Assessment of public speaking . Students need to acquire skills in public speaking to allow them to deliver quality information to the public
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COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND MEDICAL ETHICS COGs 2 FPCHs-PETAUKE Public Speaking
INTRODUCTION Public speaking refers to delivering a speech or presentation to a live audience to inform, persuade, entertain, or motivate them. It's a critical skill used in various fields like business, education, politics, and more
DEFINITION OF PUBLIC SPEAKING Public speaking is the act of delivering a speech or presentation to a live audience with the intent of informing, persuading, entertaining, or inspiring them. It involves clear communication, and body language, and often includes preparation, audience analysis, and the use of visual aids or other tools to enhance the delivery.
KEY ELEMENTS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING The message or information you are delivering should be well-researched, structured, and relevant to the audience. Understanding your audience's needs, expectations, and demographics helps tailor your speech effectively. How you present the content. This includes your tone, body language, eye contact, and overall demeanor.
Knowing the goal of your speech (to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire) shapes the approach and content. Practice and preparation build confidence, helping to minimize anxiety and maximize impact.
Techniques to Improve Public Speaking 1. Preparation and Research Tailor your speech to their(audience) interests, level of understanding, and needs. Start with a clear introduction, followed by the main body, and end with a strong conclusion. Make sure you deeply understand the subject matter.
2. Delivery Techniques Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use gestures to emphasize key points. Vary your tone, pitch, and pace to keep the audience engaged and to highlight important parts of the speech. Use strategic pauses to emphasize points and give the audience time to absorb information .
3. Confidence and Overcoming Anxiety Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence. Picture yourself delivering the speech successfully. Use deep breathing techniques to manage nervousness before speaking.
4. Engagement Engage with your audience by posing questions or encouraging interaction. Use stories or anecdotes to make your speech more relatable and memorable. A well-timed joke or light comment can ease tension and make the audience more receptive.
5. Use of Visual Aids Visuals can help clarify complex information and keep the audience focused. Ensure visuals are simple and directly relevant to your points.
6 . Feedback and Improvement After the speech, ask for constructive criticism to identify areas for improvement. Record your speeches to watch and critique yourself.
TYPES OF PUBLIC SPEAKING. 1. INFORMATIVE SPEAKING : Informative speaking is a type of speech that aims to educate an audience by providing knowledge or explaining a subject, idea, concept, or process. The primary purpose is to increase the audience's understanding and awareness of a particular topic without attempting to persuade or influence their opinions.
ELEMENTS OF INFORMATIVE SPEAKING Clarity : The speaker ensures that the information is presented in a way that is easy to understand, often breaking down complex topics into simpler terms. Objectivity : The speech is typically neutral, without bias or an agenda to persuade the audience toward a specific viewpoint. Accuracy : The speaker relies on credible sources and factual information to inform the audience.
Organization : The information is structured logically, making it easy for the audience to follow and retain the key points. Engagement : Though the speech is informative, it should still capture the audience's interest through relevant examples or visuals aids.
Advantages of Informative Speaking It provides the audience with new knowledge or a deeper understanding of a topic, allowing them to learn something they didn’t know before. Informative speaking is typically fact-based and neutral, focusing on presenting information without bias or persuasion, which can build trust with the audience. It can help simplify and explain complex ideas, making them more accessible and understandable for the audience.
By providing data, research, and information, it encourages the audience to think critically about the subject and form their own opinions. Since the aim is to share knowledge, it can appeal to a wide audience interested in learning more about the subject matter.
Disadvantages of Informative Speaking If too much information is presented, the audience might feel overwhelmed and fail to retain key points Informative speeches can be dry if not engagingly delivered. If the content is too technical or uninteresting, the audience may lose focus. The speaker must ensure that the information is clear and accurate. Miscommunication or misinformation can lead to confusion.
Since the focus is primarily on facts and data, it may lack the emotional appeal that can create a stronger connection with the audience, as seen in motivational or persuasive speaking. It can be difficult to tailor information to an audience with varying levels of knowledge on the topic. Some may find it too basic, while others may find it too advanced. Without interactive elements, an informative speech can feel one-sided, reducing the opportunity for audience interaction or feedback.
2. PERSUASIVE SPEAKING Persuasive speaking is a form of communication aimed at influencing the attitudes, beliefs, values, or actions of an audience. The speaker uses arguments, reasoning, and emotional appeals to convince the audience to adopt a particular point of view or take specific actions. In persuasive speaking, the goal is not just to inform, but to motivate or inspire change by appealing to logic, ethics, or emotions.
Persuasive speaking techniques Ethos (Credibility) : Establishing trust and authority as a speaker to make the audience more likely to listen. Pathos (Emotional Appeal) : Engaging the audience's emotions to create a connection and influence their attitudes or decisions. Logos (Logical Appeal) : Using facts, data, and logical reasoning to support arguments and persuade the audience. Kairos (Timing and Context) : Recognizing and using the right moment and setting to deliver the message for maximum impact.
ADVANTAGES Persuasive speaking enables individuals to sway opinions, shape decisions, and guide actions in their favor, whether in professional, political, or personal settings. A strong persuasive speaker often earns trust and is seen as a leader. Effective communication can enhance a person's authority and reputation within a group or organization.
In business or personal negotiations, persuasive speaking can help achieve favorable outcomes. By presenting compelling arguments, individuals can navigate conflict resolution and reach agreements. Persuasive speakers often motivate and inspire others to take action. This is particularly useful in leadership roles, sales, or social causes where mobilizing people is essential.
Persuasive speaking is a powerful tool for advocating for social, political, or organizational change. It allows speakers to challenge existing beliefs and inspire new ways of thinking or acting. Developing persuasive speaking abilities enhances overall communication, helping speakers articulate ideas more clearly and effectively across different contexts.
DISADVANTAGES Persuasive speaking can sometimes cross ethical lines, with the speaker manipulating facts or emotions to sway the audience unfairly. This could harm credibility if the audience senses dishonesty. If the speaker’s message feels too aggressive or one-sided, it may provoke resistance from the audience. People are less likely to be persuaded if they feel pressured or manipulated, which can lead to a backlash Persuasive speeches often appeal to emotions. If overdone, this can overwhelm the audience or detract from logical arguments, making the message seem less credible.
Persuasion can deepen divisions, particularly if the topic is controversial. Rather than bringing people together, persuasive speech can widen gaps between different viewpoints. To persuade, speakers may oversimplify complex issues. This can lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentation of facts .
3. MOTIVATIONAL /INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKING Motivational speaking is a form of public speaking aimed at inspiring and encouraging an audience to take action, change their mindset, or achieve their goals. Motivational speakers often share personal stories, life lessons, and practical strategies to help individuals overcome obstacles, boost their confidence, and foster a positive outlook .
ELEMENTS OF MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING Inspiration : Motivational speakers aim to uplift and energize their audience, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Personal Stories : Many speakers share their own experiences, struggles, and successes to connect with the audience on an emotional level. Practical Advice : Effective motivational speeches often include actionable tips and strategies that listeners can implement in their own lives. Engagement : Motivational speakers typically use engaging techniques, such as storytelling, humor, and interactive elements, to maintain the audience's attention and interest.
ADVANTAGES Motivational speakers can inspire individuals to take action, pursue their goals, and overcome obstacles. Their stories and insights often empower listeners to believe in their potential. Motivational speaking can boost performance in various settings, including workplaces, schools, and sports teams. It encourages individuals to strive for excellence and improve their skills.
Hearing success stories and positive messages can help individuals build self-confidence and a positive mindset, leading to greater resilience and the ability to face challenges. Motivational speakers often emphasize the importance of setting goals. They can provide frameworks and strategies for effective goal-setting, helping listeners clarify their aspirations.
Motivational speaking events can foster a sense of community and connection among attendees. Shared experiences and insights can lead to stronger relationships and support networks. By addressing negative thought patterns and habits, motivational speakers can encourage listeners to adopt healthier behaviors and make positive life changes. In organizational settings, motivational speakers can reignite enthusiasm and commitment among employees, leading to increased engagement and productivity.
DISADVANTAGES Many motivational speeches focus on general advice like "think positively" or "work hard" without addressing systemic challenges such as unemployment, poor infrastructure, or limited access to education and resources.. While motivational talks can uplift spirits momentarily, their effects are often fleeting. People may feel energized during the talk but struggle to maintain that motivation when they return to their daily lives, which might involve economic hardships, family responsibilities, or societal expectations. Without practical, actionable steps, the initial burst of energy fades quickly .
Motivational speakers often use personal success stories to inspire others. However, these stories can oversimplify complex journeys, making it seem like anyone can achieve the same results with enough motivation. This ignores the realities of privilege, access to resources, or favorable circumstances that may have contributed to the speaker’s success.
Some motivational speakers exploit vulnerable people, offering expensive seminars, courses, or books, promising unrealistic transformations. This can be especially problematic in countries where income inequality is high, as people might spend their hard-earned money on these services without seeing the promised results.
4. ENTERTAINING SPEAKING Entertaining speaking involves delivering a speech or presentation that captivates and engages the audience while providing enjoyment. It often includes humor, storytelling, and expressive body language, to keep the audience interested and entertained
ELEMENTS OF ENTERTAINMENT SPEAKING 1. HUMOUR: Humor tailored to the audience, topic, and occasion. It can be lighthearted or witty but should never offend. Well-placed pauses and effective punchlines are crucial to maximize the impact of humor.
2. STORYTELLING: Stories, often personal, help establish a connection with the audience. The use of descriptive language that allows the audience to visualize the story adds depth and engagement.
3. EMOTION: Connecting emotionally with the audience, whether through joy or empathy enhances the speech's entertainment value. Shifting between lighthearted and serious tones keeps the audience emotionally engaged and interested.
4. Engagement Involving the audience through questions, games, or reactions adds energy to the event. This could include direct audience interaction or rhetorical questions that make the audience reflect.
5. Dynamic Delivery Varying pitch, tone, and speed keep the speech lively and dynamic. Gestures, facial expressions, and movement on stage contribute to an animated and engaging performance.
ADVANTAGES OF ENTERTAINMENT SPEAKING Humor, stories, and lively delivery capture and maintain the audience’s attention, preventing boredom. In formal or long events, entertaining speaking provides a refreshing change of pace that keeps the energy high.
People tend to remember speeches that made them laugh, inspired them, or evoked emotions. When entertainment is combined with key points, the audience is more likely to remember the message.
Engaging humor and personal stories help build a connection, making the speaker more relatable and likable. Entertaining speaking can ease tension, create a friendly atmosphere, and make the audience feel more comfortable.
Entertainment often involves laughter, surprise, or empathy, which engages the audience on a deeper emotional level An entertaining speech can subtly influence the audience's opinions and emotions, making it easier to persuade or motivate them.
DISADVANTAGES OF ENTERTAINMENT SPEAKING Entertainment speaking can divert attention from serious topics, leading the audience to prioritize fun over the core message or important details. Jokes or stories might be misunderstood or taken out of context, which can lead to miscommunication or negative responses Depending on the context, focusing too much on entertainment might lead the audience to question the speaker's professionalism or expertise.
Entertainment-focused speeches might allocate more time to humor or light content, leaving less room for meaningful discussion or important information. Humor, a key component of entertainment speaking, can be risky, especially if it touches on sensitive subjects, causing unintentional offense
KNOWING YOUR PURPOSE IN PUBLIC SPEAKING Knowing your purpose in public speaking is essential for delivering a clear, impactful message.
Importance of knowing your purpose in public speaking 1. Clarifies Your Message Knowing your purpose helps clarify what you want your audience to understand or feel after your speech. Whether you're informing, persuading, inspiring, or entertaining, your purpose guides the content and structure of your message.
2. Keeps You Focused Staying focused prevents you from straying off-topic. When you're clear about the goal of your speech, you avoid unnecessary details or tangents, keeping your delivery concise and on track.
3. Engages the Audience Different purposes elicit different emotional responses. If you're persuading, you'll appeal to logic and emotion; if you're informing, you'll focus on clarity and detail. Knowing your purpose helps you tailor your tone, body language, and examples to connect better with your audience.
4. Boosts Confidence When you're confident in your goal, you feel more prepared and purposeful, which reduces anxiety. You understand why you're speaking and what you aim to achieve, which makes you more comfortable and poised on stage.
5. Shapes Your Call to Action In persuasive or motivational speaking, having a clear purpose helps you craft an effective call to action. If you want your audience to act, change their thinking, or support a cause, your purpose ensures you communicate that effectively.
Delivery of a speech and presentation Delivering a speech or presenting in public speaking requires a mix of clear communication, confidence, and engagement with the audience.
A step-by-step guide to effective delivery of the speech or presentation 1 . Start with Confidence Stand tall with a relaxed posture to show confidence. Keep your feet firmly planted and avoid unnecessary movement. Begin with a smile and take a deep breath to calm any nerves. This also creates a positive first impression. Start with a strong opening. This can be a question, a quote, a surprising fact, or a short story to grab the audience’s attention.
2. Engage the Audience Early Look around the room and make eye contact with different sections of the audience. This makes your delivery more personal and engaging. Address the audience directly by using words like "you" or "we." This helps make the speech feel conversational rather than one-sided .
3. Speak Clearly and with Purpose Speak clearly and at a steady pace. Avoid speaking too fast, which can happen when nervous. Practice enunciating words for clarity. Use vocal variety by changing the tone, volume, and speed of your speech to highlight key points and keep the audience interested. Don’t be afraid to pause. Pauses give the audience time to absorb information and can also emphasize important ideas.
4. Use Body Language Effectively Use hand gestures naturally to emphasize points, but avoid overusing them. Make sure they match what you are saying. Your facial expressions should reflect your message. Smile when appropriate and show concern or seriousness when necessary. Move purposefully if you need to walk, but avoid pacing back and forth as it can distract the audience. You can step forward when making an important point to add emphasis.
5. Stay Focused and Organized Ensure your speech has a clear beginning (introduction), middle (body), and end (conclusion). Stick to your prepared points, but remain flexible enough to adapt to the flow. Use transitions between points to keep your speech smooth. Phrases like "Next, let’s talk about…" or "On the other hand…" help guide the audience through your content.
6. Handle Nervousness The more you rehearse, the more confident you will feel. Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or practice with a friend. Visualize yourself delivering the speech successfully. Imagine the audience reacting positively, which boosts your confidence. When you feel anxious, take deep, slow breaths to calm yourself. Ground yourself by focusing on your message, not your nerves.
7. Incorporate Visual Aids Effectively If using slides, avoid overloading them with text. Use visuals that support your points but do not distract from your speech. Don’t read from the slides. Use them as prompts, but maintain your connection with the audience by speaking directly to them.
8. Engage and Interact with the Audience Engage the audience by asking rhetorical questions or inviting responses. This keeps them actively involved. Pay attention to the audience’s body language and adjust your speech if needed. If they seem confused, clarify points. If they are engaged, build on that energy.
9. Conclude Powerfully Briefly restate the main takeaways of your speech to reinforce them. Depending on the purpose of your speech, end with a clear call to action or a final message that leaves a lasting impression. End with a memorable quote, a powerful statement, or a thank-you to the audience.
10. Handle Questions (If Applicable) If there is a Q&A session, listen carefully to each question. If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to admit it or offer to follow up later. Repeat or paraphrase the question to ensure you understood it correctly, and then provide a clear, concise answer.
Presenting papers, and reports in tutorials/seminars When presenting papers or reports in tutorials and seminars, there are several key strategies to keep your presentation effective and engaging .
1. Understand Your Audience Are they familiar with the topic, or will you need to provide more foundational information? Tailor your presentation based on what your audience needs to take away. This helps in pacing and structuring.
2. Structure Your Presentation A well-structured presentation improves comprehension. Follow this typical structure: A. Introduction: Give a brief overview of the paper/report, the research question, or the problem being addressed. Mention why the topic is relevant and important.
B. Main Body: Methods/Approach: Describe the methodology or the main approaches used in the paper/report. Results: Summarize key findings, using visuals where possible (graphs, tables). Discussion: Discuss the implications of the findings, any limitations of the study, and possible future directions. C. Conclusion: Revisit the main points. Offer your critical reflections or insights into the study, and encourage questions.
3. Design Effective Slides Keep them simple: Avoid overcrowding slides with text. Stick to the key points and use bullet points for clarity. Use visuals: Diagrams, graphs, and flowcharts help in explaining complex data and ideas. Highlight important points: Use emphases like bold, color, or italics sparingly to draw attention to key ideas.
4. Deliver with Confidence Practice beforehand: Familiarize yourself with the material and anticipate potential questions. Engage with the audience: Maintain eye contact, ask rhetorical questions, or use anecdotes to keep them involved. Pace yourself: Avoid rushing through the presentation. Take pauses between key points to allow the audience to absorb the information.
5. Encourage Interaction Ask for questions at key intervals , not just at the end, to encourage engagement. Facilitate discussions: If the topic is open for debate, ask for the audience’s opinions or pose questions to stimulate dialogue.
6. Prepare for Q&A Be ready to address questions that probe deeper into your material. If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to admit it but offer to find out later or explore the question together. 7. Time Management Stick to the allotted time. Allocate time for each section of your presentation and practice to ensure you fit within limits.
SEEKING CLARIFICATION AND JUSTIFYING OPINIONS IN PUBLIC SPEAKING When engaging in public speaking, seeking clarification and justifying opinions are essential skills for clear and effective communication.
1. SEEKING CLARIFICATION Seeking clarification helps ensure that the speaker and audience are on the same page. It can prevent misunderstandings and provide an opportunity to address confusing or unclear points.
HOW TO DO IT: If a member of the audience raises a point, ask follow-up questions to clarify what they mean. For example, “Can you explain what you mean by...?” Restate the Point: Paraphrase what someone has said to ensure you understand it. “So, if I understand correctly, you are saying...” Invite Feedback: After explaining a concept, invite the audience to ask for clarification. “ Does that make sense? Is everyone following?”
2. JUSTIFYING OPINIONS Justifying your opinions makes your arguments stronger, more credible, and more persuasive. It shows that you have thought through your ideas and can defend them with evidence or logic.
How to do it: Back up your opinion with facts, statistics, examples, or expert quotes. For instance, “I believe this policy is effective because studies have shown a 20% reduction in...” Show the thought process that led to your opinion. “Given that X leads to Y, it makes sense to conclude that...” Address opposing views and explain why your opinion still holds. “ While some might argue X, research indicates that... ”
Agreeing and disagreeing Agreeing and disagreeing in public speaking can be a powerful tool for engaging audiences, demonstrating critical thinking, and reinforcing or challenging ideas. Whether you are debating, participating in a panel discussion, or delivering a speech, it's important to express your stance clearly and respectfully.
AGREEING When you agree with someone, it's often helpful to do more than just express agreement. You can strengthen your position by adding value or context to the point being made.
A. Restate the Point Clearly: Restate the idea you're agreeing with to ensure clarity and emphasize your support. Example: "I completely agree with what was just said about the importance of education reform." B. Add Evidence or Examples: Support the idea with your evidence or examples to solidify the argument. Example: "In fact, studies have shown that countries with stronger education systems have a more robust economy. "
C. Show Enthusiasm: Your body language and tone should convey genuine agreement. A positive tone and nodding in support can reinforce your message. Example: "Absolutely, that’s a great point!" D. Expand on the Idea: Take the agreement further by expanding the idea with additional insights or perspectives. Example: "And not only does this apply to traditional schooling, but we’re seeing the same trend in online education platforms as well."
DISAGREEING When disagreeing in public, it’s important to express your viewpoint in a way that maintains professionalism and respect. A well-structured disagreement helps avoid unnecessary conflict while fostering productive dialogue.
A. Acknowledge the Opposing Viewpoint: Show that you understand the other person’s perspective before presenting your disagreement. Example: "I see where you're coming from, and I understand the rationale behind that viewpoint." B. Be Respectful and Tactful: Avoid confrontational language or tone. Instead of saying “You’re wrong," try more diplomatic phrases. Example: "However, I would like to offer a different perspective."
C. Present Clear Reasons for Disagreement: Use logical reasoning, facts, or evidence to support your disagreement. Make sure your argument is structured and based on merit, not emotion. Example: "The data suggests that while that approach has worked in some cases, in most instances, it leads to slower economic growth."
D. Offer a Constructive Alternative: Suggest another solution or way of looking at the issue, so you’re not just opposing an idea but also providing value. Example: "Instead of focusing solely on standardized testing, we should also emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills in our education system. "
E. Stay Open to Dialogue: Encourage further conversation or even compromise. This shows that you're open-minded and focused on the bigger picture. Example: "I’d be interested to hear how we could incorporate both approaches for a more balanced outcome."
STRATEGIES FOR BOTH: Maintain Neutral Body Language: Avoid folding arms or appearing closed off, as this may signal defensiveness or hostility. Use Inclusive Language: Phrases like “we” or “us” can create a sense of shared purpose even when disagreeing. Stay Calm and Composed: Whether you agree or disagree, stay calm and collected to maintain your credibility and rapport with the audience.