Practice makes it better

Effective Communication

.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Public Speaking is an art. Public Speaking abilities are really essential not only to politicians but also to men in any profession. Anyone at any time in their professional or personal life may be put into a situation where they will have to face a group of people and talk to them on a subject relevant for that occasion. So it’s good that you learn this art a bit atleast.

Preparation:

Preparation is the key to success in mastering any art. However talented you are preparation makes you a better performer. So for making an effective public speech, it goes without saying, preparation is a must.

What and How to Prepare:

Defining the purpose of the speech is first thing you have to do. What do you want to communicate to your audience? By addressing the audience what do you want to achieve? Focus on the purpose of the address at every stage to ensure relevance and effectiveness of your speech.

Listen:

Listen to professional speakers on the radio, TV or the internet.

Some Points to Remember:

• Your speech should be relevant, simple and to the point

• Your speech should be frank expression and not a show of your intellect or wit

• Your positive attitude, energy and enthusiasm will have to be kept throughout the performance

Aim of the Speech:

The first point to think about is what you want to convey to the audience and why it’s to be conveyed. You then have to assess your present knowledge of the subject. After making an actual idea about the level to which you are informed about the subject please try to assess what are the materials available to you to make your understanding about the subject little better. It could be resource persons, books, the internet or any such media. Locate the sources fast and decide upon the things you can effectively utilize within the given time to improve your knowledge of the subject. Consult, read or listen and make notes of the points.

Assess Yourself:

Be aware of your own positive and negative aspects, your strengths and weaknesses. Make use of your strengths optimally and eliminate the untoward effects of your weaknesses. It’s hard to be anyone other than yourself, especially when you are not trained to be an actor. So try to behave yourself throughout the speech. If you have a clear voice, use it to your advantage. If you are talented in any relevant field use it thoughtfully. Try to analyze your fears and apprehensions and channelise your energy properly.

Know your Audience:

You have to make a clear understanding, to whom you are going to speak. This will help you in fine tuning the speech in the way audience want it.

Summarize and Memorize:

Summarize the points of the speech and write it down on a piece of paper. Memorize the points as far as possible. Keep the note as brief as possible but ensure it’s decipherable even at a quick glance.

Rehearse:

Any performance is bettered by a rehearsal. So please don’t forget to watch yourself performing the feat before the actual performance. While doing this carefully note the difficulties you face and the mistakes you make. Rectify it then and there. Make the speech as simple as possible. Preferably rehearse in front of a mirror or if possible record it and view it yourself.

Read the Audience:

Always keep eye contact with your audience. Read the nonverbal communications. Play some tricks to bring them back to the listening fold if anyone strays out.

Time Frame:

Stick to the time frame as far as possible. Abnormally elongated speeches will mar the apprehension.

Remember:

Rather than trying to overwhelm your audience with your authoritative knowledge plan to lead your audience with your enthusiasm. Even then never convey messages that you are not sure about. Never loose your credibility.

A logical flow:

Incorporate clear signposts into your speech. Plan a logical flow of ideas. Pause during the speech and ensure the coherence of the utterances. Introduce new topics by establishing clear links between the older ideas.

Recapitulation:

Summarize what you have spoken in a logical sequence.

Leave a message:

Always centre your speech a round a central theme or purpose. And repeatedly state this in your speech.

Ending Memorably:

Clearly define the end. Structuring a strong ending to your speech is as important as a good beginning. Use phrases like “for my final point…….” Or “in conclusion……” to alert the audience about the summarization. Invite feedbacks

Dress up to the Occasion:

Be well mannered. Your dress and gesticulations also should be matching to the occasion and acceptable to the audience. Avoid personal traits as far as possible. Keep a watch on your negative habits and mannerisms.

Right Pitch:

Eliminate tensions and please don’t hurry through. Ask questions in its interrogative style and make statements with a matching intonation. Please don’t take things for granted and avoid prejudices. The speed of the delivery should be in the acceptable mode.

So practice well, make your speech very effective, move the audience and

CONQUER THE WORLD