Public Speaking

Definition of Public Speaking Public speaking is a process of speaking to a group

of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to inform, influence, or entertain the listeners.

It is closely allied to "presenting", although the latter has more of a commercial advertisement connotation. Public speaking is commonly understood as a kind of face-to-face speaking between individuals and audience for the purpose of communication.

Good orators should be able to change the emotions of their listeners, not just inform them.

Public speaking can be a powerful tool to use for purposes such as motivation, influence, persuasion, informing, translation, or simply ethos.

What is Effective Public Speaking Public speaking is an acquired art that is refined by

practice and experience. Solid content, effective communication and self-confidence are the foundations of effective public speaking.

1. Content First, find something you really want to talk about.

You need to believe in your message before your audience can believe in it. That's why more than anything, you've got to have passion before you step up to the podium.

Be enthusiastic and excited about sharing your ideas, thoughts and impressions with other people. There really aren't any strangers---we are all strung together on the thread of human experiences. Just everyday happenings, narrated with humour and insight, will help you to connect with your audience.

2. Confidence Believe not just in your message but also in yourself.

You're not the only speaker in history to have a butterfly garden in your stomach before a speech.

First, visualize yourself giving a successful speech. Imagine that you are standing in front of an appreciative audience, listening intently to your interesting talk, which you deliver with clarity and confidence. Visualize your audience applauding you--it will help in still self confidence.

3. Communication The success of your speech depends on effective

communication. Establish eye contact with your audience. Adopt a

relaxed stance and body language. Use everyday, conversational language.

Avoid a stentorian tone and use words that most people are familiar with. Even dry business charts can be enlivened with a personal touch.

4. Preparation At first, practice your speech in front of a mirror. Look

up the correct pronunciation of words that are not familiar to you. Practice voice modulation.

Nobody wants to listen to a 45-minute speech on technology insertion, delivered in a monotone. Familiarize yourself with the audience beforehand; greet and mingle with few people prior to the meeting.

This way, you'll be more at ease when you stand at the podium and deliver your speech. Arrive early and do a dry run with the equipment--microphone, overhead projector and such.

5. Delivery Your speech is like a cat. It has a head

(introduction), body (middle) and tail (conclusion). Be mindful of the time and structure of your talk.

Don't go overboard in one section and skate over others. Engage the audience in your talk. Tell stories that everyone can identify with. Pause after telling a joke.

Remember, this is not high school---there are no bullies. Your audience wants you to succeed.

TIPS AND TRICKSDuring the speaking event Control your breathing. Take deep, steady breaths and

relax your muscles as much as possible. Keep it simple. Minimize distracting details and do not

go off on tangents; stick to your outline. Stand up straight; do not slouch. It makes easier to

breath and project your voice. Vocalize properly. Focus on projecting your voice in a

strong, firm manner and work on pitch and tone that are in normal range.

Relax and be as calm as possible. Your audience will enjoy your speech if you are not visibly nervous.

THANK YOU