Melany Villalobos- Reflection #1
Speaking With Impact: The Art of Public Speaking
This blog will dive into what it takes to deliver a good speech and what tools can be used to improve a speech.
A public speaking class can teach each one valuable skills. Public speaking is a lifelong skill that can be useful in any circumstance. Being able to confidently speak and deliver a speech can be learned by many techniques. Taking a public speech class allows you to harness skill and competence that would otherwise be lacking. Teaching confidence and the ability to work under pressure.
The history of public speaking:
Public speaking can be traced back to 500-300 B.C and even the well renowned Greek Philosopher, Socrates. Socrates believed that information and knowledge could only be transferred orally, through public speaking. Being able to deliver information and knowledge not only through speech, but also through body language and tone.
Connecting with the audience:
The key to being a confident speaker is connecting with the audience. A presentation is all about the audience and how the information is presented to them. The speaker’s tone, cadence, and mannerisms are important in order to convey the message to the audience.
Being informed on your topic is also crucial to deliver a great speech!
Feedback:
Gaining feedback from the audience also helps in becoming a better speaker. Reading the audience’s facial expressions and body language can give insight into what they think about your speech. For example, if they are nodding their heads or smiling they may be enjoying or agreeing with the speaker. It also shows that the audience is paying attention to the speaker and the presentation.
Developing your topic:
Prior to developing your topic, you must think about what kind of speech you would like to give.
Different kinds of speeches:
- Informative Speech
- Persuasive Speech
- Special occasion Speech
It is important to also keep in mind the audience, the environment, the time limit, and what topics you are personally interested in. The more interested and informed you are in the topic, the more captivated the audience will be. Also consider how relevant that topic will be to the audience.
Researching a topic:
When researching a topic it's important to find ideas you like and you know the audience will be interested in. To find relevant information, find people who are knowledgeable and accredited in that topic. This will make sure that all of your information is accurate and valid and that you know everything you possibly can about the topic.
Language:
Using the appropriate language is also important when giving a speech. Be aware that the audience may not always understand what you are trying to say. Use clear language and words that are understandable and make sure to denote exactly what you mean.
Beginning your speech:
As a speaker you only have one chance to make a good first impression.
Be engaging with your audience
To capture the audience's attention, start with something compelling and interesting.
Put your best foot forward! Make them be immediately interested in what you are speaking about. Make sure that what you are saying is strong and something the audience can resonate with.
Ways to get audiences attention:
- Relate the topic to your audience
- Connect yourself with the audience
- Stay calm and don't show your nerves
- Pique the audience’s interests
Establish your credibility:
Show the audience you are knowledgeable about the topic and you know everything there is to know about it. Make sure you know your topic inside and out!
Be organized when speaking to the audience. Organize your points and state them clearly. Additionally, indicate your purpose; what is your goal for this speech? Distinctly indicate your thesis statement. Preview your main points, giving the audience a taste of what your speech or presentation is about.
Ending your speech:
A strong conclusion will consist of you reviewing your main points and purpose. Also, providing closure and a strong ending that will support the body of your speech.
Presentation Media:
Presentation media allows your audience to get the information either visually or audibly.
Types of presentation media:
- Powerpoint
- Physical or Virtual Models
- Music
- A video
- An Image
When using presentation media the key is to make sure that the media goes well with your presentation and to be creative! The more creative you are, the more the audience will be interested.
Ways to deliver speeches:
- Manuscript speaking
- Extemporaneous Speaking
- Impromptu Speaking
Manuscript speaking is commonly used in professional settings such as a politician delivering a speech or a graduation speech. They are speaking what is written word for word from a paper or teleprompter.
Extemporaneous Speaking is a research, organized, and rehearsed speech. They are structured and well researched with a lot of information in them.
Impromptu speech is much like everyday talking and communicating.
Informative and Persuasive Speaking:
Informative Speech:
Information speaking is used in situations where the speaker wants to raise awareness and convey information.
Characteristics of Informative Speaking:
- Meaningful
- Accurate
- Limited
- Clear
Make sure your information is clear and concise so that the audience understands it!
Persuasive Speech:
Persuasive speech is used to convince the audience into believing and agreeing with your stance. It is based on opinions and personal ideas. A very important detail of persuasive speech is that it is NOT coercion. Persuasion is a choice, the audience is choosing to agree or disagree with your point of view.
The difference between informative and persuasive speech is that informative speech is neutral and unbiased; not giving any opinion. With persuasive speech it gives opinions and reasons to be persuaded to one side or another.
Important Reminder!:
Appreciate all the work you have done researching and preparing and enjoy giving the speech.
Melany although you gave facts about public speaking there were no reflections about the presentations.
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