COMMUNICATION SKILLS I November 15 th 2012

Today Sample speech Pausing + Word Stress Practice

// means to slow down /// means to stop. Erica got a B.A. in international business //in 2001.///During college,// she did research on economic growth in India./// After graduation,// she interned at a consulting firm// that works on emerging markets in Asia./// Three years later,// she returned to university //to get her master’s degree in economics./// Right now, // she works as a consultant // at Capital Economics.

Speech Practice Stress: Harp Guitar Violin Blackbird photographic

Stress In English, words that provide information to the listener, such as nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs are generally stressed. Listeners may miss important information if key words are not stressed. Words like articles (a, the), prepositions (in, on), and pronouns (he, she, it) are generally not stressed unless they are important.

Stress This is a harp.

Stress A good strategy is to first look at key words (especially nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs) that you think convey information to the listeners. One way to do this is: - First identify the new information in each sentence. Look through this passage and determine which words should be stressed.

This is a harp./// The harp is a stringed instrument//with a large triangular frame made of wood./// The most important part of the frame is this column./// It provides the main support for the harp./// The column consists of a pedestal, a pillar, and a neck./// These are the strings./// They’re made of metal and create the harp’s unique sound.///

This is a harp./// The harp is a stringed instrument//with a large triangular frame made of wood./// The most important part of the frame is this column./// It provides the main support for the harp./// The column consists of a pedestal, a pillar, and a neck./// These are the strings./// They’re made of metal and create the harp’s unique sound.///

A Good Speech perfect language skills does not = a good speech. Non-verbal things play a role in making a good speech: - Appearance - Posture - Body language - Eye contact - Title of the speech - Good speech structure

A Good Speech Appearance: VS.

A Good Speech Appearance: A professional appearance makes you seem: - More confident. - More knowledgeable. - More relaible It also draws peoples’ attention… in a good way.

A Good Speech Posture: VS.

A Good Speech Posture: - Stand straight (but not like a robot). - It shows you are serious and confident. - Also draws peoples’ attention.

A Good Speech Body language:

A Good Speech Body language: - Use gestures naturally (like you would when talking to your friends). - Trying to “plan” or “fake” too many gestures will make you appear unnatural. - Be careful to avoid exaggerated gestures. - A good way to practice gestures is to speak in front of a mirror.

A Good Speech Eye contact: - Another sign of confidence. - Creates a connection to your audience (draws them to you). - Don’t forget to shift your focus through the various sections of the audience.

A Good Speech Title of the speech: “November 15 th Speech” vs. “Homework: A danger to our future” “Doctors work long hours” vs. “The hard life of a doctor” “Why we should all buy a puppy” vs. “The joys of a puppy companion”

A Good Speech Title of the speech: - The audience knows the title before the presentation. Having a catchy or interesting title can build anticipation in the audience BEFORE the speech even begins. People will look forward to your speech more. Grabs attention before you speak.

A Good Speech Good speech structure: 1. Hook. 2. Tell the audience what you’re going to say. 3. Tell them. 4. Tell them what you have said.

A Good Speech Good speech structure: - Simply having good structure helps the audience follow the speech more easily. - Clear organization keeps audience interested.

A Good Speech THE most important element to a good speech? Preparation

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mike Merritt, who is going to give his speech, titled, Homework: Menace to the future

Next Class TOPIC 7 (education) Practice speech. - You will give an early version of your speech, so come prepared! Some language tips for speeches.

Practice Speech You may use a script for the practice speech but using cue cards would be better.