PUBLIC SPEAKING

Nature of Public Speaking

Public Speaking is a form of communication in which a speaker conveys a message before a group. It is usually formal and the language used is appropriate to the situation. It is a way of making ones ideas public-of sharing them with other people and of influencing them.

Public speaking has been a vital means of personal empowerment and civic engagement throughout history. As a form of empowerment, it can and often does make a difference in things people care about very much. The key phrase here is make a difference. This is what most men want to do in real lifeto make a difference, to change the world in some small way.

Difference Between Public Speaking and Conversation

1. Public Speaking is more highlystructured than conversation. 2. Public Speaking requires more formal language . 3. Public Speaking demands different method of delivery. a

With study and practice, one will be able to master these differences and expand his conversational skills into speechmaking. The speech class will provide the opportunity for this study and practice.

Developing Confidence
One of the major concerns in any speech class is stage fright. We may as well face the issues squarely. Many people who converse easily in all kinds of everyday situations become frightened at the idea of standing up before a group to make a speech.

 Nervousness is normal. Most people tend to be anxious before doing something important in public. Actors are nervous before a play, politicians are nervous before a campaign speech, and athletes are nervous before a big game. The ones who succeed have learned to use their nervousness to their advantage.

 It is perfectly normal, even desirable to be nervous, at the start of a speech. Your body is responding as it would to any stressful situation by producing extra adrenalin. Every public speaker experiences all these reactions to some extent. The question is: how can you control your nervousness and make it work for you rather than against you.

THE ANATOMY OF PLATFORM FRIGHT

To pull down platform fright to a controllable level, we should analyze our own particular reasons why we lack self confidence.

Shyness
You may be naturally shy. You can overcome this by improving your everyday dealings with people. Try your best to share your ideas with others. Say something to a sensible group.

Inexperience There is always a first time. You are not an expert during the first time. However, as you expose yourself more to situations where you can say your piece, you eventually gain self-confidence. Unpreparedness Another key to gaining confidence is to pick speech topics you truly care about and then to prepare your speech so thoroughly that you cannot help but be successful.

Decisiveness of Speech
Confidence is mostly the wellknown power of positive thinking. If you think you can do it, you actually can.

Fear of the Unknown

Many novice speakers are worried about appearing nervous to the audience. It is hard to speak with poise and assurance if you think you look tense and insecure.

Your nervous system may be giving you a thousand shocks, says one experienced speaker, but the viewer can see only a few of them.
Even though your palms are sweating and your heart is pounding, your listeners probably wont realize how tense you are.

THE BASIC FACTORS OF DELIVERY

1. The Platform Behavior
The general rule to remember is that everything that a speaker does and everything that a speaker does not do must have proper motivation. There must always be a good reason for any pause or for any movement.

2. Posture
Good posture is something that has been pounded on us since our childhood days. Bad posture is uncomfortable sight to the listeners.

3. Loudness
Pay attention to the people in the last row. If they can hear you, everybody can. Do not be too loud for this is not only irritating but distracting.

4. Clarity
The nature of speaking situation must be taken into consideration. Speaker slower and enunciate the words a little more deliberately than in ordinary conversation.

5. Pronunciation Do not allow other languages and dialects that you know affect your English pronunciation. Whenever in doubt as to your pronunciation, consult a modern dictionary or ask those who are knowledgeable about the correct pronunciation of words.
6. Grammar Correct grammar is nothing more than the accepted usage of language. In public speaking, as in ordinary conversation, grammatical mistakes can be disconcerting. Be vigilant in avoiding grammatical errors (Gupit, 1986).

Organizing and Outlining the Speech

The 3 Major Parts Of A Speech A. Introduction
First impression are important. A poor beginning may so distract or alienate listeners that the speaker can never fully recover. Starting the speech right is vital to a speakers self confidence. The hardest part of any presentation is the beginning.

A good introduction, you will find is an excellent confidence booster. Below are ways by which you can start a speech.

1. Relate the topic to the audience

People pay attention to things that affect them directly. If you can relate the topics to your listeners, they are most likely to be interested.

2. State the importance of your topic

Presumably, you think your speech is important. Tell your audience why they should think so, too.

3. Startle the Audience

Have a beginning statement that will easily catch the attention of your listeners. E.g. Are you one of us?

4. Question the Audience

Asking a rhetorical question is another way to get your listeners thinking about your speech. Sometimes single question will do.

5. Begin with a Quotation

Another way to arouse the interest of you audience is to start with attention-getting.

B. Body of the Speech

Choosing a topic Pointer to Consider in Choosing a Topic 1. Analyzing the audience 2. Demographic audience analysis 2.1 age 2.2 gender 2.3 racial ethnic and cultural background 2.4 religion 2.5 group membership

3. Situational audience analysis 3.1 size 3.2 physical setting 3.3 interest 3.4 knowledge 3.5 attitude

Use a consistent pattern of symbolization and indention.

1.

Main point A. Subpoint B. Subpoint 1. Sub-subpoint 2. Sub-subpoint a. Sub-sub-subpoint b. Sub-sub-subpoint 2. Main point A. Subpoint 1. Sub-subpoint 2. Sub-subpoint

C. SUBPOINT
The clear visual framework of this outline immediately shows the relationship among the ideas of the speech. Once you have organized the body of your speech, you should have identified the main points.

D. Conclusion
Your speech requires considerable skill even in the conclusion. It may seem obvious that you should let your audience know you are going to stop soon. However, you will almost certainly hear speeches in your class in which the speaker concludes so abruptly that you are taken by surprise.

Suggested Ways to End a Speech

1. Have a short summary The conclusion can be in the form of a short summary statement. 2. End with a Quotation
A quotation is one of the most common and effective devices to conclude a speech.

3. Make a dramatic statement

Rather than using a quotation to give your conclusion force and vitality, you may want to device your own dramatic statement.

4. Refer to the introduction

An excellent way to give your speech psychological unity is to conclude by referring to ideas in the introduction.

TYPES OF SPEECHES
1. Impromptu Speech
An impromptu speech delivered on the spur of moment or without preparations at all. os the any

2. Extemporaneous Speech
The extemporaneous speech is planned in advance, where the ideas are prepared but the language is definitely composed only at the moment of delivery.

3. Manuscript/Reading Speech
A manuscript is read and delivered from a prepared text. These speeches are appropriately for precise messages or important occasions where the speaker cannot afford to commit an error or a flow.

Types of Speeches According to Purpose 1. Speech to Inform

A speech to inform information/facts. provides

2. Speech to Actuate
A speech to actuate aims to produce actiondirect and observable-on the part of the audience.

3. Speech to Convince
A speech to convince attempts to make the audience agree with or believe in a certain proposition.

4. Speech to Stimulate
A speech to stimulate is used to impress or attempts to arouse the emotions of the audience. The speaker urges or rallies people on to action or to adhere to a belief.

5. Speech to Entertain
A speech to entertain attempts to amuse the audience. The speaker uses words which are apt and easy to understand.

Types of Speeches According to Occasion 1. Speech Introduction

This speech introduces a speaker by saying who he/she is.

2. Presentation Speech
This speech is delivered when you are presenting an award, a prize, or a gift in formal recognition of an accomplishment.
Maintain sincerity and honesty; avoid superlatives

3. Acceptance Speech
This is the response to the speech of presentation, wherein you give thanks for being awarded.

4. Welcome Speech
This speech expresses pleasure for the presence of a person, a group or an organization.

5. Speech of Tribute
This speech pays tribute to a person in praise of his/her accomplishments on the occasion of his/her birthday, assumption to office, retirement, or death (eulogy).

6. Commencement Address
This speech is delivered by a commencement speaker on graduation day.

7. Keynote Speaker
This speech is done in a conference or convention. It contains the objectives and contents of the conference and an overview of the entire proceedings.

8. Commemorative Address
This speech is delivered during special events taking place in memory of a person, an event, and so on.