There are many things that we experience in school; working in groups, meeting new people from different backgrounds, furthering our knowledge, but for some of us, the downright worst thing that we must endure is public speaking.
The reason I’ve been inspired to write on such a topic is in light of my upcoming oral presentation slated for tomorrow, I’ve begun to reflect upon the importance of public speaking.
It is inevitable at some point in our lives that we will have to address a crowd of some sort. Maybe informally, maybe formally, but a crowd nonetheless. It’s a skill that follows you into every field. For example, if you were the head of a scientific research team, you’d have to be able to address your team competently, and may even need to present your research to a scientific committee or audience. Similarly, working in business, it may be necessary to prepare a pitch for an esteemed group.
The art of public speaking is not innate for everyone. Some of us have to take the time to practice and perfect this skill. And well, school is the perfect place for this. Often times, however, we aren’t given any concrete tips as to how we should present. In school, when we’re given assignments, we aren’t always judged on the quality of the presentation (how effectively we communicated the information), but most times, the marks depend heavily on the content of the presentation. It’s only in subjects such as English or Communication studies, that the art of public speaking is directly examined.
Most people experience nervousness when speaking in front of a crowd. I counteract this, by trying to focus on one or two people at a time, and pretending as though we’re in a direct dialogue. When giving a speech, we should be aware of our intonation, gestures and our facial expressions. These three components, if working together can spin a vivid and understandable picture. However, if in contrast with each other, they may confuse the listener, detract or even distort the message of the words. While gestures may serve to complement your words and enhance your presentation, unnecessary or inappropriate gestures may do just the opposite. You should ask yourself what you’re trying to communicate ultimately, and what would be the best way to do this.
As a presenter, you should also know your audience. What words are appropriate to use? If trying to explain littering to children, maybe you’d use a funny anecdote, but if presenting to an academic crowd, maybe you’d want to keep your examples firmly logic based. Knowing your audience goes even further than just understanding their intellectual and social backgrounds. You should be able to discern when the audience is losing interest and be able to make on the spot changes to keep them interested and focusing.
There is no one way to make a good speech. And while it may be possible to go one’s entire life avoiding making them, it might be easier to just learn a few techniques instead. Figure out what style you’re most at ease with, and just practice. It gets easier with time.
