Public Speaking Skills: A Toastmasters Perspective.

Public speaking is an art. Like any other art it takes practise practise practise in order to become perfect. But that is a simplistic view. Public speaking or any kind of talking be it a speech, lecture or a presentation, a speaker in any context must bear in mind certain basic skills. A public speaker must be aware of six fundamental skills in order to deliver any kind of speech, any kind of presentations, interviews or talks. 

Excellence in public speaking rests on the pillars of;

1. Vocal variety- use in a context

2. Body language

3. Use of floor space

4. Knowledge of the speech content- the subject matter

5. Eye contact

6. The pause

Regardless of whether you are addressing an audience at a conference , a speech contest, giving a presentation about a product or an exhibition, a talk about a revolutionary cure for a disease, if you are presenting a program on TV or reading the news, you  must be skilled in these five essential skills.

Vocal variety is using different intonations of your voice. Vocal variety makes for a lively speech or talk. It can be used to show emphasis, humour, anger, passion, and various other emotions. it all depends on the context. If  the speech is to be delivered by a leader of a nation about an important policy. Depending on what that policy is, its possible popularity or unpopularity and how the public will react, will require particular kinds of vocal variety.

Body language is the use of gestures to emphasise points, to indicate things to be demonstrated or shown on stage. Depending on the context body language demonstrates the importance, humour or nature of the speech or talk. It can assuage, calm, warn , inspire or even threaten. 

Floor space must be fully utilised. Movement by the speaker captures the attention of the audience. Use of floor space is combined with vocal variety and body language in order to engage the audience. Use of floor space can be a necessity when PowerPoint slides or any form of demonstration is required. Movement shows dynamism.

The speaker must have a through grasp of the speech or any talk that he or she is giving. Lapses in memory can occur if one does not understand the content being delivered. It is vital in interactive talks where the audience will ask questions or is expected to so to have a thorough grasp of the content being delivered irrespective of it being a speech or a lecture. it demonstrates confidence which emerges from the way the speech content is delivered.

Eye contact is very important as it shows that the speaker is engaging with the audience. It helps to keep the attention of the listener who knows that the speaker is looking at him or her.It also shows that the speaker is interested in the audience and is talking to them.

The pause is a short interval in a speech or talk or lecture. When the speaker stops talking for a minute, the audience will want to know what else the speaker is going to say. It is a very powerful tool. If you used well it can elicit the attention of the audience. When used effectively and in combination with body language, vocal variety, eye contact, use of floor space, the speaker or lecturer can make his or her points well. 

In all, effective speaking to an audience of any kind requires all the five sub-skills and knowledge of speech or lecture content.

  

 Links:

1. Toastmasters International : https://www.toastmasters.org/