The Art of Public Speaking

Wuhan University Summer Intensive English Program,

2006

Effective speaking skills

Actual speaking and presentation Listening skills Critical thinking skills Writing and research ability

Why study public speaking?

Pervasive – We are judged how we talk Range of audiences – from 2 to

millions Same principles Same fundamental elements – intro,

body, and conclusion, as well as others Empowerment – in work, civics, etc

Public speaking versus normal conversation

Similarities You organize ideas in your head or on

paper You tailor your message to your

audience You adapt to your listener

Public speaking versus normal conversation, continued

Differences Public speaking is more formal

Time limits Detailed preparation Formal language Delivery style – improved voice, posture,

dress Can you think of any other

differences?

Problems with Public Speaking

Fear1. Death2. Public Speaking

Communication apprehension

Communication Apprehension

It happens to everyone It is normal, and should happen You can channel your nervousness:

Debilitate vs. motivate More apparent to you than others

Tips for success

Choose a topic you are enthusiastic about

Research your topic well Good organization Practice, practice, practice,

practice… Good rule of thumb – practice at least

6 times before performance

Tips for success Know your audience and how they

might react Be familiar with your introduction

and conclusion, especially the first sentence

Think positively! Remember each speech delivery is a chance to improve

Relax – deep breathing or meditate

Communication model

feedback

message

Context (time and place)

Interference

(internal and external)

sender receiver

Listening

Listening!

As you already know, listening is just as important as speaking, if not more

4 general stages to listeningSelecting what we want to listen toAttending to the message, with effortUnderstanding the messageRemembering – short term and long-term

Barriers to effective listening

DistractionsExternal – noise, light, temperature,

physical characteristics Internal – not concentrating; physiological

issues like hunger, tired, angryListening too hardJumping to conclusions

Listening Overall

We can improve our listening skillsCritical listening

EvaluateAnalyzeAssessConsiderSummarize

Ethical Responsibilities of Listeners

1. Be prepared

2. Have high expectations

3. Be sensitive and tolerant

4. Listen critically

1. Be prepared

Ready toListenLearn

2. Have high expectations

Expect presentations that are:CoherentOrganizedCompetently delivered

3. Be sensitive and tolerant

Speakers’ messages may reflect differentOpinions IdeasEthnicitiesCultures

4. Listen critically

Holds speaker to ethical speaking responsibilities.

Communicate your reactions through nonverbal cues.

Do not resort to unethical messages and tactics while seeking to express your opinions and beliefs about others’ messages.

A little more on listening

We pay attention to what we think is important, touches our experiences and plays on what we already know – selective perception

Distractions – how do we get past them?First of all, hear them out

Improving Active Listening

Set listening goalsWhat do you need and expect?

Listen for main ideas Is there a pattern or structure?

Watch for nonverbal cues as wellBody language, facial expressions

Topics

Picking a good topic

Three questions to ask yourself:1. What do I want my audience to know

after leaving this room?

2. What do I want my audience to think about after leaving?

3. What do I want my audience to think about me when leaving this room?

Picking a good topic (cont.)

Focus on the type of speech and/or occasion:A toast at a weddingA sales presentation at workWhat else?

Picking a good topic (cont.)

Write the following on a sheet of paper:10 things you like and/or care about5 things you would do if you had an

entire day off with no responsibilities These are the things you really care

about. There are speeches hiding in there somewhere.

Important points about topics1. You: Topic boring…Them: Topic boring

2. Ask a friend: What do you think?

3. Creative and fun – If you use your imagination, so will the audience.

4. Don’t be afraid to take a chance.

5. Choose a topic focused enough to handle in the allotted time.

6. At the end of a speech, each member of the audience should be able to write your thesis on a piece of paper.

Your topic and the audienceNeed to understand the psychology of

your audience• Your task to make them pay attention• Audiences are selective• Audiences are egocentric

• What’s in it for me?• Listeners will judge a speech based on what they

already know and believe• You must take care to relate your message to an

audience’s existing knowledge and beliefs

Appendix: Organizing your Speech

Preparing your speechChoose an interesting topic you are

passionate aboutNarrow your focus for a short speech

Organizing your speechIntroduction: tell audience what you will tell

themBody: tell them your main ideasConclusion: remind them what you just told

them

Delivering our speech

Speaking extemporaneously Don't write down every word Practice enough to be familiar with main points

Rehearsing a prepared speech Practice out loud, not just in your head Time the length of your speech!!

Presenting your speech Take a few deep breaths Don't READ it!! Use gestures but not too many If you forget a part, keep going Establish eye contact with many members of the audience.