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Effective Public Speaking Insights

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
308 views2 pages

Effective Public Speaking Insights

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Uploaded by

floresshanella
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ORALCOM Hand-outs #5

INSIGHTS ON PUBLIC SPEAKING


Are effective speakers made, or are they naturally born effective speakers? It is true that
some people are born with special gifts in public speaking, but it is also true that most of the
public speakers either underwent intensive formal training or got involved in several speaking
situations that, over time, they were able to hone the skills.
According to Stephen Lucas (2011), author of “The Art of Public Speaking,” a good
delivery means that you are capable and able to present your message in a clear, coherent, and
interesting way. In addition to this also, he also says: Good delivery conveys the speaker’s ideas
clearly, interestingly, and without distracting the audience. Most audiences prefer delivery that
combines a certain degree of formality with the best attributes of good conversation –
directness, spontaneity, animation, vocal and facial expressiveness, and a lively sense of
communication (p.244)
As a student of public speaking, you should know that public speaking is not simply
reading your speech or talking about your topic. It requires making connections with your
audience and presenting yourself formally to the public. There are types of speeches according
to purpose and delivery from which you can choose the best one or the most appropriate in a
given situation.

TYPES OF SPEECH ACCORDING TO DELIVERY


1. An informative speech provides the audience with a clear understanding of a concept or idea.
The lectures of your teachers are the best example of this type.
2. An entertainment speech amuses the audience. The humorous speeches of comedians and
performers are the best examples of this type.
3. A persuasive speech seeks to provide the audience with favorable or acceptable ideas that
can influence their own ideas and decisions. The campaign speeches of the running candidates
for government posts are the best example of this type.

TOOLS FOR EFFECTIVE SPEECH DELIVERY


To be effective in your delivery, it is recommended that you watch and emulate people
who speaks in public excellently. While observing, take note of the following:
 How they approach their audience (formal, informal, personal, conversational, intimate,
among others)
 How they connect with their audience (using eye contact, body movements, and facial
expressions)
 How they use their voice in terms of volume (loudness or softness), pitch, rate or speed,
pauses, vocal variety, and pronunciation.
The items enumerated are the tools that can help you develop your speech. Practice in
front of the mirror and observe your own delivery with these tools in mind. Alternately, you can
practice in front of your family, friends, classmates, or those who have already done public
speaking. You can ask for feedback or seek advice from them. Keep practicing and engaging
yourself in speaking situations. Remember, you already have the public speaking skill, but you
will only improve if you speak in public constantly.

MORE TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE SPEECH DELIVERY


1. Use a conversational style more often. This style is more natural use when you express
yourself with your family and friends.
2. Look your audience members in the eye so they feel that they are part of your speech.
Maintain eye contact.
3. Remember to adjust your volume to the size of the audience and the venue. Modulate your
voice in such a way that you speak loudly without sounding like shouting or yelling.
4. Vary your rate or speed in speaking to keep your audience interested and to avoid a
monotone pattern.
5. Master your voice and find your pitch level. Your performance will be affected if you do not
modulate.
6. Use pauses when you emphasize the most important words, phrases, or sentences. Your
pause should not last for three seconds. Otherwise, it will result in dead air or a moment of
awkward silence.
7. Pronounce and enunciate words correctly to avoid misunderstanding. Mispronunciation affects
your credibility.
8. Avoid fillers or expressions that substitute actual words in your speech because they are
distracting. Example of filleres are: “like,” “um,” “ah,” and “er.”
9. Start your speech by standing straight and balancing your weight. This will give a positive first
impression.
10. Use precise movements. Avoid distracting mannerisms. Observe your mannerisms & learn
how to avoid them.
11. Avoid having a poker face or a highly animated face. Instead, follow the most highly
suggested tip: smile.
12. Dress properly and appropriately. Make sure not to overdress, as this may distract your
audience.
13. Observe ethics by coming prepared, being honest with your words, being polite, avoiding
offensive words.
14. Breathe in and out to relax before your speech. Most importantly, have fun

Common questions

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Speech delivery style significantly affects audience engagement. A conversational style can create a natural, relatable atmosphere, making the audience feel directly addressed and involved. This contrasts with overly formal styles that may distance the speaker from the audience. The use of direct eye contact, vocal expressiveness, and body language enhances this engagement by making communication dynamic and interactive, fostering a stronger connection with the audience .

Non-verbal communication is vital in public speaking as it supports verbal messages, enhances engagement, and conveys emotions and sincerity. Examples include maintaining eye contact, which makes the audience feel involved, and using facial expressions and body language to reinforce points. These non-verbal cues add a layer of dynamism that spoken words alone cannot achieve, facilitating a compelling and interactive experience for the audience .

Feedback is crucial for learning public speaking as it provides external insights into one's performance, highlighting areas for improvement. Receiving feedback from practiced speakers or audiences helps in understanding the effectiveness of delivery, uncovering unknown errors, and refining skills. It guides the speaker in making necessary adjustments to improve clarity, engagement, and communication efficiency .

Effective public speaking is attributed to both innate talent and intensive formal training, as noted by Stephen Lucas in "The Art of Public Speaking." Developing a clear, coherent, and interesting delivery is emphasized as crucial for effective communication. Additionally, a speaker should combine formality with conversational techniques, such as directness, spontaneity, and expressiveness. Mastering these skills requires continuous practice and engagement in varied speaking situations .

Public speakers can manage nervousness through preparation, relaxation techniques, and practice. Strategies include deep breathing before speaking to calm nerves, rehearsing in front of others to build confidence, and focusing on audience engagement rather than self-consciousness. Additionally, maintaining a balanced posture and dressing appropriately can boost self-confidence, aiding in a positive and assertive presentation .

Ethical communication in public speaking involves honesty, respect, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring messages are truthful and considerate. Speakers can adhere to ethical standards by preparing thoroughly, using factually accurate information, avoiding offensive language, and being respectful toward audience beliefs and values. This ethical approach enhances credibility and audience trust, essential for effective communication .

Effective public speakers vary their voice by modulating volume, pitch, speed, and using pauses appropriately. This prevents monotony, maintains audience interest, and ensures clarity. Adjusting volume to the venue ensures audibility without shouting, while varying rate keeps engagement. Pauses emphasize important points, enhancing listener understanding .

Mastering one's voice enhances speech effectiveness by ensuring clear articulation, appropriate volume, and dynamic interaction through vocal variety. This control prevents misunderstandings and keeps the audience engaged. The ability to modulate tone, speed, and pitch allows speakers to emphasize important points and maintain listener interest, contributing to persuasive and coherent communication .

Informative speeches aim to provide clear understanding, often using detailed explanations similar to lectures. Entertainment speeches focus on amusement, characterized by witty and engaging delivery, as seen in comedians' performances. Persuasive speeches intend to influence opinions and decisions, requiring a strategic combination of argumentation and appeal. Each type utilizes distinct delivery methods, such as factual clarity for informative, humor for entertainment, and strong rhetoric for persuasive speeches .

Common pitfalls in public speaking include the use of fillers, poor pronunciation, lack of vocal variation, and distracting mannerisms. These can be avoided by practicing clear and correct enunciation, varying vocal elements like pitch and volume to maintain interest, and eliminating unnecessary words like 'um' and 'ah.' Awareness and rehearsal in front of an audience can also help identify and reduce distracting habits .

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