Oral Communication MS. SUHA JAWABREH LECTURE # 16
Public Speaking Skills Why do you need to develop your Public Speaking skills? 1. Increase your confidence 2. Reduce anxiety and fear
Skill # 1: Stage Presence Good public speakers appear: 1. Confident : Confidence comes from choosing a topic you like and researching it well. 2. Friendly : Friendliness can be conveyed simply by smiling at your audience. 3. Enthusiastic and energetic :Enthusiasm and energy will naturally follow when you enjoy your topic and are well prepared.
What should you do if you lack stage presence? Take some time and view clips of speakers that you admire. Aim to imitate their style. If you are adequately prepared, there isn't any reason why you can't "fake it 'til you make it". In other words, act confident until you feel confident.
Skill # 2: Voice Control -Your voice is the most important tool you will use as a public speaker. -One key skill to improve the quality of your voice is to practice diaphragmatic breathing; breathing from your diaphragm instead of your chest. Doing so will reduce the feeling of breathlessness caused by speech anxiety. -In addition, this type of breathing will allow you to better control the tone (quality), pitch (high or low) and volume of your voice.
Skill # 3: Body Language -It is important to consider your body language and the message that it conveys. In general, you should practice standing with a relaxed upright posture. Your hands should be at your sides or clasped in front of you, unless you are making a gesture to emphasize a point. -Become aware of your facial expressions as well; they should match the message you are delivering.
Skill # 4: Delivery -When it comes to public speaking, delivery is everything. -Even if you have a great voice and good body language, your message will get lost if the audience can't easily follow what you say. -Below are some tips for developing good delivery skills: 1. Speak slowly and deliberately (in a careful and unharried way); it should seem too slow to you. 2. Pause between ideas. 3. Carefully articulate and pronounce your words 4. Avoid filler sounds like "Um" and "ah" 5. Vary the pitch and volume of your voice to add interest
Skill # 5: Audience Relations -Good public speakers are in tune with their audience. Public speaking is more than standing in front of a group and talking. -Acknowledge your audience right away and begin talking as soon as all eyes are on you. -If you need to set up equipment, converse with your audience at the same time to keep their attention. -Make eye contact and watch for communication from the audience. Smiles and nodding are good; fidgeting (make uneasy movements or move restlessly) or confused looks may mean that you need to adjust what you are doing.
What is the bottom line? Remember that the goal of public speaking is to deliver a message. In addition to the above skills, you need to be connected to your material. When you are knowledgeable and speak with passion, both you and the audience will have a more enjoyable experience.
How to Evaluate a Speech Introduction Did it capture attention & interest? Was the topic introduced clearly? Was the topic related to the audience? Did the speaker have topic-credibility? Was the body of the speech previewed?
Body Were the main points clear? Were the main points supported? Were the main points logically presented? Were the transitions between main points clear & effective?
Conclusion Was the transition to the end of the speech signaled? Was there a summary of principal points? Was there an effective close and/or call to action?
Language Was the language used appropriate for the topic & the audience Was the language varied?
Delivery Were the notes, visual aids etc. organized before the start? Was there good use of eye contact? Was the body language (posture & gesture) controlled & effective? Was the speaking rate - flexible & effective? Was the speaking volume appropriate & varied?
Was there fluency, an absence of fillers like 'ahs' & 'ums'? Was vocal variety used, changes in pitch & tone, & good use of pausing? Did the speaker show enthusiasm for the topic? Were there visual aids & were they appropriate & integrated into the speech?
Overall evaluation Was the topic researched? Did the topic adapt well to the audience? Were the audience interested? Was the speech completed within the time limit?
How are these aspects/areas rated? The most common is a 5 point scale: P (poor) F (fair) A (average) G (good) E (excellent)
Assignment Each student is required to prepare a fiveminute speech.