BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS IN PUBLIC SPEAKING
Every person
is capable of becoming an effective public speaker, the question is, “Are you willing to be one”?
Seven Components of the Speech Communication Process:
Speaker – is the source, or originator of the message. The key questions you ask yourself as a speaker is “Am I getting through to my learners”?
Listener – the receiver of the speakers message
Message – whatever is communicated verbally and non-verbally. Verbal communication is composed of words and non-verbal is composed of voice, eyes, facial expression, gestures, posture and appearance.
Channel – is the pathway used to transmit a message. In Public Speaking, the channel is auditory (voice), accompanied by a visual channel (non-verbal communication).
Feedback – verbal and non-verbal responses made by a listener.
Interference – anything that obstructs accurate communication of a message.
§ External – arises outside the listeners (i.e. someone coughing, a baby crying, people talking loudly, etc…)
§ Internal – comes from within the listener (verbal and non-verbal)
§ Speaker-Generated- comes from the speaker (verbal and non-verbal)
The Speakers Responsibilities
Maintain High Ethical Standards
Never distort information
Respect your audience
Reject Stereotypes – over simplified mental picture
Enrich listeners lives
Take every speech seriously
Preparation
Audience – find out as much as you can about your audience in order to cater to your topic and general approach.
Topic- it is ideal that a topic is interesting to you and your listeners. It should be designed to be incorporated with the time allotted for it’s presentation.
Purpose and Central Idea – It is composed of three elements: General purpose, specific purpose and central idea.
Finding Materials – gather information from all credible sources you can find.
Organization – organize the body of your speech by devising two or theree main points that explain or prove your central idea.
Transitions – techniques to carry your listeners smoothly from part of a speech to another.
Introduction- sets the tone for the whole speech and determines what kind of learning environment the setting will be.
Conclusion – Summarize your key point.
Outline – Put together the parts of your speech (introduction, body, conclusions, and transitions) that all prove your central idea.
Speaking notes – Prepare brief speaking notes based on your outline.
Practice – rehearse your speech several times. It is ideal not to memorize your speech.
Delivery
Self-Confidence – develop a positive attitude about yourself.
Approach and Beginning – when you are called to speak walk confidently to the front of the room, look at the audience and begin your speech.
Eye Contact – look at the audience throughout the speech and glance once in a while on your notes. Avoid looking else where.
Speaking rate – make sure that the audience can absorb your ideas.
Expressiveness – your voice should be animated.
Clarity and Volume – pronounce your words distinctly and avoid fillers like – uh, ah, umm, er and the like….
Gestures and Movement – use natural and graceful gestures to enhance your message.
Posture and Poise – Stand up straight. Avoid leaning on the lectern or slouching.
Use of Notes – glance at your notes occasionally and do not stare at them absentmindedly.
Enthusiasm – let them know that you are interested in your speech and in your audience.
Ending and Departure – sayyour conclusion and end on an interesting note that catches the attention of the audience.