Writing S.M.A.R.T. Public Speaking Goals
Writing SMART goals can help you develop your ethical public speaking skills. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-focused, and Time bound. To learn how to write SMART goals for developing your ethical public speaking skills, review the information and examples below.

EXAMPLE of SMART Goal:

I would like to improve my eye contact by referring to my notes less during my speech to enhance my speaker credibility with my audience by practicing my speech 6 times before the September 30 due date..

Process of Developing SMART public speaking goal:

1. Specific. What will the goal accomplish? Why will it be accomplished?
Example: I would like to improve my eye contact during my speech to enhance my speaker credibility with my audience.

2.

Measurable. How will you measure whether or not the goal has been reached

Example: My score for the nonverbal physical rubric criterion on my next speech will improve.

3. Actions. What actions will you take to bring about this change?
Example: I will practice my speech at least 6 times before I upload my speech for a grade so I may refer to my notes less during my speech.

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4. Realistic. Is it possible? Have others done it successfully? Do you have the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources to accomplish the goal? Will meeting the goal challenge you without defeating you?

Example: (You should give some serious thought to addressing the answer to the question to avoid setting yourself up for failure)

5. Time-bound. What is the established completion date and does that completion date create a practical sense of urgency?
Example: I would like to accomplish this goal by my next speech which is due by September 30.

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