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Introduction to Public Speaking Guide

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Introduction to Public Speaking Guide

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UNIT 1:

INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING

Unit Overview – In this unit, you will


✓ Understand the concept of public speaking
✓ Identify distinctive features of public speeches
✓ Distinguish different types of speeches.

I. INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING


Task 1 – What’s your own experience of speaking in public?
Have you ever talked to a big crowd of more than 10 people before? Share your
experience with 2-3 friends in the class. The following prompts may help you with ideas
to talk about.
When / where / what was the purpose /what situation / to whom (audience) / time to
prepare (or an impromptu)/ success or failure? / Feelings

Task 2. Let’s find out how well you know about public speaking
1. Work in groups of 3-4, list out all the possible occasions in which people have to
deliver a public speech. Use the following cues.
- when is the occasion
- who are in the audience
- why is the speech made (purpose: persuade / inform / exert influence / entertain...)
- what are the features of the speech (format /with or without preparation /formality...)

2. Based on the discussion, what do you think are the biggest differences between a
speech made in public and an everyday conversation?

2
Public speaking Everyday conversation

Time limit

Language

Control of the voice

Posture

Vocal habits

Task 3. Watch a video outlining different methods of delivering a public speech.


Before you watch, work with a partner to fill out the table (5 minutes). After that,
watch the video and check if your assumptions/prior knowledge are correct or not.

Methods of Definition of Advantages of Disadvantages Delivery


delivery the method the method of the method cues
Manuscript
speaking
Memorised
speaking
Impromptu
speaking
Extemporaneous
speaking
The video can be found at: [Link]

Task 4. Why study public speaking?


Take a look at the table below. Which group opinion do you agree with the most? Do
you want to add any other skills to the list?

3
Top skills valued by employers

Read the text “Why study public speaking” in the Reading Package. Briefly explain why
studying how to speak effectively in public can be an asset to you? Be ready to come up
with an example of a person that you know whose exceptional public speaking ability
has contributed tremendously to his/her success in life.

Task 5. Elements of public speaking


Read the text “Public speaking as a Communication process” in the reading
package. Then, watch a video in the link that follows. Work in groups of 4- 5 to work
out the details for the following elements:
▪ Context (the situation): …………………………………………………………
▪ Source /sender (who is/are speaking): …………………………………………
▪ Message (what’s being said): ..............................................................................
▪ Channels (what visual and auditory means are used): ........................................
▪ Receiver (who receives the message): ................................................................
▪ Noise (anything that hinders the communication of the message): .....................
▪ Feedback (what are responses from the audience): ............................................
The video can be found at:
[Link]

4
II. TYPES OF SPEECHES
Task 6 – Types of public speaking

Work in groups of 4-5, based on the purposes of speaking in public, find out how much
you know about types of public speaking. Write down some ideas you have gained from
the discussion.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

Task 7: Informative Speech versus Persuasive Speech


Work with a partner, put the following ideas about informative and persuasive speeches
into correct boxes
1. Speaker can be an effective "teacher" during this speech.
2. The successful speeches of this type are thought-provoking, informative, and
provide a clear opinion.
3. The purpose of this speech is to provide interesting, useful, and unique
information for the audience to fully comprehend it.
4. This type of speech is used to persuade the audience to believe in something or
to act upon something.
5. The three types of these speeches are based on Facts, Value and Policy.
6. Popular topics are ‘How to be a persuasive speaker’ or ‘The difference between
an alligator and a crocodile’.

5
7. This type of speeches describes knowledge about a particular event, process,
object, or concept.
8. The main purpose of this speech is to convince the audience with a certain point
of view or idea.
9. Some common topics are: ‘High school students should not be allowed to carry
cell phones to school’ or ‘Drug testing on animals needs to be banned’.

Informative Speech Persuasive Speech

HOMEWORK
• Watch a video in the link that follows about the differences between Informative
and Persuasive speeches and write more ideas in the box.
The video can be found at [Link]
• Read Unit 1- Reading 3 in the Reading Package, annotate and write a summary
of the main points and submit it to your teacher.
• Research a topic/idea that you find worth talking about. Analyse various aspects
of a speech that you wish to deliver on it: context, your audience, message, channels,
noise, feedback, etc. Submit your notes to your teacher.

Common questions

Powered by AI

Public speeches are structured and prepared with a specific purpose, format, and audience engagement in mind. They typically involve a time limit, require language precision, and demand control of the voice, posture, and vocal habits. Conversely, everyday conversations are usually more informal, spontaneous, and interactive without specific preparation or structure .

Contextual elements such as the situation, audience characteristics, and communication channels significantly influence a speech's effectiveness. They determine the speech's tone, content, and delivery method. Understanding these elements helps to tailor the message appropriately and anticipate potential noise or barriers, ensuring the audience's engagement and comprehension .

Audience feedback impacts a speech by providing cues to the speaker on how well the message is being received. Positive feedback may encourage the speaker to continue as planned, while negative feedback (e.g., confusion or disengagement) may prompt adjustments in delivery, tone, or content to re-engage or clarify. Effective speakers leverage feedback dynamically to enhance engagement and achieve their speech goals .

Understanding audience characteristics allows the speaker to tailor the speech’s content, language, and delivery style to align with the audience's interests, values, and levels of understanding. This alignment increases relatability, engagement, and the likelihood of achieving the speech’s desired impact. It enables anticipation of potential resistance or questions, facilitating more persuasive and impactful communication .

Understanding different methods of delivering a public speech, such as manuscript, memorized, impromptu, and extemporaneous speaking, is crucial for selecting the most effective approach based on the audience, context, and objective. Each method offers unique advantages and disadvantages, influencing the speech's effectiveness and impact. Mastery allows speakers to adapt to various speaking scenarios, enhancing clarity, engagement, and persuasiveness .

Noise in public speaking refers to any external or internal distractions that hinder message transmission, such as background sounds, audience chatter, or speaker anxiety. It can be mitigated by employing clear and precise language, using visual aids, ensuring technology functions correctly, adapting to the audience’s non-verbal feedback, and maintaining focus on the key message .

Extemporaneous speaking offers the advantage of flexibility, allowing the speaker to adapt to audience feedback and context dynamically. It combines the spontaneity of impromptu speaking with the preparedness of manuscript and memorized methods, leading to a more natural and engaging delivery. This approach encourages the speaker to use concise notes rather than verbatim scripts, enhancing eye contact and interaction with the audience .

A speaker may choose an impromptu method when immediately responding to an unexpected situation or when spontaneity is valued more than preparation. It allows for a genuine and audience-specific response, showcasing authenticity and confidence. However, it carries potential drawbacks such as lack of structure, increased possibility of errors, and difficulty conveying complex information, which may impact the speech’s effectiveness .

Public speaking skills are valuable in professional settings as they enhance one’s ability to communicate ideas clearly, persuade and influence decisions, and engage with larger audiences. These skills facilitate leadership, increase opportunities for promotion by improving interpersonal communication, and help in networking and relationship building .

Informative speeches aim to provide the audience with interesting and useful information so they can fully understand a topic. They often feature detailed explanations on events, processes, or concepts. Persuasive speeches, on the other hand, aim to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take specific actions, often leveraging logical, emotional, or ethical appeals. Both types require clear organization and engagement strategies but differ in their ultimate objectives .

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