Public Speaking
Public Speaking - A skilled mode of communication
Human beings are social beings who interact through communication. Modes of communication include verbal, written, sensory, emotional, technological, physical, objects, art form ...
Verbal communication (spoken word) is the most common method of communication between people. Human beings are born with natural ability to speak, yet speaking in public is the number one fear of most human beings.
This fear arises from the unusual situation of communicating while being the only one talking. Though both the spoken word and the written word can convey the same meaning, the spoken word stimulates a chemistry of feelings, of thoughts and evoking of emotions of the audience in a live situation. Unlike the written word, which is passive, the spoken word is a highly physical activity.
Public speaking is enlarged conversation, where you communicate verbally to an audience who react non-verbally. Public speaking therefore is a skilled mode of communication, for it entails purposeful action, directing the whole of one's being to the task communicating with the audience.
Essentials of a Great Speaker
- personable and eloquent
- passionate about the topic
- compassionate to the audience
- has and projects a positive self-image
- remains focused on the objective of the presentation
- has ability to be innovative, captivating, articulate, persuasive and motivational.
Types of Presentation
There are as many types of presentations as there are life situations. The presentation situation could be for training, sales, entertainment, political, motivational, image building or interview.
Basic Purpose of Presentation
Informative - seminars, talks, conferences Persuasive - debates, motivational programs Goodwill - weddings, graduations, funeral, after dinner
The form of preparation for the presentation could vary from written to memorized and at times, impromptu.
Audience
Public speaking revolves around ...
- the speaker
- the audience
- the speech/presentation
What you say and how you say it depends on who you say it to. The audience is an integral component of your presentation situation.
Assess your audience by checking the variables of age, educational level, ideological/religious/ political inclination and their emotional state.
Ask yourself ..
- Who are they?
- Why are they attending?
- What do they expect?
- How do you wish them to react to your message?
Classification of Audience
- captives - have no choice but to attend
- pragmatists - partial choice
- socially motivated - attend by choice
- committed - enthusiastic
Preparing the Presentation
Remember that a speech / presentation is the transfer of understanding from one person to a large group in one operation.
Step 1 - Reflect on aim of Presentation
- what is the subject ?
- who is the audience ?
- what is the goal of the presentation ?
- set parameters around the scope of intended presentation
Step 2 - Research
- define topic
- gather information from reliable sources
- collate perspectives with arguments for and against
Step 3 - Create a Mind Map
- make association and connection between ideas, concepts and your thoughts
- organize your presentation around key points
- expand on the theme of each key point
- the sum total of your presentation must fulfill one major objective; leaving the audience with what you would like them to remember most
" A speech has two parts, you must state your case and then you must prove it." (Aristotle - Rhetoric)
In public speaking, state your case at the beginning and end of your presentation. In between, argue your case with substantiation.
Introduction
- Opening remarks and first impression.
- Tell them what you are going to tell them.
- Capture audience attention by arousing their curiosity. (Narrate a human interest story, use an exhibit, pose a question or state a startling fact).
- Do not begin with an insult, accusation, undue apology or grading of yourself.
Body
Center theme around key points & discussion with substantiation.
- Central Theme - Tell them Get the message across with chronological progression
- Discussion - Tell them some more Provide clear and concise argument for the message
Conclusion
- Recapture the essence of the message
- Tell them what you told them
- This is the most strategic part of your speech because last words are lasting words and can produce the desired impact
For a Great Presentation ensure the following :
- grab audience attention with opener
- propose your idea clearly
- establish interest by providing reasons and justification
- summarize with a climax
The Personal You
Personality and preparation are the most important features in public speaking. The speaker/ presenter and what he/she conveys are the prime focus of attention during the presentation.
Personality is the whole combination of a person encompassing physical appearance, mental traits, spiritual depth, ideological / political inclinations, tendencies, traits, temperaments, experiences, expertise, vigor, outlook and attitude.
Project a Positive Self Image
You project to others what you think of yourself. Be careful what you project.
- be natural, be yourself, be you-nique
- be cool, calm and in control
- be clear, candid and convincing
- be free, frank and forceful (i.e. assertive without being aggressive, neither arrogant nor confrontational)
- be thoughtful, truthful and time conscious
- be original, do not try to impress, originality is impressive enough
Appearance
Ensure that the personal you is an acceptable you ...
- be personable - not aloof, unapproachable or strange
- be punctual - "appear" on time, stick to time and "disappear" on time
- be presentable - neat and appropriately dressed, clean hands, kempt hair or decent headgear, fresh mouth, dry nose and clean teeth.
Engaging the Audience
Your ability to reach an audience through a presentation is directly dependent on ...
- what you have to say
- the way you say it
- who you are
To effectively engage the audience, you need to build a rapport with the audience. You need to develop a relationship of understanding, of mutual trust leading to emotional affinity. Let the audience feel comfortable with you.
- speak to them, not at them
- speak, do not read; they can read for themselves
- employ humor which is relevant, short, tasteful, comprehensible and acceptable
- use of question as a rhetorical device breaks monotony and involves the audience
- say what you mean
- mean what you say
- drama could be employed to emphasize key points
- since the use of your voice is critical to the presentation, the quality of your voice affects the quality of your presentation
Non verbal communication may say more than the words you use
- facial expression - how you pull your face affects how people interpret what you say
- gestures - how the body and hands are synchronized with what you say could reflect your attitude to the subject and the audience
- Project a positive self-image
People with an opposing or different perspectives may challenge the speaker. This could lead to some form of confrontation and confrontation often brings out the worst in people. As a presenter ...
- stay calm
- never lose control of yourself or the situation
- do not become personal or abusive
- be a lady / gentlemen even your antagonist does not behave like one
- stick to the topic
- respond with facts, logic and reason
- remain cheerful as far as possible
- be prepared to pardon the aggression of the antagonist
Answering Questions
Anticipate differing perspectives, be prepared to answer key questions and prepare basic responses wherever necessary.
In responding to questions ...
- listen attentively
- ensure that you understand the question
- deal with the question
- respect begets respect - if you are not prepared to hear others then you have no right to be heard
- answer to the best of your ability
- if you don't know then say "I don't know"
- never lose control
- provide references for further information
10 Commandments on Dealing with the Media
- Know what you are in for
- Know
- Tell the truth
- Use politically correct terminology and avoid sarcasm
- Do not say more than required or requested (unless your point is not allowed to be expressed, then say ... "the most important point for me is ..." / " the listeners may find it interesting to know ...")
- Do not respond with "no comment"
- If offered a preview of presentation, take it
- Sound bites are what counts
- Always be courteous and friendly
- Remember that nothing is off the record
Employing Popular Media for Presentation
- Radio : Your voice and choice of words are the only tools you have at your disposal to express yourself. You are heard but not seen.
- Television : Live TV is probably the most powerful and compelling medium, but it is also the most intimidating. You are seen and heard.
- Print Media (newspapers and magazines) : Prepare hard copy of your key points and avail it to the interviewer. Though this is the least intimidating form of the media, it couldcause the most problems since you are neither seen nor heard but read about. Someone else (interviewer/reporter) relates what they think you said or did.
Keep in Mind
- Consider yourself a Teacher - communicate affectionately with the audience
- Be Conversational - do not pontificate; be warm, enthusiastic, maintain eye contact and keep it as sociable as possible.
- Use your Personality Positively - an image of success affects ability to communicate effectively
- The Objective of your Presentation - come home having presented what you wanted to present.