Characteristics of Effective Public Speaking

The fundamental purpose of all speaking is the communication of ideas in order to win a response from another person or persons. The best characteristics of good conversation include:

a.       An eagerness to communicate ideas, feelings and experiences.

b.      Close eye-to-eye contact between speaker and listener.

c.       Thoughtful informality - a person who is conversing may seem serious, but he or she does not stand stiffly with arms clamped at sides.

The goal in public speaking is to take the personal characteristics that you would display in a serious conversation and somewhat enlarge and regulate these so that you can effectively reach a group.

            To the characteristics of good conversation you, as a public speaker, add:

a.       Greater force and volume - If you cannot be heard, whatever else you do is wasted effort. In addition, adequate force makes you seem closer to the listener.

b.      Larger, more emphatic gestures - Unless you normally speak without any gestures, they should be used and somewhat enlarged because you are being seen from a distance.

c.       A wider range of vocal expression - This, again, is needed because you are trying to project your ideas across a greater physical distance than is normal in conversation.

d.      More careful English - A speech usually calls for the same standard of         English that is used for written compositions. It is often more repetitious than something meant to be read in order to make sure the listener can follow the ideas.

            Gesture and Voice

Before your speech consider the following principles on the use of gestures.

a.       Effective action is spontaneous, not studied.

b.      In practice, think of a few points where particular gestures are called for.

c.       Since audiences lose many words and meanings, speakers should use gestures to make sure they are understood.

d.      A movement of the hand, an emphatic nod of the head, a step forward, or a movement of the shoulders quickly catch the attention of the audience. Nervous movements that have nothing to do with the point you are making distract your listeners.

e.       The use of gestures helps to eliminate stage fright.

            Also, consider the following principles in the use of your voice.

a.       An important factor in a good speaking voice is proper breathing. A thin voice and lack of breath result from trying to talk on short, shallow breaths, often a result of nervousness.

b.      After good breathing comes clear enunciation. Many speakers fail because sloppy enunciation blurs the sound of their words. Clear enunciation comes from relaxed and extensive use of lips and tongue. Slowing down also helps. Because of nervousness it is very common to speak too rapidly before a group. Public speaking often requires a slower than normal rate of speech.

c.       In speaking you should make full use of the range of your voice. Try pitching your voice at different levels. Each pitch should be used at various times. Use your entire range.

d.      The most effective public speakers speak at different rates of speed. In explaining difficult ideas, they will speak slowly and emphatically, pausing now and then to stress significant words and phrases. Good speakers are not afraid to come to full stops for as much as five seconds. In describing dramatic events, speed up to the rate of talking. Your rate should never be monotonous.

e.   The volume of sound during a speech should vary decidedly. It is deadly to listen to a speech in which the speaker talks at the same monotonous volume from beginning to end.