Public Speaking and Communication
Did you know that when you first started to talk you actually gave your first speech?
Well, you did! You had your debut performance before a captive audience. Everyone was engaged and excited about your topic. They wanted to hear what you had to say. And when you were finish and took your bow they exploded with applause!
This event signaled your official entrance into the world of public speaking. And since then you have given hundreds of speeches even if you didn’t realize it because communication is a form of public speaking.
Why?
Because you’re putting forth your thoughts, ideas, or concerns to a person or group of people, using stories, anecdotes, examples, facts, quotes, or statistics—and that is the essence of public speaking.
Think of it…each time you engage in a debate or discussion with your friends you are performing many aspects of public speaking. You are expressing your position, followed by an explanation as to why, backed evidence, wrapped in your beginning and your closing statements.
Is this not the essence of public speaking?
What is probably lacking is the nervousness you may experience when you think about or give a formal public address. The other is that you don’t necessarily spend hours in preparation or research. What should be clear to you is that there is a link between public speaking and communication and if you can communicate effectively…you can public speak!
I want to encourage you to treat every conversation as an opportunity to hone your public speaking skills. Think about what you want to say. Formulate it in your mind with a beginning, middle, and an end. Then strengthen your position by using facts that you’re knowledgeable about—that support your position.
If you have none then state your opinion and let the listener know it is your opinion. Be open to change or amend your view in light of new information—this will help you to exercise your mind muscle. If the listener has a different opinion—stay calm, because public speaking is not an argument. It is an opportunity to share, exchange, and learn.
Tags:Audience Awareness,Communication Apprehension,Communication Skills,Communication Strategies,Higher Education,Independent Study,public speaking,Secondary Education,Self Esteem,Skill Development
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