Enjoying public speaking is a feeling that only a few like. But, because of various circumstances, many from time to time may have to engage in the art of public speaking.
There are many living creatures on earth. But setting humans apart is our ability and need to communicate. Imparting or exchanging information by speaking is a dominant form that we communicate.
We have information, ideas, and beliefs that we would want to convey to others. Our ability to speak verbally or non-verbally helps us to communicate.
What is public speaking? Speaking in front of a live audience is public speaking. Public speaking takes communication to a different level. Many are able to master this disciple by partaking in rigorous training on public speaking.
Public speaking is a learned skill that many people have not perfected. It’s one of those things you take for granted. Until someone asks you to make a speech before an audience. After all, if you can speak in front of your friends without breaking down. Then there would be nothing stopping you from speaking in public with confidence.
Types of Public Speaking
Effective communication is an important interpersonal skill. In the work environment, public speaking is an additional employability skill.
You may need to interact with someone in a one-on-one or group setting. A speaker may have a message to share before an audience. Your aim may be to inform, persuade, entertain, or express something (e.g. poetry).
01. Informative Public Speaking
When giving informative speeches, your aim is to provide useful information to your audience. You may know something interesting, and you would like to share it with them.
When doing informative public speaking expect your audience not to know what you know. But you want to share what you know with them.
On the other hand, a speaker may want to teach their audience how to do something. An informative speech could be a demonstration of how to use an application. A project manager may do public speaking to update stakeholders about the progress of a project.
02. Persuasive Public Speaking
Persuasion is the ability to convince someone to believe something. Persuasive public speaking aims to make your audience understand and believe your reasoning.
Maybe you are a project manager. At times project managers need to advocate to get people on board with a project. You may want your audience to become stakeholders in a project. You can coax them to do so via a persuasive speech.
Doing a successful sales pitch also warrants persuasive speaking engagements. In legal proceedings, lawyers persuade judges and juries to believe their cases.
03. Entertainment Speaking Engagement
A public speaker may also try to entertain their audience. In so doing, an effort is put into amusing an audience. The speaker endeavors to delight and charm their audience by any means necessary.
Public speakers try to entertain their audience with all kinds of antics. They tell jokes about themselves or other people. A good speaker knows it is important that everyone feels included during each speech. So they’ll keep going, even chastising those who don’t laugh at one’s words.
Stand-up comedians and commentators are public entertainers in their own right. Good stand-up comedians are a dime-a-dozen. Adept at speaking before a room full of audience and bringing laughter to listeners.
04. Public Speaking to Express Something
Another reason for public speaking may be to express something. You may want to express a thought or idea or feelings via mediums. You could do this by using poetry as a form of expression.
It is an opportunity to share what’s on your mind with others. You may have a way with words and can conjure up emotional and exciting pieces. Then you want to share your written pieces with others. So you express your writings by presenting them verbally in a public before an audience.
When using public speaking as a form to express something, audiences note speech and action. As you present, they will pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues.
Public Speaking Tips
The points below identify some techniques on how to improve your presentation skills.
01. Preparation and Practice
Preparation is key. Make sure you know your topic inside and out. It is important to prepare well for any speech. Practice, practice, practice – get comfortable with your material. Know the subject you are presenting on, and make sure your audience will enjoy listening!
02. Develop Presentation Skills
Successful public speakers develop their presentation skills. Use visual aids to help illustrate your points. Make eye contact with your audience and project your voice to your audience. Be aware of your body language. Stand tall and keep your movements natural. Watch your facial expressions and any other non-verbal communication.
03. Breathing Exercises
One technique that helps people overcome their stage fright is deep breathing exercises. This teaches them how significant calmness is during a presentation. Where all eyes are on YOU. Take a breath and relax before you start speaking. The more calm and confident you appear, the better.
Closing: Why Public Speaking is Important or Necessary?
Public speaking is a necessary skill for many jobs, and it can help you make friends. Also, when people know that they can speak in front of others, they are more likely to be confident. Being confident around others improves your social life as well.
A speaker may give a speech in their personal or professional life. One may give a short discourse to a few persons. You may have to make a speech at a wedding or small gathering. Presenters may have to give a training session to individuals or inspire a group.
There are many reasons why people would want to speak in public. A public speaker may want to inform, persuade or entertain an audience. On the other hand, they may want to express their thoughts or ideas.
Just remember, to give a speech, you need to prepare well in advance and know the subject. Also, the best way to get over your fear of public speaking is by practicing. Develop presentation skills and do breathing exercises to calm your nerve. The more you do public presentations, the less daunting it will become. Before long, talking in front of a room of people can seem like no big deal.
