GEL 102 – MODULE NINE

SPEAKING TO SMALL AND LARGE GROUPS

Ojemola, Adeyoola Mercy
and
Ayo-Obiremi, IfeKristi T.
Mass Communication Programme
Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State.
+234 816 305 1046
+234 813 443 3425

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Objectives
3. Speaking to small groups
4. Speaking to large groups
5. Conclusion
6. Assignment
7. References

1. Introduction
When speaking to friends, it is easier to speak well and you are listened to because you are
authentic and full of life. The same attitude can be transferred to speaking with either a large
or small group as the case may be, as though one is speaking with friends. This attitude is not
only beneficial for the speaker but also the audience. This helps to create an atmosphere of
ease. Although Public Speaking is assumed to be communication to an extremely large
audience, it is however also relative to speaking to a smaller audience which is also a very
important aspect of public speaking.

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There is no specific rule that gives an exact number of persons that make a small or large
group. However, a small group can range from as small as 4 to 20 people. A large group can
be from 21 to thousands of people. The speech to a small or large group can be ceremonial,
persuasive, informative or demonstrative. The speaker should decipher the type of speech
and decide to work towards achieving a flawless presentation.

Whether speaking to large or small groups, the speaker can be faced with uneasiness, speech
fright and difficulty in assessing audience feedback. It is therefore imperative for a speaker
to be at ease and just talk as though with “friends” by being conversational. Jezra (2016)
expresses this as understanding that the largest audiences still comprises of individuals and
each of them want to feel the speaker speaking to them individually. For effective public
speaking, the speaker has to understand what is involved in speaking with small and large
groups to be able to flow with the audience no matter the size.

2. Objectives

 To identify and explain the difference between small and large groups
 State the steps to take in speaking to a small group
 Mention necessary steps to take in speaking with a large group

3. Steps in Communicating with Small Groups

To communicate effectively as a speaker in a small group, it is important to make every
individual in the group included in the discussion or speech delivery.

1. Audience Analysis- a few weeks ago, some important things a speaker has to research
on and know about the audience before speaking with them were discussed. A speaker
should know the basic traits and characteristics of the audience no matter the size.
This will help in using the most appropriate language and method to keep the
interactions going.
2. Have an understanding of what you are to do- this relates to having adequate
preparation so that your delivery will be right and your audience will grasp what you
have for them. Also, it will prevent blabbing and disjointed thoughts that will reflect
in the speech. While preparing, you should also consider the emotions you feel

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 towards the issue to be delivered on. It is imperative to set these emotions aside and
get the job done effectively.
3. Be yourself- since you have been called upon to give the speech, it shows that you are
considered to have what it takes to deliver. Create your own style with which you are
comfortable. Don’t copy another’s by speaking words that are not yours or a tone you
are obviously not comfortable with. Smile and have confidence in yourself.
4. Engage the listeners- speaking in a small group gives the speaker an opportunity to
see the faces of everyone in the group and allow exchange of ideas. Depending on the
minutes for discussion, the speaker in a small group setting should allow the listeners
to give feedbacks, ask questions and contribute since the group is not too large.
5. Maintain a steady pace- in a small group, it is easier to read the expressions and non-
verbal feedbacks of all members of the group. The speaker should therefore look
around to notice facial expressions, interest/attention span and then increase or slow
down the pace to carry everyone along. While speaking with a small group, the
speaker can use eye contact, body language and voice such that all group members
will be carried along at the same pace.
6. Maintain eye contact- it is important that to make for easy flow of delivery, to ensure
that your audience is flowing with you and at the same time carry everybody along,
eye contacts should be made. The speaker should look at his audience right in the eye,
speak directly for a minute or a little less and then look at another to do likewise. It
isn’t ideal to continuously sweep the eyes across the audience and avoiding eye
contact at necessary intervals.
7. Use visuals and other speech aids- speaking to a small group can become monotonous
and boring to the audience if there are no variations in the methods used. The speaker
can use visuals, dramatic gestures or interesting comments to keep the

4. Speaking with Large Groups

To speak to a larger audience, you do not have to be sweaty, nervous or panicked. Doing the
right things rightly will ensure a smooth scale.

1. Audience analysis - audience analysis comes up again as the speaker cannot do

without getting information on major characteristics of the audience that will help
preparation. Knowledge of the number to be spoken to, their age group, culture etc.
will be very helpful.

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2. Preparation- preparing to speak with a large group is more tasking than a smaller
group. The speaker should ask questions like the average or expected number in that
group; other speakers that will be in attendance and audience expectation. The
speaker should be ready to speak and carry every single person in the audience along
with the tone of the voice, the pitch and gestures. It is equally important to have
studied the material for the speech many times and have a good grasp of the subject
matter to avoid reading verbatim. A good knowledge of the main subject with
practical examples will keep the audience alert. If there are enough resources, copies
of the material can be made available for group members to use during or to take with
them after the speech.
3. Analysing Speech Venue- Another important part of preparing for large group
presentations is to know the venue and go there before time to envisage possible
problems and find solutions. The speaker can take a look at the podium or the place
he or she will stand; the space available for movement; projection if a projector will
be used; the length his or her voice can travel if electricity supply fails; the lightening;
available equipment; ventilation and how the environment can be incorporated into
the speech. N.B. If the venue cannot be visited before that day, the speaker can
request for pictures of the place or ask specific questions.
4. Presentation approach/style- many large group presentations create distance between
the speaker and the audience and vice versa. The speaker should not assume everyone
knows him/her and what the speech is about. Therefore, at the beginning of a
presentation, the speaker should mention his or her name, a few things about
him/herself and a brief introduction to the speech to make the audience settled.
Adequate introduction will help. The speaker should, depending on the venue and
formality of the event walk back and forth between the people to have eye contact
with individuals in the group and to sustain their attention. If this is not possible, the
speaker can move back and forth on the stage or podium purposefully to engage the
eyes of the audience. While presenting the speech, the speaker should try not to read
word for word from the slides but memorise a few points.
5. Visual aids - speaking to large groups can be aided with the use of visuals, charts,
diagrams or pictures (This will be discussed fully in the next Module). Slides can be
used to help presentation and physical visual aids can also be used. Where these are
not available, the speaker can be creative and stretch the imaginations of the audience.

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 6. Check your body language: avoid inappropriate body postures as your body language
is a huge factor of any social circumstances. Don’t look down too much or be restless,
cross your arms, or look around for no effective reason.
7. Maintain a steady space- a public speaker should speak slowly to emphasise key
points; raise the pitch of the voice when necessary, speak clearly and use hands and
gestures when necessary.
8. Engage your listeners and be a good listener- while someone else is speaking, give
full attention to understand whatever point that is being raised and let your response
be polite. Seeking the opinion of your listeners will help them feel that their opinion
matters in the discussion. If there is a need to interrupt, politely interject and as much
as possible, prevent being interrupted. Keep things light, apologize and use humour
where necessary.
9. Stick to the allotted time- the speaker should ensure the time allotted is adhered to
strictly to sustain the attention of the audience. If possible the speech should be
concluded about 5 minutes to the end of the allotted time.

5. Summary and Conclusion

Communicating and speaking to small or large groups can be tasking yet really interesting if
adequate preparations. All the points listed above will help the public speaker when preparing
to communicate with small and large groups. However, the points are not exhaustive and they
can be combined when preparing for either small or large group speeches. In all, it is very
important to state that don’t look down at your notes during the entire speech otherwise you
become a public reader to your audience and not a public speaker. When a mistake is made,
don’t panic, simply ride over the error and continue. If an apology is appropriate, make it
light and move on with the delivery. Try not to be nervous as it spells unprofessionalism.
Remember that you are the one who has to speak while others have to listen, so relax!

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References

Grant, A. (2017). 3 Differences between speaking to Large Groups and Small Groups.
https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2017/09/3-differences-
between-speaking-to-large-groups.html Retrieved April, 2020

Jezra, K. (2016). The Starbucks Public Speaking Strategy: Talk to Large Groups Like
They’re Individuals. Speak up for success.

Barnard, D. (2017). Guide for Presenting to Large Groups of People.

https://virtualspeech.com/blog/guide-for-presenting-to-large-groups-of-people Retrieved
April, 2020.

SPIO (2018). Speech Ionizers. https://www.spio.sg/delivering-effective-speech/

Student Learning Development. Presenting to Large Groups Study Guide, University of

Leicester

WikiHow, (2020). How to speak to a Group. https://www.wikihow.com/speak-to-a-group/