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Communication Skills-II

Notes 12. ………………… is the study of how we communicate with the space around us.
13. ………………… means ‘like language’.

14. The word ………………… expresses its meaning.
15. Use of mutually understood symbols is done in ………………… .

1.5 Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is a talk given to a large gathering whose content is light. It is given on
occasions like an anniversary or an inauguration. Its purpose is usually to encourage, appreciate,
congratulate or entertain; it is followed by applause from the audience.
Persons in responsible positions must be good speakers as there are many occasions when they
are required to address an audience. Being able to speak well is an asset in any profession.
Speaking skill can be cultivated and developed with some knowledge of the formal aspects of
public speaking, and with practice.
The most important requirement for public speaking is its preparation. Even persons who have
natural skill in speaking need preparation to deliver a good speech.

1.5.1 Tips for Good Public Speaking

Speeches are difficult for most of us. The techniques can be adopted to improve the public
speaking.
z z Selection of the topic for speech: Your first step in formal speech making is to determine the
topic of your presentation. In some cases, you will be assigned a topic, usually one within
your area of specialization. In fact, when you are asked to make a speech on a specified
topic, it is likely to be because of your knowledge of the topic. In some cases, your choice
of topic will be determined by the purpose of your assignment, as when you are asked to
welcome a group or introduce a speaker. In your search for a suitable topic, you should
be guided by three basic factors. The first is your background and knowledge. The second
basic factor is the interests of your audience. The third basic factor is the occasion of the
speech. Your selection should be justified by all three factors.
z z Preparation of the speech: After you have decided what to talk about, you gather the
information you need for your speech. This step may involve searching through your mind
for experiences or ideas, concluding research in a library or in company files, gathering
information online, or consulting people in your own company or other companies.
In short, you do whatever is necessary to get the information you need. When you have
that information, you are ready to begin organizing your speech. Although variations are
sometimes appropriate, you should usually follow the time-honored order of a speech:
introduction, body and conclusion.

z z Guidelines for the introduction of the speech: The introduction of a speech has much the
same goal as the introduction of a written report: to prepare the listeners (or readers) to
receive the message. But it usually has the additional goal of arousing interest. Unless you
can arouse interest at the beginning, your presentation is likely to fail. The techniques of
arousing interest are limited only by the imagination. One possibility is a human-interest
story, for storytelling has strong appeal. Humour, another possibility, is probably the most
widely used technique. Other effective ways for gaining attention at the opening are by
using quotations and questions. In addition to arousing interest, your opening should lead
into the theme of your speech.

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