Written By: Aderoju Adele
Introduction to Public Speeches
This is a form of communication where a message or information is passed usually from one person to a group of people in an organized and deliberate manner to achieve desired goals. Traditionally, public speaking is considered to be a part of the art of persuasion. The act can accomplish particular purposes including to inform, to persuade, and to entertain. Additionally, differing methods, structures, and rules can be utilized according to the speaking situation.
Examples of places where Public Speaking could happen are at Meetings, Symposiums, Round Table Discussions, Briefings, Seminars, Debates and so on.
The following are 6 easy steps involved in delivering a good Public presentation
- Select a suitable topic (if not given)
Your choice of topic should be guided by factors, such as your area of specialization then the occasion. This is because you can’t speak on, or teach what you don’t know. You should also consider the interest of the audience, their age, gender, level of education and social status, religion, knowledge of the subject and so on, before selecting your topic. Once the audience shows an interest in your topic, this will in turn boost your morale in delivering an effective speech on that particular subject.
- Preparation of the speech
This stage involves the gathering of information, organizing the information and writing the paper in the exact sequence you wish to present. As a speaker, you should place much consideration and thoughts on how you want to present your speech, as the purpose of this is to make your audience not want to miss any part of your presentation. Your speech should begin with an introduction covering important facts so as to keep your audience piqued, conclusions and (or) recommendations should be made towards the end of your speech.
- Select a suitable method of presentation
This is an important decision you have to make as a speaker, except the presentation you want to make has a fixed method of presentation. If otherwise, then you have to make a choice on selecting the method of delivering your speeches. You can decide to discuss it, memorize it or summarize it. The occasion and audience should be considered while selecting a method of presentation. A project manager of a construction company is about to persuade the board of directors into funding a particular project. The appropriate method is to discuss the project with his Audience.
- Rehearsal or Practice
Practicing the presentation before some friends, colleagues, family member may better prepare you for the actual delivery. In terms of proper articulation and keeping to time. Not finishing late and not finishing too early
- Attention to Logistics
You need to ensure, or find out the arrangement made concerning such things as the venue, sitting arrangement, lighting system, power supply, public address system, and audio visual materials.
- Delivery of presentation
In the course of presentation, it is important that you give attention to the following
-Open your presentation by acknowledging your audience through greetings
-Introduce the subject of Discussion
-The move on to the step by step discussion of the message
-You can use an appropriate illustration, audio or visual aids in carrying out the above step
-Close your presentation by drawing conclusion restating the main message or summarizing the key point in a brief and concise manner.
At the end of it all, your presentation should create a favorable and friendly impression on the minds of your audience. Hence, both the content of your speech and voicing must be courteous or polite. Courtesy should be particularly demonstrated when speaking at an official function or seminar, debate, etc.
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~RJ_Writes~
