Term Paper on "Public Speaking"

Term Paper 7 pages (1861 words) Sources: 3 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Public Speaking

The objective of this work is to discuss public speaking including the purpose of the speech, the use of audience analysis including how to perform such analyses in various venues and how this information affects the speaker's preparation and methods. Further examined will be the methods of collection and organization of the material effectively including effective speech structure, use of an attention-getting opener, a well-organized and easy to follow speech body and a well thought-out conclusion and the importance of clear articulation, good project, variety, and animation in presenting the speech.

The work of Esteienne de Beer entitled: "Polishing Your Public Presentation Skills" published in the journal of Public Management November, 2007, relates that public speaking "is the number one human fear. Studies show that this fear ranks ahead of the fear of death for many people." (de Beer, 2007) it is clear that as acknowledged by de Beer that communication: "...is a vital key in this new century. Today's diversity of opinions, which are often controversial, are present in the workplace and this situation has increased the need for presentations." (de Beer, 2007) as pointed out by de Beer public speaking has been "for some 4,000 years...the key in building and keeping a democratic society and way of life. Aristotle said 'a speaker needs three qualities: good sense, good character, and good will toward his hearers." (de Beer, 2007) de Beer holds that speakers or presenters can be divided into four categories as follows: (1) the avoider; (2) the resister; (3) the accepter; and (4) the seeker. (2007) the individual who at all costs avoids being in front of an audience is the 'avoider' while the 'resister' is one who "becomes fearful when asked to speak." (de Beer, 2007) the individual who can 'do presentations but is not particularly enthusiastic about doing them" is the 'accepter'. (de Beer, 2007) the final type of speaker or presenter is the 'seeker' and is one who is always seeking potential situations in which to speak understanding that "anxiety can e a stimulant that fuels enthusiasm during presentations. Seekers work hard at building their professional communication skills and self-confidence by trying to present often, despite anxiety." (de Beer, 2007)

I. PUBLIC SPEAKING METHODS and SKILLS

Basic presentation skills are stated in the work of McNamara (2007) and stated as the first step is to "list and prioritize the top three goals that you want to accomplish with your audience." Secondly, it is important to "be really clear about who your audience is and why it is important for them to be in the meeting." (McNamara, 2007) Third, it is important to list all the major points of information that should be conveyed to the audience and then to ask oneself if all the points are likely to be understood by everyone in the audience. It is necessary to consider the tone that one desires to set for the presentation. Through defining the tone of the presentation one may enabled the cultivation of that mood to those listening in the audience.

The work "Public Speaking" published by the Web site 'Study Guides and Strategies' states that the speaker should: (1) Know the room; (2) Know the audience; (3) Know their material; (4) relax; (5) visualize themselves giving the speech; (6) realize that others listening want the speaker's success; (7) do not apologize; (8) Concentrate on the message - not the medium; (8) turn nervousness into positive energy; and (9) gain experience. (Study Guides and Strategies, 2008) speech should contain a 'brief opening' that: (1) presents goals the speech intends to communicate; (2) clarifies the benefits of the speech in adding to the audience's knowledge base; and (3) that explains the overall content of the speech.

A suggested 'speech recipe' is stated to include the: (1) Headline; (2) Main Body; and (3) Echo each of these contain the following:

1) Headline: this captures the attention of the audience by providing a reason for listening to the speech. This further establishes the speech in terms of its thesis or primary idea and is the introductory section of the speech.

2) Main Body: This is the content of the speech broken down into smaller sections with each section support the thesis and expanding upon the idea. This is the informatory section of the speech.

3) Echo: this section of the speech summarizes the content and refers back to the main points in the speech and highlights their importance. (the Speech Recipe - Public Speaking, 2008)

II. SPEAKING at PUBLIC MEETING - TIPS

When speaking at a public meeting it is important that one arrive early enough and check in to assure that they are on the speaking agenda. When making the speech one must address the chair of the governing body and each council member in their respective capacity as well. It is important to be concise and to make the key points while providing specific information about the position one is taking on the issue at hand. The speaker in this instance must be prepared to answer questions. It is very helpful to hand out written summaries of the key points made in the speech. (FactSheet: Public Speaking, 2008) Clearly, no matter what the setting of the speech the rules remain practically the same for an effective speech.

The work of Brighton (2006) entitled: "3 Essential Secrets to Overcome Fear of Public Speaking" relates that whether the speech is one given for the reason of: "weddings, conferences, sales pitches, seminars, court cases, marriage proposals, they all have something in common. They require a good speech." Brighton additionally states that the three and most fundamentally important elements in delivery a speech that is effective are those of:

Content: The message should be filled with useful and practical as well as easy to remember information;

Confidence: The speaker should be confident that the information being provided to the audience is "valuable and useful" (Brighton, 2006)

Connection: The speaker must be "able to draw the audience into the message. That's what brings the laughter, the tears, the standing ovations. The better the content, the more stories you tell and the more confident you appear..." (Brighton, 2006)...the more effective and memorable the speech.

III. PUBLIC SPEAKING in the MEDIA

The work of Kathleen Davidson entitled: "Effective Public Speaking Requires Skill, Media Savvy" published in the Business Journal of Phoenix states the fact that individuals are judged "by how well they communicate - if you are a good communicator, we make the mental jump that you are a good doctor, printer, accountant, contractor, financial adviser, etc. Even though it doesn't make sense logically, we all tend to do this." (2006) Suggestions provided by former Phoenix television reporter include the following for effective public speaking:

Learn about your audience.

Properly prepare and organize your presentation.

Memorize the facts.

Develop engaging content by employing anecdotes and stories.

Check the set-up and test the microphone.

Use good posture and positive body language.

Make eye contact to connect with your audience.

Be entertaining.

Avoid using PowerPoint presentations as a crutch and use them only in a supplemental role.

Finish strong. (Davidson, 2006)

IV. The 'ATTENTION-GETTER'

The work of Felecia Slattery, a communication consultant, speaker and coach specializing in training business owners in effective communication skills, entitled: "Public Speaking Great Beginnings - Attention-Getters" relates that public speaking "is a powerful way to market your business." (2008) Slattery relates that the attention-getter is "the first words you speak to an audience" and states that in order to quickly and effectively gain the attention of the audience stories can be used which are useful for the following reasons: (1) people will more easily remember information when you put it into the context of an interesting story; (2) stories can draw on the emotions of people; funny, inspirational, motivational, or even scary; and (3) people can see themselves in a well-chosen story and will relate to you and the content. (Slattery, 2006) Considerations when choosing a story to tell include the following:

1. Be Brief: Your story should be attention-grabbing but shouldn't steal the focus from your main points. Keeping it to within a paragraph or two will do the trick.

2. Be Sincere: Tell a story with feeling and emotion. Pay attention to your vocal tone, speed and volume to convey the proper mood and emotions of the story you're sharing.

3. Be Honest: Select a true story rather than making one up. Tell a story about someone you know or have worked with personally or borrow a true story from a newspaper feature or magazine.

4. Be Real: No need to get over-dramatic here. Play acting is fun for some to see, but in most contexts you'll only confuse your audience. it's ok to evoke emotion, but don't over-do it. No one is handing out Oscars for the best speech given to market a business.

5. Be Personal: You can share a personal story from your own life. Or as you share another's story discuss… READ MORE

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