When it comes to public speaking, although what a speaker says is important, one might argue that how he or she says it is just as important, if not more so. After all, think about some of the memorable speakers in history, for example, Jonathan Edwards (“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”), Dr. Martin Luther King (“I Have a Dream”), or President John F. Kennedy (Inaugural Address). One thing all three men had in common was eloquence. Yes, they were indeed eloquent speakers, but they had mastered the art of effective delivery.
What is Effective Delivery?
When speakers deliver a message effectively, that message has an impact upon the audience. Why? Well, it does so because the speech not only provides the people in attendance with information, food-for-thought, and/or inspiration, but also keeps their attention.
And successful speakers keep their audience’s attention by utilizing several tried-and-true techniques, regardless of the type of speech they are delivering and whether their intent is to inform, to motivate, or to persuade.
Methods of Speech Communication
Whenever speakers stand before an audience, they are making two impressions: one verbal and the other nonverbal. The verbal impression is naturally being made through the speakers’ words, although not only their choice of words but also how those words are being expressed. The nonverbal impression, on the other hand, is being made through body language.
Voice Quality and Speech Communication
Some people have voices that are rich or deep or resonant. Others have voices that are reedy or thin or nasally. And although a “golden voice” is a definite asset when it comes to public speaking, even someone with a less-than-ideal voice can deliver a successful and even powerful speech if he or she keeps certain guidelines in mind.
Guidelines for Successful Verbal Communication
- If a microphone is available, use it and speak directly into it.
- If no microphone is available, speak up, projecting words so that people in the back of the room can hear.
- Avoid speaking in a monotone; instead, use voice inflection, changing pitch in order to convey emotion or emphasize key words, terms, and phrases.
- Vary the rate and pace by speaking faster, for example, to convey excitement, happiness, fear, or anger, and slower to convey solemnity, disillusionment, sadness, or disgust.
- Use pauses for effect, but do not pause for long periods of time in the middle of a thought.
- Avoid such empty and distracting “fillers” as “er, uh, um, okay, you know,” etc.
- Pronounce words correctly (If unsure of the correct pronunciation of a word, learn it prior to the speech).
- Articulate words clearly, forming speech sounds properly, for example, correctly articulating, “ought to” and “want to,” instead of saying, “oughta” and “wanna.”
Nonverbal Speech Communication
People form immediate, if often inaccurate impressions, about other people based upon their appearance. These opinions, however, are not formed based solely upon how someone looks (physical characteristics and mode of dress); they are also formed based upon a person’s body language. Effective speakers know this, which is why they are always mindful of behaviors that can prove distracting to an audience.
Hand Gestures and Eye Contact in Public Speaking
Hand gestures should be relaxed, unobtrusive, and natural. They should also appear spontaneous, not planned, even when they are intentionally incorporated into the speech, for example, to emphasize key points.
Whenever someone avoids making eye contact, people interpret it as a sign of dishonesty, insincerity, and/or uncertainty. Effective speakers are aware of this, which is why, with small audiences, they establish brief eye contact with each person in attendance, and with larger audiences, scan faces without singling out any one person in particular.
Posture and Movement in Public Speaking
Speakers should stand up straight and project authority and confidence. Moreover, they should appear animated, not wooden, although they should avoid constantly moving about like the Energizer Bunny. They should also avoid such distractions as shifting their weight constantly from one foot to the other, pacing nonstop back and forth across the stage, leaning on the podium, jingling coins in their pockets, constantly clicking a ballpoint pen, tugging at or twisting their hair, or popping chewing gum and/or blowing bubbles.
Not everyone can be as eloquent as Jonathan Edwards, Dr. Martin Luther King, or John F. Kennedy, but by learning and then utilizing the tried-and-true techniques of successful public speakers, most people will be able get their point across not only effectively but also with confidence and style.
Source:
Lucas, S. The Art of Public Speaking (Sixth Edition). Boston: McGraw-Hill, 1998.
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