Public Speaking

Meaning of Public Speaking:
Public speaking is speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to

inform, influence or entertain the listeners. The purpose of public speaking can range from simply
transmitting information, to motivating people to act, to simply telling a story. The act or process of
making speeches in public is called public speaking. In other words, it is the art of effective oral
communication with an audience. It is an oral presentation in which a speaker addresses an
audience.
Meaning of Oral Communication:
In business, our works involve oral as well as written communication. But we spent more time
in oral communication than written communication. Most of the oral communication will be informal in
nature but in business communication various kinds of more formal oral communication take place
such as sometimes business people must make formal presentations like speeches, lectures, oral
reports etc. Oral communication is the face-to-face communication that takes place whenever people
get together. In the same way, sometimes they should conduct and participate in committee
meetings, conferences and group discussions etc. Oral communication is generally recommended
when the communication matter is of temporary kind or where direct information is required.
Process for preparing and making formal speeches:
1) Selection of the topic:
The first step in formal speech making is to determine the topic for the presentation. In some
cases, we are assigned a topic to present but if we are not assigned a topic then we self-have to
choose a suitable topic. We should select such a topic in which we are comfortable and within our
areas of proficiency. If we have knowledge of topic, we are able to talk about it. We should select that
topic which the audience can appreciate and understand it. The topic should meet the occasion for
which the presentation is giving. For example: A speech about Japanese Management practices
might be quite appropriate for the executive’s club members but not for the beauticians. After
determining what to talk about, we should gather the information. For this, we have to conduct
research to get the information needed. Then, we should organize the information gathered.
Organization of information follows the pattern of “Introduction, Body & Conclusion”.
2) Determination of presentation method:
We should determine which presentation method to be followed. We can give presentation by three
methods: Extemporaneous, Memorizing and Reading
Extemporaneous presentation is the most popular and effective method. Using this method, we firstly
prepare our speech as per the outlines given earlier. Then we prepare notes and present the speech
from them. Then we rehearse a lot so that all the parts are clearly in mind but we don’t memorize it.
This method usually sounds natural to the listeners.
Memorized presentation is the most difficult method. In this method, speakers memorize the entire
speech.
Reading presentation refers to giving the whole presentation by reading that may be though the slides
or notes.
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3) Consideration of personal aspects:
It is a logical first step in preparing a speech to analyze ourselves as a speaker. In oral
presentation, speaker is an essential part of the message. Audience takes not only the words we
communicate but they see us in that situation and this affect the meanings that develop in their
minds. Thus, we should carefully evaluate our personal aspects in four characteristics: Confidence,
Sincerity, Thoroughness and Friendliness.
4) Audience analysis:
While presenting we have to analyze our audience. We can analyze audience before and
during the presentation.
a) Preliminary Analysis:
Preliminary analysis means analyzing the audience before the presentation. For example: Size
of audience is likely to influence how formal or informal we make our speech. The audience’s
personal characteristics also can affect how we make our speech. Characteristics such as age, sex,
education, experience and knowledge of subject matter can determine how we present our message-
choice of words, need for illustration and level of detail required.
b) Analyzing during presentation:
We should also analyze our audience during the presentation. We should analyze their reaction
through the facial expression, movements; noise etc. because it gives us information about how the
listeners are receiving our words. With this information, we can adjust our presentation to improve the
communication result.
5) Appearance and body actions:
While giving the presentation, our audiences not only hear our words but they are also looking at us.
Therefore, our appearance and body movements have a real effect on the success of our speech.
6) Use of voice:
Good voice is a requirement of good speaking. The proper use of voice can attract the concentration
of the listeners.
7) Use of visual aids:
As spoken words have limitations, sometimes visual aids can enhance the communication effort.
Thus, to make communication/presentation more effective, speeches often need strong visual
support- chats, tables, videos etc.

Public Speaking

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Meaning of Public Speaking:

Public speaking is speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to

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