Speech Exam Sem 1

Eye-contact

Audiences read the speaker's eyes trying to gage truthfulness, intelligence, and feelings. Eye-contact rules vary among different cultures but in public speaking it is widely agreed that eye-contact is essential for positive and effective communication. In the US speakers that fail to use eye-contact are viewed as two-faced of dishonest. Establishing eye-contact is the quickest way to establish a bond with audience.

Reasons for Visual Aids

Clarifies message, Increases audience interest, Helps listeners retain information, Enhances credibility, Improves speaker's persuasiveness, Helps combat stage fright

Feedback

Many speeches include Q and A, Depending on the situation the questions may occur during or after a speech. Thorough preparation is essential for successful Q and A, Formate answers to possible questions while writing your speech, write out answers in full and rehearse them. Managing the Q and A is an important skill in its own right. The speaker should clarify at the beginning of the speech how questions will be handled. Approach questions with a positive attitude.

Pauses

Pauses can signal the end of a thought unit, give time for the audience to understand information, or for dramatic impact. Develop use of pauses with practice and observation. Avoid vocalized pauses such as "like", "er", "uh", or "um". Research shows that too many vocalized pauses reduces a speaker's credibility and persuasiveness.

Vocal variety

Refers to rate, pitch, volume, and timing of a speaker's voice. Speakers who lack vocal variety come across as flat, and dull. Speakers who use vocal variety come across as lively and dynamic.

Gestures

Some accomplished speakers gesture a great deal, others hardly at all. The cardinal rule is to not draw attention to self or away from the message. Gestures should appear natural and spontaneous. clarify ideas, and be appropriate for the audience.

Visual Aids

charts, graphs, posters, cartoons, pictures, objects, models, cutaways, handouts.