The Elements of Speaking in Public: Learning Minimal Approaches to Presenting

The communication process is extremely complex. Yet it is one of the most important processes an individual can master. 

Whether you enjoy public speaking or not, knowing the elements that go into public speaking are vital. The elements involved in the speech communication process do not change, regardless of the number of audience members.  

Speaker

The speaker is the one who controls the topic of conversation. The process begins with the speaker. The speaker initiates conversation and the audience starts to listen. The success and outcome of the speech depends on multiple factors. Speak clearly avoiding any jargon that other parties may not understand, give eye contact and try to sit or stand in a relaxed way.  Do not use confrontational language or body language. Make sure you have your facts straight before you begin, know what you are going to say and why you are going to say it.  Try to anticipate any questions or concerns others may have and think carefully about how you will answer questions. 

Credibility

Preparation

Knowledge on given topic

Organization

Timeliness

Message 

Speakers must deliver a message or messages in a clear, concise, and consistent manner. Delivery is detrimental to the listeners understanding of the message. The message or content is the information that the sender wants to relay to the receiver(s). When you create a message, it is often helpful to think of it as having five parts.  

Attention Statement – captures the attention of your audience.

Introduction – a clear statement about your topic; this is also the time to establish a relationship with your audience.
Body – present your message in detail, using any of a variety of organizational structures.
Conclusion – provide the audience with a sense of closure by summarizing your main points and relating them to the overall topics.
Residual Message – a message or thought that stays with your audience well after the communication is finished. This can be an important part of your message.

Channel 

Communication channels can refer to the methods we use to communicate as well as the specific tools we use in the communication process. Whereas a message in its fullest form is often generated from up to 5 channels; face, body, voice, verbal content and verbal style.

Listener

The listener is just as important as the speaker; neither one is effective without the other. The listener is the person or persons who have assembled to hear the oral message. The listener generally forms an opinion as to the effectiveness of the speaker and the validity of the speaker’s message based on what they see and hear during the presentation. The listener’s job sometimes includes critiquing, or evaluating, the speaker’s style and message. You might be asked to critique your classmates as they speak or to complete an evaluation of a public speaker in another setting. That makes the job of the listener extremely important. Providing constructive feedback to speakers often helps the speaker improve her/his speech tremendously.

Engage the audience — get them interested, give them a reason to listen.
Gear your content to your listeners’ knowledge, experience, and interests.
Guide your listeners.
Use language that is clear.
Design an effective conclusion.

Feedback 

The communication process reaches its final point when the message has been successfully transmitted, received, and understood. The receiver, in turn, responds to the sender, indicating comprehension. Feedback may be direct, such as a written or verbal response, or it may take the form of an act or deed in response (indirect).

Interference  

Interference refers to anything that interrupts the communication process between a speaker and an audience. It's also called interference. Noise can be external (a physical sound) or internal (a mental disturbance), and it can disrupt the communication process at any point.

Situation 

This is the setting and situation in which communication takes place. The situation and context can have an impact on the successful exchange of information. It may have a physical, social, or cultural aspect to it. Communication becomes easier when we are calm, take some deep breaths and try to maintain an air of calmness, others are more likely to remain calm if you do.  Keep focused on what you want to say, don’t deviate or get distracted from the reason that you are communicating.

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