Oral Communication 2nd Quarter Handout PDF

Unit III Fundamentals of Public Speaking Lesson 1: Principles of Speech Writing The Speech Writing Process Just like events planning, or any other activities, writing an effective speech follows certain steps or processes. The process for writing is not chro...

Unit III Fundamentals of Public Speaking Lesson 1: Principles of Speech Writing The Speech Writing Process Just like events planning, or any other activities, writing an effective speech follows certain steps or processes. The process for writing is not chronological or linear; rather, it is recursive. That means you have the opportunity to repeat a writing procedure indefinitely or produce multiple drafts first before you can settle on the right one. Figure 1 shows the schematic diagram. Conducting an audience analysis Determining the purpose of the speech Selecting a topic Narrowing down a topic Gathering data Editing and/or Revising Selecting a speech pattern Rehearsing Preparing an outline Creating the body of the speech Preparing the introduction Preparing the conclusion Fig. 1. Speech Writing Process The following are the components of the speech writing process. Audience analysis entails looking into the profile of your target audience. This is done so you can tailor-fit your speech content and delivery to your audience. The profile includes the following information. - demography (age range, male-female ratio, educational background and affiliations or degree program taken, nationality, economic status, academic or corporate designations) - situation (time, venue, occasion, and size) - psychology (values, beliefs, attitudes, preferences, cultural and racial ideologies, and needs) A sample checklist is presented below. Audience Analysis Age Range Male-Female Ratio Educational Background Educational Institution Place of Residence (city, province, town) Marital Status Economic Status (Household income above 30,000 or below 30,000) Language Spoken Religious Affiliations/beliefs The purpose for writing and delivering the speech can be classified into three—to inform, to entertain, or to persuade. -An informative speech provides the audience with a clear understanding of the concept or idea presented by the speaker. -An entertainment speech provides the audience with amusement. -A persuasive speech provides the audience with well-argued ideas that can influence their own beliefs and decisions. The purpose can be general and specific. Study the examples below to see the differences. Page 1 of 19  General Specific Purpose Purpose To inform Grade 11 students about the process of conducting an automated student government election. To inform To inform Grade 11 students about the definition and relevance of information literacy today. To inform Grade 11 students about the importance of effective money management. To entertain Grade 11 students with his/her funny experiences in automated election. To entertain Grade 11 students with interesting observations of people who lack To entertain information literacy. To entertain Grade 11 students with the success stories of the people in the community. To persuade the school administrators to switch from manual to automated student government election. To persuade To persuade Grade 11 students to develop information literacy skills. To persuade the school administrators to promote financial literacy among students. The topic is your focal point of your speech, which can be determined once you have decided on your purpose. If you are free to decide on a topic, choose one that really interests you. There are a variety of strategies used in selecting a topic, such as using your personal experiences, discussing with your family members or friends, free writing, listing, asking questions, or semantic webbing. Narrowing down a topic means making your main idea more specific and focused. The strategies in selecting a topic can also be used when you narrow down a topic. In the example below, “Defining and developing effective money management skills of Grade 11 students” is the specific topic out of a general one, which is “Effective money management.” General Purpose To inform To inform Grade 11 students on the importance of effective money Specific purpose management. Topic Financial literacy or effective money management. Effective money management. Effective money management of Grade 11 students Narrowing down a topic through Developing an effective money management of Grade 11 students listing Defining and developing effective money management skills of Grade 11 students Data gathering is the stage where you collect ideas, information, sources, and references relevant or related to your specific topic. This can be done by visiting the library, browsing the web, observing a certain phenomenon or event related to your topic, or conducting an interview or survey. The data that you will gather will be very useful in making your speech informative, entertaining, or persuasive. Writing patterns, in general, are structures that will help you organize the ideas related to your topic. Examples are biographical, categorical/topical, causal, chronological, comparison/contrast, problem-solution, and spatial. Below are different writing patterns from which you can select the one that best suits your topic and/or purpose. Pattern Descriptions Examples To inform my audience about my Specific grandfather, the late former Purpose President Ramon Magsaysay. Presents descriptions of your Biographical life or of a person, famous or not. Describing the life and works of Specific Topic my grandfather, the late former President Ramon Magsaysay To persuade the community Presents related categories Specific Categorical/ Topical members to reduce, reuse, and supporting the topic. Purpose recycle as means of eliminating Page 2 of 19  garbage and protecting the environment. Why the community members Specific Topic should promote reducing, reusing, and recycling. To inform my audience on the Specific effects of overeating. Purpose Presents cause/effect Causal relationship Explaining the possible effects of Specific Topic overeating to one’s health. To inform my audience about the Specific significant events in the 1986 Purpose EDSA Revolution or People Power Chronological Presents the idea in time order. Describing the significant events before, during, and after the 1986 Specific Topic EDSA Revolution or People Power To persuade the audience that Specific living in the Philippines is better Presents comparison/ contrast Purpose Comparison/ contrast than living in Australia of two or three points Explaining why the Philippines is Specific Topic more habitable than Australia To persuade the audience to Specific support the educational programs Purpose of the national government. Presents an identified problem, Explaining the reasons for Problem-solution its causes, and recommended supporting the government’s solutions. Specific Topic educational programs seen as the primary means of increasing the literacy rate in the Philippines An outline is a hierarchical list that shows the relationship of your ideas. Experts in public speaking state that once your outline is ready, two-thirds of your speech writing is finished. A good outline helps you see that all the ideas are in line with your main idea or message. The elements of an outline include introduction, body, and conclusion. Write your outline based on how you want your ideas to develop. Below are some of the suggested formats. 1. Table format Purpose To persuade. Specific To persuade the community members to reduce, reuse, and recycle as means of eliminating purpose garbage and protecting the environment. Topic Promoting the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling in eliminating wastes and protecting the environment. Pattern Problem-solution. Introduction Share facts on the current situation of the environment. State the message of the speech (specific topic). Body Discuss how improper waste disposal becomes an environmental problem. Explain how reducing, reusing, and recycling would eliminate wastes and protect the environment. Conclusion State the specific purpose of your speech again. Call for action. Page 3 of 19 2. List format 1.0 As of today, there is an alarming increase of wastes in our community. 1.1 According to Solid Waste Management Office, if we do not take immediate action, we might face more perils caused by natural calamities. 1.2 Now, I am going to talk about how to eliminate wastes and protect the environment. 2.0 Improper waste disposal causes environmental problems. 2.1 Wastes contaminate the soil. 2.2 Wastes contaminate the water. 2.3 Wastes can cause floods. 3.0 There are ways to eliminate wastes and protect the environment. 3.1 Reducing, reusing, and recycling can help eliminate wastes. 3.2 People should start doing these at home. 4.0 We must act now. 4.1 This solution should be supported by the local government. 4.2 Let us learn from the lessons in natural calamities we have experienced The body of the speech provides explanations, examples, or any details that can help you deliver your purpose and explain the main idea of your speech. One major consideration in developing the body of your speech is the focus or central idea. The body of your speech should only have one central idea. The following are some strategies to highlight your main idea. - Present real-life or practical examples - Show statistics - Present comparisons -Share ideas from the experts or practitioners The introduction is the foundation of your speech. Here, your primary goal is to get the attention of your audience and present the subject or main idea of your speech. Your first few words should do so. The following are some strategies. - Use a real-life experience and connect that experience to your subject. - Use practical examples and explain their connection to your subject. - Start with a familiar or strong quote and then explain what it means. - Use facts or statistics and highlight their importance to your subject. - Tell a personal story to illustrate your point. The conclusion restates the main idea of your speech. Furthermore, it provides a summary, emphasizes the message, and calls for action. While the primary goal of the introduction is to get the attention of your audience, the conclusion aims to leave the audience with a memorable statement. The following are some strategies. - Begin your conclusion with a restatement of your message. - Use positive examples, encouraging words, or memorable lines from songs or stories familiar to your audience. - Ask a question or series of questions that can make your audience reflect or ponder. Editing/Revising your written speech involves correcting errors in mechanics, such as grammar, punctuation, capitalization, unity, coherence, and others. Andrew Dlugan (2013), an award winning public speaker, lists six power principles for speech editing. - Edit for focus. “So, what’s the point? What’s the message of the speech?” Ensure that everything you have written, from introduction to conclusion, is related to your central message. - Edit for clarity. “I don’t understand the message because the examples or supporting details were confusing.” Make all ideas in your speech clear by arranging them in logical order (e.g., main idea first then supporting details, or supporting details first then main idea). Page 4 of 19  - Edit for concision. “The speech was all over the place; the speaker kept talking endlessly as if no one was listening to him/her.” Keep your speech short, simple, and clear by eliminating unrelated stories and sentences and by using simple words. - Edit for continuity. “The speech was too difficult to follow; I was lost in the middle.” Keep the flow of your presentation smooth by adding transition words and phrases. - Edit for variety. “I didn’t enjoy the speech because it was boring.” Add spice to your speech by shifting tone and style from formal to conversational and vice-versa, moving around the stage, or adding humor. - Edit for impact and beauty. “There’s nothing really special about the speech.” Make your speech memorable by using these strategies: surprise the audience, use vivid descriptive images, write well-crafted and memorable lines, and use figures of speech. Rehearsing gives you an opportunity to identify what works and what does not work for you and for your target audience. Some strategies include reading your speech aloud, recording for your own analysis or for your peers or coaches to give feedback on your delivery. The best thing to remember at this stage is: “Constant practice makes perfect.” Lesson 2: Principles of Speech Delivery Insights on Public Speaking After listening to the speeches of the champions, you may have noticed that aside from the speech content, their delivery was also essential to their victory. The speakers seemed so natural and at ease that you wonder: Are effective speakers made, or are they naturally born effective speakers? It is true that some people are born with special gifts in public speaking, but it is also true that most of the best public speakers either underwent intensive formal training or got involved in several speaking situations that, over time, enabled them to hone the skill. According to Stephen Lucas (2011), author of The Art of Public Speaking, a good delivery means that you are capable and able to present your message in a clear, coherent, and interesting way. In addition to this, he also says: Good delivery…conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly, interestingly, and without distracting the audience. Most audiences prefer delivery that combines a certain degree of formality with the best attributes of good conversation—directness, spontaneity, animation, vocal and facial expressiveness, and a lively sense of communication (p. 244). As a student of public speaking, you should know that public speaking is not simply reading your speech or talking about your topic. It requires making connections with your audience and presenting yourself formally to the public. There are types of speeches according to purpose and delivery from which you can choose the best one or the most appropriate in a given situation. Types of Speech According to Purpose 1. An informative speech provides the audience with a clear understanding of a concept or idea. The lectures of your teachers are the best examples of this type. 2. An entertainment speech amuses the audience. The humorous speeches of comedians and performers are the best examples of this type. 3. A persuasive speech seeks to provide the audience with favorable or acceptable ideas that can influence their own ideas and decisions. The campaign speeches of the running candidates for government posts are the best examples of this type. Page 5 of 19 Types of Speech According to Delivery 1. Extemporaneous Description Speaking with limited preparation Guided by notes or outline Delivered conversationally Most popular type Speaking When you are a candidate for a post in a student government and you deliver your Situations campaign speech before a voting public When you are assigned to report a topic in class Advantages Helps you look confident Engages the audience Disadvantages May not have adequate time to plan, organize, and rehearse Tips Create an outline Organize your points logically (most important to least important or vice versa) Use facts and real-life experiences as your examples Manage your time well Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse 2. Impromptu Description Speaking without advanced preparation Unrehearsed speech Spoken conversational Speaking In an event where you are asked to say a few words Situations First day at work or in class, or during an interview Advantages Spontaneous or natural speaking More focused and brief Disadvantages Tendency to be disorganized Lacks connection with the audience Nerve-racking for inexperienced speakers and beginners Tips Once you are requested to say something, pause for a moment to plan in your head what to say. State your main point briefly and deliver it at a pace your audience can follow. End by saying thank you. 3. Manuscript Description Speaking with advanced preparation Planned and rehearsed speech Reading aloud a written message Speaking News casting with a TelePrompTer or an autocue device Situations Presenting the legal proceedings and verdict in court Reading the rules and criteria in a contest Advantages Exact repetition of the written words Guided speech Disadvantages Boring and uninteresting presentation Lacks audience rapport or connection Tips Rehearse the speech over and over again until you sound natural. Observe accomplished news anchors and note how conversational they sound when they deliver the news. 4. Memorized Description Speaking with advanced preparation Planned and rehearsed speech Reciting a written message word-for-word from memory Speaking When you perform in a stage play Situations When you deliver a declamation, oratorical, or literary piece When an actor or actress in a scene performs a script from memory Advantages Exact repetition of the written words from memory Free to move around the stage Disadvantages Speakers might end up speaking in a monotone pattern. Alternatively, he/she might take a fast pace. Page 6 of 19  When the speaker cannot control his/her stage fright, he/she might have difficulty remembering his/her memorized speech. Tips Rehearse the speech over and over again until you sound natural and feel confident. Observe how actors/actresses perform their script in a theater, television, or movie scenes. Delivery for Different Situations Bear in mind that not all speaking situations happen in the classroom. Some may happen in unfamiliar environments. To illustrate, you may run or be nominated for a school or local government office, so a room-to- room and public campaign speech is required; or you may be invited to welcome a visitor in your school or community, so an opening or welcoming remark is necessary; or you may be asked to represent your school or community in a literary contest. These are a few situations where your delivery skill will be simultaneously challenged and honed. As a public speaker you need to be ready to deal with the most common challenges in different speaking environments. Below are some of them. 1. Speaking to a specific audience size Description Audience size depends on the venue size. You can determine your approach with your audience: more intimate and personal for a Advantages smaller size; more formal for a larger size. Disadvantages This can be challenging and intimidating. Ask the organizers about the estimated number of the audience so you can adjust your Tips delivery. Practice, practice, practice. 2. Speaking in an open-air venue or outside a building Description Examples are open courts or grounds, football fields, farms, etc. Advantages You will feel more relaxed due to the atmosphere of the venue. You will encounter a lot of communication barriers such as noise, inattentive audiences, discomfort, challenging weather, possible absence of technology such as audio-visual Disadvantages equipment, etc. You might be forced to make adjustments, especially in voice projection. Check the venue prior to your speaking engagement. Ask the organizers about the availability of equipment. Challenge yourself on how you can get and maintain the attention of your audience. Tips Use the outdoor setting or venue to your advantage as a way of jumpstarting your speech or as an example to support your main point. Practice, practice, practice. 3. Speaking in different venues Speaking venues that vary according to size: classroom, meeting or conference room, ball Description room, social hall, auditorium, covered court, open court, etc Advantages You will be exposed to different venues, which will add to your public speaking experience. You will have to make big adjustments in terms of your nonverbal cues: volume of voice, Disadvantages body language, facial expression, etc. Check the venue days before your scheduled speech and arrive hours earlier in the venue, so you can determine the adjustments to make. For a large venue, speak more slowly, use pauses frequently to highlight the most important ideas of your speech, and make use of facial expressions and gestures. When you use visual Tips aids, make them more visible. In a small venue, your audience will see you up close. Therefore, manage your notes well when you use them and adjust your nonverbal cues as necessary. Practice, practice, practice. Page 7 of 19 4. Speaking with a microphone Its main function is to increase the volume of your voice, not to clarify the pronunciation and Description enunciation of words. With a microphone, you can easily get the attention of your audience because of the loudness Advantages of your voice. Disadvantages Using a microphone can be challenging because there is a tendency to underuse or overuse it. Check the microphone if it functions well. Check your voice in the microphone to see whether you are audible enough. Tips In a small venue, you may not use a microphone, but you need to manage your voice’s volume well. Practice, practice, practice. 5. Speaking with a podium or lectern Description A podium or lectern is a reading desk with a stand and a slanted top. Notes can be placed on the slanted top, and will work best for extemporaneous and manuscript Advantages speeches. The lectern can be used as a means to hide or cover nervousness or stage fright. Some may have the tendency to hide their hands behind the podium, which will not help them Disadvantages enhance their message. Stand straight, as good posture exudes confidence. Avoid gripping the edges of the podium with both hands. Aside from this, also avoid hiding them behind the podium. Tips For extemporaneous and impromptu speakers, step to the side occasionally once you have composed yourself, so you can effectively use your gestures, make eye contact, and connect more with your audience. Practice, practice, practice. Whatever speaking situation you are in, the most important thing is you master your speech. You can only do this by constantly carrying out the right practices. Tools for Effective Speech Delivery To be effective in your delivery, watch and emulate people who speak in public excellently. While observing, take note of the following: How they approach their audience (formal, informal, personal, conversational, and intimate, among others) How they connect with their audience (using eye contact, body movements, and facial expressions) How they present themselves (stage presence: how they look, stand, walk, use nonverbal cues, and act on and off the stage) How they use their voice in terms of volume (loudness or softness), pitch (highness or lowness), rate or speed, pauses to show emphasis and strengthen the clarity of the message, vocal variety (effective changes in volume, pitch, rate and pauses), and pronunciation The items enumerated are the tools that can help you develop your speech. Practice in front of a mirror and observe your own delivery with these tools in mind. Alternatively, you can practice in front of your family, friends, classmates, or those who have already done public speaking. You can ask for feedback or seek advice from them. Explore which tools work best for you and develop a habit of effective delivery to enhance your public speaking skill. Keep practicing and engaging yourself in speaking situations. Remember, you already have public speaking skill, but you will only improve if you speak in public constantly. More Tips for Effective Speech Delivery Following are more techniques and tips to help you deliver your speech well: 1. Use a conversational style more often. This is the style that is more natural; it is the style that you always use when you express yourself with your family and friends. Audience members do not like the speaker to sound unnatural or exaggerated. 2. Look your audience members in the eye so they will feel that they are part of your speech. Eye contact should be maintained to keep the attention of your audience and enhance your delivery. Page 8 of 19 3. Remember to adjust your volume to the size of the audience and the venue. When addressing a large audience, modulate your voice in such a way that you speak loudly without sounding like shouting or yelling. 4. Vary your rate or speed to keep your audience interested and to avoid a monotone pattern. The audience might get bored if you speak very slowly and they might get confused if you speak very fast. Hence, your rate should be at an appropriate speed. 5. Master your voice and find your pitch level (high or low). If you have a high pitch level, modulate or slightly move it down. If you have a low pitch level, modulate or slightly move it up. Your performance will definitely be affected if you do not modulate. 6. Use pauses when you emphasize the most important words, phrases, or sentences. Your pauses should not last for three seconds. Otherwise, it will result in dead air or a moment of awkward silence. 7. Pronounce and enunciate words correctly. You will confuse the audience if you mispronounce words, and it could distract them and affect your credibility. 8. Avoid fillers or expressions that substitute actual words in your speech because these words are distracting. Examples of fillers are “like,” “um,” “ah,” “uh,” and “er.” To reduce the use of these fillers, detect the instances when you use them: Do you generally use fillers after each sentence, between different ideas, or whenever you make transitions? Then, instead of using them the next time you deliver a speech, simply stop and pause. 9. Start your speech by standing straight and balancing your weight. This will give a positive first impression. 10. Use precise movements. Avoid distracting mannerisms like swaying back and forth, leaning on the podium, licking or biting your lips, playing with your wristwatch or jewelry, scratching parts of your body, frowning, and others. Observe your mannerisms and learn how to avoid them when speaking in public. 1. Avoid having a poker face or a highly animated face. These facial expressions appear distracting and may even be annoying. Instead, follow the most highly suggested tip: smile. However, make sure that the meaning of your speech reflects in your facial expressions; do not smile if you are talking about something sad. 12. Dress properly and appropriately. Wearing the proper attire will make you look more confident and professional. Make sure not to overdress, as this may distract your audience. 13. Observe ethics by coming prepared, being honest with your words, being polite, avoiding offensive words and back-biting or talking negative things about other people, or copying someone’s work without proper documentation. 14. Breathe in and out to relax before your speech. Most importantly, have fun. Unit IV Types of Speech Lesson 1: Organizing and Delivering a Manuscript Speech Key Takeaways When speaking from a manuscript, you write and deliver a speech word for word. The question is, for whom is the manuscript method most advantageous? 1. Public figures. Since public figures are always constrained by a hectic schedule, they need ghost writers. Consequently, they would have to read the text of the speech as it is. The President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a concrete example of this situation. 2. Media personalities. Speakers on radio and television always battle with time limits. For example, a televised panel discussion about a social issue may require radio and TV anchors to critically choose and refine the words of their speech in advance. 3. Spokespersons for government and private organizations. This public speaking role requires a great deal of contemplation and preparation. For example, we have speeches of different country’s spokespersons in an international seminar on climate change. Potential Problems with the Manuscript Method 1. Since this type of speech follows a word-for-word method, you might be tempted to skip practicing the speech. 2. In relation to the previous point, if you fail to practice your speech and decide to read it during the time of delivery itself, you might be glued to the speech all throughout. You may overlook making eye contact with your audience. Note that glancing at the audience only at the end of a sentence is not sufficient to establish and maintain rapport during the speech. 3. Lastly, because everything is planned based on the time allotted, you will surely want to cover everything in your speech before you run out of time. This might affect your connection with the audience, as there is a tendency to ignore the audience and neglect responding to their feedback when busy with the speech. Pay attention and make sure to check and adjust if the audience displays anxiety, impatience, or boredom. Page 9 of 19 Strategies in Organizing and Delivering the Manuscript Speech 1. Practice! Practice delivering the speech several times. Mark the text. Even if it’s a manuscript, know the speech by heart. Only if you do these can you keep frequent eye contact with the audience. 2. Adapt! Even if you have a manuscript, feel free to modify the text when the situation demands it. If you observe that your audience is bored, you may use shorter yet more vigorous words. If your audience is impatient, add words of strong motivational power. If your audience is anxious, share personal anecdotes to lighten the mood. Tips in Using the Manuscript Method 1. Prepare! Keep your text easy to use by neatly composing it in triple space. 2. Mark! Own your manuscript by highlighting key words and phrases. This way you will be guided during the speech delivery. 3. Practice! You can make a lot of notes on the draft of your manuscript during the first few rehearsals, but make sure to reprint your script, especially if you make too many changes. 4. Practice some more! Read the text over and over orally. This will help you avoid mispronounced words, faulty starts, and wrong pauses. As you practice, vary the volume, rate, and pitch of your voice during appropriate points in the speech. 5. Concentrate! Concentrate on keeping eye contact, but do not stare at only one section of the audience. It is best if you familiarize yourself with the most important parts of your speech. If you do this, you will be more confident in looking at your audience during the key points of the speech. 6. Act it out! Use a lectern or a podium when practicing the speech. If you can find one before the actual speech delivery, practice using it so that you will be used to laying your notes flat on the podium and looking at them once in a while. Lesson 2: Organizing and Delivering a Memorized Speech Key Takeaways A memorized speech requires you to commit the speech to memory so that you do not bring your notes when delivering it. As with the manuscript speech, you also run the risk of sounding mechanical during a memorized delivery. For this reason, keep your memorized speech short and work harder on your facial expressions and the tone of your voice. When should you memorize? Although keeping a speech in memory is needed only on very rare occasions, memorizing a speech can help you achieve a smooth and effortless delivery. You do not need to focus on notes or a manuscript. You can concentrate on maintaining eye contact with your audience, establishing rapport, and interacting with your audience. Since memorizing can be very tough and mechanical, it is best that you memorize short speeches for special occasions. A memorized speech works best for the introduction of a guest, acceptance of award or recognition, toast, eulogy, tribute, and the like. Disadvantages of the Memorized Speech 1. You might forget what you are supposed to say. Long pauses can create a very awkward moment between you and your audience. 2. You might memorize the speech mechanically. This can result in a very unnatural delivery. 3. You might focus on content. Consequently, groping for the right words might make you look uptight and stiff. 4. You might be too tied to remembering your script. This will give you no chance to pay attention and respond to audience feedback. Advantages of Delivering a Memorized Speech 1. You do not need notes anymore. Since the speech is memorized, you do not have to worry about when to read and when to glance at your audience. 2. You can plan gestures, facial expressions, and movement. When you know the speech by heart, it will be easier for you to work on nonverbal communication. 3. You can concentrate on visual aids and props. A memorized speech will help you focus more on your props if you have any. 4. You will feel more confident. If you know that you have committed the speech to memory, you will not be anxious about running out of words or not knowing what to say. Page 10 of 19 Tips in Memorizing a Speech 1. Break it down! You cannot memorize a speech in one sitting. If your speech has four paragraphs, you should focus on one paragraph at a time. Once you have memorized the first paragraph, focus on the next one. 2. Build it up! After memorizing the speech in snippets, you need to put them together. Recite the first paragraph and move on to the second. After this, recite the first and second paragraphs and move on to the third. The next thing you know, you have completed your speech. 3. Speak out! Do not memorize the speech silently. When you recite your speech over and over while memorizing it, your brain multitasks and aids your memory retention. 4. Identify keys! Identify a key point in every paragraph. Even if you miss out some of the words in the actual speech delivery, you can easily expound on the key points. 5. Have a break! After memorizing some parts of your speech, take a break for some hours or for a day. After this, recite the speech again. This will test how well you can recall what you think you have memorized. 6. Record and listen! Record yourself delivering the speech and listen to it over and over again. Like a song, the speech will get stuck in your head. 7. Use note cards! Write one key point on one note card. Bring these note cards wherever you go and take them out whenever you have extra time to memorize, especially during idle times of the day. Lesson 3: Organizing and Delivering an Impromptu Speech Key Takeaways Impromptu speeches are delivered with little or no time for preparation. In most instances, you are called to speak at the spur of the moment because you are expected to be knowledgeable about the subject. For example, your teacher assigned you to read an article before the class starts. Then, during the class you were asked to deliver an impromptu speech about what you have learned from the article. Another instance to illustrate an impromptu situation is when you are asked by a friend or a relative about your current or planned vacation trip or when you are campaigning for a position in school and you are asked by your fellow students to respond to their questions Strategies in Organizing and Delivering an Impromptu Speech Below are some of the strategies that you can follow when you organize and deliver an impromptu speech. 1. Past, Present, Future Example: In the past, I was not comfortable in making impromptu speeches because I could not think right away of what to say; maybe it was because of nervousness and lack of time to prepare. At present, however, I am enjoying it because I constantly practice and keep on exposing myself to any speaking situation. In the future, I look forward to teaching others how to survive impromptu speech situations. 2. Point-Reason-Example/Explanation-Point Example: Point I love Facebook. I have two reasons for this: one, it helps me easily reconnect with old friends; and, two, Reason I am updated on the happenings around me. Through Facebook, I am able to contact my old friends from other countries and reminisce about wonderful memories. I am glad to be able to reconnect with friends Explanation/Example even if it’s only through online means. Also, through posts on Facebook, I learn about the current events in the country—a fact which has a bearing on my role as a citizen of this nation. Point Facebook, indeed, is a useful social network site. That is why I love it. 3. Opening, Rule of Three, Clincher Example: Every time I see homeless families, it breaks my heart. That is why I try to do at least Opening three little things to help them. First, I feature them in my writings which I submit to editors for publication. I highlight their sad and bad experiences living in the streets and their dreams and aspirations in life. Rule of Three Second, I actively participate in organizing and facilitating livelihood programs for these families. Finally, I join different nonprofit organizations in campaigns and awareness activities Page 11 of 19  against poverty. These three are my baby steps toward achieving my vision of helping homeless people Clincher and freeing this nation from the bondage of poverty. In some cases, you may find yourself unaware of or uninterested in the topic. This usually happens and it is inevitable. Distinguished Toastmaster Craig Harrison (2010) shares the following strategies that can help you address the problem. a. Bridging. This entails building a connection between what you do know and what you do not know. Example Topic You are asked about your reaction on the conflict in Russia. You have no knowledge about the existing conflict in Russia because you do not follow Problem it. Solution Find a way to bridge what you don’t know and what you do know. “I would imagine the conflict in Russia to be like a conflict in my own family. The Response following are some steps that I observed in patching up the conflict, which, in a micro level, may be considered by the Russian government…” b. Reframing. This means rephrasing or redefining the topic into something that you want to talk about. This usually occurs if you think the topic is inappropriate or it is not meant for you. If you are given a topic that you do not like or is not right for you, don’t despair. Simply reframe it as a topic you’d like to respond to. Redefine the topic as you believe it should be, or at least the way you’d like it to be. Keep the structure but alter the subject. Rephrase the question or even challenge it; you can even argue why the question given is not the right question at all. Example: Topic You are asked to compare two forms of government: democratic and parliamentary. Problem You think that it is not right for you because you are a science major. Find a pair of anything that you think is worth comparing. You can compare natural Solution science and social science in terms of concepts and processes, or computers and humans in terms of capacity and efficiency. “This question reminds me of the complexities in differentiating two concepts in Response science. These are natural science and social science. Just like democratic and parliamentary, these two differ in terms of concepts and processes…” c. Playing Devil’s Advocate. This refers to you standing on the opposite side. Example: You are asked whether or not the government should allocate a bigger budget for Topic national defense. You have no idea about the defense system, and you are more knowledgeable with Problem education. Solution Say no to defense and yes to education. “Instead of allocating more money to national defense, why not allot it to education? Response Let me tell you why education should be prioritized…” Some Useful Tips in Effective Impromptu Speech Delivery 1. Smile. 2. Relax by thinking about positive things. Keep telling yourself, “I am a brilliant speaker. I will nail this presentation.” 3. Identify your purpose. Is it to inform, to entertain, to welcome, to congratulate, to Before the apologize, or to give birthday greetings? Speech 4. Think of one big word that can serve as your main point. If you think you have enough, think of the rule of three. 5. Start outlining in your head. Focus on what to say first. Be reminded that your first few words are crucial, so make them strong, powerful and catchy. 1. When you are called, keep composed. Walk slowly to the lectern or the center stage. During the 2. Shake hands with the one who introduced you, if necessary. Speech 3. As you stand to deliver, establish eye contact, and begin right away with your opening Page 12 of 19  statements. Part of your opening is greeting your audience. 4. From your initial idea to the next, use appropriate transitional devices. 5. Observe appropriate and effective nonverbal cues. 6. Observe time limit. Remember, you barely have five minutes to say something. 1. Say thank you. After the Speech 2. Return to your place comfortably. Lesson 4: Organizing and Delivering an Extemporaneous Speech Key Takeaways Definition of Extemporaneous Speech An extemporaneous speech is a planned and prepared speech. Unlike memorized or manuscript speeches which are delivered word-for-word, an extemporaneous speech is delivered with the help of short notes and a clear outline. Most people who speak in public often prefer the extemporaneous method of delivery. Although it might look more challenging than the manuscript or memorized speeches, it is more spontaneous and personal. Three Steps in Studying your Extemporaneous Topic 1. Identify the type of extemporaneous question that you have to answer. Is it a question of fact? This type of question is typically answerable by “Yes” or “No.” It revolves around whether something is true or not, existent or not. Example: Is Syria’s crisis a problem of the whole world? Is it a question of value? It is centered on whether a topic is good or bad, moral or immoral, just or unjust. Example: Is it better for the European nations to step in and aid Syria or ignore the country’s civil crisis? Is it a question of policy? It is focused on what policy or rule should be followed. Example: Should European countries enforce laws to accommodate Syrian refugees? 2. Determine the purpose appropriate to your topic. 3. Stick to your topic and look at all of the sides and angles of the problem. Steps in Preparing for a Successful Extemporaneous Speech 1. Reinforce! You may explore other main points, but always refer back to your thesis. This will greatly help your audience remember your message. 2. Capture! State the central idea of your extemporaneous speech in one declarative sentence. Keep your sentence specific. Ask yourself what you want your audience to know exactly. 3. Develop! Now that you have a clear central idea, you are ready to map out the supporting points in an outline. 4. Introduce! In the introduction, make sure you: grab the attention of the audience with a striking one-liner. give a short background by explaining why they have to listen. state your thesis. 5. Check! Develop at least three main points and check each of them with these questions: Does each point have one single idea? Does each point reiterate the thesis statement? Does each point prepare the discussion of the next main point? 6. Supply! Make sure that each main point has enough examples, testimonies, statistics, or cases. In doing this, you give the audience new information or views to learn from. 7. Conclude! Reinforce your introduction by coming up with a closing attention-getter that is related to your opening. Connect the needs and interest of your audience with the theme of your speech. Restate your thesis or review your main points. Page 13 of 19  Lesson 5: Organizing and Delivering an Entertainment Speech Key Takeaways Aims of an Entertainment Speech An entertainment speech aims to share goodwill, joy, and pleasure to the audience. The purpose of an entertainment speech is not to educate, inform, or inspire because the primary goal is to make the audience relax, enjoy, and even laugh. This means that you, the speaker, are expected to be friendly and relaxed, but still courteous during the speech delivery. Moreover, you should know your audience well in order to entertain them effectively. How to Make your Speech Entertaining To make your speech entertaining, you may: tell jokes; share funny stories; dramatize experiences; and recall a scary story. Steps in Writing an Entertaining Speech 1. Choose! Choose a light topic. Remember, you are there to give the audience a good time. 2. Enjoy! If you exude confidence and you obviously enjoy the moment, the audience will enjoy your presence, too. 3. Simplify! Simplify the flow of your speech. Your audience does not need a mentally exhausting message. 4. Visualize! Your words should be highly descriptive. Use vivid words and keep them flowing to make your audience feel as if they were in your story. 5. Surprise! Astonish your audience with unexpected twists in your presentation. The more you surprise them, the more entertaining your speech will become. Lesson 6: Organizing and Delivering an Informative Speech Key Takeaways Types of Informative Speeches Generally, there are four types of informative speeches which vary depending on the topic. These are speech about objects or people, speech about processes, speech about events, and speech about concepts. Types Description Specific Examples Purpose Speech about This focuses on tangible Yourself To inform your audience about objects or people. items like gadgets, your background, interests, and products, structures, or Sherlock Holmes ambitions. people. Visual aids may To inform the audience about this be necessary. fictional character’s profile, New iPhone model including his traits and abilities. To inform the audience about the features and capabilities of this new Manila Cathedral model. To inform the audience about the historical and architectural features of the Manila Cathedral. Speech about This focuses on a First aid To inform the audience about how processes process or sequence of first aid for an ankle sprain is events. Visual aids are administered necessary. Short Story Writing To inform the audience about how a publishable short story is written. Photography To inform the audience how to take good pictures. Web designs. To inform the audience about how basic web designs are created. Speech about events This focuses on an event Martial Law To inform the audience about the that happened, is impacts of Martial Law on happening, or might economy and politics. happen in the future. Zombie Invasion To inform the audience about the possibility of a zombie invasion. Page 14 of 19  Accident To inform the audience about the details surrounding a car accident. Cosplay show To inform the audience about cosplay shows and the preparations made by cosplayers and organizer. Speech about This focuses on beliefs, Big Bang Theory To inform the audience about the concepts knowledge, theories, development of the Big Bang principles or ideas. Bermuda Triangle Theory. To inform the audience about the Public-Private mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. Partnership To inform the audience about the advantages and disadvantages of Feminism PPP. To inform the audience about a feminist’s perspective on the patriarchal state of the country. Organizational Patterns An informative speech can follow different patterns of organization to arrange and frame the details effectively. A. Chronological Pattern. This can be used if you want to present the history, evolution, or development of your topic in a sequential order, from past to present or beginning to end. B. Spatial Pattern – this pattern is used when you want to talk about the physical structure of an object or the way things fit together in a certain space (Glendale Community College; University of Washington Tacoma). Topics that deal with geography fit this pattern best. C. Topical/Categorical Pattern. This can be used if you want to inform your audience about the main features, descriptions, or categories of your topic. D. Cause-Effect Pattern. This can be used if you want to show the causal relationship of events or phenomena. Your outline may follow different patterns of organization depending on the relationship between the causes and effects of the event. E. Comparison-Contrast. This can be used if you want to compare objects, events, or concepts underscoring their similarities and differences. Lesson 7: Organizing and Delivering a Persuasive Speech Key Takeaways Definition of Persuasive Speech Persuasive speaking is the form of communication that people of diverse backgrounds mostly engage in. This kind of speech can center on any arguably interesting topic under the sun. When you deliver your persuasive speech, your primary goal is to influence the thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviors or attitudes of your listeners (Gamble & Gamble, 2012). Likewise, you also aim to change their perception and convince them that your argument is more important, practical, attainable, or feasible. In essence, you—as a persuasive speaker— advocate for whatever your message is. Qualities of an Effective Persuasive Speech Qualities Guide Questions 1. Well-defined goal What is your specific goal in mind? Do you expect your audience to think differently, act differently, or both, after they listen to your speech? 2. Clear main point Is the main point of your speech clear to you? Is it specific and focused? 3. Sufficient supporting ideas Do you have factual statements, reliable sources, or solid evidence to support your main point? Do you have enough number of supporting statements? Page 15 of 19 4. Logical reasoning (concrete How will you state your arguments? reasons why your listeners should Will you use any of the following? support your ideas) - deductive (general evidence to specific) - inductive (specific evidence to general) - causal (cause/s and effect/s, or vice versa) Q analogy (compared to things or situations) 5. Effective and powerful ways to Do you use any of the following effective techniques to grab the gain the attention of your audience attention of your listeners and engage them in your speech? - powerful and relevant question - striking statistics - shocking incident - memorable anecdotes - humorous observations or experiences 6. Compelling ideas to make your Do you appeal to your listeners’ minds? target audience feel and think Do you appeal to your listeners’ hearts? 7. Salient motives to target the Do you motivate your audience by incorporating ideas and thoughts salient needs of your audience important to their growth and development as individuals? Types of Claims in Persuasive Speech 1. Speech that Questions Fact This type questions the existence of a particular event or happening. In this case, the persuasive speaker poses questions of fact, derives conclusions from different sources of information, and attempts to convince the audience to believe in his/her ideas. 2. Speech that Questions Value This type focuses on questions of value regarding topics on the self, family, friendship, religion, government, freedom, love, and money, among others. In this case, the persuasive speaker (1) makes a statement or claim which reflects his/her judgment, (2) attempts to convince his/her audience of his/her judgment, and (3) justifies it based on standards. 3. Speech that Questions Policy This type questions the current state of things which can impact the future. In this case, the persuasive speaker asks relevant questions that can help in making a decision on whether or not something should be implemented, observed, or done. Organizational Patterns The following are some of the suggested patterns that you can use to organize your persuasive speech. 1. A. F.O.R.E.S.T. (anecdotes, facts and figures, opinion, rhetorical questions, emotive language, superlatives, tripling) Below are the rules in applying this pattern. (1) Anecdotes. Begin your speech with a personal story, observation, or experience. (2) Facts and figures. Provide striking statistics that can support your ideas. (3) Opinion. Add in your opinion. You can begin your statement with, “I believe that…”. (4) Rhetorical questions. Think of and add engaging rhetorical questions (i.e., questions which do not intend to elicit answers, but to make a point). (5) Emotive language. Appeal to your audience’s emotion. (6) Superlatives. Use superlatives to exaggerate an idea. (7) Tripling. The rule of three in the English writing principle simply entails using three words together to reinforce your point. This may add to the effectiveness of your persuasion. A classic example is Julius Caesar’s statement: “Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered). 2. Problem-Solution Here’s how: (1) Identify the problem. (2) Provide a solution, which will show the practicality of your proposal. 3. Problem-Cause-Solution Below are the rules in applying this pattern. (1) Identify the problem. (2) Analyze the root causes of the problem. (3) Provide a solution to the problem. Page 16 of 19 4. Comparative Advantages Below are the rules in applying this pattern. (1) Identify the problem. (2) Present at least two solutions to the problem. (3) Compare the two in terms of practicality and feasibility. 5. Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Alan Monroe, a professor from Purdue University, created an outline for making speeches based on the psychology of persuasion (Ehninger, Monroe, & Granbeck, 1978). This outline is known as Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. Here’s how to apply this technique. 1. Grab the attention of the audience by identifying the challenge you plan to confront, or the problem you plan to address. 2. Establish the need or urgency to address the identified challenge or problem. 3. Present possible solutions to your audience to satisfy the need. 4. Help your audience visualize. Use vivid words to convince your audience about the benefits they can gain from the solutions you presented. 5. Engage the audience to participate in promoting change through a call for action. Methods of Persuasion Consider what Lucas (2011) writes about how the audience can be persuaded by a speaker. The audience can be persuaded by the following reasons. They perceive that the speaker has credibility. They are convinced by the evidence presented by the speaker. They are convinced by the speaker’s reasoning. Their emotions are touched by the speaker’s ideas or use of language. The above ideas highlight some of the methods you can use in your persuasive speech. These methods are commonly used and proven to be effective by any prominent and excellent speaker across the globe. The following are some tips on how to enhance your credibility, how to use evidence, how to use reasoning, and how to observe ethics and emotional appeal in a persuasive speech. 1. How to enhance your credibility a. Explain how you became an expert on the topic. You can do this by sharing how well you read, investigated, or researched the topic. For example: You could share that in the beginning you did not know much about your topic until you researched about it. By saying you researched on your topic, your audience will feel that you made an effort in building your credibility by collecting information. b. Connect your experiences, beliefs, values or attitudes with your audience’s. You can do this by telling your audience that you have the same experiences, beliefs, values or attitudes. For example: In the beginning of your speech, you can emphasize to your audience that regardless of background, status, age, gender, beliefs, and values, among others, you all have one thing in common and then add that which you have in common. By saying this, your audience will feel respected and comfortable because you can identify with their experiences, beliefs, or values. c. Practice more often so you can deliver your speech with conviction. You can do this by exposing yourself more often to speaking situations such as reciting and reading announcements in class, introducing people in a program, hosting events, participating in debates, or acting as a spokesperson of a group. Also, simply practicing more often before your actual speech performance will increase your confidence and help you deliver your speech with conviction. 2. How to use evidence a. Specify evidence. You can do this by citing statistics, research studies, and other valid and credible information. For example: When stating a fact, do not simply say a general detail. Instead of saying, “There is a law that protects women and their children against violence,” state the exact details, as in, “RA 9262 is an act that protects women and Page 17 of 19 their children against violence.” By specifying your evidence, you give the impression that you know what you are saying. b. Avoid outdated evidence. You can do this by reading and digging new evidence to keep yourself updated on the significant facts and figures. For example: If you are arguing about social networking site addiction and you are using data taken from 2000 or earlier, your speech might not hold enough credibility and it might not retain the interest of your audience as well. Since we are now in the Information Age, data quickly get old and replaced by more current ones, so they quickly become irrelevant. Therefore, always make sure to use current available data. This way, your speech will be more accurate and your audiences will be more interested to listen. c. Choose reputable or credible sources for your evidence. You can do this by carefully identifying and evaluating your sources. For example: You are persuading your audience that your solution in improving the interest of readers in Philippine literature is the most efficient method, but you cite sources such as fan sites, Wiki answers, Yahoo answers, or blogs. This creates a bad impression, as it might come off that your arguments and points are based on unreliable facts. As a guide, Google, Yahoo, or any search engine can provide you a wealth of reputable or credible sources for your evidence. 3. How to use reasoning Avoid logical fallacies or errors in reasoning. You can do this by studying the types of logical fallacies. The following are some of the most common errors in reasoning. Ad Hominem: This happens when you attack the character of a person instead of his argument. Example: Professor X does not deserve to be the head of this organization because he is separated from his wife. How to avoid: When you give your rebuttal, focus on the arguments of the person, not on his/her character or values. Circular Argument: This happens when the idea of a stated argument is repeated. Example: My mother is a good teacher because she teaches me well. How to avoid: Do not repeat the argument; instead, prove it. False Analogy: This happens when two things, which might be alike in some respects, are compared and assumed to be similar in other ways. Example: President Aquino is the Socrates of the 21st century. How to avoid: Look at the characteristics, features, or components of two people or objects closely to see whether they can really be compared or not. False Authority: This happens when a statement of someone who is not an expert in the field in question is being used in an argument. Example: I avoid drinking coffee at night because of the advice of my English teacher. How to avoid: Check properly the qualifications of the person being cited. False Cause and Effect: This happens when the connection between two consecutive events are not clear. Example: Because I attended a party, I got a high grade in my persuasive speech. How to avoid: Clarify the connections between the events by explaining both backgrounds clearly. Hasty Generalization: This happens when a conclusion is drawn from insufficient evidence. Example: The senator stuttered while giving his speech, therefore government officials are not good in public speaking. How to avoid: Provide enough pieces of evidence before making any conclusions. Red Herring: This happens when the answer does not address the question. Example: Question: Should the President sign Cyberbullying bill into law? Answer: The President has other priorities. How to avoid: Do not avoid opposing arguments. Instead, address them properly. Page 18 of 19 4. How to use emotional appeal a. Internalize what you are saying. The audience will be more convinced of your message if you also show conviction in what you are saying. For example: If you use emotionally charged words, but you deliver it in a monotonous voice, the audience will not see the sincerity of your message. Instead, make sure to observe your non-verbal cues and to ensure that you believe in what you are saying. b. Use emotion appropriately. Although a well-executed emotional appeal can be used as a strong weapon in persuasive speech, take note to use it only when appropriate to the message. Use it as an accessory only; make sure not to replace evidence and reasoning with pure emotion. For example: If you are making a speech on a question of fact, there is little need to use emotional appeal to your audience since you are dealing with facts and information. However, if you are making a persuasive speech to change a certain policy, you can add emotional appeal to your speech to capture not only the minds but also the hearts of your audience. Source: Oral Communication in Context For Senior High School Published in 2016 by C & E Publishing, Inc. 839 EDSA, South Triangle, Quezon City Tel. No.: (02) 929-5088 e-mail: [email protected] Copyright © 2016 by C & E Publishing, Inc., Philippe John Fresnillo Sipacio and Anne Richie Garcia Balgos All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher. ISBN 978-971-98-0449-9 All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic or mechanical including photocopying – without written permission from the DepEd Central Office. First Edition, 2016. Page 19 of 19