Public speaking

 is the process of communicating information to an audience. It is usually done before a large

audience, like in school, the workplace and even in our personal lives. The benefits of
knowing how to communicate to an audience include sharpening critical thinking and
verbal/non-verbal communication skills.
 Speaking before an audience is another speech context. In this context the speaker, usually
standing in front or onstage and has to speak to many people
 Some people are actually very good in such situations. These people can articulate their
thoughts effectively, and in some instances, even regale their audience with their wit and
charm. 
 Public speaking is an important part of life as it is carried out to accomplish specific goals
such as to inform, to entertain, or to persuade. Moreover, almost everyone – not just
world leaders, diplomats, teachers, and celebrities – will need to address an audience at some
point in his or her life, whether for professional or for personal reasons. 

Public speaking context

1. PERSONAL - a family member addresses family or family events/celebrations (graduations,
weddings, eulogy, etc.)

2. PROFESSIONAL - organizational leaders address members during general assemblies or

foundation anniversaries. ex. (a company owner addresses employees during company
events, an employee presents reports to his or her superiors, a student presents reports at
school, a salesperson delivers sales pitches to potential customers)

Tips to become an Effective Public Speaker 

Be yourself - Focus on the speaking part because your goal, after all, is to speak. Bear
in mind that your objective, first and foremost, is to convey a message. 
Relax – It may be hard to do, especially when you know that the prying eyes  and critical
ears of people are focused on you, but you should do so  nonetheless. Breathing deeply
and thinking of positive things will help you in this regard.
Prepare Well – If you are given time, make the most out of that time by preparing well.

o RESEARCH credible and relevant pieces of information for your speech.

o MAKE AN OUTLINE to organize your speech and then,
o CHOOSE CAREFULLY the information you will include.
When you are sure of what you want to impart, write your speech, edit it, revise it, and revise it
some more. 
Practice – Deliver your speech in front of a mirror to see the appropriate nonverbal cues
you can use. Better yet, record yourself delivering your speech so you can watch and
study it afterward. You may also deliver your piece in front of your parents, relatives, or
peers and ask them for immediate feedback.
Interact with the audience – ask them questions, when necessary, and engage them in
appropriate banter. If you can do so, you will be able to build some rapport with them.

In any public speaking, the audience will exhibit both positive and negative behavior. (?) 
Among the positive behaviors that an audience may exhibit are the ff:
clapping, smiling, and laughing.
On the other hand, the following are some of the negative behaviors that an
audience may show is shaking of one’s head, yawning, dozing off, and
frowning.
These nonverbal cues reveal the attitude of an audience toward a speaker or toward his
or her speech. 
Similarly, a speaker must also show or avoid certain nonverbal cues. Public
speakers, being open to general observations, must be conscious of how they
conduct themselves onstage or before their audience. Everything – from choice
of words, no posture, to the manner of dressing – is subjected to the scrutiny and
judgment of the audience.
Thus, a speaker must be respectful and sensitive to his or her audience.  He or she should
avoid derisive, vulgar, indecent, or offensive language. Moreover, he or she should be
careful of his or her gestures, facial expressions, and body language so as not to offend
anymore. 
Possible Questions:
What are the goals of public speakers?
What other tips can you think of to make one a better public speaker?
What are the characteristics of a good/effective public speaker?
What are the benefits of public speaking?

Speech Styles
Intimate, Casual, Consultative, Frozen and Formal 
SPEECH STYLE - is the way in which something is said, done, expressed, or performed at
it corresponds to specific speech contexts. 

1. INTIMATE – it takes place between persons of close alliances/relationships (married

couple, lovers, and family members)  

2. CASUAL – it typically takes place between classmates, friends, or colleagues.

3. CONSULTATIVE – seeking advices from a professional. This takes place between

professionals such as doctors and lawyers and their patients and clients. It is basically
unplanned speech since the speaker uses the participation and feedback of the listener.
The speaker will supply background information, while again, the listener participates
continuously.

4. FROZEN SPEECH STYLE – or static style, as its term connotes, is rather fixed unlike
formal speeches which can still be altered.  it is the highest form of communicative style
which is often used in respectful situations or formal ceremonies like Shakespearean
plays, weddings, funerals, and more. It uses the complex grammatical sentence structure
and vocabulary that are only known by experts in that field 

Ex. PREAMBLE, TEXT IN RIZAL’S MONUMENT IN LUNETA,

5. FORMAL SPEECH STYLE - This type uses formal words and expressions and is
mostly seen in writing rather than speaking. It also disallows the use of ellipsis,
contractions, and qualifying modal adverbials. 

There is a mark difference in the language used, degree of formality, and manner of

expression in each style due to the different types of people involved and their degree of
closeness.  Usually, the relationship you have with the person you are talking to dictates the
speech style you will use. 

Professional conversations are usually consultative in style – less casual, more business-like and
serious, and never intimate. You employ this style when you are speaking with your mentors,
superiors in school, people in authority, and later on with your superiors at work, with clients,
and with other professionals.

Intimate Speech Styles 

The Intimate speech style, as the term INTIMATE indicates, is usually used by persons who are
close or very familiar with each other. In most cases, the intimate speech style is employed when
one talks to his or her family, relatives, and even very close friends. In this style, the language
used may be both formal and informal depending on the situation and the matter being talked
about. Moreover, terms of endearment (mahal, babe) and terms that show respect (kuya, ate,
mom, dad) are often used in this speech style. In addition, it is in this speech style when private
or sensitive matters are usually talked about (family finances, big decisions)
 Casual Speech Styles

The Casual speech style is the style use when you talk to your classmates, peers, and other
people who are not as close to you or are not in your innermost circle of family and best
friends. In this style, language used is often informal and conversational. In addition, the casual
speech style allows for a more diverse range of topics.  However, terms of endearment are
rarely used in this style.

Consultative Speech Style 

To consult is to ask or seek advice from a person who has an expert knowledge on specific
subject or field. The consultative style speech,  therefore, is what you use when talking to a
doctor, lawyer, engineer,  counselor, and other professionals who you think can help you with 
your need for information, advice or opinion. This speech style requires more formality in terms
of language, manner of speaking, and gestures.