Chapter 15

Oral Communication Essentials

Enhancing Voice Quality

• Practice good posture.• Breathe from the diaphragm.• Control the articulators.

– Jaw– Tongue– Lips

Using Your Voice Effectively

• Pitch• Volume• Speed• Tone• Emphasis• Enunciation• Pronunciation• Analysis

Strengthening Your Presence

• Confidence• Enthusiasm• Sincerity• Friendliness• Eye contact• Body actions• Appearance

Purposes of Oral Presentations

• To inform

• To persuade

• To entertain

Types of Oral Presentations

• Manuscript• Memorized• Impromptu• Extemporaneous

Preparing for an Oral Presentation

• Determine the purpose.• Analyze the audience.• Gather materials.• Organize the presentation.• Select appropriate presentation aids,

if necessary.• Prepare notes, if needed.• Rehearse.• Refine content and delivery.

Parts of a Presentation

• Opening

• Body

• Closing

Organizational Patterns

• Chronological• Topical• Spatial• Causal• Comparative• Problem and solution• Direct or indirect

Keys for Delivering an Effective Oral Presentation

• Remain calm.• Begin positively.• Use presentation aids effectively.• Make adjustments based on

audience feedback.• End positively.• Respond to questions.

Emceeing an Event

• Welcome the audience.• Introduce the head table.• Acknowledge dignitaries.• Assist program participants.• Moderate a question-and-answer

session.• Conclude the event.

Introducing a Speaker

• Identify your purpose.• Gather information.• Develop the presentation.• Rehearse.• Deliver the introduction with skill

and confidence.

Participating in Media Events

• News conferences– Introduce yourself.– Keep remarks short.– Speak confidently.

• Radio or television interviews– Create a succinct and clear “sound bite.”– Pay attention to voice quality and

nonverbal cues.