ORAL SKILLS

ORAL COMMUNICATION
According

to the University of Virginia, "oral communication is the effective interpretation, composition, and presentation of information, ideas, and values to a specific audience." Oral communication describes any type of interaction that makes use of spoken words, and it is a vital, integral part of the modern business world.

 "Knowing

the content of the functional areas of business is important, but to give life to those ideasin meetings or in solo presentations demands an effective oral presentation. "The ability to communicate effectively through speaking as well as in writing is highly valued, and demanded, in business, " According to Herta A. Murphy and Herbert W. Hildebrandt

ORAL COMMUNICATION: SIGNIFICANCE

Communication is used daily to talk to friends, make business proposals and pass legislation. It is the exchange of messages between a sender and a receiver. Effective communication is the ability to send a message and have it be understood in its entirety. Oral communication is used in business to make deals, sell products and train employees.

TYPES OF ORAL COMMUNICATION

The

types of oral communication commonly used within an organization include staff meetings, personal discussions, presentations, telephone discourse, and informal conversation. Oral communication with those outside of the organization might take the form of face-to-face meetings, telephone calls, speeches, teleconferences, or videoconferences.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ORAL COMMUNICATION

For oral communication to be effective, it should be: Clear Relevant Tactful in phraseology and tone Concise, and informative. Presentations or conversations that bear these hallmarks can be an valuable tool in ensuring business health and growth.

 Unclear,

inaccurate, or inconsiderate business communication, on the other hand, can waste valuable time, alienate employees or customers, and destroy goodwill toward management or the overall business.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS
The

public presentation is generally recognized as the most important of the various genres of oral business communication. The first step in preparing a public speech or remarks is to determine the essential purpose/goal of the communication. Business presentations tend to have one of three general purposes: to persuade, to inform or instruct, or to entertain.

BASIC STEPS FOR ORAL PRESENTATION :

Planning

Structuring
Preparing Presenting

ORAL SKILLS
The following factors must kept in mind in order to be an effective orator: A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. Body language Posture Eye contact Voice modulation Audience awareness Presentation plan Visual aids Use of connectives

BODY LANGUAGE
In

a face to face interaction a person does not communicate only through words, his whole personality-his general bearing, facial expressions, postures and gestures come into play. A well turned out man with a pleasant expression will find it easier to establish a rapport with others. Half the battle is won if you have the attention of audience.

POSTURE
When

you are called upon to address, walk sprightly and stand at ease. Keep your hands on the sides and the note cards on the podium. Do not be fidgety and try and increase your comfort level. While speaking your gestures should be appropriate.

EYE CONTACT
Eye contact is one of the most immediate and effective means establishing rapport with an audience. Look at the audience, pause for a while before you say anything. In fact throughout your oral presentation make use of frequent and slight pauses.

VOICE MODULATION
On occasions when you have to speak, the following things have to be kept in mind: Variation in the pitch and tempo of the voice is essential to convey a message. A monotonous tone will put the audience to sleep. Speed at which you deliver your speech is also important. Fast delivery shows lack of confidence. Speak at a rate your audience can understand you.

VOICE MODULATION (CNTD)

Pronounce

words properly, stressing at the

right places. Speak loud enough so that everyone can hear you clearly. If you want to be an effective speaker, You must know how to use your voice properly. A good voice is Gods gift to you, but one can improve quality by undergoing proper training.

AUDIENCE AWARENESS
The

best way to catch the attention of the audience is to talk to them directly. Before you begin talking, size up your audience their age, background, gender, and interest. A glance at them will tell you whether they will be eager to listen to what you have to say to them or for which they have been assembled in the room. Sincerity and conviction about their immediate interest and something with which they are familiar, will in all probability lure them into listening.

PRESENTATION PLANS
Adequate

planning and preparation are essential for a successful presentation. In fact, thorough preparation is the best antidote for nervousness. Face to face interaction demands thinking and speaking and not a mere repetition of what you have learnt. One should avoid written speeches word for word Or memorize it either. This would lead to the presentation loosing flexibility and communication will also suffer.

VISUAL AIDS
It

is believed that 11% of what we learn is through hearing, 83% through sight and rest through other three senses. aids can make your presentation more effective because it stimulates the listener being more vivid and easily understandable. includes maps, charts, pictures, motion pictures, slides, overhead projectors and backboard/whiteboard. choice of visual aid will depend upon your topic, audience and availability of the aid.

Visual

It

Your