Public Speaking II

Now that you know the essentials of public speaking, it is time to polish the skills. It can help
you think on your feet and communicate clearly any time. These skills can be used now and
always. The way you ​organize and deliver your speech will decide how many in the audience
will stay with you until the end. To make an effective speech, ​be precise about your purpose​.
Speeches can inform, persuade, motivate, or entertain. When you have a choice, talk about
things that interest you. Your personal experience and enthusiasm will be perceived by the
audience.
Speeches are usually organized in three main parts: ​Introduction, Main body, and Conclusion.
Introduction: Introduction to the topic sets the stage for your audience. Tell the audience clearly
what to expect. For example: ​“Cock fighting is a cruel sport. I intend to ​describe what happens
to the birds & tell you how you can stop this inhumane practice”.
Main body: Main body of the speech is the ​content – 70 to 90 % of most speeches. Here, ideas
are developed just like in developing a written paper. ​You explain​. In a long speech, recap from
time to time and preview what’s to come. Audience attention can be grabbed when we use facts,
descriptions, expert opinions, statistics, and other concrete details.
Conclusion:​ At the end of the speech, sum up your points and draw your conclusion.
Make it clear to your audience when you have reached the end. A simple stand-by is, “So, in
conclusion I want to reiterate three points: First “………”, Second “…….”, Third, “……”
Using Notes: Professional speakers recommend writing key words on a few 3’x 5’ cards. It
helps to keep your speech in order. Number the cards so that putting them in order is easy. As
you finish the information on each card, move it to the back of the pile. Write information
clearly and in letters large enough to be seen.
Practice makes perfect: ​The key to successful public speaking is practice. When you practice,
do so in a loud voice. Your voice sounds different when you talk loudly, and this can be
unnerving. Get used to it before the big day. To get the most out of your practice, record your
speech and listen to it. Better yet, videotape your presentation, look at it critically and make
changes.
When practicing, look out for repeated phrases: ‘you know’, ‘kind of’, ‘really’, and the uh’s, and
ah’s, like…. Get rid of these mannerisms by simply telling yourself that you intend to notice
every time they pop up in your daily speech. When you hear them, tell yourself that you will not
use them anymore. Also ask someone else to monitor your speech for these phrases. Eventually,
they will disappear. Practice your speech in front of friends or by looking in the mirror.
Speaking before one or two friends builds confidence. You can practice by not missing an
opportunity of speaking up in class.
Dealing with nervousness: ​For some beginners, the biggest problem in delivering a speech is
nervousness. Nervousness is common. You can deal with it by noticing it. Tell yourself “Yes,
my hands are perspiring; my stomach feels funny (let me go to the toilet); my face feels warm(
keep a clean hanky ready), my throat feels dry (let me drink a little water), my legs are shaking
(but can’t be seen by others).” Be aware of these symptoms. When you become aware of them,
deal with them, they become less persistent.
To minimize nervousness, know your topic inside out​. Keep cards handy and practice ‘slow
deep breathing’ to enable relaxation.
Before you speak, visualize yourself in the room successfully delivering the speech. When you
practice your speech, avoid delivering it word for word, as if you were reading a script. Know
your material and present the information in a way that is most natural for you. Diligent practice
relieves you of having to rely heavily on your notes.
Delivering the speech: Be totally in the present moment. Notice how the room feels, the
temperature, the lighting, the view outside. See the audience. Speak loudly enough to be heard.
Maintain eye contact with your audience. When you actually look at people, they become less
frightening.
Keep track of ‘time’ during your speech. Better end early than run late.
Use audiovisual aids (PPts), flip charts, a model and other props whenever possible.
Body language: ​Only a fraction of our communication is verbal. Be aware of what your body
is telling your audience. Be natural. If you don’t know what to do with your hands, don’t do
anything with them. ​Pause when appropriate. Beginners sometimes feel they have to talk
continuosly. Give time to your audience to breathe too. Smile and stay friendly.
After you speak: ​Review and reflect upon your performance. Did you finish on time? Did you
cover all the points you intended to cover? Was the audience attentive? Did you handle
nervousness effectively? What can you do to improve your performance and deliver better the
next time? ​Welcome evaluation from others. Take it seriously and work to minimize it the
next time. ​The best!!