Speaking Skills

By Jait Dixit 07IT214

Flow Of Presentation

Introduction The Components of an Effective Talk

The Right Attitude Idea of Space/Stage Oral Presentation Tone of Voice and Body Language Audio-Visual Aids

Conclusion Acknowledgements

Introduction

Speaking is defined as the act of uttering words or articulating sounds in our ordinary voice Speaking Skills , naturally, means the ability, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to give a good speech. From here onwards we shall take a look at, something which we call a crash-course to enhance your Speaking Skills. We shall be following a logical chain of events which take place when we speak, that will be something like this:
Form Idea Form Sentences Pause Speak

We will follow this chain and discuss the various points mentioned in the previous slide.

The Right Attitude

Right Attitude means that we are willing to speak whenever we are needed to do it. The fear of making a speech should be banished from our conscious as well as sub-conscious selves. The first word which comes to our mouth when some one asks us to make a speech is No. But we must overcome this fear and give a speech naturally. We think as if we are speaking. Hence we must relax and let our ideas flow naturally. The chain of thoughts should not be broken.

Idea of Stage/Space

Following the process of forming ideas comes that of forming sentences. This depends largely on the audience i.e., the age group, gender, size, expectations and technical knowledge of the audience. Keeping in mind the above mentioned points we must select proper words and then design an apt sentence. As Oliver Wendell Holmes had said: Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall. This will largely help in persuading your audience to believe the topic about which you are vouching for. Persuading an audience to your desired purpose is perhaps the most challenging task of a speaker. The orators employ following techniques:

Method employed by Orators

State Main Proposition

Anticipate Objections

Give best reason to prove point

Use Effective examples

End by repeating your proposition

Oral Presentation

This is the key part of the speech as it is obvious to all of us. Now none one would like to hear a bland and boring speech. Thus we have to prep it up, the items used for garnishing are:

Wit and Humour in Speech Tone Of Speech Body Language Timing and Duration

All these are important ingredients to an effective speech which make it more appeasing to the audience and the listen with utmost interest All the above mentioned points are discussed step by step in the coming slides.

Wit and Humour in Speech

You don't have to reinvent the wheel. There are many books on humour containing jokes and amusing stories for every occasion. Build up your library. Remember, even the most serious speech can benefit from the occasional use of humour, but it is important not to overdo it. The humour you inject into your speech must be relevant to the subject matter. As in all other aspects of public speaking, it is important when introducing humour to know your audience. Care should be taken not to offend members of your audience or to target individuals without their prior knowledge and consent. Blue jokes are out. Rehearsal is a vital element of humour. Humorous passages need to appear spontaneous. If you have to refer to your notes for the punch line, your delivery is likely to suffer and your audience may miss the point altogether. Involving your audience by engaging in repartee can be extremely amusing but should only be attempted by the experienced speaker. Its not necessary to leave your audience rolling in the aisles. Leave that to the stand up comics. Do however, use humour to enhance your speeches and presentations.

Tone Of Speech

A message has 7% verbal element, 38% vocal elements and 55% visual. One should vary tone of voice and pitch to avoid monotony of speech Speakers learn by practice as where and when to give a pause in their speech. They wait for response of audience. Also utmost care should be taken about our tone and inflection. And our articulation should be perfect. Sing-song and halting speech should be avoided. Also keep your tempo in control so that the audience can understand what you say. Give emphasis at appropriate points. Emphasize important words and phrases. A group of words is called phrase ,give a pause between two phrases so that they can get a picture of what you want to convey

Body Language

Eye Contact: Look at the audience at about their eye level. In large group the easiest way to maintain an eye contact to maintain eye contact is to draw a large M or W round the room. This will encompass everyone. Eye contact is vital in order to maintain audiences interest. Smile: Smile at the audience, it may be difficult some time but it is an essential practice. It is also relaxes your vocal chords and makes your voice interesting. Avoid Barriers: Get as nearer to audience as possible. Avoid standing behind a barrier like a table. Stand Square: Find a comfortable stance. The best position is standing with feet slightly apart. Beware of Distracting Mannerism: This doesnt mean stand rigid, but limit the movements of Hands. The major problem with distracting mannerism is the audience were to look on to them and wont pay attention to your speech. Be Natural: Easier said than done ,as one must think ,being oneself helps on effective speech.

Timing and Duration

Considering the time of day and how long you have to talk is important. Peoples ability to concentrate hard for long period is not particularly good. When listening to a talk concentration is fairly good till first 20 min or so after that it falls of. There after they wait for conclusion and dont listen to speech with concentration. This can be avoided by doing security checks and using jokes or an exclamatory statement.

Audio-Visual Aids

Slides

Flip Chart

Models

Films & Videos

Projectors

Blackboards

Conclusion

Keeping in mind the above discussed points a speaker can enhance his/her speaking skills But at last it depends on the speakers willingness to improve and it is the continuous practice which pays off. I sincerely ,hope this presentation has helped you in improving your speaking skills. And after conclusion keep in mind to discuss with the audience your speech which will help increase your rapport with the audience and make your speech unforgettable.

Acknowledgements

I thank the following websites for their invaluable information:

www.google.com www.businessweek.com www.quotegarden.com www.msstate.edu

And numerous other websites and of course Mr. Bill Gates for MS PowerPoint and google. com once again.

Thank You