Conversation and public speaking are both ways of communicating with others. Conversation tends to be a lot more informal than public speaking and usually inspires a lot less fear. However, they both require the ability to communicate your message in a clear and intelligible manner.
Similarities. Conversation and public speaking are both ways of communicating with others. They are both ways to present your own ideas, thoughts and opinions, as well as effective ways of sharing information. Both may include humor and storytelling, and in each instance, you must be able to communicate your message in a clear and understandable manner.
Differences. Conversation typically does not have a predetermined subject and usually develops spontaneously, while public speaking is usually about a certain topic or range of topics with very little room for deviation. In conversation, all participants have equal opportunity to communicate, but public speaking consists of one person speaking to a group of people with little to no expectation of their response. Also, a conversation is essential to any meaningful relationship, but public speaking is not.
As a listener, you need to do more than just hear what others are saying; you sometimes need to take action based on what you hear. This action may be as simple as offering a sympathetic gesture, such as a hug, to someone else, but it could involve getting an outside individual or organization, such as the police, involved. Listen actively so you are able to respond to the emotions, tone and body language of the speaker and adjust your own tone and behavior accordingly. You may be called upon to help another individual to feel better about their current situation by offering advice or empathy.
As a speaker, you are put in a position where you need to give out information about different topics. Speakers often need to do research and practice before talking to others about their findings, and sometimes they become experts in their field before speaking to others about certain topics. As a speaker, have a purpose, such as getting others to believe a certain point of view, when you speak, and use a specific method, such as using emotion or numbers, to get others to follow you. It is important for speakers be able to use the English language and other languages, if necessary, when speaking; have a knowledge of their audiences and have the ability to speak without becoming overly nervous.
In which situation is each of 4 manners of speech presentation (impromptu, extemporaneous, manuscript and memorized) the most appropriate? There are four primary types of speech delivery: Manuscript, Memorized, Impromptu, and Extemporaneous. Manuscript speaking, like it sounds, involves reading your speech word-for-word from its written form. The advantage to delivering a speech this way is that you can perfectly plan and control the wording of your speech. This sounds like it is ideal, but really it is not. Reading prevents that, as well as eye contact. Also, with set wording, you can’t adapt the speech if the audience isn’t following or interested in your speech. Memorized, like it sounds, involves committing your entire speech to memory. Once again, this sounds great. But, practically speaking, who has time to memorize even a short speech? And like a manuscript speech, you can’t adapt to feedback from the audience.
The next method, called the impromptu method, is used on occasions when people must speak “off the cuff”, with no chance for previous preparation. This method demands that the speakers both organize their ideas and choose their words as they proceed through their speeches. Finally, the Extemporaneous speech is a speech delivered with some prepared structure, such as notes or an outline, but is otherwise delivered off-the-cuff. In most cases, this is going to be your best choice. Also, you will sound more natural and conversational, and this will help hold audience attention.
Speech preparation is the most important element to a successful presentation, and also the best way to reduce nervousness and combat fear.
Select a speech topic. The first part of speech preparation involves focusing on your topic. This process starts with you selecting a general subject, then deciding on your general speech purpose. Once this has been done, you focus on your topic by narrowing it to fit the particular interests of your audience and the time limit available to you. Begin by searching your mind for a general subject that you find interesting. Write down a list of single words or short phrases, naming subjects that you find fascinating. Once you have settled on a topic that is right for you, for your audience, and for the occasion, you need to begin your research. You begin by taking stock of what you already know about your topic, then move to the library or other outside sources of information to complete your research. Analyze Your Audience. Not every subject that is interesting to you will automatically be of interest to your audience.
Select Your General Speech Purpose. The two primary speech purposes are to inform and to persuade. Focus on Your Specific Purpose. Once you know your general topic and general speech purpose, you are ready to focus on the specific purpose for your speech. The specific purpose is precisely what you want your listeners to know, think, believe, or do as a result of hearing your speech. Rehearsing. Since the actual speech will be spoken aloud, you need a place for rehearsal where you can speak aloud. Simply saying the speech to yourself, or whispering it quietly, only allows you to practice the mental parts of the speech the ideas. But public speaking demands a number of physical skills as well. You need to rehearse proper breathing and voice projection, clear articulation, good timing, and correct synchronization of words with body movements.
