Soft Skills: Unit - 4 (Presentation & Interaction Skills)
Soft Skills: Unit - 4 (Presentation & Interaction Skills)
Soft Skills: Unit - 4 (Presentation & Interaction Skills)
Both forms of communication are important and have their advantages and
disadvantages, oral communication is typically more informal, immediate, and
interpersonal, while written communication is typically more formal, permanent,
and can reach a wider audience.
A public speaker can easily enhance his confidence if he follows the following
tips-
• Be prepared
• Be yourself
• Don’t try to be perfect
• Avoid haste
Confidence helps a speaker in many ways-
• To create an everlasting impression.
• To be taken seriously by the audience.
• To kill nervousness and stage fear
• To build a good rapport with the audience
• To win the presentation
• To be a very good speaker
Remember, convincing people is definitely not an easy task. But the situation
becomes easier when you are confident enough to not only convince others but
also make them listen to you with rapt attention and also act accordingly.
2. Clarity -Clarity means the audience understands not only words but also the
intention of the speaker. Clarity in communication is the quality of being
unambiguous and easily understood. If a speaker is not clear, specific, precise,
detailed, and sensory with the language then there is a greater chance of
disengaging the audience.
INDIVIDUAL SPEAKING
Individual speaking is the act of delivering a speech or presentation by a single
person. It involves several key elements that are essential to its success:
• Purpose: The purpose of the speech is the main idea or goal that the
speaker wants to convey to the audience. It should be clear and concise and
guide the development of the speech.
• Audience: The audience is the group of people who will be listening to the
speech. The speaker should consider their needs, interests, and knowledge
levels to tailor the speech appropriately.
• Content: The content of the speech includes the main ideas, supporting
evidence, and examples that are used to convey the purpose of the speech.
It should be well-organized and easy to understand.
• Delivery: The delivery of the speech refers to the way in which the speaker
presents the content to the audience. This includes elements such as voice
projection, tone, pace, and body language.
• Visual aids: Visual aids are any visual elements that are used to enhance
the audience's understanding of the content. This can include things like
slides, diagrams, and props.
• Timing: The timing of the speech refers to the amount of time allotted for
the presentation. The speaker should be aware of the time constraints and
plan the speech accordingly.
• Feedback: Feedback is essential to individual speaking, as it helps the
speaker to improve their skills and adapt to the needs of the audience. It
can be obtained through self-reflection, peer review, or audience feedback.
Public speaking and individual speaking are two distinct forms of communication
that require different approaches and skills. While public speaking requires more
planning, preparation, and formal delivery, individual speaking tends to be more
informal and spontaneous, with a smaller audience and a more personal focus.
Kinesics - Kinesics is the study of body language and its communication value.
It involves the interpretation of facial expressions, gestures, and body movements
in conveying meaning and emotions. Here are some of the elements of kinesics
and their examples:
1. Intimate Zone: This is the space within 0-18 inches of a person's body.
This space is reserved for close friends and family members, and intimate
interactions such as hugging, kissing, or whispering. For example, when a
couple is having an intimate conversation, they may stand or sit very close
to each other.
2. Personal Zone: This is the space within 18 inches to 4 feet of a person's
body. This space is reserved for interactions with friends and
acquaintances, and can include casual conversations, greetings, and
handshakes. For example, when two colleagues are having a conversation,
they may stand or sit a few feet apart.
3. Social Zone: This is the space within 4-12 feet of a person's body. This
space is reserved for interactions with strangers and large groups, and can
include public speaking, presentations, and social events. For example,
when attending a party, people may stand or sit farther apart than they
would with close friends.
4. Public Zone: This is the space beyond 12 feet of a person's body. This
space is reserved for public events and performances, and can include
concerts, sporting events, and parades. For example, when attending a
concert, people may be separated by rows of seats and large distances from
the performers.
The use of proxemics can vary based on cultural and social norms. For example,
in some cultures, it is considered rude to stand too close to someone during a
conversation, while in other cultures, close proximity is a sign of respect and
friendliness. Additionally, the use of proxemics can be influenced by the context
of the situation, such as the level of formality, the purpose of the interaction, and
the power dynamics between the people involved.
• Time Perception: This refers to how people perceive time and its value.
Different cultures and individuals may have different views on the
importance of time, which can affect communication. For example, some
cultures place a high value on punctuality and see being on time as a sign
of respect, while other cultures may have a more relaxed attitude towards
time and see it as a more flexible concept.
• Time Use: This refers to how people use time in communication. Different
cultures and individuals may have different expectations about how time
should be used in communication, which can affect the effectiveness of
communication. For example, in some cultures, it may be considered rude
to interrupt someone or to rush through a conversation, while in other
cultures, interruptions and quick conversations may be more common.
• Planning: This stage involves determining the purpose and goal of the
presentation, as well as the audience's needs and expectations. It is
important to define the topic, objectives, and key message of the
presentation. This will help in identifying the content that needs to be
included in the presentation.
• Preparation: Once the planning stage is completed, the next step is to
gather and organize information that is relevant to the topic. This includes
conducting research, selecting key points, and organizing the information
in a logical and coherent manner. During this stage, it is also important to
identify visual aids or props that can enhance the presentation.
• Organization: The information gathered during the preparation stage
should be organized into a clear and coherent structure. This can be
achieved by developing an outline or storyboard that highlights the key
points, transitions, and supporting evidence. It is important to make sure
that the presentation flows smoothly and follows a logical sequence.
• Delivery: The delivery of the presentation is critical to its success. This
includes using appropriate language, tone, and body language to engage
the audience. It is important to speak clearly, confidently, and with
enthusiasm. Additionally, visual aids or props should be used effectively
to enhance the presentation.
• Practice: Practice the presentation several times before delivering it. This
will help to build confidence and identify areas that need improvement.
• Engage the audience: Engage the audience by using interactive
techniques such as asking questions or using group activities.
• Use stories and examples: Stories and examples can help to make the
presentation more engaging and relatable.
• Use visual aids: Visual aids such as slides, videos, or images can help to
illustrate key points and enhance the presentation.
• Be aware of time: It is important to stay within the allotted time for the
presentation.
By following these strategies, individuals can plan, prepare, organize, and deliver
effective presentations that engage and inform their audience.