SPEAKING IN PUBLICChapter 1

• The art of public speaking is useful in getting a job, employers tend to look for someone who can speak and consider among one the highest job qualification.

• Being able to speak clearly and efficiently enables you to get your point across while gaining the respect and recognition from others.

• “One who forms a judgment on any point but cannot explain might as well never have thought at all on the subject” –Pericles

• People are more likely take what you have to say seriously if you’re a good public speaker.

• Public speaking is also important in everyday life. It can empower you to accomplish great achievements and make a difference.

HOW PUBLIC SPEAKING AND HAVING A CONVERSATION ARE SIMILAR…

1. Organize your thoughts logically

2. Tailor your message to your audience

3. Telling story for maximum impact

4. Adapting to listener feedback

You wouldn’t tell a story or give directions out of order instead you deliver it systematically.

Instead of telling a young person something the say way you would tell a rocket scientist you think of a simpler way to tell them.

When telling a joke or an incident that occurred; you wouldn’t start out with the punch line. You would build up the suspense.

You pay attention to the person your having a conversation with facial expressions and reactions.

…AND HOW THEY ARE DIFFERENT

Public Speaking is more highly structured.

Public Speaking requires more formal language

Public speaking requires a different method of delivery

• Requires more detailed planning• The speaker must accomplish his or her purpose in the time allotted

for the speech

• Slang and such has no place in a speech• Listeners respect people who clean up and polish the language in

their speech

• You must adjust your voice and posture to avoid distraction from your main purpose

• Using verbal pauses such as “um” or “uh” or “er” is looked down upon

OVERCOMING STAGE FRIGHTFirst what you should know:

• You’re not alone• Even famous actors and talk show host admit to getting

nervous before public speaking!• “Now after many years of practice I am, I suppose, really a

‘practiced speaker.’ But I rarely rise to my feet without a throat constricted with terror and a furiously thumping heart. When, for some reason, I am cool and self-assured, the speech is always a failure.” –I. A. R. Wylie

• In 2001 the Gallup Poll asked Americans what their greatest fears were and 41% said that speaking in front of a group of people was number one.

• It’s perfectly normal ☺

Acquire Speaking experience

• The more you public speak the more comfortable you will become. Also the more you understand how to develop and deliver a speak the less nervous you will be.

Prepare• Pick speech topics that you care about and that

you feel passionately about. Being prepared can reduce stage fright by 75%.

Think Positively

• When a negative thought pops into your mind reverse it and turn it into something positive. IT HELPS

SECONDLY: HOW TO DEAL

Use the power of Visualization

• Visualize yourself doing a good job on your speech.

Know that most nervousness isn’t visible

• Most of what you feel inside can’t be seen or noticed by others.

Don’t expect perfection

HOW TO DEAL…CONTINUED

TIPS:

• Be your best physically and mentally; get some sleep.• Before speaking tighten and relax your leg muscles• Take deep breaths • Work extra hard on your introduction (research says your

anxiety level drops significantly within the first minute)• Make eye contact• Concentrate on communicating with your audience• Use visual aids

WHAT’S HAPPENING WHILE YOUR SPEAKING IN CLASS AND EVERYDAY…

Speaker- The person who is presenting an oral message

Message- Whatever the speaker communicates to someone else

Channel- the means by which a message is communicated

Listener- the person who receives the speaker’s message

Feedback- the messages, usually nonverbal, sent from a listener to a speaker

Frame of reference- the sum of a person’s knowledge, experience, goals, values, and attitudes. No two people can have exactly the same frame of reference

Interference- anything that temporarily pauses the speech or interrupts

Situation- the time and place of the speech

SPEECHES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES Make sure to take into consideration the cultural diversity

that may be present in your audience. Don’t use racial slurs or slang as you might offend a member of your audience making your speech a failure. Also try to appear open minded and accepting. Understand other people values and beliefs or customs.

Remember not to judge a speaker on their ethnicity or race.