HOW TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC

 Objectives

By the end if the lesson the learner should be able to:

1.          Develop strategies of managing stage fright.
2.        Stand before an audience.
3.       Face an audience.
4.      Use gestures appropriately.
5.       Deliver an effective public speech.

 

When we are required to speak in public we may be faced with a number of challenges:

•         Stage fright-anxiety /fear aroused in a person by the requirement 

     to perform or speak before an audience.

•         Inaudibility

•         Capturing and maintaining the attention of the audience

•         Maintaining an orderly flow of ideas

•         Maintaining a meaningful eye contact with the audience

 

 

Signs of stage fright

•         Sweaty hands

•         Shaking (trembling hands, lips, legs)

•         Poor standing posture

•         Inaudibility

•         Inability to face the audience or maintain eye contact.

 

Causes of stage fright

•         Failure to prepare adequately before the presentation/speech

•         Intimidation caused by the large crowd

•         Stress associated with the importance of the performance

•         Poor grooming or physical appearance

When preparing to deliver a speech you can manage stage fright by:

 •        Preparing thoroughly before you go on stage . You can research on the topics you intend to speak on.

•        Rehearsing before a mock audience.

•        Breathe in and out or psyche yourself up in order to feel relaxed. Calm yourself down.

•        Do physical exercises in advance. These may help you relax. 

•        Make connections with the audience; greet them to create a rapport. Maintain a pleasant countenance in the course of your presentation.

•        Maintain an upright confident posture. Avoid leaning and distracting the audience.

•        Maintain meaningful eye contact with the audience.

•        Be natural. Be yourself. Quit trying to be perfect.

•        Believe in yourself and your abilities. View your audience as ordinary amiable people.

•        Avoid thoughts that make you feel self-conscious and create self doubt.

 

How to capture the attention of the audience 

1.   Clear your throat.
2.   Clap your hands.
3.   Whistle 
4.   Ring a bell.
5.   Bang the table or a drum.
6.   Start with a relevant song/proverb/joke/quote.

How to speak in public (on stage): Speech delivery

•         Maintain a proper standing posture. Avoid a posture that may distract the audience e.g. leaning on walls or tables.

•         Maintain a meaningful eye contact with the audience.

•         Use appropriate facial expressions to convey various emotions.

•         Good grooming and appearance helps you to be confident and command attention.

•         Speak to the audience rather than reading the speech verbatim.

•         Use gestures to a good effect. Use your hands to demonstrate what you are saying. Avoid putting your hands in the pockets, playing with objects e.g. pens, keys, clasping your hands behind your back.

•         Vary your tone so that you don’t bore your audience.

•         Involve your audience by asking them some questions. You can tell that your audience is actively participating if; 

• they laugh when you crack a joke 
• they nod their heads
• they clap
• they sigh after a moment of suspense
• they answer questions
•  they look at you(maintaining eye contact)

•         Pause to create suspense, draw the attention of the audience and allow them to digest on important points. 

SAMPLE KCSE QUESTIONS ON SPEECH DELIVERY (PUBLIC SPEAKING)

KCSE ENGLISH 2016 PAPER 1

You're listening to a speech about careers by a visitor to your school. A few minutes into the speech, you look around and notice some of your fellow students are yawning, while others are showing signs of definite restlessness.

(i)What would be the likely cause of the students' behaviour? (3 marks)

(ii) What would you do to ensure you continue listening effectively? (3 marks)

KCSE ENGLISH 2013 PAPER 1

Your school has organized a farewell party for the form four students. You have been asked at short notice to move a vote of thanks. This will take the form of an impromptu speech. List the elements of your speech the order in which they will appear. (6 marks)

 

KCSE ENGLISH 2012 PAPER 1

Your school has invited you as a guest speaker to give a talk on discipline. At the end of the speech, the students comment that the talk was well delivered.  Suggest reasons why they commented so. (4 marks)

KCSE ENGLISH 2011 PAPER 1

Apart from voice, what else would you use to capture and maintain an audience's attention when delivering a speech? Explain. (6 marks)

KCSE ENGLISH 2008 PAPER 1

Consider the situation below and then answer the questions that follow.

You are part of an audience that is listening to a speech. You look around and notice that some people are looking at their watches, a few are yawning, and one or two are shifting in their seats. 

i) What would be the likely cause of such behaviour? (3 marks)

ii) What would you do to ensure you continue listening effectively? (3 marks) 

KCSE ENGLISH 2007 PAPER 1

Suppose you were asked to make a speech at a friend's graduation party. What would you do to capture the audience's attention? (4 marks)

    Next we analyse oral skills notes on giving and receiving instructions.

Do you feel confident enough to speak in public? Have you ever experienced stage fright? Please share your experiences.