PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION

Lesson VI: Public Speaking

Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Know the nature and significance of public speaking;
2. Identify the key elements of effective speeches.

Discussion

Public speaking is defined as “the act of speaking to a usually large group of people” or “the art of
effective oral communication with an audience.” It is considered as one of the most important life skills in
the West and the East.

Greek orators played a significant role in the development of public speaking. The Greeks studied
rhetoric – the art of speaking effectively – on the island of Sicily. Corax taught that a basic speech has
three parts, the introduction, evidence and conclusion. Protagoras, the father of debate, had his students
argue for and against issues of the time. Aristotle, the father of modern communication, discussed the
use of logical argument (logos), emotional argument (pathos) and the speaker’s character and credibility
(ethos). Demosthenes practiced diligently and became the most famous orator in ancient Greece. Roman
orators also figured in the history of public speaking. Cicero, a famous statesman, treated rhetoric as an
art form that is useful in all practical and public affairs. Quintilian, a lawyer and educator, asserted that
orators should be ethical speakers.

The Philippines has its own public speaking tradition. Warriors (mandirigma) and priestesses
(babaylan) performed rituals and spoke publicly in pre-colonial communities. The vibrant, lyrical manner
of the Spanish colonizers and the plain, methodical style of the American invaders also influenced the
public speaking tradition of the Filipino people.

Effective Speeches

Public speaking is sometimes construed as a simple form of human communication. Other people
tend to negate the fact that effective speakers exert time, talent or effort just to come up with effective
speeches. Shared below are some pointers for preparing excellent speeches.

I. Determine a Specific Speech Goal that is Adapted to the Audience and Occasion

• Brainstorm and Concept Map for Topics

What issues are important and interesting to the audience?
• Analyze the Audience
Who will listen to my speech?
• Understand the Speech Setting
Why should I deliver a speech? Where would I deliver my speech?
• Select a Topic
What should be the main focus of my speech?
• Write a Speech Goal
What do I intend to achieve through my speech?
II. Gather and Evaluate Information to Develop the Content of the Speech

• Locate and Evaluate Information Sources

Identify and select primary or secondary sources of information.
• Prepare Research Cards: Record Facts, Opinions and Elaborations
Write down important ideas and perspectives shared by or gathered from reliable sources.
• Cite Sources
Mention your primary or secondary sources of facts or opinions.

III. Organize the Material to Meet the Needs of the Audience

• Determine Main Points

Identify what main ideas should be included in your speech.
• Write a Thesis Statement
Formulate a key argument or claim that represents the central theme of your speech. The thesis
statement typically is a sentence that forms part of the introductory paragraph in a speech.
• Organize and Outline the Main Points
Prepare the main ideas in any of the following: chronological order (sequential in nature and
emphasizes order of events or ideas according to time); narrative order (explanatory in nature
and emphasizes relationships between events or ideas); topic order (exploratory in nature and
emphasizes the significant aspects of events or ideas); and logical reasons order (explanatory in
nature and focuses on the arrangement of bases or grounds for supporting or for rejecting an
idea or certain ideas).
• Select and Outline Supporting Material
Consider which information, ideas or opinions from reliable sources will be used for the speech.
• Prepare Section Transitions
Ensure a smooth shift from one idea to another by using transitional words or expressions.
• Write Speech Introductions
Create an impact by opening your speech with a popular quote, rhetorical question, noteworthy
statistics, or powerful statement.
• Create Speech Conclusions
Make your speech memorable by concluding with a summary of your main ideas; by connecting
your closing statement/s to your opening statement/s; by throwing a challenge or invitation; or by
sharing an inspiring quotation or leaving a moving question.
• Compile a List of Sources
Lastly, put together a complete list of your primary and secondary sources.

IV. Adapt the Audio, Visual or Audio-Visual Material to the Needs of the Audience

• Adapt to the Audience Verbally

Take into consideration important matters such as relevance, common ground, credibility,
information comprehension and retention.
• Adapt to the Audience Visually
Use actual objects, models, photographs, drawings, diagrams, maps or graphs.
• Adapt to the Audience through Sight or Sight and Sound
Utilize multi-media material/s if appropriate and necessary.
V. Practice Presenting the Speech

• Effective Use of Voice

Speak intelligibly and apply vocal expressiveness.
• Effective Use of Body
Employ proper facial expressions, gestures, movement, eye contact, posture, and appearance.
• Delivery Method
Decide on the suitable manner of delivery: impromptu (speech delivered without preparation);
scripted (generally considered as the most formal style, speech is fully written in advance); or
extemporaneous (speech delivered based on mental or actual outline).
• Rehearsal
Prepare speaking notes; familiarize yourself with presentational aids; record, analyze and refine
speech delivery.

Supplementary Digital Reference:

Public Speaking for Beginners from Communication Coach by Alex Lyon

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5mYphUoOCs)

References: Communicate! by R. Verderber, K. Verderber and D. Sellnow; A First Look at Communication Theory by E. Griffin;
Communication, Values and Society by C. Maslog; Communicating Effectively by S. Hybels and R. Weaver; Communicating for
Results by C. Hamilton; Academic Writing by S. Bailey; Research Paper Writing by E. Manlapaz and M. E. Francisco; Business and
Professional Communication by K. Quintanilla and S. Wahl; Communicating at Work by R. Adler and J. Elmhorst; Guide to
Managerial Communication: Effective Business Writing and Speaking by M. Munter; Tools for Technical and Professional
Communication by A. Bell; Communication for Society by M. L. Santos and M. T. Uychoco