Art for Public Speaking PDF
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This document covers the nature and significance of speech, including the speech communication process and different types of speeches. It explores the elements of good speech and provides useful insights into the speech preparation process and importance of adaptation.
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[6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: Lecture 1: *The Nature and Significance of Speech* -Speech is a God-given ability. This means that every normal human being possesses the ability to speak or use language. The average human being spends more than 30 percent of each day engaged in speech, otherwise call...
[6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: Lecture 1: *The Nature and Significance of Speech* -Speech is a God-given ability. This means that every normal human being possesses the ability to speak or use language. The average human being spends more than 30 percent of each day engaged in speech, otherwise called verbal interaction. -Speech is a purely human activity which is necessary for effective social interaction. However, over the years, interpersonal interaction has grown from a common-place activity to a very expensive art. Speaking is no longer just an everyday phenomenon. The ability to influence others through speech has become a yardstick for measuring the worth of a person. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: Good speech is now a necessary tool if we must get a good job, travel overseas, get promotion in the corporate world, for teaching, and for promoting business and enterprise. -On the political scene, speech has become a necessary tool for wooing voters, winning elections, for propaganda, for projecting positive public image and for executing the duties of governance at all levels. -Human history is replete with people who have changed the course of time and space through the power of Speech: Martin Luther King, Mahatma Ghandi, Julius Caesar, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Gani Fawehinmi, Odimegwu Ojukwu, Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe. You may add your own lists. -Speech has the power to project ordinary people to extra-ordinary heights. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *2. The Speech Communication Process* The word ‘communication’ originated from the Latin word “communicate”, which means: ‘ the art of making common’ or available. *Check the Oxford English Dictionary for the definition of ‘communication’* Why are we interested in communication? Simple. Communication, whether effective or not, is largely achieved through Speech. So, speech is an important element of communication. Regardless of the kind of speech making being considered, there are certain elements which must be present in any communication process. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *A. Speaker:* The person who is making a speech or someone who is presenting an oral message to another person or persons. The speaker may also be called an Encoder *B. Message* Whatever a speaker communicates to others is regarded as the Message. Factors which may affect the effective delivery of a message include: tone of speaker’s voice, anger, anxiety,fear,etc. These can affect what is known as the fidelity of message. Message may be verbal or non-verbal. *C. Hearer/Listener* This is the person who receives the speaker’s message. The communication chain is incomplete without the listener. Here, public speaking speaking differs from conversation in the sense that, while conversation has only one listener, a public speaker has many listeners. *D. Channel* This is the means by which the message is communicated from speaker to listener. Different speech situations call for different channels, e.g. radio news has the announcer’s voice as the channel; television has both voice and image as channels. *What is the Channel in a classroom speech?* [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *E. Feedback* Communication being a two-way process, there can be no complete exchange of message until there has been a *feedback.* Feedback means that the listener receives the exact message in exactly the way the speaker intended it. This is why the listener is also called a *Decoder* However, the nature of feedback in public speaking is not so simple or direct. Feedback in public speaking may come in the form of facial expressions (smiles, frowns), gestures (shifting, feet shuffling, fidgeting), or action (jubilation, clapping, jumping)etc. A good public speaker must thus know how to respond to different feedbacks. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *F. Situation* This is simply the time and place in which a speech event takes place. Situation often determines what type of speech will be given at different occasions. Example of situation include: Staff meeting Office fellowship Annual General Meeting Award Ceremony Dinner, etc. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *G. Interference* Anything which impedes the process of communication is regarded as Interference. In public speaking, Interference is of two types: internal and external i)Internal Interference: Any disruption which is located within the audience themselves. These can be easily observed in audience mannerisms such as personal discomfort (cough, sneeze, insect bite), emotions(anger, hostility, rudeness, etc) ii) External Interference: This includes all kinds of extraneous noise from outside the speech venue. These include: shuffling of feet along the corridor, microphone blaring from across the hall, sirens from passing vehicles, rowdiness in the vicinity, heavy rain and thunderstorm, loud machine/ equipment, among others. All these can cause distractions. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *3. Speech Types and Soeech Formats* Speech types refer to the varieties of speeches, otherwise called Speech Genres. - Different types of speeches apply to different occasions or speech events. - Speech Types are categorized into formal, informal and semi-formal speeches. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *Formal:* Formal speeches are given at formal occasions. They use formal language and formal presentation format. Examples include: Budget Speech, Inaugural Speech, Presidential Broadcast, Diplomacy Speech, Public Debate, Electioneering Campaign Speech, Public Lecture, Church Sermon, Seminar, Ministerial Briefing, Press Conferences, Legislative Assembly Speech, Solicitor’s plea, Citation. -Formal speeches are mostly written or documented for presentation and posterity. ´ The *Informal:* Informal speeches are given at informal occasions. They use informal language and informal presentation format. -Informal speeches include: celebration speeches (wedding, birthday, house-warming, etc), Pep talk, graveside oration, toast, eulogy, etc. *Semi-formal* These are speech types which may be considered either formal or informal, depending on the specific occasion. They include: -Speech of Introduction -Speech of Nomination -Acceptance Speech -After-Dinner Speech -Welcome Address -Response to Welcome Address - Master of Ceremony -Vote of Thanks speech. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: I am sure we are all familiar with speech types like Master of Ceremony and Vote of Thanks. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: That’s our missed lecture. We shall continue with brief explanations of the Semi-Formal speech types in our next lecture. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: 06-05-2024 Lecture 2 Topic 4: -Brief Explanations of Semi-formal Speech Types 👇 -Speech Formats [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: Major Types of Semi-Formal Speeches: [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: 1. *Speech of Presentation.* It is specifically given to present to an audience, a person who has achieved something special or someone who is seeking a public office. Such a person is presented to the audience, with a presentation of the person’s qualifications or accomplishments. The person being presented has to address the audience to persuade/convince them about his/her abilities, experience or to present a vision or action plan. The person who does the presentation speech is usually a Master of Ceremony or someone acting in that position. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: The person who presents another for a speaking task is known as ´a service provider’ [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *2. Speech of Nomination* This type of speech is also given by ‘a ‘service provider.’ In this case, the speech of nomination is used to introduce someone who has been nominated for a position. Here, the service provider gives information about the educational background, qualifications and previous accomplishments of the nominee. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: 3. *Welcome Address* This is a speech given by the host to welcome the guests and other invitees to an occasion. It is usually followed by the Response from the guests. Each party is expected to say nice things about the other and show courtesy and friendliness. These speeches are essentially goodwill speeches. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: 4. *Response to Welcome Address* This is the speech that usually follows a Welcome Address. It is given by the guest or invitee to appreciate the hosts. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: 5. *After-Dinner Speech* This is simply a light- hearted speech given during or after a dinner/ or any other words evening event. It is aimed to make diners relax and enjoy good food in a friendly ambience. It usually involves jokes, stories, games, etc. It is generally an event to share happy thoughts amongst friends. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: Other types of semi-formal speeches include: -Announcements. -Vote of Thanks. -Speech of Introduction, usually given by the Master of Ceremony to introduce guests, special guests, members of a panel, discuss ants at an event; to introduce a performing artiste, or a speaker at an event. In all of these cases, the speech giver serves as a service provider. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: A good public speaker is not expected to talk about anything sad or horrific (such as accidents, illnesses, tragedies, etc) at an After-Dinner speech. It must be pleasant all the way. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *Speech Formats* Speech formats refer to the unique presentation mode for different speeches, whether formal or informal. -There are 4 major formats which may be applied to different types of speeches. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: 1. *Impromptu speech* As the name implies, this is a speech which the speaker is not prepared for. It is otherwise called ‘a short talk on the spur of the moment’. Since there is no prior preparation, the speaker relies on residual knowledge and interpersonal skills. An Impromptu speech is the kind of speech where someone is called upon to give the vote of thanks at an event. It can be a situation where you are representing someone at an event; and you are suddenly called to say ‘a few words’ on behalf of the person. An impromptu speech can be unsettling for someone who is not a regular speaker. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: 2. *Reading speech* As the name implies, this is a speech that is written and typed, to be read before an audience. It often involves considerable research and must be well documented. Reading speeches include: political speeches, sermons, public lectures, budget speeches, Annual General Meeting speeches, Burial speeches, Citations, among others. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: A good example of a Memorisation speech format is the Martin Luther King speech: ‘I have a Dream’ [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *3. Memorization* Here, the speaker commits the speech to memory and delivers without reading from a script. This is the speech type most common with actors, inspirational speakers, and indeed any speaker who wishes to include a memorized performance in their speech. Most experienced public speakers use the memorisation format. It is common at recitals, school plays, stage plays, etc. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: *4. Extemporaneous speech* or ‘Extempore’ Speaking extemporaneously involves mastering the topic and rehearsing thoroughly before the presentation. -Extemporaneous speaking is often practiced by lecturers, experts and professional speakers. -Mastering a topic means being able to speak to the topic with minimal use of detailed materials. - The speaker may use remembering notes to discuss points/ sections. - It may also involve using technological tools like power- point, display screen, etc. The hallmark of great speech making is the extemporaneous format. It enables the speaker to display mastery of the topic, audience control and personal communication skills. [6/9, 12:44 PM] Pappagallo: What kind of speech type will be given in the following occasions? 1. A lawyer arguing a case in court. 2. Students in an inter- campus debate 3. A toast at a friend’s birthday party [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: 12-05-2024 Lecture 3: Topic 5 Use of Language in Speech [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: N.B. You may wish to get a copy of Stephen Lucas’ book: ‘The Art of Public Speaking’. There are relevant chapters to help you along. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Use of Language in Speech* [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Why is Language so Important in Speech Making? -Language is the major tool for speaker-audience interaction. There are other non-verbal tools, but language, in both spoken and written forms, is the major avenue for reaching our targets in speech making. -The point is often stressed that good language connects speaker, message and audience. This means that when language is effectively deployed, the speakers is able to achieve the goal of public speaking with the least friction. -A good speaker must be able to use language to achieve the desired communication goals. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Elements of Good Language* Language evolved out of the need to communicate beyond the use of signs and symbols. Therefore, language became necessary for easier understanding. - For everyone to have understanding, it is necessary that both speaker and audience have a common perception of the message. 👇👇👇 -The use of language in public speaking is usually summarized under the following parameters: [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: 1. *Clarity* - Using Language Clearly. 2. *Accuracy* Using Language Accurately. 3. *Appropriateness* Using Language Appropriately. 4. *Vividness* Using Language vividly. We shall now discuss each in detail👇👇👇 [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *1. CLARITY* Clarity in language use is concerned with using language to say exactly what we mean, without confusing the audience. In many languages, words have different shades of meaning, depending on context of usage. English is no different. In fact, word meaning is so complex in English that we need to clearly distinguish the meaning of a word in different contexts of usage. For example: -Denotation and Connotation e.g pedestrian - denotation: (someone walking on the street) e.g: ‘There is a pedestrian crossing down the road’ Pedestrian- connotation: (the quality of a person’s attitude, action or behavior) ‘ Her language is so pedestrian’ (ordinary, boring, unimaginative). [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Other examples: 1. -Enormous - denotation: (huge) Enormity- connotation: (degree of evil) ‘It is as an enormous task to understand the enormity of the killings’ 2. -Simple (not complicated, easy-going) -denotation. Simplistic (stupid, naive)- connotation: ‘Organizing a holiday for teenagers is a serious task, but it would be simplistic to assume that they all behave the same way’ Clarity thus entails using words to convey their *exact* meaning in specific contexts. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Points to note about Clarity: 1. Avoid ambiguity e.g. ‘Flying animals can be dangerous’ 2. Avoid clutter e.g ‘June 12 remains a significantly important event with an enviable and prestigious position as a memorable and unforgettable day in the history of democratic sovereignty in Nigeria’ Say instead: June 12 is an important day in the political history of Nigeria’ 3. Avoid unfamiliar words e.g technical words, professional registers, archaic expressions like ‘sonambuliism,’ ‘egregious’, ‘hunkum bunkum’ , ‘cacophonous extrapolations’ etc. 4. Use Concrete words instead of abstract words. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *2. ACCURACY* Speaking accurately is crucial to a speaker’s craft because it entails precision. Accuracy involves knowing the correct spelling and correct pronunciation of words. It also has to do with knowing the etymology of certain words in order to know their proper application in speech. Spelling: Correct spelling is important for word recognition. Many English words have similar spellings which may cause confusion when pronouncing or using them. Examples: route/ root being/ been mop/ mob desert/ dessert stationary/ stationery continual/ continuous sensual/ sensuous alumna/alumnae Pronunciation: There are also many English words which have similar pronunciation. A good speaker must be conversant with these problems and endeavor to know the correct pronunciation of the words. Examples: Partial homophones such as: cemetery/symmetry thud/ thawed mug/ morgue porch/ perch/ posh libel/ liable pint/pant/ paint oyster/ouster chatter/ charter fuss/fuzz razor/racer quite/quiet ingenious/ ingenuous please/ police - [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: -Homophones which have different spellings: e.g. missed/ mist Buy/ bye bored/ board Kill/ kiln Quay/ key sea/ see -Mispronunciation and spelling-induced pronunciation often cause confusion and disruption of the speaker’s message. Speakers must work with a good pronunciation dictionary to overcome this problem. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *3. APPROPRIATENESS* Appropriateness in language is applied in four ways: a) Appropriateness to Audience b) Appropriateness to Occasion c) Appropriateness to Topic or Message and; d) Appropriateness to the Speaker Let us examine each more closely 👇👇👇 [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Appropriateness to Audience* Language use in public speaking must be adapted to specific audiences in terms of their background, ideology, gender and even their attitudes. - The kind and tone of language to use when speaking to students will have to differ from that to be used when speaking to a more elderly audience. For instance, while the use of Slang and catch phrases may apply to students, such usages may be seen as rude or impolite by an older audience. Similarly, a good speaker should use very simple and playful language for children. Generally, a good speaker should study the language preferences of different audiences and apply appropriately. Civil servants, trade unions, academics, women groups, youth groups, market women all require specific language. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Appropriateness to Topic or Message* Different topics normally determine the appropriate forms of expresssiona to use. - Here, the speaker must be knowledgeable about Registers and their uses. -While a speech to professionals like doctors, lawyers, esucationists, etc, may admit technical language and scientific terminologies, a speech given at a theatre or an artistic event will require the use of poetic or metaphoric language. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Appropriateness to the Occasion* Just like topic, different occasions also require specific kinds of language. Here, we distinguish between formal and informal occasions, serious versus light-hearted occasions, happy versus sad or solemn occasions. -A good speaker must be sensitive about matching language with different occasions. - Cracking jokes at serious or solemn occasion would be considered insensitive and even hurtful to the audience. - Conversely, a good speaker is not expected to use harsh or military language when addressing business partners or investors. They will simply take their money elsewhere. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Appropriateness to the Speaker* Public speakers are recognized and appreciated on the basis of their individual style of speaking. Therefore, your unique way is speaking must be a reflection of your personality- your true self. For example, a pastor will be expected to speak in parables, bible quotations; a politician would be a expected to make lots of promises and also use mainly coercive language in order to win voters to their side. - Another dimension to this kind of appropriateness is that the speaker’s language must reflect his/ her level of education or knowledge about the topic. It must also reflect the speaker’s level of experience or exposure. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *4. VIVIDNESS* Vividness involves using language that appeals to the audience in terms of its liveliness, frie [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *4. VIVIDNESS* Vividness involves using language that appeals to the audience in terms of its liveliness, friendliness and relatability. -Audiences are always captivated by the use of relatable imageries, poetic language that entertains; the most generally language that paints pictures of the speaker’s message. - A good speaker must be able to hold the audience’s attention yyuby engaging them with vivid language. -Vividness in speech may be achieved by the use of features like: *metaphor*: ‘She moved like a gazelle, graceful and glorious in her gorgeous apparel’ *simile*: ‘His gaze was as cold as the snow on the street’ *personification *: the cold wind sang melodious tunes in our faces as we travelled down the plains’ - A good component of vividness is also the use of diversified expressions (avoid being monotonous). This includes use of features like euphemism, repetition, suspense, climax, among others. Vividness makes your speech memorable exciting and rewarding. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Apart from these elements, we also have what we call the Ethics of Language Use in Public Speaking. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Let us see how these apply to public speaking. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Ethics are like a Code of Conduct for public speakers. It is necessary to keep these codes of conduct in mind as responsible pubic speakers. Here are some of them: [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Language Ethics in Public Speaking* As I just explained, all of these features combine to make speech preparation a serious task. A prominent part of this seriousness is to also consider some general ethics of language use that every speaker must always bear in mind. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: 1. Truthfulness 👇👇👇👇👇 1. A good public speaker must strive to speak the truth always. It is not professional to deceive your audience. Being forthright and truthful compliments your personality and raises your value. Do not tell lies or promote falsehood! [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: 2. Do not use abusive language, no matter the provocation. Good public speakers must always maintain a cool and calm composure during and after the speech event. People may sometimes ask annoying questions or try to rattle you. Keep your cool! [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: 3. *Avoid sexist language*. Global trends in public communication have moved towards dropping sexist terms like: mankind, chairman; it’s a man’s world, menfolk, etc. Generally, avoid expressions that may pitch the genders against each other. Avoid statements that make one gender feel inferior to another. Do not run down any gender or elevate one over the other. Be neutral; use neutral and sensitive language [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: 4. *Avoid derisive or derogatory language.* Your job is to make people feel good, not bring them down in the estimation of others. Be pleasant and friendly. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: 20-05-2024 Lecture 4 Topic 6: Behavioural Skills in Public Speaking. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Behavioural Skills in Public Speaking are otherwise known as Kinesics. Behavioural Skills in public speaking deal with aspects of non- verbal communication which affect the speaker’s craft. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *What is the importance of behavioural skills in public speaking?* Man is a creature of behaviour, and it is not unexpected to see glimpses of a speaker’s character during a speaking task. These character traits may make or mar the speaker’s delivery depending on how they are received by the audience. Behavioural issues in public speaking often come up subconsciously, either as part of the speaker’s personality or just an attitudinal thing. Either way, it is important for a good speaker to be mindful of any behavioural trait which may distort the audience’s assessment or appreciation of the speaker. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Behavioural Skills or Non-verbal Communication Cues may be examined under the following sub-headings: 1. Eye Communication (eye contact) 2. Personal Appearance (clothes, hair, hygiene) 3. Posture and Movement (body language 4. Gestures and facial expression. 5. Voice and Vocal Variety 6. Listener Involvement [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: These sub headings will be briefly discussed here. Further details will be found in Chapter 12 of our course text:’ The Art of Public Speaking’ by Stephen Lucas. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: 1.* Eye Communication* Eye communication involves the use of eye contact for positive engagement with members of the audience. The eyes reveal the speaker’s state of mind and may attract, annoy, frighten, or repe the audience. -“Eyes are the windows of the soul” , so it is important to use the eyes effectively. - Create Intimacy by looking directly at your audience; never look away, down or sideways! - Avoid intimidation by keeping a steady gaze. Rolling of the eyes, unnecessary blinking and fluttering of the eyes send the wrong message. - Involve the audience by presenting friendliness with your eyes contact. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *2. Personal Appearance* Appearance is almost everything in Public speaking. Studies have shown that most audiences pay 70percent more attention to the speaker’s appearance than the actual speech. Personal Presentation in Publix speaking involves: -Neat and presentable clothing - Excellent personal hygienez - Avoid sweating or rough look neat hair, nails, shoes, mild jewelry. - Reasonable make up, accessories. - Appearnace must align with the occasion, and the setting. -Cool colours are preferable. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: In terms of appearance, it is important to dress for comfort and to look responsible than dress to impress. A speaker’s appearance must portray decency and respectability. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: 3. *Posture and Movement* Body language is very critical in a speaking task. Speakers must stand in front of a mirror and examine their body language before addressing an audience. -Poor body language include: fidgeting, frowning, scratching parts of the body, touching the face, putting hands in the pockets, shifting, etc. All of these portray nervousness, stage fright, and lack of confidence. -Others negative body language are: excessive movement, no movement at all, latching on to the podium, excessive use of hand gestures. Poor posture (bending, standing with arms akinbo, leaning on the wall or furniture, etc; should be avoided. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Facial Expression* In terms of facial expression, it is important to present a friendly and confident expression, even when under tension. A good public speaker must not carry their tension on their face! A friendly facial expression also includes maintaining a welcoming smile, especially in the beginning of the presentation. Smiling relaxes the speaker’s nerves and relaxes the audience as well. Smiling tells the audience: “I’m glad to be here” [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *5. Voice and Vocal Variety* The speaker’s voice is very important to the success of a speaking task. Need I emphasize that it is critical for every member of an audience to HEAR the speaker clearly.? A clear, reaching voice is essential to a speaking task. -For vocal variety, the speaker should avoid speaking in monotones. -Voice range, voice quality, tone and volume must align with the atmosphere. -A good speaker must use his/ her voice to engage and excite the audience. Avoid shouting or screaming. Instead, use your voice to portray passion, feeling, interest, friendliness, humility, frankness, humour, and everything pleasant. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *6. Listener Involvement* A good speaker knows there are many ways to engage an audience purposefully. 1. Asking questions 2. Calling for ideas. 3. Using relatable analogies. 4. Telling interesting stories, etc. - The hallmark of effective speaking is to be able to sustain the interest of the audience till the end. Thus, a good speaker must be spontaneous, resourceful and attentive. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: You will be required to project all of these behavioural skills in your individual class presentations. So start getting the practice! [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Audience analysis is usually approached from two dimensions as follows: 1. Demographic Audience Analysis and; 2. Situational Audience Analysis [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Demographic Audience Analysis* Demographics refers to personal or individual information about people. Demographic information is always a useful tool in understanding social components of a society or community. This means, the individual traits or features that we can use to gauge their behaviour or attitude at specific periods or occasions. As in other aspects of public life, analysing audiences for demographics enables the public speaker to have a glimpse of the individual and collective personality traits he/she will be confronted with its at a speaking task. Specifically, analysing demographic information about audiences informs many aspects of the speaking task, such as: -The form of language to use for different audiences. -The forms of address that will be appropriate. -The kinds of greetings or courtesies that will be needed. -The kind of personal presentation that will be appropriate in terms of dressing, appearance, gestures, and body language. Generally, demographics enable the speaker to know the best approach to adopt in relating with different audiences. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Demographic audience analysis is concerned with information or knowledge about: -Age or Age group -Sex/ Gender -Racial, Ethnic and Cultural background. - Religion. - Group membership (social, political, economic, etc) [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Age*or Age group*: Most general audiences typically consist of people across ages. But many audiences may be specifically composed of certain age groups, depending on the speech event or occasion. It is possible for the speaker to guess the age brackets of the audience to expect based on the occasions. e.g. a school debate, a coronation ceremony, a company event. Each of these events will naturally attract specific age groups. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: A good speaker must be able to match their language to specific audiences. Appropriate language must also be relative to the speaker ‘s age as well. For instance, a young graduate in his/ her 20s addressing a group of middle-aged professionals must use language that is serious, respectful and that which demonstrates knowledge, in order to gain the respect of the older people. Speaking to children requires language that is simple, vivid and easy to connect with, because they have short attention span. Addressing children must involve lots of demonstration and leave room for fun and excitement. Speaking to teenagers or adolescent requires more vibrant language that accommodates varieties like slang, or cliches, social coinages, jokes, etc. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Sex/Gender* Sex applies to biological differences while gender deals with social differences. A good speaker must first be conversant with this distinction and know when they are important in assessing audiences. A good speaker must be very careful about how to relate with the opposing genders in a speech event. Paying too much attention to one gender to the detriment of the other is unprofessional. This will send the wrong message to the audience. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: We have earlier mentioned the need for gender balance in the of language public speaking. Speakers must avoid sexist language or sexist innuendoes which may inflame the emotions of the audience. During the speaking task, speakers should gauge the attitude of the genders and be sensitive to current discourses that affect the genders. Deliberate effort must be made to align the message to the audience. The speaker should make quick adjustments or apologize when something inappropriate has been said. Audiences with predominant female population will appreciate female -centered language and vice-versa. In any case, gender balancing is key when connecting with every audience. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Racial, Ethnic and Cultural Background* This is an area that demands the speaker’s investigative instinct. Since the aim of public speaking is to be *educate, inform and persuade*, the speaker must be mindful of deep personal orientations of the members of the audience if the message must be well received. Audiences that will include different races can be easily analyzed on the basis of specific racial tendencies and values. Africans, Europeans, Asians have different perspectives to issues like family life, raising children, marriage, work ethics, and even perceptions of other races. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Good speakers will always do the necessary research to be conversant with these differences and know when the knowledge may be applied to suit different audiences. Ethnicity is often tied to cultural belief systems. Issues like rituals, omens, superstitions, and ethnic practices are often sensitive to specific ethnicities. A good speaker should find out what applies in certain ethnic groups which are not allowed in others, e.g shaking hands, co-education in schools, female circumcision, teenage marriage, food and food practices, etc. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Sometimes, ethnic issues are also political and can be a dangerous topic in public speaking. So good speakers must ask questions and seek knowledge about these issues to know what can be said and what must be avoided. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: The next factor to consider in audience analysis is Religion or Religious Affiliation [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Religion* This is another sensitive consideration for public speaking tasks. What normally obtains is that people typically invite speakers with similar religious orientation to speak at their event. However, there are cases where the speaker is not necessarily of the same or similar religious orientation. The speaker’s job is to inform, educate, and persuade; no matter their own beliefs. So a good speaker focuses on the given task. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Good speakers avoid religious sentiments. Good speakers do not pitch one religion against another. Good speakers respect the religious beliefs of others. Good speakers do not condemn or run down any group of people based on their religion. So, a good speaker will consciously avoid making comments that can bring up religious sentiments in the audience. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Group Membership/ Group Affiliation* People in modern societies are usually grouped socially according to their age, gender or occupation, among other considerations. People also group themselves socially in terms of their membership of certain socio-political or economic groups; or in terms of their affiliation to certain interest groups. Social groupings can be delicate and interesting at the same time. There are groups we recognize as people performing certain tasks in society such as philanthropy, business, civic/ human rights, education, etc. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: The activities of these groups are often humanistic and are conducted overtly ( publicly). They are known as sub cultures within the larger society. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: However, there are other groups whose activities are not openly conducted and are such, often regarded with some level of suspicion or the even fear. They are otherwise known as counter-cultures. They include societal/ religious cults, security- oriented groups, militia groups, terrorist groups, among others. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Good speakers do not speak openly about counter- cultures which are not accessible to the general public. Wise speakers do not openly criticize or condemn counter -cultures Good speakers do not openly speak about or endorse the activities of counter-cultures. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: So far, we have discussed the factors under demographic audience analysis; featuring the individual personal characteristics of audiences. We now turn to the Situational factors👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Situational Audience Analysis* Situational factors are those which deal with the environment or setting of the speech making event. They are additional factors to be considered in terms of how the speech event will be organized and conducted. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Situational audience analysis involves the following considerations: 1. Physical Setting. 2. Size of the audience. 3. Speaker’s Disposition. -to audience -to topic -to the occasion. 4. Adaptation ( before, during and after the speech) [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Physical Setting* This is the location of the speaking task. It is important for the speaker to make an attempt to visit the location of the speech event before the D-day. This helps the speaker to plan the journey and consider / prepare effective solutions to transportation issues that may arise. Some experts also advise that it helps if the speaker can visit the location and actually walk around the podium to get a ‘feel’ of the venue and the ambience. This will help the speaker to master posture, positioning, audience relations, and any other preparatory moves that will promote a successful event. Such pre-event familiarization enhances speaker confidence and mastery of the setting. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Size of audience* It is important to have a good idea of audience size for proper preparation. Smaller audiences (e.g. conference rooms, offices, compound gathering, classrooms, etc.) are more manageable in terms of: -the reach of the speaker’s voice (may not need public address system), -intimacy and involvement (it is easier to connect facially with people in small audiences). -mutual comfort of speaker and audience. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: -Larger audiences call for more technical support such as using microphone, projector, slides, speaking from a stage or podium, adequate lighting, noise control, etc. All these are issues to be discussed with the event organizers before the event in order to have a smooth presentation. It may also help the speaker to have spare equioment handy, like a small microphone, extra chargers to plug in devices, just in case of eventualities. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Speaker disposition* It is very important for the speaker to be well prepared for the speech event, not only physically but emotionally and psychologically. This must not be taken for granted. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: The speaker must be in tune with the topic, the audience and the occasion to be effectively prepared. For instance, a speaker who is asked to speak on a topic that brings back painful memories, is likely to have emotional issues during the speech. Equally, a speaker who has some personal bias toward the topic, the audience or the environment will also have attitudinal issues. Positive disposition to all aspects of the speech event is key to a successful delivery. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Adaptation* A speaking task is one that demands total application of mind and body in all aspects of the event. A good speaker must be well adapted to every task involved all the way. This includes paying adequate attention to what happens before, during and after the speech. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Adaptation *before* involves preparing a good speech and doing adequate rehearsal for time management and audience involvement. Adaptation *during* the speech involves maintaining friendliness and openness with the audience; checking for audience reactions, ensuring audience participation or understanding. It involves the ability to provide clarity and direction, especially when questions are asked. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Papp [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *Adaptation* A speaking task is one that demands total application of mind and body in all aspects of the event. A good speaker must be well adapted to every task involved all the way. This includes paying adequate attention to what happens before, during and after the speech. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Adaptation *before* involves preparing a good speech and doing adequate rehearsal for time management and audience involvement. Adaptation *during* the speech involves maintaining friendliness and openness with the audience; checking for audience reactions, ensuring audience participation or understanding. It involves the ability to provide clarity and direction, especially when questions are asked. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Adaptation *after* the speech entails the speaker’s ability to maintain the tempo and tenor of the delivery even after the speech is over. People may come over to say hello, well done, good job, etc. Be gracious in acknowledging these compliments and avoid arrogant responses. Be ready to share clips, documents, slides, contacts and other pieces of information with members of the audience who may need them. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: With this, we have come to the end of today’s class. Demographic and Situational Considerations make up the totality of good Audience Analysis for public speaking tasks. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: 03-05-2024 Lecture 6: Topic 8: -Stages of Speaking (The Speech Preparation Process) [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *The Stages of Speaking* 1. Selecting a topic or Purpose 2. Gathering Information 3. Supporting your Ideas 4. The Writing Process 5. Audience Analysis 6. Presentation [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *The Speech Preparation Process* Otherwise called *The Stages of Speaking* [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Each of these stages involves a series of activities required of 👇👇👇👇 the speech writer- speaker. We now examine each in detail. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *1. Selecting a topic or purpose* Most speakers usually have a topic either pre-selected for them or determined by the occasion or purpose of the speech event. Where the topic is not provided, the onus falls on the speaker / speech writer to come up with an appropriate topic. This may involve some research, or fact- finding to determine what is most topical at that point in time. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *2. Gathering Information* Once a topic emerges, the next step is to flesh out the topic by way of research and information gathering. Researching a speech topic may be as broad as the field allows or as intense as the situation dictates. The way a speaker is oils research a topic on national economic policy would differ from the kind of information needed for a topic like ‘child and women trafficking’ or ‘corruption’ The important point to bite is that fleshing out a topic requires committed search for information / knowledge, especially for serious topics/ events. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: There are many ways of gathering information for a speech making task: -*observation* (where the information may be found in observing a process, an event, people or places in order to get the necessary insight for your speech) - *using the library* ( of course, there is a lot of knowledge / insight to be gained from documented sources- both print and electronic- within the library) - *calling for information*. The speech may require some official information in the form of history, statistics, gazettes, or other institutionalized information. - Accessing such information my involve writing in to gain access or calling through telephony and request for the needed information. Other means of accessing information for speeches are: *Interviewing *questionnaires and *the internet [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *3. Supporting your ideas* It is not enough for the speech writer to have access to the necessary documentation on a speech topic, it is also necessary to have means of supporting ideas. Why? Public speaking is aimed at educating, informing, and influencing people through the power of persuasion. -Therefore, information or documents must be validated or verified before transmitting such to the audience. There are many ways of supporting ideas in speech preparation: A. *Using examples:* Examples make your points come across in clearer form. Examples are of three types- brief examples Extended examples, and Hypothetical examples. *B. Using Statistics* Statistics and evidential figures lend credence to the speaker’s thoughts and validate his/ her ideas. Statistics are most useful for topics that affect humanity, such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 pandemic, Sickel cell Anaemia, natural disasters, etc [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *C. Using testimonies* Testimonies also lend credence to the speaker’s point, especially for persuasive speeches. -There are 2 types of testimonies that a speech writer will find useful. They are: *Peer testimony* ( testimonies from friends, classmates, and co- workers boost the speaker’s insight and helps to establish social and cultural basis for relationships). These may be useful to a speech writer in writing human interest speeches that appeal to people’s sensibilities, such as domestic violence, child trafficking, terrorism, etc. *Expert testimonies* experts are often relied upon to provide authoritative knowledge or professional insight into complex issues or matters of general interest. Expert testimonies thus help to validate speeches in terms of relevant background information about processes, laws, regulations, procedures, or principles of doing things. Expert opinion is usually valued and respected, as they add credible support to speeches. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *D. Using Visual Aids* Visual content is always much more appreciated in speeches than the textual aspect, in many cases,because audience are always more influenced by what they see. Good speech writing should thus consider the power of visual information to enhance the speech. -Visual aids as the name implies, enhance the acceptability of information in a speech. Visual aids come in many formats.They include: -Pictures -Slides -Video tapes - Charts and Graphs -PowerPoint -Multi media projections, etc. Contemporary technologies in speech writing lend tremendous support to the use of various media for visual impact in speeches. -Good visuals, used appropriately have the power to shock, impress, inform, educate and inspire audiences. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: The points discussed so far are those which a good speech writer ought to consider seriously in preparing a speech. Once these issues have been attended to, the next task for the speech writer is to proceed to the actual writing of the speech This is the stage where all the researched materials, facts and illustrations are lit together in a good piece of coherent and interesting speech [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: E. The Writing Process involves the following stages: -Outlining: Writing out the points which will be discussed in each paragraph of the speech, usually in order of their importance. -Drafting: Starting to pen down initial thoughts in the form of sentences and paragraphs. These may be rewritten, re-arranged or -focused as the case may be. Each progression of the draft gets the speech writer closer to a perfect speech. -Writing: This stage involves: a) The Introduction b) The Body of the speech c) The Conclusion *Organizing the Body of the speech* -Main points -Supporting Materials -Making connections -Transitions -Internal structuring -Summaries [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: I’m sure we are all familiar with this structure of the writing Process. It is the same for speech, except that speech may require more elaboration, more illustration and of course, a robust content of quotable quotes! 👇 [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: The final stage of speech preparation is the Rehearsal which I nvolves the following: [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: The presentation as the final stage of the speech making process is quite crucial because it is the culmination of all previous efforts. As mentioned in previous classes, it is important to rehearse for time. A good speech must start well and finish well too. It is necessary to know how much time is available for the speech so the speaker can plan the presentation well. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: *F. Presentation* This involves: -*Rehearsal*: (speech length, duration, pronunciation, pauses, audience connection, etc) -*Delivery formats*: Reading, extemporaneous, memorization, etc - *Managing stage fright:* composure, audience affinity, voice quality, audience feedback, etc [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Knowing the specific delivery format enhances the planning and time management. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: Every speaker has some level of stage fright at some point. Maintaining a steady composure, with good voice quality and friendliness with the audience will promote the speaker’s eloquence. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: So, in a nutshell, the speech preparation process has many important stages or steps which the speaker/ speech writer must be conversant with and follow diligently. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: We have come to the end of today’s class. And indeed, this is my final online class with you for this course. [6/9, 12:51 PM] Pappagallo: You will have your next class with my colleague, Dr. Ayodeji Adedara who will be treating two short topics with you. Class Reps should contact him to arrange the remaining classes.