What Is Public Speaking and What Is Its Importance and Relevance?

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What is public speaking and what is its importance and relevance?

Basically, it's a presentation that's given live before an audience. Public speeches can cover a
wide variety of different topics. The goal of the speech may be to educate, entertain, or
influence the listeners. Often, visual aids in the form of an electronic slideshow are used to
supplement the speech. This makes it more interesting to the listeners.

A public speaking presentation is different from an online presentation. The online presentation
is available any time. A public speech is typically limited to a specific time or place. Online
presentations often use slideshows. Or they use pre-recorded videos of a speaker. This
includes recordings of a live public speaking presentation).

Because speaking in public is done before a live audience, you need to consider some special
factors. We'll touch on those shortly. Now you've got an understanding of the meaning of public
speaking, so let's take a quick look at the history of (and the importance of) public speaking.

A History of Public Speaking


What is the history of public speaking? And why is public speaking important?

There's a good chance that there's been public speech, in one form or another, as long as
there've been people. But most public speaking experts involved with public speaking in
business communication trace the origins of modern public speaking back to ancient Greece
and Rome.

Of course, those societies didn't have slideshows to help with public speech. But they did have
a need for speaking in public. As a result, they developed public speaking methods that are still
studied today.
The ancient Greeks used public speech primarily to praise or persuade others. At one point, all
Greek citizens had the right to suggest or oppose laws during their assemblies. This resulted in
a need for skilled public speakers. Speaking in public became a desirable skill and was taught.
Public speaking in the time of the Greeks was called rhetoric.

Later, when Rome came to power, speaking in public was used during the Roman senate
sessions. The Romans adopted the public speaking rhetoric methods of the Greeks. In fact,
most public speaking teachers of the time were Greek

The Latin style of public speaking was popular in the U.S. and Europe until the mid-20th
century. After World War II, a less formal and more conversational style of speaking became
popular. Also, electronic tools became available to enhance public presentations. Towards the
end of the 20th century, those electronic tools migrated to the computer. They evolved into
computer software tools. PowerPoint is one of those tools that we know and use today.

Don't be fooled, though. Even though today's public speeches are less formal, they still need to
be well organized. More on that later. Now let's take a look at the importance of public speaking.

The Importance of Public Speaking

If you ask most people, they'll probably say they don't like public speech. They may even admit
to being afraid of it since fear of public speaking is a very common fear. Or they may just be shy
or introverted. For those reasons, many people avoid speaking in public if they can. If you're
one of those people who avoid speaking in public, you're missing out.

Over the years, public speaking in communication has played a major role in education,
government, and business. Words have the power to inform, persuade, educate, and even
entertain. And the spoken word can be even more powerful than the written word in the hands
of the right speaker.

Whether you're a small business owner, or a student, you'll benefit from improving your public
speaking skills. Some benefits to speaking in public include:

1. Improves confidence.
2. Better research skills.
3. Stronger deductive skills.
4. Ability to advocate for causes and more.

Speaking in public is especially important for businesses to market their offers. This allows them
to get their message in front of potential customers. Sales people and executives are often
expected to have good public speaking skills.

How to Become Better at Public Speaking (5 Quick Tips)


Okay, so now you understand the benefits of public speaking. You might be a little more
interested in the topic. Still, you might think it's not for you. Maybe you gave a speech once and
it didn't go well. Maybe you're afraid of speaking in public. Or maybe you think you don't have a
natural ability for giving speeches.

The truth is that speaking in public is a skill. And you can learn any skill. While some people
may have more natural speaking ability than others, anyone can learn to be a better public
speaker. It just takes some know-how and some effort.

To help you become better at giving public speeches, we'll take a look at these five areas:

1. Writing the speech


2. Overcoming a fear of speaking.
3. Practicing the speech.
4. Preparing your presentation slide designs.
5. Giving the speech.

We'll start with writing the speech.

1. Write an Effective Speech:


The first thing you'll want to do is work on writing a well-organized, engaging speech. Because
even a great speaking voice or a great deal of charisma isn't enough if your material isn't any
good.

2. Overcome the Fear of Speaking:


Fear of public speaking is very real and can hold you back if you let it. If you don't feel confident
when giving your speech, your listeners may pick up on that. This can make your presentation
less effective. Fortunately, there are some techniques to help manage the fear of speaking in
public. They also help you become more confident. First, tackle fear of public speaking. Follow
tutorials that can help you overcome a fear of public speaking.

3. Practice the Speech:


Even if you're not afraid of speaking in public, practice helps you give a more effective speech.
If you're in a rush, you may be tempted to skip practicing your speech to save time. While
skipping practice may seem like a good idea, it's really not.

Practicing your speech improves your public presentation skills. It also increases your familiarity
with the presentation. As a result, your speech will go smoothly.

4. Prepare Your Presentation Slide Designs:


Your slide design needs to be on point. You’ll want to make sure it looks professional and is
easy to read. Luckily, you can find plenty of modern and professional presentation templates on
the internet. Don't forget to make good use of tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote.
The right template for your slide deck can make a huge difference in your presentation.
5. Give the Speech:
You've written a good speech. You feel more confident about giving a speech in public, and
you've practiced. You're ready to actually give the speech. There are some tips and tricks you
can use on the day of your speech to make it go more smoothly, though. Remember, you're
giving a presentation before a live audience at a specific place and time. So, you've got some
concerns about the speaking venue that those who give online presentations don't have to
worry about. Some common concerns for public speakers include:

1. Will the audience be able to hear me?


2. Does the venue have the equipment I need?
3. Are there enough seats for all my listeners?

Public Speaking Examples

Public speaking examples are great for learning or improving a new skill. That applies to
speaking in public as well. If you get the chance to listen to some top-rated public speakers, you
should do it. You can observe how other speakers go about giving their speech. In the process,
you'll improve your own speaking skills.

One great source of recorded public speeches is Ted Talks, which is a series of short
presentations on a wide variety of topics. Ted Talks are known for attracting world-class and
celebrity speakers.

What is eloquence?

Eloquence is fluent, forcible, elegant or persuasive speaking. It is primarily the power of


expressing strong emotions in striking and appropriate language, thereby producing conviction
or persuasion. The term is also used for writing in a fluent style. The concept of eloquence dates
to the ancient Greeks, Calliope, being the Muse of epic poetry and eloquence. Eloquence
derives from the Latin roots: ē, meaning "out," and loqui, a deponent verb meaning "to speak."
Thus, being eloquent is having the ability to project words fluidly out of the mouth and the ability
to understand and command the language in such a way that one employs a graceful style
coupled with the power of persuasion, or just being extremely graceful in the interpretation of
communication.

Employing :
an elegant style coupled with persuasiveness
The qualities of the speaker

Becoming an effective public speaker is not an easy task to accomplish. Being an effective
public speaker encompasses a lot more than people might assume. An effective speaker needs
to be able to get his or her information across while also keeping the audience entertained and
engaged. This is not as easy as it may sound! How can you get an audience interested in what
you have to say and keep them interested? How can you connect to the audience in a way that
allows them to relate to you and understand your story? In order to be an effective speaker,
these are the five qualities that are a must.

Confidence. Confidence is huge when it comes to public speaking. Being confident in your
delivery will allow you to be seen as an expert on your topic. Your audience will be more likely to
trust you and therefore, trust the material that you are putting out there. Confidence makes you
credible, knowledgeable, and believable. In order to truly show confidence, you have to be
confident enough to be yourself during your presentation. If you can be yourself in front of an
audience, they are going to be more likely to feel like they can relate to you. If you try to act
differently than you usually do, you may come off as insincere, and the audience will be less
likely to feel connected to you or your information.

Passion. Why would an audience want to hear about your story if you yourself don’t seem
passionate about it? Let your audience know why you do what you do. Why do you love what
you do and why do you want to share your message? If an audience can see and feel your
passion, they will be more interested in hearing what you have to say.

Ability to be succinct. Even if you’re one of the most entertaining and engaging public
speakers, it’s important to keep your presentation short and to the point. The attention span of
your audience isn’t long. You have to get their attention fast and keep their attention by moving
through your presentation smoothly and effectively. If your presentation is longer than twenty
minutes, you may want to consider breaking the presentation into smaller segments. Each
segment can be a little different or involve audience interaction so that you are keeping them on
their feet.

Ability to tell a story. A presentation is more effective and engaging when it doesn’t feel like a
presentation. Know how to tell your story to your audience. Give them the context for all of the
information you are sharing. Rather than simply sharing facts and formal pieces of information,
share your experiences and your stories that have led you to where you are. If it isn’t your own
story, share other stories or experiences from history or from people that you know. Stories help
people retain more information because they are more engaged with your presentation.

Audience awareness. Make sure before going into your presentation that you know the
audience that you’re presenting to. You should know who they are and what they do. By
knowing this information, you’ll be better able to connect to them and present to them in a way
that you feel they would respond to and learn from best.
Demonstrating these qualities as a public speaker can make or break a presentation. When
planning a presentation, think about what you would respond to. Think about if you would be
excited about and engaged with your presentation and the information you’re providing. In order
to be an effective speaker, you have to be willing to step out of the box in order to connect,
relate to, and engage with your audience. Make sure your story is one that your audience will
want to hear and will remember long after the presentation is over.

Types of speech

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/types-of-speeches

The behavior of the speaker

>Tip #1. Make eye contact

This is the most important tip to keep into consideration. The key is to look at individuals in the
audience for about five seconds while you speak. This is harder than it sounds.

“Most people look at the screens of their PowerPoints, read speeches, look down, look up to
God for help … and look everywhere else but at individuals in the audience. But you really want
to keep your mind set on talking to individuals so you are looking at them one at a time. Five
seconds seems like a long time when you’re speaking because we don’t tend to do that,
because of eye darts. We’re just scanning all over very quickly, usually due to nervous tension.”

-> Tip #2. Lean forward and move around

This relates to how you hold your lower body. A forward lean us recommended, also known as a
“ready position.” This will encourage you to move around and it will also give you a
psychological forward lean that you want to get out there.

“You want to talk to that audience. A lot of people go back on one hip because psychologically
they don’t want to be there. Psychologically their body is going backward rather than forward.”

->Tip #3. Use gestures and facial expressions

Movement catches the eye. The more you move, the more you will be watched. Your gestures
and facial expressions also convey your level of excitement about the content. If the audience
doesn’t think you’re excited about your presentation, you can’t expect them to be excited.
“I’m not saying that you can be a jump-up-and-down motivational speaker saying nothing. But
the content isn’t going to get there unless it has your energy and enthusiasm driving it.”

-> Tip #4. Vary your voice

Don’t let your voice drop into a monotone -- as if you are reading an announcement from a
sheet of paper. It’s hard to concentrate when a person speaks flatly.

“Your voice, you want it more like a roller coaster. The energy and excitement about the subject
should communicate through your voice,”.

->Tip #5. Drop non-words

Many people unconsciously pepper their speech with “ums” and “ahs” to maintain verbal
rhythm. In a presentation, these sounds chop up your message and make it harder to
understand. More importantly, they make you sound unprofessional.

“Slide, um, number, ah, three, conveys this, ah, data, in a very great, um … you know … way
…”

The best way to stop using these words is to pause for a few seconds to gather your thoughts.

“The pause will get rid of ums, ahs, you-knows, OKs, whatevers and will also, once somebody
gets used to leaving a 3-second pause, they’ll be able to begin using it for a dramatic effect,”.
“Speaking at a conference, you could leave a 5-second pause, because no one is going to
interrupt. You have control over the situation. The problem is a 3-second pause feels like 30
seconds if we’re not used to doing it.”

->Tip #6. Dress for success

Your appearance can vary from presentation to presentation. Dress up for some talks. Dress
down for others. Overdress when in doubt.

“When you’re in front of people at any time, people judge quickly. And even before you open
your mouth they’ve made a judgment about you, even if they’ve never seen you before, by what
you wear, how you wear it, your facial hair, your jewelry. Anything they immediately see has
such a powerful impact.”

The personality of a good speaker

Most of you must know that presenting your idea or speech in front of an audience needs great
skills and obviously much more than just knowing what you are going to speak about.
Therefore, it becomes important to learn various Personality Attributes of a Good Speaker. For
the reason below we will be discussing the vital qualities of a good speaker which will assure an
influential, inspiring and impactful presentation.

Be Open, Genuine And Honest. Good communicators must have traits to share information
openly, honestly, and freely. As it is seen that if you try to connect with the audience then they
will surely be more interested in what you are saying. To make it successful it is important that
you first know your audience. What are their queries? How will they understand what you are
saying? Which method will be more effective for them?

The more you will start understanding your audience, you will certainly be able to deliver your
presentation effectively and that will ultimately be meaningful to them. By showing genuine
concern for them and by revealing everything that you know.

Self-Awareness Introspection. Before you plan to speak in front of others, firstly you should
know as a speaker who you are and also as a person. What are your strong positive qualities
that may lead people towards you? What are the areas where you have to work? How do you
best connect to your audience? Give your complete speech with the effective use of qualities
and improve your weak points so that you will be more engaging, accessible and unique in
your approach.
Make a clear list of characteristics and the areas of improvement. It will also give you more
confidence.

Be Smart And Confident. Lastly, it is always beneficial to have confidence in whatever you
say. No doubt that for many of you, speaking in front of people could be a big fear.

It is vital not to show your anxiety or nervousness in front of your audience. Be a smart and
confident speaker. Do not ever show it. If you practice your speech properly, it will surely help
you to control your fear and nerves. When you are going to start giving your presentation, make
sure that you are confident and deliver a powerful speech.
A great presentation needs practice. So practice more and give your presentation with
confidence.

Mental attitude and oratorical fear.

Numerous studies confirm what most of us already know: People fear speaking in public. In one
academic study, over 40% of people claim public speaking is their biggest fear.

Why do people fear speaking in public?


What can you do to overcome this fear?
To overcome the fear of public speaking, we must first understand the root cause.

Why Do We Fear Public Speaking?


The design of the brain’s wiring—given its long operational history, hundreds of thousands
years older than the history of public speaking … makes it impossible to stop fearing what it
knows is the worst tactical position for a person to be in.

That “worst tactical position” is standing alone, in an open place, facing a large group of
creatures staring at you. Being in this situation meant the odds were high that you would soon
be attacked and eaten alive … Our ancestors, the ones who survived, developed a fear
response to these situations.

Understanding that our brain can’t tell the difference between a real threat (a pack of wolves
chasing after us) and an imagined threat (the present audience watching us) is important when
it comes to analysing the cause of public speaking fear.

Fear Public Speaking? Breaking the Cycle of Fear. Here are 7 practical techniques you can
apply to help you manage performance anxiety, so you can focus instead on the key messages
in your speech:

1) Spend Time Preparing. The first thing that you can easily do to tackle any fear of public
speaking is dedicate some time to effective preparation. It’s a simple fact that the more you
know about the presentation, including your target audience, the topic, the speech structure and
physical venue, the more relaxed you will feel while standing in front of the audience and
delivering your speech.

2) Practice, Practice, Practice. Along with effective preparation comes practice, and lots of it!
Numerous research has shown that practicing what you plan to say during the presentation
helps to eliminate fear. Practicing in front of other people is the best way, but rehearsing in front
of a mirror is also useful.
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail – Benjamin Franklin

3) Visualise Success In Advance. Yet another useful piece of advice related to the preparation
phase is to visualise success in advance. Visualisation is a powerful mental rehearsal tool that
you can apply, by picturing yourself successfully delivering the presentation, from introduction to
conclusion. Closing your eyes and concentrating on all the positives of the presentation, you
can literally trick the brain into believing you’ve been in the exact situation of making that same
preparation before.

4) Adopt a Positive Mental Attitude. Attitude is an important factor when it comes to public
speaking. It’s important to adopt a ‘Positive Mental Attitude’. In preparing for a speech, you may
have a tendency to ask yourself negative questions, such as “What will happen if I forget my
material?” or “What if I mess up?” This only serves to heighten the fear. To be effective you
must replace negative vibes with positive ones.
5) Power Pose Before the Presentation. ‘Power Pose’ is a phrase coined by the Harvard
Business School Professor Amy Cuddy. In her hugely successful TED video, Cuddy explains
how striking a number of expansive poses, such as the CEO pose (legs resting on desk, and
arms behind your head) for as little as two minutes before you head for the stage, results in a
higher level of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is the hormone linked to power in both
animals and humans. These poses also serve to lower cortisol levels, the hormone of stress.

You can easily apply Cuddy’s ‘Power Pose’ technique to the benefit of your public speaking
skills. Practicing some of these poses before making a presentation will help to lower stress
levels and anxiety and give you an overall boost in confidence before taking to the stage.

6) Take Some Deep Breaths and Pauses. Now that you’ve made it to the actual speaking
stage, what can you do to perform at your best? An interesting way to overcome any nerves is
to regulate breathing. When we’re nervous, we tend to breathe rapidly and shallowly. When
we’re in control, we breathe slowly. By simply taking a few deep breaths during your speech you
can come across confident and in control.

In ‘The King’s Speech’, a movie about the true story of King George VI and his journey to
effective public speaking, one of the strategies the speech therapist uses to help the king
overcome his stuttering is the use of pauses. Pausing helped the king regain his composure
whenever he was gripped by anxiety. We can apply it in the exact same way. Coupled with slow
breathing, pauses will have a calming effect and instantly improve the delivery of your speech.

7) Think of it as a Conversation With Friends. The final piece of advice is to treat every
presentation as a series of person-to-person conversations. By reminding yourself of this you
can shift the focus away from the fear-inducing thoughts of the chasing pack of wolves that was
mentioned earlier.

Closing Thoughts
The reality is that no matter how much you prepare and practice, some fear will always exist.
There are however some steps you can take to minimise the effect of fear on your public
speaking. It all begins with effective preparation and practice. A positive attitude will go a long
way. Visualising success and power posing will build confidence. Deep breaths and pauses will
add control and clarity to your speech.

As a final note, the best way to overcome a fear of public speaking is to actually speak more
often. So seek out opportunities to speak publicly. Practice helps us improve, day by day.

I'm wishing you the very best of luck, guys, because ALL OF YOU will give speeches in front of
your classmates in physical classes! Most of your evaluations in this trimester will depend on
SPEECHES!

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