THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

MANNER Manner is how you present your speech. Manner includes: eye contact use of voice gesture stance use of palm cards

Manner relates to the way in which speakers deliver their speeches and use their personality to communicate their ideas to the audience. Speakers should present their speeches in a way which is convincing and sincere. The level of language should be appropriate to the audience and to the topic of the debate. The basic elements of Manner are: Visual presentation: This includes things like gestures, stance, eye contact, facial expressions and good use of palm cards. Vocal qualities: This includes elements like speed, clarity, volume and expression. Verbal skills: This involves using effective grammar. MANNER ‘Rhetoric is the art of ruling the minds of men’ Plato

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS Facial Expression: The face is an extremely valuable asset because it can be used to express so many emotions without speaking a word. Speakers should show the emotions (anger, joy, sincerity, humour etc.) associated with the Matter and the situation in the debate. This will hold the interest of the audience, make the speaker more convincing and entertaining and above all impress the audience with the speaker’s own personality.

Eye contact is an important part of communicating when talking and listening to other people. As you give your speech, maintain eye contact with different sections of the audience to engage everyone. EYE CONTACT

Vary your voice as you speak to add meaning and express emotion, making a more effective speech. Consider varying these aspects: Pace: how quickly or slowly you speak Rhythm: the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables (also includes elements of pace and pause) Pitch: the highness or lowness of your voice Volume: the loudness or softness of your voice Pause: a short or momentary break in delivery of your speech. VOICE

SPEED VOLUME VOICE Speed variation can be used to emphasise certain points. For example, by slowing down; or even to dismiss points by speaking faster. This should always be appropriate to the size of the audience and the venue, but should be varied to create impact. Emphasis can be gained by speaking forcefully or by speaking softly. The most important thing to remember is that you need to be easily heard by the most distant person in the room.

PAUSE TONE VOICE A small pause used after an important point, allowing it to sink in, can be effective. It can also allow relief after a strong statement has been made or allow the audience time to consider an important proposition. Tones which are aggressive, calm, unassuming, or confident can be used to convince an audience and make an impact.

CLARITY Words should be pronounced clearly and correctly. The language used should be appropriate to the Matter and to the audience and speakers should appear to be comfortable with the words and phrases they use. As to the speaker’s verbal presentation, correct grammar and accurate pronunciation are essential. CLARITY

Gesture refers to the movements you make with your hands or arms as you speak. Gestures can help to stress a point or add life to your speech. For example: clenching your hands for anger turning your palms upwards to show puzzlement. Don't over use gestures or use them inappropriately. Avoid nervous movements such as repeatedly brushing your hair back. GESTURE

Being relaxed and natural in your stance lets the audience know you are confident about what you will say. Choose a comfortable stance such as standing with your feet slightly apart. Try not to move around as you speak as this can distract an audience. Stepping forward can be an effective way of emphasising a point, but pacing about the stage is more likely to distract the audience. STANCE                                             .[6]

Don't try to read your speech from the cards Don't try to read your speech from the cards. Look at them as little as possible so that you are able to maintain eye contact with your audience. Notes should be kept to a minimum. Hold your palm cards in one hand so that you are also able to use gestures when appropriate. PALM CARDS

TIPS FOR MANNER Follow these tips: Preparation is essential. Make sure you rehearse your presentation a number of times. Always look at your audience. Change the tone and volume of your voice but still keep it natural. Use palm cards not pieces of paper. Make your palm cards small enough to fit into the palm of one hand. TIPS FOR MANNER

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW What are the basic elements of manner? What aspects of your voice should you vary to engage your audience? Why are gestures and stance so important to an effective speech? How should palm cards be used to assist your presentation? QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW