Topic: public speaking. Oral Presentation

Lecture 3

TOPIC: PUBLIC SPEAKING. ORAL PRESENTATION

PLAN

1. Fundamentals of Effective Communication

1.1. Preparing Your Presentation

Considering Your Audience

Choosing a Topic

Determining Your Purpose

Researching Your Topic

Selecting Support Material

 

2. Effective Presentation

2.1. Organizing Your Speech

Body

Introduction

Conclusion

Question-and-Answer Sessions

2.2. Language Use

2.3. Ethics and Plagiarism

2.4. Delivering Your Speech

Modes of Delivery

Types of Speeches

 

3. Non-verbal Means of Communication

3.1. Setting Up

3.2. Appearance and Body Language

3.3. Appearance

3.4. Eye Contact

3.5. Facial Expressions

3.6. Gestures

3.7. Body Posture and Movement

 

4. Socio- and Phonostylistic Features of Public Addresses

4.1. Vocal Behavior

4.2. Pitch

4.3. Rate and Fluency

 

5. Presentation tools

5.1. Audiovisual Support

5.2. Using AV Aids Effectively

 

6. Communication Anxiety

 

7. Conclusion

 

Fundamentals of Effective Communication

Of all the skills employers desire in employees, oral communication skills rank highest.Survey after survey reports that oral communication skills are considered even more important than writing and math skills, as well as a number of other job-related qualities, such as initiative, technical competence, and organizational abilities.

Oral communication encompasses a variety of genres: conversations, interviews, discussions, debates, and negotiations, to name just a few. Many of these speech events take place in fairly nonthreatening settings, with interactions occurring either between two people or within small groups. However, there are times in almost everybody’s life when public speaking is required. Many careers are based on a certain amount of public speaking. Take teachers, trial lawyers, politicians, broadcast

journalists, or preachers, for example. For all of them, public speaking is an integral part of daily life. Likewise, people in leadership positions are routinely asked to share their views or provide guidance in larger settings. But even for those whose careers don’t call for public speaking, opportunities for speaking in front of audiences abound.

Preparing Your Presentation

Considering Your Audience. The most important aspect of public speaking is the audience. At all times during theprocess of preparing and delivering a speech, we need to keep in mind that we arespeaking to an audience and not just to ourselves. Whether the goal is to entertain, toinform, or to persuade, we should try to reach our listeners and tailor the speech to them.

If you don’t know who will be in your audience, the answers to these questions will have to be educated guesses. If your audience is predetermined, however, you may want to gather information through surveys or other research and tailor your speech to the exact needs and interests of your listeners. Your efforts will be rewarded by the feedback you receive for a presentation that is interesting and sensitive to your audience.

Choosing a Topic. When speeches are given in political or professional contexts, speakers focus on theirareas of expertise. They may have some freedom in choosing a topic, but the broadertheme is predefined. An environmental activist at a political rally, for example, isexpected to talk about environmental issues, and a sales representative of a computersoftware company will probably discuss software.

Students in public speaking classes generally have more freedom in selecting their speech topics. In most cases, limits are set only by sensitivity considerations or taboos, usually eliminating such themes as sex, religious proselytizing, and extremist political persuasions.

Determining Your Purpose. To fine-tune your focus before you start research

and specific purpose as well as the central idea of your speech. The general purpose of a speech usually is to entertain, to inform, or to persuade; the specific purpose describes exactly what a speaker wants to accomplish; and the central idea is the core of your message.

Researching Your Topic. After you have selected a topic and determined your specific purpose, you shouldresearch it thoroughly. Your audience will expect comprehensive and up-to-datecoverage.

Selecting Support Material. Research furnishes you with information about your topic and can lead you to suitablesupport materials. These materials are essential for effective speech-making because theyarouse interest, provide substance, and emphasize important ideas.

When choosing support materials, consider the background of the audience. Some concepts and examples are more common in some cultures than in others. Make sure to choose support materials with which the audience is familiar.

 

Effective Presentation

Organizing Your Speech

Once you have researched your topic and collected support materials, the first part of your speech preparation is completed. Now, it is time to organize your ideas. The most common and versatile pattern is the division into introduction, body, and conclusion.

Body. You may be tempted to plan the introduction first. The easiest way to

organize a speech, however, is to start with the body. Look at your material and divide it into major points. In general, the fewer main points you have, the better. A relatively small number of main points makes your speech more translucent and memorable for the audience. A short speech of five minutes, for example, should not have more than three or four main points.

The next step is to arrange your main points within the body. For this purpose, you need to consider the general content of your main points. Depending on this content, your speech will probably lend itself to one of the following traditional organization patterns. Determining the content of the body will help you plan an effective introduction and conclusion for your speech. The body is best done first so that it can provide an anchor for the beginning and ending of your presentation.

Introduction. One of the most important parts of a speech is the introduction. The introduction should function as an attention-getter, create interest, motivate the audience to listen, establish your credibility, and give a preview of your main points. While there are different ways to accomplish these goals, the following pattern has been proven effective and may serve as a guideline.

How to Create an Effective Introduction

Language Use

Spoken language is more informal than written language and often more vivid andintense. Because listeners cannot go back and re-read what a speaker says, effective orallanguage is also simpler and more repetitious. In addition, it contains plentiful examplesand illustrations to assist listeners in understanding the message. The followingguidelines provide tips for effective language use.

To be effective, language should be correct. Use correct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. When in doubt, consult reference books or ask for help. Avoid unnecessary jargon and define any technical vocabulary you must use.Use specific rather than vague language (e.g., change “for asmall amount of money” to “for three dollars”).Eliminate unnecessary verbiage (e.g., change “what you do is

you push this button” to “push this button”). Use the language suitable for your setting and the audience (e.g.,avoid slang terms in educational and professional settings). Avoid sexist language (e.g., change “he” to “he or she” or “they”

and “chairman” to “chairperson”), ageist stereotypes (e.g., “set in her ways,” “over the hill”), any terms that could potentially offend racial, ethnic, religious, or gender groups.

If you come from a culture where public speaking is a formal event, remember

that U.S. culture allows for a fair amount of informality. Try to adjust to this speaking style to connect with your audience effectively. Make sure you observe American speakers in their use of informality before you speak to get a sense of how much informality is appropriate. Don’t become too informal.

Ethics and Plagiarism

The Romans described an effective orator as “a good man, skilled in speaking” (virbonus, dicendi peritus).The governing principle of ethics is a sincere concern for the audience. This concernshows itself through a speaker’s attitude of respect and appreciation of the listeners aswell as through the speaker’s responsible handling of the information he or she presents.

Delivering Your Speech

Setting Up. Before you deliver your speech, take time to set up. Don’t hurry. Having everything ingood working order will help you feel confident as you move on to the delivery of yourspeech.

Modes of Delivery. The three basic modes of speech delivery are impromptu, extemporaneous, andmanuscript.

Impromptu speeches allow for little or no preparation. You may be asked to“say a few words” at a reception, for example, give an answer to a question, or expressyour opinion during a meeting.

Extemporaneous speaking is based on thorough preparation, but the speaker presents his or her ideas freely, using only an outline or keywords. Extemporaneous speeches are the most common speech form, used in many educational and professional settings.

Manuscript speeches require a written text and are delivered word for word. They are appropriate for formal occasions where a record of the speech is desired (e.g., the

keynote address at a conference, the president’s speech at an important function).

Types of Speeches

Narrative Speeches

A narrative speech is a speech telling a story.

Demonstration Speeches

Demonstration speeches show how something works (e.g., a camera) or how somethingis done (e.g., CPR). Audiovisual aids are therefore essential.

Informative Speeches

Informative speeches aim to educate the audience. Speakers basically act as teachers and provide new knowledge and ideas.

Persuasive Speeches

The goal of a persuasive speech is to convince the audience.

Presentation tools

Audiovisual Support

Audiovisual (AV) aids (e.g., posters, overhead transparencies, computer presentation

graphics, audiorecordings, etc.) have many advantages.

• They help listeners understand the material better.

• They can make a speech more interesting.

• If attractively designed, they enhance the speaker’s credibility.

• They provide something for the audience to see besides the speaker and can

thus reduce speaker nervousness.

• They can serve as a memory aid for the speaker.

When preparing AV support for your speech, you need to decide first which parts of your speech would best be reinforced through AV aids. Don’t use too many AV aids. Select wisely. Rather than simply projecting a copy of your outline on a screen, choose segments that are abstract or complex and would gain from audiovisual representation.

5.2.Using AV Aids Effectively. In the design of your AV support, strive for the most

professional look possible. Use quality materials and color when possible. It may take

some time to create your aids, but the effort is well worth it.

Audiovisual Aids

Audiorecordings

Black- or Whiteboards

Computerized Presentation Graphics

Drawings

• Drawings

Handouts

Maps

Models

Overhead Projectors (OHP)

Photographs

Posters

Slides

Videorecordings

! Warning

When using technology, make sure you arrive early to set up and check the

equipment. Prepare an alternative way of presenting your material in case of

power or equipment failure.

Communication Anxiety

If you are nervous about speaking in public, you are not alone. Many people list publicspeaking as their greatest fear—greater than the fear of death!Having stage fright is normal, even for experienced speakers. In fact, a little nervousnessmay actually help you get focused, be alert to the audience, and deliver a more effectiveand captivating speech.The first step in managing communication anxiety is to become aware of and understandits symptoms: the queasy stomach, dry mouth, rapid breathing and heart rate,perspiration, trembling hands, and knees. These symptoms are a speaker’s response to thestressfulness of the situation. Interestingly, the symptoms are identical to the onesassociated with “fight or flight” reactions during real, physical danger.

Confidence builds with time and exposure. You will find that the more you speak in public, the less nervous you will be. It is therefore a good idea to use any opportunity to practice and gain experience. Even short “speeches” (such as questions asked in a class setting, participating in a discussion, offering a toast, or making an announcement) add up. Remember: Practice makes perfect!

Conclusion

There are different ways to evaluate the effectiveness of a speech. Ultimately, the

audience’s reaction is the best measurement of success. In most cases, however, this

reaction is closely tied to the thoroughness of preparation and the use of the public

speaking techniques. To briefly summarize the guidelines of this chapter, here is a checklist of the most important features.

Further Readings

Guidelines for Public Speaking is based on the professional experience of the author and represents content commonly discussed in public speaking textbooks. There are many books that cover public speaking techniques in great detail. Some examples of excellent texts are listed below.

Bryden, S. R., & Scott, M. D. (latest edition). Between one and many: The art and

science of public speaking. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

 

Jaffe, C. (latest edition). Public speaking: Concepts and skills for a diverse society. New York: Wadsworth.

 

Lucas, S. (latest edition). The art of public speaking. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Osborn, M., & Osborn, S. (latest edition). Public speaking. New York: Houghton

Mifflin, Elisabeth Gareis Department of Communication Studies Baruch College/CUNY New York, USA

Lecture 3

TOPIC: PUBLIC SPEAKING. ORAL PRESENTATION

PLAN

1. Fundamentals of Effective Communication

1.1. Preparing Your Presentation

Considering Your Audience

Choosing a Topic

Determining Your Purpose

Researching Your Topic

Selecting Support Material

 

2. Effective Presentation

2.1. Organizing Your Speech

Body

Introduction

Conclusion

Question-and-Answer Sessions

2.2. Language Use

2.3. Ethics and Plagiarism

2.4. Delivering Your Speech

Modes of Delivery

Types of Speeches

 

3. Non-verbal Means of Communication

3.1. Setting Up

3.2. Appearance and Body Language

3.3. Appearance

3.4. Eye Contact

3.5. Facial Expressions

3.6. Gestures

3.7. Body Posture and Movement

 

4. Socio- and Phonostylistic Features of Public Addresses

4.1. Vocal Behavior

4.2. Pitch

4.3. Rate and Fluency

 

5. Presentation tools

5.1. Audiovisual Support

5.2. Using AV Aids Effectively

 

6. Communication Anxiety

 

7. Conclusion