Speaking

                         One of the most important communication skills commonly used by extension workers is speech that is delivering a message through word of mouth. As extension worker, we need to remember that people are generally more interested in and motivated in to learn about matters that are physically and motivated to learn about matters that are physically and psychologically near to them.

Preparing and Delivering a Speech

                            People are likely to accept a message more readily if it coincides with their perceptions, prejudices or prior beliefs. Thus these aspects need to be given due consideration while preparing a speech (Calvert 1990). Similarly as speakers we need to use varied styles because a soft monotone speech often leaves the impression that the speaker is uncertain or unprepared (Ibid). It has also been observed tat good speaker use gestures and facial expression to create a bond with their listeners Lucas, 2001). Success in public speaking depends on two factors: confidence and competence-both can be improved through practice. In order to be effective speakers, the extension workers need to remember the following guidelines for preparing and delivering a speech.

Preparing a Speech

•         Always keep in view your intended listeners. Avoid including anything which is contrary to their prior beliefs.

•        Remember that a good speech is a combination of what you say and how you say it.

•        Keep in view the needs and interests of the intended listeners. Always select the most appropriate contents for speech.

•         Always keep in view the mental and educational levels of the intended listeners.

•        Have a specific purpose in your mind while preparing a speech.

•        Collect all the relevant material keeping in view the specific needs and the intended purpose. Try to include evidence, facts and figures to make the speech more impressive and persuasive.

•        Make the speech comprehensive.

•        Organize your thoughts in a logical sequence. For this purpose write the presentation in rough. Review this first draft. You may find things which are irrelevant, unclear or difficult to explain.

•       Important information must be included in the opening and the concluding remarks.

•      The initial few seconds of a speech are very important. Divide your headings in a few main headings or points. Don’t include too much material to b remembered by the listeners.

•       Make a good conclusion of the speech. The end of the speech must include the central idea and the main points. You may end with an appeal for action or you may want the audience to think about the solution to a problem.

Delivering a speech:

            Effective speech delivery can be regarded as a function of the most appropriate and a balanced use of both verbal and nonverbal expressions to get your message through to the intended audiences

•       The first and the foremost basic essential for effective delivery is perhaps the self-confidence. Be confident and be relaxed.

•       Try to develop positive attitudes towards your topic and your audience. Through experience and practice you will gain self –confidence.

•        Start off well, the rest will automatically become easier. It is always wise to begin speaking slowly in a low pitch.

•       You only need to make two or three main points to make your speech successful. Note down the main points of the speech cue cards) and keep them in front of you.

•       Be courteous to your listeners. Always use a pleasing tone, simple language and soft voice.

•        A good speaker has a range and flexibility of pitch. Using a monotonous tone would be boring for the listeners. A pitch variety makes a speech impressive and keeps the audience alert and active.

•       Your voice must be loud enough to be heard properly. Be very careful while using words with similar sounds.

•      While delivering speech use body language to reinforce your oral presentation. Your facial expressions and movement of body parts if used in the right manner at the right time can have a considerable impact on the speech delivery. They should be consistent with the oral presentation. Avoid contradictory expressions.

•        Try to keep the audience with you.

•       Deliberately pause at key points.

•       Be alert to the audience’s reaction and react accordingly.

•       Try to keep an eye contact with the listeners.

•       Be sure that you are talking to and with them not at them.

•       Avoid moving too much while delivering the speech

•        You may use visual aids relating to the speech if the situation demands.

•       Use humors if it suits the occasion to keep the listeners fresh and active.

•       Don’t be too fast or too slow in delivering a speech. Average speed of delivery is about 150 words per minute in English.

•       Always respect your listeners.

•       Be ready for criticism, there is always a diversity of opinions, judgments and reactions.

•        At the end of speech don’t forget to pay sincere thanks to the listeners for their patient listening and for being with you throughout the speech.