Speaking to the Group
In addition to participating in everyday class discussions you will probably have the opportunity to present a report or speech to your group or some other audience. You will only have one chance to get your message across. The success of your talk depends on how thoroughly you have prepared.
Audience
- Who is your audience?
- What do they know already?
- How interested are they?
- What do they expect of you?
- Do they have any special characteristics which you need to take into account? e.g. age, sex, level of education, level of experience, linguistic ability, values.
Choosing your topic
Do
- Choose a topic with care and select it early so that you have time to think about it.
- Consider how appropriate the topic is to the audience need and occasion.
- Have a clear idea as to which direction the topic will take.
- Have confidence in your own knowledge and ability. Use you own experience to help you and examine your own thoughts and feelings.
Don't
- Be afraid of choosing a topic you know nothing about. If you are interested you will find the facts.
Key points
Identify key points and write them down as you think of them. List them on separate pieces of paper (so you can play around with the order and put them in logical sequence more easily). As you start to think about these points you will have extra information to write down on the papers.
Research topic
Both you and your audience need to be clear what sort of talk you are to give. Will you inform, convince, entertain, impress or any combination of these?
- What information do you already know?
- What information do you need to know?
- Where will you find it? e.g. libraries, videos, magazines, people, newspapers, radio, TV.
- How much information does our audience want?
Next you need to put into a logical sequence the information which you have collected.
Organise content
All talks should be broken down into:
Introduction
First you introduce yourself, get the audience interest, describe your topic and make clear your objectives and approach.
Body
This is where you discuss and debate your key points in logical order.
Conclusion
Finally you recall your main points, emphasize your message and present your summary.
Plan your outline considering the subject, definitions, scope, limitations, time restrictions and purpose of talk. Asking yourself who, what, where, which, how, why and when questions can be a useful starting point to organizing your information.
Practice makes perfect
Before you talk, practice. Its a good idea this stage to write what you actually want to say in full so you can practice your delivery.You'll need your first draft, a tape recorder, large mirror, stop watch and a time when no-one is around.
Record yourself and look for how animated you are, any gestures or mannerisms and eye contact.
Time yourself.
Ask yourself:
- Is the talk logical and relevant?
- Is the level of material appropriate to the audience?
- Are jargon and technical words kept to a minimum?
- Are there appropriate illustrations and examples?
- Is there evidence to support the talk?
- Does it make sense?
Cue card
Do not read your talk word for word or try to memorise it. When you have the complete version of your talk prepared, set out your points on cue cards. Cue cards are blank cards of a small manageable size (fit in your hand). In logical order write down your key points, any aids or activities you will use to illustrate you key points and timing details.
Giving the talk
Setting up - Preview the venue if possible and arrive before your audience to check that the facilities and equipment are in working order.
Getting audience attention - Your first two sentences should be creative, informative and interesting.
People's ability to listen and retain information decreases over time. The longest uninterrupted concentration span is only about twenty minutes. You can break up your talk with the use of aids to amplify your message and to make it more interesting,
Commonly used aids are:
- black and white boards
- overhead projectors
- datashows
- films and videos
- charts and butchers paper
- handouts
You can involve your audience by asking them questions and encouraging discussions.
If the questions by the audience make you nervous, use the skill of repeating back the question to give yourself more time to think of an answer.
During your talk:
- keep to the point
- speak clearly
- smile - enjoy yourself
- be friendly and courteous
- keep your cool
- talk to everyone in the audience
- make important points to individuals
- be aware of how much time you have
Making the most of yourself
It is natural to feel anxious, keyed-up and nervous before speaking to a group. This reflects your desire to speak well.
You can handle your nerves by:
- taking deep slow breaths
- standing behind or near a desk or lectern
- having a glass of water handy
Remember to speak slowly and clearly, use eye contact, use pause and aids purposefully and conclude firmly and confidently.
Above all be positive, confident and enthusiastic.
The floor is yours!
For more information
- Check the shelves:
Presenting with power: captivate, motivate, inspire and persuade 808.51 MCC - Search the LLC Catalogue with the key terms 'public speaking'
- Explore the web
- Ask a Librarian!
The LLC recommends these web links:
- Better public speaking and presentation
Simply laid out presentation tips from Mind Tools. Beware the advertisements. - Allyn and Bacon public speaking website
Six modules that outline the steps to take when presenting to a group. Includes interactive activities, notes and links to further information.
