Question

Speech Analysis

For our next speech analysis, we’ll take a look at a speech from Julian Treasure, a speaker for Ted Talk. In this speech he talks about speaking so that people want to listen. There is power in our vocal image!

Evaluate the speaker’s presentation as if you were grading his effort. What do you notice about his posture? His language? What type of vocabulary and terminology are you hearing, that you don’t normally hear? What skills did Julian Treasure use from our article (25 Skills) from last week? What did he do well and what could he have worked on? Pay special attention to the speaker’s vocal image. Refer to things from our lecture this week that relate to this speech. Finally, share why vocal image is important when giving a speech; do you feel the speaker had good or poor vocal image in this speech?

Please watch this short video, then share your thoughts and reactions in the discussion board.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIho2S0ZahI

Answer 1

Presenting information clearly and effectively is a key skill to get your message or opinion across in a speech. Whether you are a student, administrator or executive Many people feel terrified when asked to make their first public talk, but these initial fears can be reduced by good preparation which will also lay the groundwork for making an effective speech.

A speech as a part of presentation is a means of communication that can be adapted to various speaking situations, such as talking to a group, addressing a meeting or briefing a team.

To be effective, step-by-step preparation and the method and means of presenting the information should be carefully considered.

A speech requires you to get a message across to the listeners and will often contain a 'persuasive' element. It may, for example, be a talk about the positive work of your organisation, what you could offer an employer, or why you should receive additional funding for a project.

Voice and Language

Maintaining interest throughout depends not only on the content but how the talk is delivered vocally.

Remember that the following aspects of voice control are important:

• Volume - to be heard
• Clarity - to be understood
• Variety - to add interest

Do not speak too fast and remember to pause occasionally to let the audience assimilate the information.

Use easily comprehensible language and try to avoid clichés and jargon. If you are sincere and enthusiastic you will quickly develop a rapport with the audience.

Managing Sound Systems and Microphones

In a big room, you may need or have access to a sound system. This may also be used if your talk is being recorded. If so, there are a number of things to remember:

• In advance, try to find out when you will be attached to the microphone, and also when the microphone will be switched on and off. Nobody wants to hear your off-stage remarks about how nervous you are, or your post-presentation comments on the awfulness of the audience. A quick chat with the sound technician could avoid a lot of embarrassment.
• Also in advance, check whether the microphone is wired or wireless. Wireless means that you will be able to move around the stage, whereas wired means you’re a bit more ‘tethered’, so it does affect how you plan your presentation. If in doubt, assume wired.
• It’s worth making sure that you have at least one pocket in your outfit, so that the microphone can be clipped to it. Having it attached to a smart dress or thin top with tape is not a good look. For women, it’s best to avoid dangly earrings or heavy jewellery, in case it bumps against the microphone and makes a noise.
• It is tempting to speak more quietly with a microphone, but try to maintain your normal speaking voice. You still need to speak slowly and clearly, as your voice may be distorted by the sound system.
• Make sure that you know how to switch the microphone on and off, in case of any problems during the presentation. When you’ve finished, switch it off yourself, then you’ll know that your private conversations will remain private.
• Coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose will sound horrendous through a microphone. If you need to do any of those things, turn away from the microphone beforehand.
• While wearing a microphone or in front of a camera, never say anything that you wouldn’t be happy for the whole room to hear, or to be recorded and played back publicly. That way, you will avoid any potential embarrassment.

Positioning and Body Language

Where you stand, and whether you move around, has a huge effect on the audience and its reaction to you.

For example, if you stand at a lectern, most of your body will be invisible to your audience, which means that your body language is much harder to read. As a general rule, lecterns are bad news, but sometimes essential, because that’s where the microphone and/or controls for the visual aids are located.

If you can, wander about the stage during your presentation, returning to the lectern to change slides if necessary.

However, pacing backwards and forwards like a caged lion is not good. If you need to be at a lectern for the microphone, then try angling the microphone so that you can stand to one side, and be fully visible to your audience, or better still, demand a roving microphone as a pre-condition of agreeing to present.

If the sound system or positioning is less than ideal, explain that to your audience. You may feel and look awkward rooted to the spot by a lectern, but at least they will understand why if you’ve told them that you’d prefer to be moving about.

Beware of the following bad habits that may let you down when you are nervous:

• Whilst speaking, try to keep a tall, relaxed, open stance without hanging onto a table or lectern or trying to hide behind it. If using cue cards, do not wave them around but keep them in one hand while gesturing with the other.
• Avoid putting your hands in your pockets as usually you will start to fiddle with the contents, and this will be distracting to the audience.
• Try not to hop from one foot to the other or rock backwards and forwards on the balls of your feet. Try not to pace up and down although some movement may be useful to keep audience attention.
• Do not stare fixedly at one person in the room or pretend the audience is not there and talk to the ceiling or the floor.
• Do not fiddle with pens, buttons, jewellery, a tie or your hair.