The Art of Public Speaking

1. What is Public Speaking?

Public Speaking is the process or act of performing a good speech to a live audience. This type
of speech is deliberately structured with three general purposes: to inform, to persuade and to
entertain. Public speaking is commonly understood as formal, face-to-face speaking of a single
person to a group of listeners. For this type of speech it would be good to describe that concept with
examples that can relate to the audiences life.

2. What are the elements of Public Speaking?

Overcome your fear. Public speaking is an overwhelming affair. Also ensure adequate
preparation and practice, either in front of a mirror or with increasing frequency of the speeches you
give. Tearing down your fear for public speaking is a gradual process but it is important as it affects
your level of confidence with an audience. Know your audience. Your audience will have certain
expectations of you, and in order to fulfill them, you need to know certain details about them. Aside
from knowing how many there are, you should have a good idea what their age-group is and how
much they understand the subject or topic you’ll be presenting. Whether they are experienced or
novices in the subject, your delivery should be holistic enough to let them learn something new and
emphasize on obvious points without undermining their intelligence. Research your topic. An
essential part of your presentation is in the knowledge you convey. Knowing your topic works well in
your delivery and ability to answer questions from participants. Having a personality. You need to be
relatable and impressionable to your audience. Personality is conveyed through your tone, body
language and the general sense of expression. Your tone should be clear and friendly, even in
professional circumstances. Encouraging audience participation. Depending on the kind of speech
you’re delivering, you might consider finding a way to engage with your audience. If you’re dealing
with a large group of attendees, you could have a catch word that they chant in response to points
you make, to keep them alert and to emphasize the message of the talk you’re giving.

3. What is Stage Fright?

Stage fright or performance anxiety is the anxiety, fear, or persistent phobia which may be
aroused in an individual by the requirement to perform in front of an audience, whether actually or
potentially. Performing in front of an unknown audience can cause significantly more anxiety than
performing in front of familiar faces. In the context of public speaking, this may precede or
accompany participation in any activity involving public self-presentation. In some cases stage fright
may be a part of a larger pattern of social phobia (social anxiety disorder), but many people
experience stage fright without any wider problems. Quite often, stage fright arises in a mere
anticipation of a performance, often a long time ahead. It has numerous
manifestations: stuttering, tachycardia, tremor in the hands and legs, sweaty hands, facial
nerve tics, dry mouth, and dizziness.
References:
(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_speaking
(2) https://www.careeraddict.com/5-essential-elements-in-successful-public-speaking
(3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stage_fright