Introduction to Public Speaking

Five Benefits of the Course Skills for speaking in public Being able to speak in public will give you more control over your life.

Five Benefits of the Course Skills that apply to one-on-one communication

Five Benefits of the Course Skills that are prized in the job market You may think “I’ll never do any public speaking in my job.” It’s likely that in avoiding them, you’ll miss opportunities to advance your career.

Employers Rate Importance of Specific Skills on a 5.0 scale Adapted from survey results of National Association of Colleges & Employers

Five Benefits of the Course Experience and self-confidence The classroom is a perfect place to practice and develop your skills because it is an unthreatening setting.

Five Benefits of the Course Making a contribution to others The skills you develop in your public speaking class can help you contribute more to the various communities to which you belong.

Manage Your Learning Process Frustrations and accomplishments are part of any learning process Your classmates are valuable resources

Speech Communication Process Speaker Listener Message

Speech Communication Process Channel Medium used to communicate In the classroom, your primary channel is auditory (your voice)

Speech Communication Process Feedback Verbal Non verbal

Speech Communication Process Interferences External Interference (outside the listener) a crying baby Internal Interference (within the listener) Your listeners are daydreaming. Speaker Generated Interference

Speech Communication Process Situation Time Place

Speech Communication Process

The Speaker’s Responsibilities Maintain high ethical standards Enrich listeners’ lives Take every speech seriously

The Speaker’s Responsibilities Maintain high ethical standards Never distort information

The Speaker’s Responsibilities Maintain high ethical standards Respect your audience Reject stereotyping

The Speaker’s Responsibilities Enrich Listeners’ Lives

The Speaker’s Responsibilities Take Every Speech Seriously

Avoid the most common mistakes made by public speakers

Tip Avoid the 6 Biggest Mistakes Failing to tailor a speech to audience needs and interests

Tip Avoid the 6 Biggest Mistakes Being poorly prepared

Tip Avoid the 6 Biggest Mistakes Trying to cover too much in one speech Our speaker needs no introduction. What he needs is a conclusion.

Tip Avoid the 5 Biggest Mistakes Mistake #4 Failing to maintain good eye contact

Tip Avoid the 5 Biggest Mistakes Mistake #5 Using PowerPoint ineffectively 25

Tip Avoid the 5 Biggest Mistakes Being dull

Managing Nervousness

Nervousness Nervousness is normal It is perfectly normal –even desirable – to be nervous. How can you control your nervousness and make it work for you rather than against you?

Reasons for Nervousness Fear of being stared at Fear of failure Fear of rejection Fear of the unknown

Confront Fear Do the thing you fear

Understanding Anxiety Situational Anxiety or State Anxiety Caused by factors in a specific situation Trait Anxiety Internal anxieties an individual brings to the speaking situation

Understanding Anxiety The value of anxiety Fear makes speakers more alert and dynamic

Understanding Anxiety Before an event, many athletes have nervous tension . . . . . . which boosts their energy level

Managing Situational Anxiety Pros have trained their butterflies to fly in formation - Edward Murrow How to control your butterflies

Managing Situational Anxiety Prepare and practice Warm up first Use deep breathing

Managing Situational Anxiety Plan an introduction to relax you and your listeners Concentrate on meaning Use visual aids

In the Planning Stage Prepare yourself thoroughly

In the Planning Stage Choose a topic you know a lot about

Plan visuals & make arrangements In the Planning Stage Plan visuals & make arrangements

Immediately before the Speech Use physical actions to release tension Press palms against each other

During the Speech Pause a few moments before starting

Don’t think of performance … During the Speech Don’t think of performance … . . . instead, aim for communication

Work especially hard on your introduction During the Speech Work especially hard on your introduction A speaker’s anxiety level begins to drop significantly after the first 30 to 60 seconds. Pretense often leads to reality 43

During the Speech Act poised Pretense often leads to reality

Never mention nervousness or apologize During the Speech Never mention nervousness or apologize

Is this listener displeased with the speaker? During the Speech Don’t let listeners upset you Is this listener displeased with the speaker?

During the Speech Eliminate excess energy

The Goal is Control Undesirable Excessive tension Desirable Enough tension to energize, but not cripple No tension

Managing Trait Anxiety People with high trait anxiety often Feel that they are different from other speakers (I’m more nervous than anyone else in my class) Have a history of negative speaking experiences (real or perceived) Consider themselves to have subordinate status to others or have negative attitudes toward themselves

Managing Trait Anxiety Know that most symptoms are not seen

Managing Trait Anxiety Positive Imagery Create a positive and detailed mental image of yourself giving a successful and confident speech. 3 steps 51

Managing Trait Anxiety Step 1 Develop the Habit of Positive Self Talk I wish I didn’t have to give this speech This speech is a chance for me to share my ideas and gain experience as a speaker I’m not a great public speaker No one’s perfect, but I’m getting better with each speech I give

Managing Trait Anxiety Step 1 I’m always nervous when I give a speech. Everyone is nervous. If other people can handle it, I can too. No one will be interested in what I have to say. I have a good topic and I’m fully prepared. Of course they’ll be interested.

Managing Trait Anxiety Step 2 Refocus Negative Mental Pictures into Positive Ones Positive statements/desired characteristics When presenting speeches, my voice is strong and steady and loud enough to be easily heard 54

Managing Trait Anxiety Step 2 When presenting speeches, my voice is strong and steady and loud enough to be easily heard. Say it, see it and feel it 55

Managing Trait Anxiety Step 3 Don’t Compare Yourself to Others Your goal isn’t to be better than other speakers. Your goal is to be the best speaker you can be. 56

Managing Trait Anxiety Find more expert sources to back your points Personalize your speech to show your own unique slant on the topic