Foundations of

Public Speaking

By:
Algene Malte-De Guzman, OTMT, CTA
 Foundations
 What is communication?
 A dynamic, ongoing, transactional process
 Whereby people create shared meaning
 Through the sending and receiving of messages
 Via socially shared codes
 Key concepts
 Speaker, message, channel, receiver, feedback,
noise, context
Functions of Communication
 Basic function is to achieve
understanding or shared meaning.
 Other functions:
 Inform
 Persuade
 Entertain
 Manage relationships
Goals of Communication
 The three big Is:
 Identity
 Instrumental

 Interpersonal
Communication Barriers
 Physical - environment; anything
processed by the senses
 Psychological – attitudes, emotions,
feelings, expectations, and biases.
 Semantic – difference in the interpretation
of meaning
 Language – difference in language hinders
communication.
Vocal Components of Speech
 Pacing – the proper use of rhythm and
intonation. Refers to the speed of
delivery.
 Intonation – tone of the voice is used to
set the mood of the conversation
 Timing – probing enough time for
response and feedback
 Relevance – applicability; words and actions
are suited for the situation
 Pausing – giving a stop or half stop to allow
the listener to understand, absorb, and
respond during the communication process.
 Pitch – highness or lowness of voice;
determining the emotions being invested in
the words uttered.
 Clarity – conveying clear ideas through
proper pronunciation and enunciation of
words.
 Credibility – speaking with a feeling of
authority
 Humor – a powerful tool in rapport
building, but needs to be used sparingly.
Nonverbal Components
 Posture – stance becomes an indicator
of inner thoughts and feelings
 Personal appearance – we are what we
wear; as professionals, one strong
strategy to market ourselves is through
our choice of clothing and accessories.
 Gestures – body language.
 Facial expressions – conveys inner and
controlled emotions and feelings.
 Paralinguistic techniques – the
spontaneous usage of intonation, pitch
level, or tempo reveals inner thoughts
and feelings.
 Conversation vs. Public Speaking
 Key Differences
 Public speaking:
 is more highly structured
 requires more formal language
 requires a different method of delivery
 Key Similarities
 Similar goals (inform, persuade, entertain)
 Similar skills (logic, tailoring message, storytelling,
adapting to feedback)
 Stage Fright
 Be assured that it is completely normal!
 Tips:
 Think positively
 Be at your best when you have to speak
 Concentrate on sending your message rather than
your nervousness
 Take a few deep breaths before starting to speak
 Pay special attention to your introduction
 Make eye contact with audience members
 Use well designed/chosen visual aids
 Impromptu Speaking
 Impromptu speeches are presented with little or
no preparation.
 4 steps to organize your thoughts quickly:
 State the point/question to which you are
responding.
 State the point you want to make.
 Use whatever support you have (examples, statistics,
or testimony).
 Summarize your point.
 Suggestions for Impromptus
 Quickly jot down a brief outline.
 Try to remain calm and assured.
 Audience members cannot tell how nervous you are.
 Making a speech is not a catastrophe.
 Maintain strong eye contact with the audience.
 Concentrate on speaking at a clear, deliberate
pace.
 Use signposts (“first”, “second”, etc. to help the
audience track of your ideas).