SPEAKING IN
PUBLIC
Chapter 1
• The art of public speaking is useful in getting a job, employers tend to look for
someone who can speak and consider among one the highest job qualification.
• Being able to speak clearly and efficiently enables you to get your point across while
gaining the respect and recognition from others.
• “One who forms a judgment on any point but cannot explain might as well never
have thought at all on the subject” –Pericles
• People are more likely take what you have to say seriously if you’re a good public
speaker.
• Public speaking is also important in everyday life. It can empower you to accomplish
great achievements and make a difference.
HOW PUBLIC SPEAKING AND HAVING A
CONVERSATION ARE SIMILAR…
1. Organize your thoughts logically
You wouldn’t tell a story or give
directions out of order instead
you deliver it systematically.
3. Telling story for maximum impact
When telling a joke or an
incident that occurred; you
wouldn’t start out with the
punch line. You would build up
the suspense.
2. Tailor your message to your audience
Instead of telling a young person
something the say way you would tell
a rocket scientist you think of a
simpler way to tell them.
4. Adapting to listener feedback
You pay attention to the person
your having a conversation with
facial expressions and reactions.
Public Speaking is more highly structured.
• Requires more detailed planning
• The speaker must accomplish his or her purpose in the time allotted for the speech
Public Speaking requires more formal language
• Slang and such has no place in a speech
• Listeners respect people who clean up and polish the language in their speech
Public speaking requires a different method of delivery
• You must adjust your voice and posture to avoid distraction from your main purpose
• Using verbal pauses such as “um” or “uh” or “er” is looked down upon
OVERCOMING STAGE FRIGHT
First what you should know:
• You’re not alone
• Even famous actors and talk show host admit to getting nervous before
public speaking!
• “Now after many years of practice I am, I suppose, really a ‘practiced
speaker.’ But I rarely rise to my feet without a throat constricted with
terror and a furiously thumping heart. When, for some reason, I am
cool and self-assured, the speech is always a failure.” –I. A. R. Wylie
• In 2001 the Gallup Poll asked Americans what their greatest fears were
and 41% said that speaking in front of a group of people was number
one.
• It’s perfectly normal ☺
SECONDLY: HOW TO DEAL
Acquire Speaking experience
• The more you public speak the more comfortable you will
become. Also the more you understand how to develop and
deliver a speak the less nervous you will be.
Prepare
• Pick speech topics that you care about and that you feel
passionately about. Being prepared can reduce stage fright by
75%.
Think Positively
• When a negative thought pops into your mind reverse it
and turn it into something positive. IT HELPS 
HOW TO DEAL…CONTINUED
Use the power of Visualization
• Visualize yourself doing a good job on your speech.
Know that most nervousness isn’t visible
• Most of what you feel inside can’t be seen or noticed by others.
Don’t expect perfection
TIPS:
• Be your best physically and mentally; get some sleep.
• Before speaking tighten and relax your leg muscles
• Take deep breaths
• Work extra hard on your introduction (research says your anxiety level
drops significantly within the first minute)
• Make eye contact
• Concentrate on communicating with your audience
• Use visual aids
WHAT’S HAPPENING WHILE YOUR SPEAKING IN CLASS AND
EVERYDAY…
Speaker- The person who is presenting an oral message
Message- Whatever the speaker communicates to someone else
Channel- the means by which a message is communicated
Listener- the person who receives the speaker’s message
Feedback- the messages, usually nonverbal, sent from a listener to a speaker
Frame of reference- the sum of a person’s knowledge, experience, goals, values, and
attitudes. No two people can have exactly the same frame of reference
Interference- anything that temporarily pauses the speech or interrupts
Situation- the time and place of the speech
SPEECHES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES
 Make sure to take into consideration the cultural diversity that may be
present in your audience. Don’t use racial slurs or slang as you might
offend a member of your audience making your speech a failure. Also
try to appear open minded and accepting. Understand other people
values and beliefs or customs.
 Remember not to judge a speaker on their ethnicity or race.