Speaking skills

Chapter 3
Introduction
• NB – What you say is a function of what you think.
• Effective speaking is stating what you mean. Whether it is with the intention to
inform or persuade, your objective is to ensure what you say conveys the meaning
you intended.
• The hearer must understand exactly what you intended her to understand.
• Vocabulary is very important – you must know a wide range of words and their
meaning to become an effective speaker.
• Lawyers speak to inform and to persuade.
• Understanding what you hear – Before you respond orally to a spoken statement,
you have to understand what is being said to you: what is is the intended message
or oral argument being put to you?
• The first step is comprehension: to listen to, and understand has been said to you.
Example:
• “My goodness, your head looks just like my husband’s behind!”
• What the speaker actually meant was that the back of the person’s
head look just like the back of her husband’s head.
• Also be aware that non-verbal cues, such as the tone of voice with
which you speak the bodily language that accompanies your spoken
word.
Use concrete rather than abstract words.
• One important way of minimising ambiguity in oral communication is to use
words convey the precise meaning (concrete words) rather than words with
vague meanings (abstract words).
• Consider this scenario:
• “I observed the accused proceeding in the direction of the trees, where he
obtained a wooden object and then proceeded to assault the complainant.”
• “observed” – close observation or merely noticed?
• “proceeding” – on foot, bicycle, by motor-car?
• “in the direction” – how far from the trees, towards?
• “obtained” – received, picked up, or bought?
• “Wooden object” – log, staff, plank, branch?
• “Proceeded to assault” – with or without the wooden object, kicked?
• Now consider this:
• “I watched the accused walk up to the trees, pick up a stick, and then
run to the complainant and hit him on the head with the stick”.
• The speaker’s aim should be to ensure that everyone who hears the
words spoken has the same mental image of what occurred.
• Only once you have understood the oral question, statement,
challenge or answer will you be in a position to give your oral
response.
• We shall now consider how to respond orally using the PRES formula.
The PRES formula.
• The PRES formula may be used to present all types of oral arguments.
Applying the PRES formula:
P = Point of view – When asked a question, give it a moment’s thought before
stating your point of view of the problem.
R =Reasons – Give the reasons why you hold the point of view stated.
E =Evidence and examples – Support your reasons with evidence (e.g. authorities
who agree with your point of view) and, if necessary, use examples to illustrate
your reasons.
S = Summarise – Restate your point of view, which is now your conclusion.
• When you use the PRES formula, you impose a structure on your oral response
that results in a coordinated and persuasive response to the question posed.
• When answering a question it might be helpful to use the actual
words f the formula, e.g.:
• P “my point of view on this matter is ….”
• R “the reasons I say so are….”
• E “Professor X’s research provides evidence in support of…”
• S “in summary, therefore, I am of the opinion …”
Things to remember about the PRES formula
• The conclusion (in summary, therefore,…) is merely a repetition of the point of view or
submission – it serves as a signal to the listener that you have completed your response.
• The evidence & examples must support the reason(s) given – if you give more than one
reason, remember to link your evidence and examples to each reason given.
• Remember to place emphasis on key words when speaking. “the reason I say so…”; “As
evidence…”, etc.
• Pause after each step to give the listener time to consider your submission, as the listener
may want to interject with a follow-up question. Remember the object is to persuade the
listener, not to make a speech.
• The PRES formula may also be used for prepared statements, not only for impromptu
responses.
• For prepared speech, the first step “Pint of view” is replaced with an introduction. The
reminder of the formula remains the same.