essay on speech presentation

essay on speech presentation

The Art of Speech Presentation: Mastering the Techniques and Strategies for Effective Communication

1. Introduction to Speech Presentation

At some stage, we all become involved in making a presentation. It may be as an entertainment chairman or mistress of ceremonies, a committee report at a meeting, a chairperson of a club, a teacher or lecturer, or as a speaker at a wedding or committee dinner or ball – the list is endless. Many people experience public speaking on the spur of the moment. We are asked to ‘say a few words’, offer congratulations, or thank the person who has proposed our health. Fortunately for the interested person, it is unnecessary to become an accomplished and polished speaker overnight. Few things we do are beyond the capabilities of average individuals, although some may require more self-discipline and effort than others to master. The same goes for speaking in public. Public speaking is a skill which improves as you use it. The more you make use of the techniques suggested in this book, the more proficient and confident you will become. With increased confidence, your performance will become more polished, self-assurance will increase, and the ‘fear’ will decrease. After all, with time and effort, it should be possible to become as good at it as you wish to be.

There is research to indicate that knowledge of a subject does not necessarily guarantee an individual’s effectiveness in presenting it. This may be because the mechanics of the presentation have not been properly addressed. Whatever the purpose of a talk or presentation, whether it be to inspire, motivate, sell, inform, educate or celebrate, it always requires some form of public speaking. Even for the most experienced, confident and outgoing of speakers, this is frequently the most stressful or difficult part of their performance.

2. Key Elements of a Successful Speech Presentation

The ear follows the mind and the heart, carefully distinguishing between what affects C2 and with what desperation must comply. Everyone delights in a fine performance of a well-rendered artistic work. Art is a collective noun encompassing heritage, values, and precious possessions, ensuring the ways of peoples from training new stars to raise sound standards to exploring the latent value of their avocation. National broadcasters, comprehensive in access, present committed educationally non-araised sides in an eclectic manner.

Memorability of content is important and can be easily achieved through the creation of unique content which is built with the help of humor, simplicity, visual imagery, character dialogue, and frequent application. Regardless of the countless self-help books, copyright acts, seminars, and manuals on the existing subjects, there are no unsolved mysteries in the realm of human development that cannot be pursued. The many requests or latest fact findings do more than present the subject nicely; they form character and serve as examples of the best instructors.

In the presentation of the speech, content is the focal point. The message must be directed at a specific target and have purpose and meaning. Sound preparation is necessary for effective communication. The presenter should become an expert on the chosen subject, researching all available sources, and avoiding commonly held negative opinions regarding the essential persona.

In the presentation of a speech, as in every human endeavor, the presenter must first instill the quality of credibility which constitutes the foundation of all communication. Just as in shaping a portrait, credibility is the base color of the aura cast around the impression and living style of the presenter. Credibility comes from the inner trustworthiness of the person and is demonstrated through the skillful handling of one’s subject.

Credibility, exceptional content, appropriate vocal and body language, and harmony between the various elements are essential to be successful in making speeches.

3. Techniques to Improve Public Speaking Skills

Using good body language is very important in public speaking. Body gestures should emphasize and support the words of the speech. Good gestures can also help to maintain the listener’s attention. The confident position of “ready,” on the other hand, involves both feet firmly placed and slightly apart and arms relaxed by one’s side or resting their top down on the table. Once a speaker has assumed a proper stance, the speaker should then find their “ready” by standing initially relaxed and making sure that the shoulders are totally flat through a deep breath, and then the shoulders should be softly rolled back and kept at level measure. Periodically, the speaker’s weight should be shifted back and forth from one leg to another while still standing straight and tall. The feet are about shoulder width apart, and the weight shifts to help prevent locking one’s knees. The hips should be in a relaxed state while the chest is held at normal levels. The arms should be held at waist level or slightly higher while speaking.

The physical presence of the speaker involves one’s personal appearance, posture, attitude, and movement intended to best convey a speech. You should look as if you take care of yourself and spend at least a small amount of time and energy in preparing your appearance for the occasion. While not wanting to appear too polished, you should be aware of what is considered appropriate dress for the occasion. Be sure that your clothes are clean, look good on you, and fit your body properly. Additionally, think about the colors that you like to wear, and most importantly, think about the nonverbal meanings or associations that come from different colors. Only you can make these decisions since you should wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and fit you properly. The best speaking posture tends to be natural and comfortable. Speakers should stand straight up, take a deep breath, and then begin. However, one’s hands should not be locked and stiff; they should hang naturally with fingers relaxed. Audience members should be occasionally looked at to be acknowledged and to keep them interested in what you are saying. Different locations should be talked to by rotating the body, and different individuals should be looked at. In addition to maintaining physical eye contact with the audience, the speaker should also occasionally smile when talking about the good points of living a nondisability life. Smiling can create a positive, communicative atmosphere and can help to establish a good speaking relationship with the audience. Movement of the speaker around the platform also creates visual interest. The speaker should casually, as well as naturally, shift his weight back and forth from one foot to the other. Not too much emphasis is needed on these movements. Frequent postural changes can easily disrupt an audience’s attention. Participants in a communication event should also know how to walk properly. The walk should be smooth and without dragging of the feet, and the pace should be lively and energetic. As stated before, even twenty feet of movement in any direction is available to a speaker standing behind a lectern or in one spot. Readjusting of the lectern in another spot can add a sense of movement. It is important to remember that one’s body movements should be relaxed and informal.

Mastering the techniques needed to give a successful public speech is not a difficult task. There are effective ways of learning what is needed, and once these techniques have been mastered, many persuasive public speeches can be designed and presented. The first step in mastering public speaking is to learn the skills that are needed for speaking before others. The first lesson concerns “Delivery,” or the nonverbal and paralinguistic ways in which the speaker physically communicates what the speech is about. To improve the delivery of the speech so that the audience can concentrate on your specific argument, two important techniques need to be mastered: the physical presence of the speaker and body language.

4. Overcoming Common Challenges in Speech Presentation

Not being able to use the energy, fluency, and cadence that break the barrier between speaker and listener, speaker bias and prejudice, or simple oversight are common challenges to speech-making success. A common perceived challenge may actually arise some time prior to the actual event when a speaker is apprehensive about the judgment by people interested. The nerve-racking moments preceding speech presentation can be a terror hindrance. If we live in constant anticipation of how the audience views us, then a rocky beginning to a speech presentation could develop into unmitigated disaster. Through understanding the significance of the following rudiments involved in speech presentation and through nurturing them well so as to develop a system that safeguards us from apparent minefields, we can overcome barriers to establish rapport and to reach the core of any audience we meet.

As we all understand the critical role of speech communication in our lives, we have developed the habit of exploring new ideas and values and have taken a conscious and positive approach to enhancing our ability to express ourselves through conversation and discussion. However, we would find it a challenge to present an absolutely effective speech. This is particularly apparent when we address an audience on special occasions. Some call us speech “artists” while others label us “speech failures.” They could, of course, be unfair to us, but what actually stands out in every case is the truth that anyone who delivers an effective speech does need to prepare well. To one who understands that every speech offers, if properly handled, a valuable opportunity to score goals, it is a leverage not to be missed.