The lecturette is a key component of the GTO tasks where you'll pick a card with four topics, select one, and speak on it for three minutes after about a minute of preparation. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Understand the Process
You would have to pick up a card. There would be 4 topics mentioned on it. You would have to select 1 out of these 4 topics and speak on it for 3 minutes. You would get about a minute or so to prepare.
2. Nature of Topics
At least 1 or 2 topics would be very generic (e.g., reservation system, pollution control, population control). Most candidates can speak on these.
3. Topic Difficulty is Relative
There are no additional points for speaking on a topic perceived as 'tough'. What might be tough for you might be very easy for someone else. So relatively, you can’t classify topics as easy or tough.
4. Choose Comfort and Content
Pick the topic you are most comfortable with and on which you have reasonable content.
5. What the GTO Assesses
The GTO would want to see how you organize your content with minimal preparation and with only 3 minutes to speak. This shows a lot about your thought process, planning, and ability to structure time. Of course, content, communication, and confidence also matter, but that is true for all assessments in SSB.
6. Structure Your Talk (3 Minutes)
In my opinion, a lecturette has to be divided into 3 sections: Introduction (approx. 30 secs), Body (approx. 2 mins), and Conclusion (approx. 30 secs).
7. Introduce Your Topic
Even if it's a very generic topic, introduce the group to it. Do not assume that everybody is aware of it.
8. Develop the Body
In the body, mention facts and stats about the topic. If you don't have stats, don't fake anything; stick to facts in that case. Giving examples from recent events also helps.
9. Craft a Conclusion
In the conclusion, give your opinion about the topic: what must be done, what can improve the situation, what is the future, etc. This depends on the topic you have chosen.
10. Manage Your Time
Do not overshoot time. When the GTO presses the hammer indicating that 30 secs are left, conclude quickly.
11. Delivery Matters
Greet the group when you start. Be loud, take appropriate pauses, and maintain eye contact with the group. Don’t look for flowery words; simple words are good enough.
12. Avoid Repetition
Do not repeat your points in the lecturette. It's better to finish early than to repeat your own points.
13. Continuous Learning
Of course, read a lot while you prepare for SSB. That would never go in vain.
14. Practice and Self-Evaluate
Before you go for SSB, record a couple of lecturettes and listen to them yourself. You would realize how clear your speech is and how audible it is. You would also realize how long or short 3 minutes are.
Hope this helps. All the best…