Proficient speakers have many techniques at their disposal to use when conveying messages to audiences. They use these techniques to achieve certain goals with their intended message.
In some cases, certain information has the potential to cause damage or are sensitive. They then wish to evade or dissipate responsibility for an issue. Under these conditions speakers usually:
- Divert attention away from the big issue being discussed by redirecting the conversation or blame-shifting. This is often seen when topics get heated in actuality programmes or political discussions. The speaker then attempts to leave the (uncomfortable) spotlight and rather try to have it shone on the opposition.
- Use delay tactics when someone offers to answer a question later, but then never returns to the question.
- Omit certain information by choosing to deliberately NOT reveal all of the information about a certain case or topic. Usually, this is done to hide some unfavourable aspects and basically changes the original message. A good example is when the spokesperson of a political party only talks about the good deeds, improvements, and good aspirations they have – all the while not making any mention of negative actions and repercussions of said party. Another example is “the small print” in advertising. Advertisers make alluring promises to consumers but fail to mention the less desirable elements (“the small print”).
Also, refer to the video in the Supplementary Material on bridging.
When dealing with spoken texts, how a speech is delivered, determines the audience’s perception of the communicator and the topic. If speakers wish to present powerful speeches that have the desired impact, they should ensure that they are deemed capable and credible. North (2020) describe some basic guidelines to use when preparing for public speaking:
- Banish the fear of public speaking through practising and preparation. The more prepared you are, the fewer physical symptoms (trembling voice and hands, pounding heart, and so on) you will experience. Also, embrace a bit of nervousness as it is a powerful motivator for remaining alert and performing well.
- Know the audience. This is important before you start to develop the message. It influences the choice of words, level of information, how you structure the speech, and so on, to have the best impact on the audience.
- Structure well by ensuring that you grab the audience’s attention during those vital first few moments of the speech. When writing the speech, ensure that you plan well to ensure that you create a structure that will ensure that the argument points are sequenced well by following a certain path or pattern that will ensure that the listeners or readers can follow the argument and that it leads to a convincing conclusion. The following Figure is an example of argument flow:
Argument flow and logic.
(Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/englishcomp1/chapter/logical-arguments/)
- Watch for feedback from the audience and adapt to it. Failing to do so, will lead to you being perceived as merely giving a rehearsed performance and you will lose connection with the audience.
- Audiences connect with real people, so do not be afraid to let your personality be integrated into the “performance”.
- Use stories, anecdotes, choose certain words, and so on, to personalise the speech. It is always important to ensure that it should be credible and match the purpose of the speech and topic. If these do not support the speech, they will do more harm than good.
- Avoid reading from a script. Use an outline and rely on your preparation to guide you through the content. Reading sounds too rehearsed and will likely cause the audience to disconnect.
- Remember the role of non-verbal communication. Gestures that convey nervousness will detract from the message you are trying to convey.
- Grab attention at the very beginning of the speech and end with a dynamic ending. Audiences are good with making inferences about the speaker and the speech within the first few minutes, so make it count in your favour! The ending is just as important to round off the speech and leave the audience with a lasting idea and impression.
- Use audio-visual aids sparingly and with care. Making use of too many videos and jumping around between media can also be detrimental to the connection a speaker wishes to retain with the audience.
Now that we have covered some basic public speaking techniques and how they support the speaker’s relationship and connection with the audience, it is fitting to explore some more strategies and elements which enable effective speaking and communication.