Throughout history people have used public speaking as a vital means of communication. Public speaking, as the name implies, is a way of making your ideas public- of sharing them with other people and of influencing other people. Surveys have shown that oral communication ranks among the topmost skills in career development. Nor has the growth of Internet and other new technologies reduced the need for public speaking. Apparently, there is no substitute for face-to-face communication. For students at the tertiary level to be successful, be it on a one-to-one basis, or before a group, be able to make a presentation that is convincing, believable and effective.
The fact that public speaking happens to be of such great importance to students at MAHSA University where they certainly have to give presentations as part of their course. Some of them will be assessed and others will be formative in nature which will help meet assessment requirements later. As we look into the various aspects of the communication process, presentations as it were falls into four main categories:
· Giving information- for example in business and education
· Instruction- also used in business and educational settings
· Persuading- used in business, education, politics and the media
· Entertaining- used in the media and the performing arts.
When we speak, we would always like to make an impact. Hence, it is meet and proper that we deal with some important considerations for the benefit of students at Mahsa University, as well as students in general.
1. Purpose
The first step to effective speaking is to know your purpose. Be clear with what you want to say and hoe you say it. Are you trying to persuade, to inform or merely to entertain. Knowing your purpose will steer you towards what you should say.
2. Audience
Know your audience. If you do not know your audience, then you ought to check up on who they are. Do they already have background knowledge of what you are going to say, or are they completely in the dark? How much English do they know? Are they likely to be hostile towards your ideas? What do you want from your audience? Maintain good rapport with your audience. Involve them. Be interactive. Give them pictures, handouts and other goodies. Be friendly towards them, and they will be inclined to be friendly towards you.
3. Preparation
Research your subject matter well, check your facts and figures. Familiarize yourself with what you want to say to your audience as you are preparing for the speech. Rehearse what you want to say. Video record your speech and watch it for any shortcomings, such as your voice, clarity of speech, your language, your attire, gestures, facial expression and general behaviour.
4. Remembering what to say
Great speakers have everything in their head. However, for most of us, we need some aid.
Using cards is one efficient means. Write notes on cards (10cm by 15cm). Do not write complete sentences, only key words to remind you at glance what you say or do. Do not write complete sentences, only key words to remind you at a glance what to say or do. The notes can also be used to prompt you on what to do during the course of your speech; when to stop and ask the audience questions, when to change the PowerPoint slide, etc. Do number the cards.
Association is a technique used by many orators, It involves associating the key parts of your talk with familiar objects or activities. It is a kind of visualization of the whole speech into parts.
5. Organization
Organize your notes and the equipment you are going to use. Equipment has a tendency to break down hen you most need it. So check to see that it is working well. In the event of a breakdown, do have a standby plan.
6. Overcoming Nerves
The fact that public speaking happens to be of such great importance to students at MAHSA University where they certainly have to give presentations as part of their course. Some of them will be assessed and others will be formative in nature which will help meet assessment requirements later. As we look into the various aspects of the communication process, presentations as it were falls into four main categories:
· Giving information- for example in business and education
· Instruction- also used in business and educational settings
· Persuading- used in business, education, politics and the media
· Entertaining- used in the media and the performing arts.
When we speak, we would always like to make an impact. Hence, it is meet and proper that we deal with some important considerations for the benefit of students at Mahsa University, as well as students in general.
1. Purpose
The first step to effective speaking is to know your purpose. Be clear with what you want to say and hoe you say it. Are you trying to persuade, to inform or merely to entertain. Knowing your purpose will steer you towards what you should say.
2. Audience
Know your audience. If you do not know your audience, then you ought to check up on who they are. Do they already have background knowledge of what you are going to say, or are they completely in the dark? How much English do they know? Are they likely to be hostile towards your ideas? What do you want from your audience? Maintain good rapport with your audience. Involve them. Be interactive. Give them pictures, handouts and other goodies. Be friendly towards them, and they will be inclined to be friendly towards you.
3. Preparation
Research your subject matter well, check your facts and figures. Familiarize yourself with what you want to say to your audience as you are preparing for the speech. Rehearse what you want to say. Video record your speech and watch it for any shortcomings, such as your voice, clarity of speech, your language, your attire, gestures, facial expression and general behaviour.
4. Remembering what to say
Great speakers have everything in their head. However, for most of us, we need some aid.
Using cards is one efficient means. Write notes on cards (10cm by 15cm). Do not write complete sentences, only key words to remind you at glance what you say or do. Do not write complete sentences, only key words to remind you at a glance what to say or do. The notes can also be used to prompt you on what to do during the course of your speech; when to stop and ask the audience questions, when to change the PowerPoint slide, etc. Do number the cards.
Association is a technique used by many orators, It involves associating the key parts of your talk with familiar objects or activities. It is a kind of visualization of the whole speech into parts.
5. Organization
Organize your notes and the equipment you are going to use. Equipment has a tendency to break down hen you most need it. So check to see that it is working well. In the event of a breakdown, do have a standby plan.
6. Overcoming Nerves
Even an experienced speaker will be nervous before facing an audience. If you are nervous, the following techniques can be helpful.
Technique 1: Breathe deeply a few times, telling yourself to relax .
Technique 2: Loosen up by shaking your hands.
Technique 3: Imagine your audience as funny people.
Technique 4: Be well-prepared. Believe in yourself.
Technique 5: Develop a positive attitude-its not the end of the world.
7. Words, Voice and Body Language
Words: pick and choose the most appropriate words.
Voice: Your voice should sound enthusiastic and sincere, and there
should be a variety of tones.
Volume: You should speak loudly enough to be heard, but that does
not mean that you can shout.
Poise: Stand confidently, be relaxed and natural. Do not be too stiff.
Do not move around the place too much: it is distracting to the
audience. Avoid peculiar mannerisms while you speak. Look at audience.
8. Speed
Generally, you should speak at a moderate pace so that the audience can absorb what you say. Emphasize your points to catch the attention of the audience.
9. Brevity
Usually, the audience is most attentive in the first 20 minutes and the last 5 minute in a 40-minute talk. Follow the 3 S’s of a good speech:
1. Stand up 2. Speak out 3. Shut up
10. Visual Aids
Visual aids, if used effectively, can contribute significantly to the speaker’s impact, but remember they are aids to the talk.
By way of ending your speech, there are various ways to conclude. Among them are summing up what you have said, and asking for questions from the audience. Normally, a few polite words, like expressing your appreciation to the audience, are also in good taste.
Words by
Mr. Panchanathan A/L Mathunai,
School of Education
Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing and Education
Technique 1: Breathe deeply a few times, telling yourself to relax .
Technique 2: Loosen up by shaking your hands.
Technique 3: Imagine your audience as funny people.
Technique 4: Be well-prepared. Believe in yourself.
Technique 5: Develop a positive attitude-its not the end of the world.
7. Words, Voice and Body Language
Words: pick and choose the most appropriate words.
Voice: Your voice should sound enthusiastic and sincere, and there
should be a variety of tones.
Volume: You should speak loudly enough to be heard, but that does
not mean that you can shout.
Poise: Stand confidently, be relaxed and natural. Do not be too stiff.
Do not move around the place too much: it is distracting to the
audience. Avoid peculiar mannerisms while you speak. Look at audience.
8. Speed
Generally, you should speak at a moderate pace so that the audience can absorb what you say. Emphasize your points to catch the attention of the audience.
9. Brevity
Usually, the audience is most attentive in the first 20 minutes and the last 5 minute in a 40-minute talk. Follow the 3 S’s of a good speech:
1. Stand up 2. Speak out 3. Shut up
10. Visual Aids
Visual aids, if used effectively, can contribute significantly to the speaker’s impact, but remember they are aids to the talk.
By way of ending your speech, there are various ways to conclude. Among them are summing up what you have said, and asking for questions from the audience. Normally, a few polite words, like expressing your appreciation to the audience, are also in good taste.
Words by
Mr. Panchanathan A/L Mathunai,
School of Education
Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing and Education