Module |
Public Speaking |
At the end of this module, I can:
Speaking before an audience, which is possibly one of the most feared communication situations, is another speech context. In this context, the speaker, usually standing in front or onstage, speak to many people compared to the intrapersonal context in which one talks only to himself or herself, or to the interpersonal context in which one speaks to a limited number of people only. While speaking before an audience may be a daunting and often nerve-racking task, 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, and thus, it should not be feared. 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 personal or for professional reasons. For example, you, as a student, have already engaged in some form of public speaking when you presented reports in front of the class.
Public speaking situations may be personal or professional. Take a look at the following examples.
Public communication is considered face-to-face communication even if it is done before a large audience. Thus, creating and establishing a connection with the receiver of the message is very important.
In the future, there will be more frequent instances where you will have to speak in front of an audience. These instances may likely help you advance your career or create new and better opportunities. Hence, it is important that you learn how to become an effective public speaker. Fortunately, good speakers can be made through constant practice. The following are some tips that will help you become a better public speaker.
What other tips can you think of to make one a better public speaker? Share and discuss these with your seatmates.
Working on your intrapersonal and interpersonal communication skills can help you succeed in public speaking.
Go online and watch the two short public speeches below. Observe the verbal and nonverbal cues of the speakers. Compare and contrast the speech delivery of the two speakers by completing the table below. Then on a separate sheet of paper, write a 250-word essay comparing the two speeches.
| Criteria | Donald Trump | Barack Obama |
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Toastmasters International is a worldwide organization that empowers oral communication speakers to become leaders and communicators by providing avenues for speaking engagements within and outside the organization. On their website, they have quick tips that can help you improve your public speaking skills. Read the tips given on the following websites and answer the questions that follow.
In any public speaking situation, the audience will exhibit both positive and negative behaviors. Can you name some of these positive and negative behaviors?
Among the positive behaviors that an audience may exhibit are clapping of hands, smiling, and laughing. On the other hand, some of the negative behaviors that an audience may show are shaking of one’s head, yawning, dozing off, and frowning. These nonverbal cues may reveal the thoughts and the feedback or reaction of the audience to a speaker or to the speech.
Similarly, a speaker must also show or avoid certain nonverbal cues. Public speakers, being open to general observation, must be conscious of how they conduct themselves onstage or before their audience. Everything, from choice of words to posture and to the manner of dressing, is subject 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 anyone.
A member of the audience should show respect to the speaker by listening attentively and avoiding unnecessary activities while the person is speaking.
During one of your class discussions and recitations, observe the behavior of your classmates. List down at least five verbal and nonverbal cues you observe in them. Classify the verbal and nonverbal cues as positive or negative, and explain what these cues mean.
| Subject: _____________________ | Time: ________________________ |
| Verbal Cue | Nonverbal Cue | Positive or Negative | Meaning |
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What will you do if you are a speaker and you notice that the audience is no longer paying attention to you and your speech?
Recall a public speaking event that you have recently attended. Analyze it by taking note of the following important details: name of the speaker, notable characteristics of the speaker, venue, highlights of the speech, and reaction or behavior of the audience. Evaluate if the speaker was able to effectively convey his or her message to the audience.
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) refers to the annual address delivered by the president of the Philippines. The president delivers his or her yearly SONA at the joint session of the Congress.
Read the select speeches of the past and present Philippine presidents on the websites below. What can you say about the message that each president conveyed, as well as his or her manner of using language?
There are various instances where a person will be asked to speak before an audience. The president of the Philippines, for instance, is required by the law to deliver the yearly SONA. You, on the other hand, may deliver oratorical pieces as a requirement for your English class. In any public speaking situation, both the speaker and the audience exhibit varying behaviors. Therefore, both parties involved should always be aware of the communication context so that they will be able to conduct themselves properly.