The Definition of Public Speaking

This is the definition of speak, speaking and the definition of public speaking.
Definition of Speak:

The act of using the mouth to verbalize expressions in order to

convey information, an opinion, a feeling, directions or a thought. It
is part of the act of communication.
Definition of speaking:

The act of using speech to in the conveyance of information,

expression, giving directions, or sharing thoughts and feelings.
Definition of public speaking:

The process of speaking to a few or many people with the purpose

of informing, motivating, persuading, educating or entertaining the
listeners.
The five elements of public speaking are
who
is saying what
to whom
using what medium
with what effects?
Definition Public Speaking: Effective Public Speaking
Effective public speaking involves three pillars or the three V's.
Verbalization, Vocalization, Visualization

Verbalization is the choice of words you use to speak to the

audience.It is what you say.

Vocalization is how you deliver the words using various pace,

pitch, power, pausing, modulations, and other vocal speaker skills.
Visualization is how the audience sees you. This involves how you
dress, grooming and carry yourself in front of the audience.
Your posture, stance and movement in front of the audience are all part of how
the audience visualizes you. The nonverbal communication they convey are an
important part of a public speakers fulfilling their purpose.
Implications for Public Speakers
Although a basic concept, understanding what it is and having purpose is
one of the essentials to be able to master public speaking.
Anyone who has gone to college has sat through boring lectures where it
would have been less mentally painful to just sit and read the text books.
Conversely, we have sat through great speakers as well.
Understanding this means taking the theory of public speaking and
putting it into practice.
Speak well and prosper.

ccording to your textbook, there are two types of purposes: a general purpose
and a specific purpose.
The general purpose is one of three options:
1.

to inform: to share information with listeners by defining, describing, or

explaining a thing, person, place, concept, process, or function.

2.

to persuade: to change or reinforce a listener's attitude, belief, value, or

behavior.

3.

to entertain: to help listeners have a good time by getting them to relax,

smile, and laugh.

For more information about general purposes and a chance to check what you
have learned:
http://www.wisc-online.com/Objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=SPH2301

The specific purpose requires two steps:

1.

identify a behavioral objective: what do you want your audience to do

after your speech

2.

formulate the specific purpose: a goal statement that focuses your

speech on the audience
More explanation on the topic of specific purposes: http://www.wisconline.com/objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=SPH3001

Three guidelines for preparing your specific purpose:

1.

use words that refer to observable or measurable behavior

2.

limit the specific purpose to a single idea

3.

reflect the needs, interests, expectations, and level of knowledge of your

audience

Having a specific purpose will help keep you on track while preparing your
speech.

Occasions
forensic speaking

speaking in a court of law; concerned with establishing justice

deliberative speaking

Speaking in a decision making assembly; concerned with matters of

expediency; addresses the question "What shall we do?"

symposium

a group presentation in which a subject is organized topically and each

speaker addresses a limited portion or the subject

ceremonial speaking

Speaking at ceremonial occasions; it reaffirms a community's common

bonds and values, strengthening ties between individuals and the group.

testimonial

a speech honoring a person

eulogy

a speech form of the testimonial speech, honoring someone who has died

toast

a brief testimonial speech, usually delivered in the presence of the person

honored and acconpanied by raising a glass in the person's honor

roast

a speech or tribute that both honors and pokes fun at a person

commemorative celebration

a speech of remembrance delivered on the anniversary of an important event

presentation speech

a speech marking the issuance of an award

speech of acceptance

a speech presented when one receives an award or a nomination for office

keynote speech

a speech presented near the beginning of a meeting to guide its thematic

agenda and to help set its tone

pep talk

a speech that is intended to motivate a group and inspire enthusiasm for a

task

after-dinner speech

a speech presented following a ceremonial meal, usually humorous in tone

but with a serious message

nominating speech

A speech in which a person is named for an office or honor.

inaugural address

A speech delivered when assuming an office to which one has been elected.

Speakers generate a great amount of emotion and interest through

the use of non-verbal communication, often called gestures or body
language. A speaker's body can be an effective tool for emphasizing
and clarifying the words they use, while reinforcing their sincerity and
enthusiasm. Here are a few tips on how to use gestures effectively:
Eye contact establishes an immediate bond with an audience,
especially when a speaker focuses in on individual listeners
rather than just gazing over the audience as a whole.
Control mannerisms. Mannerisms are the nervous expressions
a speaker might not be aware of such as putting their hands in
their pockets, nodding their head excessively, or using filler
words like um and ah too often.
Put verbs in to action when speaking to an audience by
physically acting them out with the hands, face or entire body.
Avoid insincere gestures by involving the entire body as much
as possible in the movement and matching facial expressions to
it.

 Move around the stage as topics change and move toward the
audience when asking questions, making critical connections, or
offering a revelation.

Standing or Sitting
Sit To Present When:

You are speaking to a small, informal group.

You purposely need to focus on building trust and rapport first.

You want to draw people in, like story telling, sharing a secret or
personal revelation.
Stand To Present When:

You intend world domination! Well ok, lets call it leadership and
authority.

You wish to direct all energy and attention on you and your message
(all eyes front and centre).

You want to fill the space, creating dynamic movement with your whole
body.
What You Can Do
1.
To fit a formal situation or to formalise an informal one (like a rowdy
group) STAND UP.
2.
To fit an informal situation or build intimacy SIT DOWN.
3.
You can always switch from sitting to standing during a presentation. It
adds variety, energy and emphasis.
4.
Trust your gut. Sometimes it feels right to stand and sometimes, to sit.
Just dont lie down on the job.
Above all, dont follow expert advice, including from me. Do what feels
right for you in that moment. Sitting or standing pish its a bigger question
than it seems!

Capture an Audience's Attention: Points on Posture, Eye,

Contact and More

By Marjorie Brody

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The way we deliver our message to other people is made up of three components, what I call the
three V's: Visual, Vocal, Verbal. Each carries a percentage of the listeners' perception of the total
message. These overall percentages can vary based upon the speaker, the subject and the audience.
However, the visual component usually carries the most weight with audience members -- a person's
body language, posture, eye contact and facial expressions are the main areas in this equation. This
follows the theory that first impressions count.
How you appear to the audience will have an impact on their reaction to what you are going to tell
them. Your posture and the way you conduct yourself on the platform is an important part of your
presentation. Your objective is to be comfortable and controlled while you are presenting. You want
the audience to see that you are relaxed and in control (no matter how you really feel!).
Stand up and spread your feet about 6 to 8 inches apart, parallel to each other with your toes pointed
straight ahead to achieve a comfortable speaking position. Then, flex your knees and put your weight
on the balls of your feet. Standing in this position will stop any swaying or rocking motion and will
diminish any distracting heel movements.
Stand up straight and face the audience head-on. Keep your posture open with arms relaxed and
hanging down at your sides. If your arms are crossed in front it may make you seem defensive. Hold
your head up high with your chin up. Having your chin raised gives you the aura of being in control;
chin down connotes acquiescence. Visual signals that make you appear not to be in control will detract
from your presentation.
Reading from prepared notes or a script contributes to the problem of lowering your chin.
One way to eliminate this is to use 8 x 11 inch paper. Write on only the top two-thirds of the page
so your eye doesn't move down or you drop your chin, which also makes your voice go down.
If you must read word for word from a manuscript, use the scope technique -- slide your thumb and
pointer finger down the page, scoping one section at a time. This will help you to find your place after
you look up at the audience. It is critical that the manuscript is easy to read.
When you are seated, you want to look energized and confident. You don't want to lean or slouch or
appear too comfortable or relaxed. Proper seated posture when you are presenting (or just want to
look good at a meeting) is sitting straight up in your chair, spine straight, with your feet flat on the
floor and hands open on the table.
You Can Use Gestures Effectively
Gestures, a form of body language, are also a part of your overall visual picture. They are visual
reinforcements of the words and ideas you are trying to communicate to your audience. Gestures
include hand, arm, and head movements and can enhance your presentation or detract from it. Have
you ever had a conversation with someone who "talks with their hands?" It some cultures, it is an
accepted and commonplace addition to spoken communication. In our culture, some hand gestures
such as finger pointing and fist raising can be interpreted as hostile or threatening.
Another negative related to gesturing concerns the position of a speaker's hands and arms. When
giving presentations, men frequently stand in the "at ease" position commonly used in the military.
They cross their hands behind their backs, and they keep them there. Or they cross their hands low in
front of them like a fig leaf on a statue. Both men and women frequently cross their arms over their

chests thinking they appear relaxed and confident. To many in the audience, this stance makes the
speaker look merely defensive. By facing audience members with your arms crossed you are closing
yourself to them, and they will sense this. Since your objective is to communicate with openness and
sincerity, you want to make open gestures to reinforce what you are saying.
Another gesture to avoid is putting your hands in your pockets. Some nervous presenters use this as a
way of keeping their shaking hands out of sight, and often wind up jingling the change in their pocket
or their keys, without realizing it. Some people can't get their hands back out again and wind up
spilling out the contents of their pockets as they try to release their hands. To avoid embarrassment,
it's wise to empty your pockets of change and keys before presenting.
Clasping your hands into a folded position as when praying is another gesture to eliminate. This
gesture tightens you up and pulls in your energy instead of releasing it and allowing you to reach out
to the audience. A weak twirling motion with your hands or wagging your fingers when making a point
also indicates your unease to the audience.
Gestures also help you to emphasize important points during your presentation. They reinforce what
you are saying with a visual message. The most effective gestures are spontaneous ones. They come
from what you are thinking and feeling and they help the audience to relate to you and what you are
telling them. It is much more effective to watch a speaker who uses movement than to listen to
someone standing behind a lectern with hands clasped in front of him.
Have you ever watched an evangelist on television using wide, sweeping gestures while speaking?
These gestures are effective because they include everyone, making viewers feel a part of things even
though they are simply watching from their own home. As a presenter in a business setting, you will
be using gestures sparingly, and only to emphasize points in your presentation.
But like the TV evangelist, when you gesture, use the upper quadrant of your body, and make your
gestures up and out to the audience. Your movements should be broad and flowing, not fast and jerky.
The most effective gestures are natural extensions of yourself.
Your gestures should be varied; don't use the same motion over and over again. Repetition can be
distracting to audience members and you may find they are watching your gestures instead of
listening to the presentation. Some gestures interfere with the audience's ability to pay attention, such
as the threatening ones mentioned earlier (finger pointing and fist waving). Instead, use your palms
and open them out to your audience. Move your arm and hand as a single unit gesturing up and out
toward the audience. Use either one or two arms. Try a sweeping motion and relate the extent of your
gestures to the size of your audience. Bigger audiences need bigger gestures. Don't forget that
nodding the head, and smiling are effective ways to emphasize what you are saying. As a presenter
who uses gestures effectively, you will be projecting confidence and competence and the response you
get from your audience will let you know when you have succeeded.
Movement
If possible, it is advisable to practice your presentation in the room where you will be giving it. If not,
simulate the environment in your home or office. This will enable you to check your equipment and
get comfortable in the room and address another key area of the visual message: a speaker's
movement.
If you're using a podium or lectern, make sure it is placed where you want it. If someone will be
speaking before you, note where you want the lectern placed in case it is moved prior to your
presentation. Remember that standing behind the lectern for any length of time separates you from

audience members when your objective is to bring yourself closer to them. If you are nervous and
need to refer to your notes, walk behind it again when you feel the need. Speakers who spend their
entire presentation behind the podium can be perceived as aloof.
Take at least two steps -- to avoid a one-step dance -- and then get back into position. Stay for awhile
to avoid pacing. Use movements to establish contact with your audience. Getting physically closer to
your audience increases its attention and interest. It also encourages response if you are asking
questions. The accepted public distance zone is 12 to 25 feet. In smaller group situations, you can
approach within a social distance of 4 to 12 feet primarily, and occasionally get as close as 18 inches
to 4 feet.
Speakers of short stature sometimes cling to the lectern because of the riser placed behind it to make
them tall enough to be seen. A better choice would be to walk forward and stand closer to the
audience. It will help to establish a good rapport with them.
If you are forced to stand behind the lectern because that is where the microphone is located, consider
requesting the use of a wireless microphone or buy your own. If you haven't used a wireless
microphone before familiarize yourself with it well in advance of your presentation so you are not
fumbling and can turn it off and on with ease. Remember to turn it off as you leave the platform so
that any private remarks you may make are not overheard by the audience. I'll never forget the
female speaker whose message was lost and credibility damaged after she left her lavaliere
microphone (still "live") on her blouse while she visited the bathroom.
The Eyes Have It
Whether they read from prepared notes or do impromptu speeches, effective speakers make eye
contact with audience members.
Don't be afraid to make eye contact with audience members, their reactions to you will help your
performance as a presenter. If you sense boredom, you may have to pick up the pace; if you sense
enthusiasm, it can help to pump you up. When you make eye contact, you are relating to your
audience, which will help get your message across.
In order to make proper eye contact, think of the audience as sitting in a "Z" formation. Start with a
familiar or friendly face. Look at that person for three to five seconds, or to complete a thought, and
then move on in a "Z" around the room. Break your "Z" by starting from the middle or the back of the
room to vary your eye contact. If you make eye contact with someone who quickly turns away, try not
to look directly into that person's eyes again. In some cultures, direct eye contact is inappropriate,
and some people just feel uncomfortable being looked at. You may also nod occasionally, and you will
probably get a nod back, at least if the person agrees with what you just said. If you get a head
shake, you'll know who disagrees with you.
Facial Expressions
Speakers also know they need to be aware of facial expressions during presentations.
Once you become aware of the expressions you make, it will be easier for you to eliminate them. Put a
mirror next to your desk at work for one week. Watch your face when you are talking on the
telephone. Be aware of any artificial, unfriendly, or deadpan expressions you may be making. Do you
squint, frown, make strange faces? Practice smiling and looking pleasant. That's how you want to look
during your presentations.

It isn't easy to speak and smile at the same time, but it is important to smile during your presentation
if congruent with your message. Some men find it more difficult to smile while presenting than women
do, but practice helps here. Videotape your presentation or practice in front of a friend. Watch your
expression and see if you have smiled enough and in appropriate places. If not, you can write
reminder notes to yourself in the margin of your speech or just practice smiling beforehand. Women
must be careful not to over smile. They may appear to be insipid.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Before giving your next presentation, keep
these words in mind and remember the visual signals you want to give the audience. When you
master the visual mix of appropriate body language, proper movements, eye contact and more, you're
well on your way to successful speaking.

Modes of Delivery The three basic modes of speech delivery are impromptu,
extemporaneous, and manuscript. Impromptu speeches allow for little or no
preparation. You may be asked to say a few words at a reception, for example,
give an answer to a question, or express your opinion during a meeting.
Extemporaneous speaking is based on thorough preparation, but the speaker
presents his or her ideas freely, using only an outline or keywords. Extemporaneous
speeches are the most common speech form, used in many educational and
professional settings. Manuscript speeches require a written text and are delivered
word for word. They are appropriate for formal occasions where a record of the
speech is desired (e.g., the keynote address at a conference, the presidents speech
at an important function). Rehearsing Your Speech The different modes of delivery
necessitate different preparation and rehearsal methods. In impromptu speeches,
speakers are asked to speak without little time to prepare. Key Points Preparing for
an Impromptu Speech If you have to give an impromptu speech and have a little
time to prepare, jot down three or four main points. Think of a few examples to
illustrate each main points. To prevent forgetting something important, think of
the question who, what, when, where, why, and how. Extemporaneous speeches
should be prepared well but delivered without the help of a written-out text. It may
be tempting to use a text initially and memorize it, but this method is not a good
idea, for the following reasons. Warning Dont memorize your speech. 1. A
memorized speech usually does not sound as fresh and direct as an unmemorized
speech. 2. The need to remember every line prevents the speaker from focusing on
and interacting with the audience. 3. Memorized words and sentences take on so
much importance that forgetting one often throws a speaker off track and seriously
interrupts the flow of the speech. 21 Key Points Rehearsing an Extemporaneous
Speech Use your outline or a small number of index cards to serve as a memory
aid. Dont write out the text of your speech. Use major key words only. When you
rehearse your speech, change the wording of your sentences a little every time.
This will help you remain flexible and not get locked into the trap of memorization
described above. Make sure you time yourself during rehearsal so that your
speech fits within the given time limit. Practice all elements of delivery (including
eye contact, gestures, posture, and facial expressions). If available, audio- or
videotape yourself or rehearse in front of one or more friends or family members.

This will allow you to receive feedback and cut down on your nervousness later on.
A manuscript speech is based on a written-out text. It is suitable to give a
manuscript speech when the text of the speech is to be published later or when
exact wording is of importance (e.g., during presidential addresses). The first drafts
of a manuscript speech can be written in any format. However, sound guidelines
exist for the preparation of the final script and the rehearsal of a manuscript
speech. Key Points Rehearsing a Manuscript Speech Type your script triple spaced
and in a large font size. Sufficient white space will help you follow your text as you
speak. Use slashes where you want to pause and highlight words or phrases you
want to emphasize. Write only on one side of the paper, leaving the back blank.
Number all pages. Print your script on pastel-colored rather than white paper to
reduce glare from lights. Read the script several times silently, then several times
aloud. Practice your speech so that delivery becomes as natural as possible
(including frequent eye contact, vocal variety, gestures, posture, and facial
expressions). It may be helpful to trace your utterances with your index finger on
the left side of the script so that you dont lose your place. If possible, audio- or
videotape your speech and ask for feedback from friends or family members.
Gesturing Dont put your hands in your pockets or lock them behind your back.
This will prevent you from gesturing freely. Likewise, dont clasp your notes or hold
on to the lectern. In fact, if possible, dont use a lectern at all. Not only do lecterns
tempt speakers to use fewer or no gestures, lecterns also place a physical barrier
between the speaker and the audience and therefore create a feeling of distance
and disengagement. Dont fold your arms. This communicates closedness rather
than openness and will disconnect you from the audience. In general, people who
use their hands for gesturing appear more open and honest to the audience.
Gestures should therefore be an integral part of your speech. Gestures should be
conscious and purposeful. Dont use too few or too many gestures. Aim for a
medium amount and use them in a natural manner. Vary your gestures. Anything
overly repetitive distracts the audience. Avoid nervous mannerism such as
twisting your hair, scratching your face, rubbing your hands together, or playing
with an object (e.g., a pen, your necklace, an earring). Remember that gestures
should strengthen your verbal message. Mannerisms dont. Consider which
gestures to use before your speech and practice them during rehearsal. Examples:
1. When counting (e.g., first, second, third), dont just say the numbers, also
indicate them with the use of your fingers. 2. When discussing measurements (e.g.,
three feet), use your arms to show the length. 3. When using phrases like on one
hand . . . on the other hand, support your words by first turning one palm up, then
the other. 4. Phrases such as we dont know whether . . . can be visualized by a
shoulder shrug. 5. Think of gestures that would be appropriate for the following
statements: This affects all of us, We have to stop immediately, This machine
is powered by a tiny battery.