Public Speaking

Public Speaking

Question 1

In my opinion, good organization is the most crucial of the 11 public speaking competencies outlined in chapter 1. The ability of an individual to organize his/her speech in a way that makes it easier for the audience to capture the main points is an essential public speaking skill. Good organization also involves the ability of a speaker to transition from one main idea to the other in a way that ensures a smooth flow of the speech. An organized speech is also crucial as it helps in the delivery of information and also avoids confusion. An organized speaker whose speech starts with main points which are well structured uses transition tools, and follows a logical pattern is provides information to the audience better than an unorganized public speaker. For instance, clear organization of a speech is an essential competence for lecturers and tutors.

Question 2

There are three barriers to active listening. Anticipating, judging, and emotional reactions are the most significant of the hindrances to active listening.

Anticipating is a situation whereby the listener is actively thinking about what the speaker is most likely to say distracts listeners from listening and concentrating during a speech. Also, a listener may jump to a conclusion when he/she feels that the speaker is taking too long to make a point.

Making conclusions about the speaker also affects the ability to concentrate and listen effectively.There are people in an audience who may judge the speaker based on a small mistake such as a mispronunciation or even because of their superficialities (facial/physical appearance). This will hinder the listener from listening attentively or even be used as a justification by the listener to stop listening.

There are emotional triggers that when heard by an individual in the audience, may hinder their ability to listen attentively.

In my opinion, judging the speaker is the most significant barrier to active listening because it even clouds the ability of the listener to grasp anything meaningful from the speaker.

Question 3

Demographic analysis refers to the study of an audience based on their characteristics and elements such as age, gender, education, ethnic and cultural background, special needs and interests, past believes and attitudes and also values.

Demographic analysis is essential during the preparation of a speech because it allows the speaker to change or tailor the speech to deliver a message that fits the parameters and characteristics of the audience. For instance, it is essential for a speaker to change his/her address to be suited for an audience that consists of people aged 18-25, and are of people of African American origin. The speech will be tailored to ensure that the message has no aspects of racism or racial prejudice, especially when the speaker is Caucasian. Politicians mostly ensure that they are appraised about the demographics of their audience before they speak. This is to ensure that the issues they speak about in their campaigns are relevant to the people based on their demographic characteristics. Also, demographic analysis ensures that the speaker understands the audience better such that he/she will be able to establish an emotional connection with them during the speech. Generally, it makes it easier to gain the attention and interest of the audience to convey the message effectively.

Question 4

Signposts are words, phrases, or non-verbal gestures that are used by speakers to transition from one point/idea to the other smoothly. Signposts are also used by speakers to keep the audience engaged by showing the relationship between one main point/idea and the other. They include transitional statements, previews, and summaries. Some few examples of signposts include:

• stop and consider
• lastly, I would like to explain
• another
• probably
• besides
• I wish to emphasize
• I want to reiterate. Etc.

Transitional statements are phrases that are used to link to distinct ideas that are related to one another. Their primary purpose is to alert the audience that the speaker is changing from discussing one central point to another distinct but related one. Transitional words include: moreover, however, also, firstly, secondly, among others.

Question 5

Functions of an Introduction

• Gain the attention of the audience
• Gain the goodwill of the audience
• State the purpose of the speech
• Preview the main points of the speech

In my opinion, gaining the attention of the audience is the most crucial function of an introduction. However, gaining their attention is only effective if the introduction captures the interest of the audience. For instance, is a speaker who wants to capture the attention and interest of the audience, he/she must ensure he introduces himself and the main topics of the speech in an interesting way. A speaker who appears before an audience and mumbles his name in an inaudible manner with his/her hands pocketed is unlikely to capture their attention and interest.

Question 6

There are various ways an introduction can be used to capture the attention and interest of the audience. Firstly, an introduction can be a story, refer to the occasion, refer to recent historical events, or refer to previous speeches by other speakers.

One of the best introductions I remember is that of a speech that was made by my uncle during my brother’s graduation ceremony that was attended by family members, friends and colleagues:

“Most often than not, one may think that they are not bound for greatness, just because they are of different physical stature, shade of colour or even intellectual capabilities from those they surround themselves with, however, today we gather here to celebrate the graduation  a son, colleague, brother, in -law, husband, grandson, or friend to us…”

This introduction of the speech that was made by uncle captured the attention of the audience and also their interest in listening to the rest of the speech. He begins by referring to my brother’s achievement as something that no one expected, but yet he was able to accomplish it. Further, he refers to the occasion by describing it as an opportunity to celebrate the achievement of an individual who was close to many in the audience.

Question 7

Objectives in Developing an Informative Speech

There are three main objectives in creating an informative speech

Firstly, to arouse the interest of the audience, secondly, presenting information in an easily understandable manner, and thirdly, to make it easier for the audience to remember the content of the speech.

To arouse and maintain the attention and interest of the audience throughout the speech, the speaker can use attention-getting elements, narrating a story, being creative, and stimulation of the audience’s intellect.

In order To ensure that the information is easily understandable, the speech should be organized in a logical manner, should use simple language, and avoid overloading information.

To ensure that the audience remembers the information contained in the speech, the speaker must use repetition more, use different methods of representation, such as visuals.

Question 8

Addressing differences with a hostile audience

Beginning the speech with areas in which both the speaker and the hostile audience agree on is one of the methods that can make the audience more receptive to hearing what the speaker has to say. Although this will make the audience receptive, they will still have some reservations. To further resolve the differences, the speaker should acknowledge the reservations to show that he/she understands them and respects their position.

Question 9

In my opinion, if the four on verbal aspects of delivery, facial expressions are the most important. Facial expression is an important aspect of speech delivery as they show the emotions of the speaker, thus validating or discrediting his/her commitment to the information being provided by the speech. Movement of eyes, mouth, and muscles on the face, are a means of ensuring a connection with the audience. Eyes play an important role as a facial expression; they work miracles in both large and small audiences. For instance, facial expressions can be used to discredit a politician or public figure during the delivery of a speech.

Law enforcement agencies have even devised a technique which they use when interrogating suspects to determine whether they are truthful or not. Facial expressions should, therefore, be spontaneous and not forced.

The feelings of the speaker during a speech presentation can also be easily read through his/her facial expressions. It is important for speakers to use facial expressions that are consistent with the material of the speech. However, some facial expressions, such as smiling when one meets the audience, are considered polite and appreciative despite the occasion or content of the speech.

Question 12

Minimizing Speech Anxiety

It is common to find people who experience issues such as nausea, sweating, panic or general anxiety whenever they try to make a speech or presentation in public. There are various methods that such individuals can use to deal with the on-stage fright. Firstly, it is important for the speaker to accept that public speaking anxiety is a normal thing as it simply means that he/she cares about the response of the audience to his/her speech. Secondly, the speaker should not try too hard to be perfect. One should accept that no one is perfect, and they shouldn’t worry about giving a perfect speech. It is advisable to be oneself when making a Speech. Thirdly, it is crucial for the speaker to familiarize him/herself with the subject he or she is required to speak about and also engage the audience before and during the speech.

Another method that one can use to minimize speech anxiety is to visualize success, breathe deeply during the speech, and maintain eye contact and facial composure during the entire period. The speaker should also ensure that he/she knows the composition of the audience before the moment.