Art of Speech

Addressing to public, group of persons, meetings on a special subject is called Speech.

Industrialists and businessmen are often invited to speak at meetings. Some meetings, like conferences or seminars, are small and the audience is made up of specialists. Other meetings are large, like the gathering on occasions like an anniversary or an inauguration and the audience is mixed. With increasing awareness of the value of Public Relations in business, most common companies encourage their executives to attend public functions and to appear before the public and to accept invitations to be the chief guest or a speaker at the meetings.

Being able to speak well in an asset in any profession. The success of a speaker depends, to some extent, on personality and the voice; but anyone can be a good speaker with knowledge of the formal aspects of public speaking and by taking the trouble to prepare.

Guidelines for Preparing Speech

Preparation is very important. Even persons who have natural skill at speaking need preparation. It has been said that three secrets of success making in making speech are: Preparation, Preparation and Preparation. The first one is finding out everything possible about the occasion, the organizers, the venue, the time available, the audience and the others speakers and one’s own position in relation to them. The second is deciding exactly what to say, writing down the full text including the opening address and the ending words, with careful attention to vocabulary, style, content suitable for the audience and the occasion. The third is practicing speaking it so that it is delivered in a natural manner when the occasion comes.

Composition of a Speech

A speech like any other composition, has an introduction, a Body and a conclusion . These much used words are still useful for analysis. Each one of them has a definite function and particular methods.

(a)   Introduction: During the time when the first two or three sentences are spoken, the audience “sizes up” the speaker, unconsciously judging his personally and adjusting to his voice and manner. To some extent, the speaker’s success at this initial stage depends n personality and voice, but he words also play their part. The functions of the introductory words are :-

(1)   To establish rapport, (2) to focus attention and arouse attention.

(b)  Focusing Attention: Focusing Attention of the audience on a central point is necessary. A speech cannot be a series of loose, unrelated remarks; there is a central point, however small, in every speech. Attention is must b drawn to this point so that the audience has a line of thought to follow.

(c)  The Body: The materials depend on the purpose of the speech. If the purpose is to encourage, it is necessary to elaborate on the value of work, to praise the achievements and express faith in the listener’s ability to do more. A speech meant to inform must be carefully planned according to the subdivisions o the subject.

(d)  Conclusion: The function of the closing paragraph is  to leave a clear message. If the speech has been informative, a short summary is the best conclusion.

Attention- focusing sentences are useful at this stage as they are at the beginning. A few questions or a quotation can mark the conclusion.