Speeches and Presentations



Speeches and Presentations

A good speech like a good essay contains an attractive beginning, a convincing and persuasive middle and a striking close . The difference between an essay and a speech is that an essay repetition is undesirable , in a speech repetition is not only desirable it is necessary. This is because the written word leaves a sharper impression on the human mind while the spoken word is less effective in this sense.

Speeches may be formal or informal. An informal speech has all the characteristics of a good conversation and usually take place at on the spot at parties, family gatherings or non –official social functions. A formal speech is usually carefully prepared so that it can be delivered on some formal occasion.

Being able to speak is an asset in any profession. Speaking skill can be cultivated and developed with some knowledge of the formal aspects of public speaking and with practice.

■ The most important requirement is preparation. Even persons with natural skill in speaking need preparation to deliver a good speech.

■ Preparation work can be divided into:

■ Finding out about the environment in hich the talk is to be delivered

■ Preparing the text and the required visuals

■ Taking care of one’s physical appearance and body language

■ Practicing delivery of the talk.

■ Finding out about the environment:

Venue

Organizers

Audience

Audience analysis

Status

Relationship with audience.

■ Preparing the text: The most imp thing in preparing the text is to find out the required information and give it a proper shape. It must be logical and must flow smoothly form one point to the next,.

■ Length

■ Style

■ Humour

■ Style of addressing

■ Matter to be included in a formal speech:

■ Speaker’s feelings such as joy , pleasure , interest at being present at the occasion

■ The importance or significance of the occasion or function to the country /community/locality

■ Justification for the speaker to be present on the occasion, his competence, his interest in the project or scheme.

■ A few words of encouragement or congratulation to the organizers , founders, pioneers or workers. people like to be praised and therefore names should be mentioned . A few words about the intelligence or good behaviour of the audience may not be out of place.

Do’s and Don’ts of speech drafting

■ Cover only the imp points

■ Define and explain the terms and subjects you are speaking about.

■ Do not try to reply to the other speaker untill you have carefully heard of what he said.

■ Never point out grammatical , personal defects and mistakes of previous speakers

■ See that the speech is not monotonous in tone and pitch

How to prepare and deliver a speech

■ Memorizing the speech

■ Memorizing points

■ Brief notes

■ reading the speech

Gestures and posture: the speaker must stand before the audience in a relaxed but an errect athletic posture. He should stand upright and if possible should lean slightly toward the audience to look alert and dynamic. the hands should not be crossed or in the pockets. the feet should be in a stable position.

Establishing eye contact helps the speaker to reduce his tension.

Do’s and don’t of public speaking

■ Do not start speaking when you are getting up from your chair. Walk calmly to the mike, face the audience for a moment without speaking and then address the chairman.

■ Test the mike before you start speaking’

■ Begin with a low key let the audience get used to your personality , your voice and ay of speaking,.

■ Do not begin with a joke of irrelevant t nature

■ Use sentiment or emotion only if the occasion calls for it

Adopt a friendly approach

Making a Presentation

■ Since a speech is given to a large audience it cannot be heavy . Its purpose is usually to encourage, appreciate, congratulate or entertain. It is followed by an applause from the audience. A presentation is heavy and is delivered to a small, knowledgeable audience at a conference, a seminar or a business meeting, its purpose is to inform, explain, persuade or present a point of view, and is followed by questions from the audience.

Composition of presentation

■ An oral presentation follows the traditional beginning, middle and end: the introductory remarks, the main body of the speech and the closing remarks.

■ Opening: they fulfill a certain purpose. They are a device for building rapport, focusing attention and arousing interest of the audience. While the introductory sentences are being spoken the audience sizes up the speaker. State your name even though you have been introduced it reinforced your presence and helps people to remember you.

■ Rapport: it can be establishes by pointing out a common bond between the speaker and the audience. The cheerfulness, friendliness and sincerity with which you speak your first words will set the tone of your presentation and the audience attitude towards you.

■ Focussing attention: one or two questions: This depends on the size, the occasion and the subject of the presentation:

Eg. What was the population of Mumbai at the last census? How many are added every day?

■ A pointed statement of facts and figures: the average noise level in Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta is 100 decibels more than double the prescribed international limit of 45.

■ An appropriate quotation or proverb

■ AN Anecdote or historical story narrated briskly and related quickly to the topic.

■ Body of the presentation: The main text depends on the occasion and the objective of the speech. A presentation meant to give information must be carefully planned with main points and sub divisions.

■ Conclusion: the conclusion must leave a clear message. A quotation or a parable or questions can mark the conclusion.

Eg. We need competition in the market but cooperation on the road.

The ending consists of only 2 or 3 sentences. The purpose is to thank the organizers once again to thank the audience for paying attention and express good wishes and/or to invite questions from the audience.

Using Visual aids: visual material has a longer lasting impact than spoken words, most people retain much more of what they speak than of what they hear.

Eg.OHP, white board, Computers(PPt’s), videos.

What are the guidelines for group presentations?

■ Plan carefully to involve as many members as possible in speaking roles. The easiest way to make a group presentation is to outline the presentation and then divide the topics , giving each one to a group member. Another member can be responsible for the opener and the close. Suring the question period each member answers questions that relate to his topic or her topic

■ In this kind of divided presentation be sure to

■ Plan transitions

■ Enforce the time limits strictly

■ Coordinate your visuals so that the presentation seems a coherent hole

■ Practice the presentation as a group at least once , more is better

■ Write a very detailed outline

■ Choose points and examples

■ Create visuals.

■ Then within each point speakers take turns. The presentation is most effective because each voice speaks only for a minute or to before a new voice comes in. However it works ell only when all the group members know the subject ell and practice a lot.

■ BE sure to introduce ach group member at the beginning and use the next person’s name when you change speakers.

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