Overview of Speaking Skills

Communication 1545

Introduction

Effective oral communication involves using a process:

Plan Prepare Present

Plan

Describe your audience What do they already know? What have they done? What information do they need? What are they trying to achieve?

Plan (cont’d)

Define the purpose of your talk based on the outcome you seek with your audience:

Inform Persuade (but not “sell” in this course!) TIP

Identify and organize yourkey points

Plan (cont’d)

Further define through your specific purpose I’d like to explain the causes of the 1929

Stock Market collapse I’d like to show you how to find help in

creating a Business Plan Use the residual message technique

Two types of research

Exploratory research to find a suitable sub-topic Involves learning about what you don’t

already know Resist the superficial and obvious

Focused research to find specific materials to use in your speech

Conduct research

Study printed materials – library and web

Interview experts Find stories, illustrations, examples

Organize your material

A few main points No “laundry list” !!

Use an established form, such as: Topical Cause/effect Spatial Chronological

Prepare (cont’d)

Illustrate and support key points with evidence and visuals. Statistics Analogies Demonstrations Testimonials Incidents Exhibits

TIP Develop transitions or

bridges between key points.

Evidence and Visuals

Evidence is all the stories, illustrations, examples, explanations, quotations, analogies, facts and figures that you use to develop each point.

Evidence is the heart of your speech Visuals should emphasize evidence

Prepare (cont’d)

Develop key signposts Your statement of purpose and preview Your transitions from point to point Your internal summaries and internal

previews

Prepare (cont’d)

Prepare an attention-getting Opening Smile and say Good Morning! Refer to common experience, story or

problem Focus down to your subject Focus further to your specific purpose

Prepare (cont’d)

Prepare a memorable Close Summarize Dramatize and Visualize

Often by referring back to your opening story

Prepare (cont’d)

Gather or create visual aids PowerPoint Charts Overheads Objects Etc.

Prepare

Establish a positive Mind-Set Value your message. Visualize yourself succeeding. Visualize your audience responding. Give yourself pep talks.

Practice

Build your confidence and effectiveness by establishing for yourself Why you have earned the right to

deliver this talk. Why you are excited about the

subject. Why you are eager to share with

your audience.

Practice (cont’d)

Create your speaking note A guide to your conversation Not a manuscript ! Not a manuscript !! No more than one card or page

Practice (cont’d)

Practice and review your visuals for Clarity Relevancy Eye-appeal Visibility Quality Memorability

Practice (cont’d)

Practice your presentation before an audience, coach, video camera. Get feedback and coaching on Strong opening. Clear key points. Logical flow. Credible evidence.

and...

Practice (cont’d)

Also get feedback and coaching on Memorable close. Clarity of message. Identifying distracting mannerisms.

Present (cont’d)

Rely on the fundamentals Own your subject. Carry on an expanded conversation Feel positive about your talk. Let your enthusiasm show!

Present (cont’d)

Make a positive first impression: Establish eye-contact. Display poised, confident body language. Breath support. Relax (!) Be well groomed.

Present (cont’d)

Build rapport with the audience: Show your sincerity. Be yourself; don’t put on a face Say “we” not “you.” Talk in terms of your audience’s interest.

Present (cont’d)

Strive for continuous improvement: Measure the success of your talk. Identify the strengths as well as

areas to improve. Decide how you will improve

the next talk. TIP Remember to PLAN /

PREPARE / PRACTICE /PRESENT