfamiliar words.

Creating and Using Overheads. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Kelly, Christine. Mastering the Art of Presenting. Inside Higher Education Career Advice; Giving an Oral Presentation. Academic Skills Centre. University of Canberra; Lucas, Stephen. The Art of Public Speaking . 12th edition. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2015; Peery, Angela B. Creating Effective Presentations: Staff Development with Impact . Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Education, 2011; Peoples, Deborah Carter. Guidelines for Oral Presentations. Ohio Wesleyan University Libraries; Perret, Nellie. Oral Presentations. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Speeches. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Storz, Carl et al. Oral Presentation Skills. Institut national de télécommunications, EVRY FRANCE.

Organizing the Content

In the process of organizing the content of your presentation, begin by thinking about what you want to achieve and how are you going to involve your audience in the presentation.

• Brainstorm your topic and write a rough outline. Don’t get carried away—remember you have a limited amount of time for your presentation.
• Organize your material and draft what you want to say [see below].
• Summarize your draft into key points to write on your presentation slides and/or note cards and/or handout.
• Prepare your visual aids.
• Rehearse your presentation and practice getting the presentation completed within the time limit given by your professor. Ask a friend to listen and time you.

GENERAL OUTLINE

I.  Introduction [may be written last]

• Capture your listeners’ attention . Begin with a question, an amusing story, a provocative statement, a personal story, or anything that will engage your audience and make them think. For example, "As a first-gen student, my hardest adjustment to college was the amount of papers I had to write...."
• State your purpose . For example, "I’m going to talk about..."; "This morning I want to explain…."
• Present an outline of your talk . For example, “I will concentrate on the following points: First of all…Then…This will lead to…And finally…"

II.  The Body

• Present your main points one by one in a logical order .
• Pause at the end of each point . Give people time to take notes, or time to think about what you are saying.
• Make it clear when you move to another point . For example, “The next point is that...”; “Of course, we must not forget that...”; “However, it's important to realize that....”
• Use clear examples to illustrate your points and/or key findings .
• If appropriate, consider using visual aids to make your presentation more interesting [e.g., a map, chart, picture, link to a video, etc.].

III.  The Conclusion

• Leave your audience with a clear summary of everything that you have covered.
• Summarize the main points again . For example, use phrases like: "So, in conclusion..."; "To recap the main issues...," "In summary, it is important to realize...."
• Restate the purpose of your talk, and say that you have achieved your aim : "My intention was ..., and it should now be clear that...."
• Don't let the talk just fizzle out . Make it obvious that you have reached the end of the presentation.
• Thank the audience, and invite questions : "Thank you. Are there any questions?"

NOTE: When asking your audience if anyone has any questions, give people time to contemplate what you have said and to formulate a question. It may seem like an awkward pause to wait ten seconds or so for someone to raise their hand, but it's frustrating to have a question come to mind but be cutoff because the presenter rushed to end the talk.

ANOTHER NOTE: If your last slide includes any contact information or other important information, leave it up long enough to ensure audience members have time to write the information down. Nothing is more frustrating to an audience member than wanting to jot something down, but the presenter closes the slides immediately after finishing.

Creating and Using Overheads. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Giving an Oral Presentation. Academic Skills Centre. University of Canberra; Lucas, Stephen. The Art of Public Speaking . 12th ed. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2015; Peery, Angela B. Creating Effective Presentations: Staff Development with Impact . Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Education, 2011; Peoples, Deborah Carter. Guidelines for Oral Presentations. Ohio Wesleyan University Libraries; Perret, Nellie. Oral Presentations. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Speeches. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Storz, Carl et al. Oral Presentation Skills. Institut national de télécommunications, EVRY FRANCE.

Delivering Your Presentation

When delivering your presentation, keep in mind the following points to help you remain focused and ensure that everything goes as planned.

Pay Attention to Language!

• Keep it simple . The aim is to communicate, not to show off your vocabulary. Using complex words or phrases increases the chance of stumbling over a word and losing your train of thought.
• Emphasize the key points . Make sure people realize which are the key points of your study. Repeat them using different phrasing to help the audience remember them.
• Check the pronunciation of difficult, unusual, or foreign words beforehand . Keep it simple, but if you have to use unfamiliar words, write them out phonetically in your notes and practice saying them. This is particularly important when pronouncing proper names. Give the definition of words that are unusual or are being used in a particular context [e.g., "By using the term affective response, I am referring to..."].

Use Your Voice to Communicate Clearly

• Speak loud enough for everyone in the room to hear you . Projecting your voice may feel uncomfortably loud at first, but if people can't hear you, they won't try to listen. However, moderate your voice if you are talking in front of a microphone.
• Speak slowly and clearly . Don’t rush! Speaking fast makes it harder for people to understand you and signals being nervous.
• Avoid the use of "fillers." Linguists refer to utterances such as um, ah, you know, and like as fillers. They occur most often during transitions from one idea to another and, if expressed too much, are distracting to an audience. The better you know your presentation, the better you can control these verbal tics.
• Vary your voice quality . If you always use the same volume and pitch [for example, all loud, or all soft, or in a monotone] during your presentation, your audience will stop listening. Use a higher pitch and volume in your voice when you begin a new point or when emphasizing the transition to a new point.
• Speakers with accents need to slow down [so do most others]. Non-native speakers often speak English faster than we slow-mouthed native speakers, usually because most non-English languages flow more quickly than English. Slowing down helps the audience to comprehend what you are saying.
• Slow down for key points . These are also moments in your presentation to consider using body language, such as hand gestures or leaving the podium to point to a slide, to help emphasize key points.
• Use pauses . Don't be afraid of short periods of silence. They give you a chance to gather your thoughts, and your audience an opportunity to think about what you've just said.

Also Use Your Body Language to Communicate!

• Stand straight and comfortably . Do not slouch or shuffle about. If you appear bored or uninterested in what your talking about, the audience will emulate this as well. Wear something comfortable. This is not the time to wear an itchy wool sweater or new high heel shoes for the first time.
• Hold your head up . Look around and make eye contact with people in the audience [or at least pretend to]. Do not just look at your professor or your notes the whole time! Looking up at your your audience brings them into the conversation. If you don't include the audience, they won't listen to you.
• When you are talking to your friends, you naturally use your hands, your facial expression, and your body to add to your communication . Do it in your presentation as well. It will make things far more interesting for the audience.
• Don't turn your back on the audience and don't fidget! Neither moving around nor standing still is wrong. Practice either to make yourself comfortable. Even when pointing to a slide, don't turn your back; stand at the side and turn your head towards the audience as you speak.
• Keep your hands out of your pocket . This is a natural habit when speaking. One hand in your pocket gives the impression of being relaxed, but both hands in pockets looks too casual and should be avoided.

Interact with the Audience

• Be aware of how your audience is reacting to your presentation . Are they interested or bored? If they look confused, stop and ask them [e.g., "Is anything I've covered so far unclear?"]. Stop and explain a point again if needed.
• Check after highlighting key points to ask if the audience is still with you . "Does that make sense?"; "Is that clear?" Don't do this often during the presentation but, if the audience looks disengaged, interrupting your talk to ask a quick question can re-focus their attention even if no one answers.
• Do not apologize for anything . If you believe something will be hard to read or understand, don't use it. If you apologize for feeling awkward and nervous, you'll only succeed in drawing attention to the fact you are feeling awkward and nervous and your audience will begin looking for this, rather than focusing on what you are saying.
• Be open to questions . If someone asks a question in the middle of your talk, answer it. If it disrupts your train of thought momentarily, that's ok because your audience will understand. Questions show that the audience is listening with interest and, therefore, should not be regarded as an attack on you, but as a collaborative search for deeper understanding. However, don't engage in an extended conversation with an audience member or the rest of the audience will begin to feel left out. If an audience member persists, kindly tell them that the issue can be addressed after you've completed the rest of your presentation and note to them that their issue may be addressed later in your presentation [it may not be, but at least saying so allows you to move on].
• Be ready to get the discussion going after your presentation . Professors often want a brief discussion to take place after a presentation. Just in case nobody has anything to say or no one asks any questions, be prepared to ask your audience some provocative questions or bring up key issues for discussion.

Amirian, Seyed Mohammad Reza and Elaheh Tavakoli. “Academic Oral Presentation Self-Efficacy: A Cross-Sectional Interdisciplinary Comparative Study.” Higher Education Research and Development 35 (December 2016): 1095-1110; Balistreri, William F. “Giving an Effective Presentation.” Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 35 (July 2002): 1-4; Creating and Using Overheads. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Enfield, N. J. How We Talk: The Inner Workings of Conversation . New York: Basic Books, 2017; Giving an Oral Presentation. Academic Skills Centre. University of Canberra; Lucas, Stephen. The Art of Public Speaking . 12th ed. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2015; Peery, Angela B. Creating Effective Presentations: Staff Development with Impact . Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Education, 2011; Peoples, Deborah Carter. Guidelines for Oral Presentations. Ohio Wesleyan University Libraries; Perret, Nellie. Oral Presentations. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Speeches. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Storz, Carl et al. Oral Presentation Skills. Institut national de télécommunications, EVRY FRANCE.

Speaking Tip

Your First Words are Your Most Important Words!

Your introduction should begin with something that grabs the attention of your audience, such as, an interesting statistic, a brief narrative or story, or a bold assertion, and then clearly tell the audience in a well-crafted sentence what you plan to accomplish in your presentation. Your introductory statement should be constructed so as to invite the audience to pay close attention to your message and to give the audience a clear sense of the direction in which you are about to take them.

Lucas, Stephen. The Art of Public Speaking . 12th edition. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2015.

Another Speaking Tip

Talk to Your Audience, Don't Read to Them!

A presentation is not the same as reading a prepared speech or essay. If you read your presentation as if it were an essay, your audience will probably understand very little about what you say and will lose their concentration quickly. Use notes, cue cards, or presentation slides as prompts that highlight key points, and speak to your audience . Include everyone by looking at them and maintaining regular eye-contact [but don't stare or glare at people]. Limit reading text to quotes or to specific points you want to emphasize.

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• Last Updated: May 7, 2024 9:45 AM
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Friendship PPT Presentation and Google Slides Templates

Friendship Presentation Slides

Friendship is a special bond between individuals, built on trust, mutual understanding, and support. It brings joy, companionship, and a sense of belonging. True friends stand by each other through thick and thin, celebrating victories and providing solace in tough times. This template celebrates the essence of friendship, offering a framework to cherish and nurture these relationships. It provides ideas for activities, communication tips, and reminders to express gratitude, fostering lasting and meaningful connections. If you want to explain more about Friendship , you can use this template.

Features of the templates:

• 100% customizable slides and easy to download.
• Slides are available in different nodes & colors.
• The slide contains 16:9 and 4:3 formats.
• Easy to change the colors of the slide quickly.
• Highly compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.
• Well-crafted template with an instant download facility.
• family and friends
• Friendship Design
• Family And Friendship
• Friendly Relationship
• Friendliness
• Google Slides

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Friendship is Forever Minitheme

Friendship is forever minitheme presentation, premium google slides theme, powerpoint template, and canva presentation template.

Friendship is a special bond that can't be broken. Many of us have been lucky to experience such strong and undeniable friendships in our lives. That is why we are here with this minitheme template. By using it with its illustrations of friends having fun, you can share your own stories. Let everyone know what true friendship is about and tell them your own experience. Above all, with this template make wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

Features of this template

• 100% editable and easy to modify
• 20 different slides to impress your audience
• Contains easy-to-edit graphics such as graphs, maps, tables, timelines and mockups
• Includes 500+ icons and Flaticon’s extension for customizing your slides
• Designed to be used in Google Slides, Canva, and Microsoft PowerPoint
• 16:9 widescreen format suitable for all types of screens
• Includes information about fonts, colors, and credits of the resources used

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