Unit - 4

Speaking Skills:
Principles of Effective Oral Communication; Art of Public Speaking, Short Speeches for JAM (Just a
Minute) Session: Describing Pictures, Places, Situations, Scenes; Common Conversation; Debate; Story
Narration; Role Plays

Principles of effective oral communication

12 Principles of Effective Oral Communication
Successful or effective oral communication requires some principles to exist in the
communication to overcome the defects and eliminate the reasons for the failure of oral
communication. The following 12 principles of effective oral communication:

Well-Planned
Before presenting something, there should be proper planning regarding the audience, topics to
be delivered, timing, and other factors: So, a person must be well-prepared to deliver his speech.
Clear pronunciation
To make oral messages meaningful to receivers, words should be clearly and correctly
pronounced. There should not be any lack of clarity, otherwise, the communication would be
confusing.
Brevity
Effective oral communication desires that a message should be brief. If the sender took a long
time for talking, his message may not get the attention of the receiver.
Precision
Precision is needed to make oral communication effective. There should not be any confusing
words rather a message to be delivered should be specific so that there is no misunderstanding.
Natural voice
Any sort of unnatural voice may distort the message. A natural voice can do a lot to make oral
communication effective.
Logical sequence
Ideas should be organized in a sequential way to make the message communicative and
attractive. Unorganized ideas do not provide a clear sense while a logical sequence of ideas gives
a clear sense.
Principles of Effective Oral Communication
Suitable words
Words have different meanings to different people in different situations in oral communication,
a speaker should use common, simple, and familiar words so that the receiver can react to the
message without any problem.
Courteous
Courtesy costs nothing but can earn many things. So, a speaker should be courteous while
addressing listeners. It helps create a good impression in the mind of listeners regarding the
speaker.
Attractive presentation
It is another principle to make oral communication effective. A speaker should deliver his speech
in very nice and sweet language so that the receiver is attracted to take part in the
communication.
Avoiding Emotions
Speaker must control his emotions to make oral communication effective. Too much emotion
will take the speaker away from the main subject.
Emphasis
The speaker must be knowledgeable regarding the portion of the speech where he should give
emphasis. Giving emphasis on respective points will help draw the attention of the audience.
Controlling Gesticulation
The speaker on many occasions, consciously or unconsciously, gesticulates for expressing his
ideas or thoughts. This is a habit and should be avoided. Otherwise, the application of such a
habit may lead to % disinterest of the audience.
Besides, objective information, the capacity of the listener, interesting language, and proper
fluency should be considered also as the principles of oral communication.

10 Characteristics of Oral Communication

Oral communication is the most used communication process in the world. In another word,
human is motionless without this kind of communication. But here we talk about formal oral
communication which is used for business purposes. Oral communication to become successful
requires some essential or good characteristics, those are highlighted as follows:

Pre-Planned
Before transmitting any message, the speaker must have a pre-plan to send the message properly
to the audience or receiver. Pre-Planned communication is always fruitful.
Certainty
The speaker must speak properly while communicating with the audience. The subject matter or
speech must be certain in oral communication to avoid confusion.
Conciseness
Information should be /Enriched with concrete, logical and relevant data in case of oral
communication. The subject matter should also be simple to catch the attention of the audience.
Attractive presentation
The message in oral communication should be presented in a nice tone. The Speaking attitude
should be catchy to hold the attention of the receiver.
Consideration of the Receiver or Audience
During oral communication, the qualification, knowledge, experience, and motive should be
considered by the speaker. The language should be simple and understandable to the audience.
Neutrality
The audience or receiver should be silent while the speaker is delivering his speech. The
audience must analyze arid evaluate the message provided and then he should answer properly.
The neutrality of the audience sustains oral communications.
Realistic
Unrealistic information or, a message can never hold the attention of the audience. So, a speaker
should provide a realistic speech to the audience.
Free from error
If the information in oral communication contains any error then it makes the audience confused.
Moreover, the audience will lose their confidence in the speaker. So, information must be free
from errors in oral communication.
Patience
Patience is the key to the success of ineffective communication. Both the speaker .and the
audience must have proper patience while making oral communication.
Free from emotion
Oral communication should be free from emotion. Because emotion makes the subject matter to
be complicated. Therefore, the audience will make a wrong interpretation of the message
techniques or Way of Oral Communication.

The Art of Public Speaking: Benefits, Challenges, Tips and Tricks

Public speaking is a skill that holds immense power. It is the art of conveying a message verbally
to an audience. Whether you are conveying that message in person or through digital technology.
Public speeches can cover a wide variety of topics and serve various purposes. Topics such as
education, entertainment, or influence are common themes in public speaking. The goal is to
deliver a memorable oration that captivates the audience and effectively communicates the
intended message.

The benefits of being a good public speaker are far-reaching and can positively impact your
personal and professional life. Here we can explore some of these advantages, shared challenges
people face when speaking in public, and valuable tips to improve your public speaking skills.

Benefits of Public Speaking

1. Improved Communication Skills: Public speaking enhances your ability to

articulate thoughts clearly, express ideas effectively, and engage with others.
2. Increased Confidence: Mastering public speaking can boost your self-confidence
and self-esteem, enabling you to tackle various challenges with poise.
3. Career Advancement: Strong public speaking skills are highly valued in many
professions. Being an effective communicator can open doors to new opportunities
and help you stand out among your peers.
4. Influence and Persuasion: Public speakers have the power to influence, inspire,
and motivate others. By delivering compelling speeches, you can shape opinions,
drive change, and make a lasting impact.
5. Expanded Network: Engaging in public speaking often exposes you to diverse
audiences, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts,
and potential mentors or collaborators.
 6. Enhanced Leadership Abilities: Public speaking is a fundamental leadership skill.
It equips you with the tools to lead teams effectively, convey visions, and rally
support for your ideas.
7. Critical Thinking: Preparing speeches requires analyzing information, organizing
thoughts logically, and presenting coherent arguments. These processes foster
critical thinking skills.
8. Personal Development: Overcoming the challenges of public speaking promotes
personal growth by pushing you outside your comfort zone and encouraging
continuous learning.
9. Effective Storytelling: Public speakers often incorporate storytelling techniques to
captivate audiences emotionally and deliver memorable messages.
10. Positive Influence on Others: A skilled public speaker can inspire and empower
individuals by sharing knowledge, experiences, and valuable insights.

The advantages of public speaking are manifold and have the potential to enhance both our
professional and personal realms. However, if public speaking were a skill easily acquired, we
would witness a multitude of individuals passionately delivering impromptu speeches on street
corners, passionately debating the superiority of various condiments for sandwiches. It is
important to acknowledge that public speaking comes with its unique set of challenges. Every
individual person possesses their own set of strengths and weaknesses when it comes to
addressing an audience. Let us explore some of the common hurdles encountered in the world of
public speaking.

Common Challenges in Public Speaking

Public speaking can be a daunting task for many people, leading to various challenges:

1. Anxiety and fear of speaking in front of a crowd: It is normal to feel nervous

before a speech, but excessive anxiety can lead to inferior performance and lack of
confidence.
2. Lack of preparation: Inadequate preparation can lead to disorganized thoughts,
lack of focus, and difficulty in delivering the intended message.
3. Poor body language: Nonverbal cues such as eye contact, posture, and gestures
play a crucial role in public speaking. Poor body language can distract the audience
and undermine the speaker’s credibility.
4. Lack of audience engagement: A speech that fails to engage the audience can be
dull and uninteresting. It is essential to connect with the audience by using humor,
storytelling, or other effective techniques.
5. Going blank or waffling: Losing track of thoughts or forgetting key points can be
frustrating and embarrassing for the speaker.
6. Inattention to the audience: Focusing too much on oneself or one’s message can
lead to ignoring the audience’s needs and interests.
Tips for Improving Public Speaking Skills

Overcoming these challenges and becoming an exceptional public speaker requires practice and
preparation. Here are some valuable tips to help you improve your public speaking skills:

1. Establish Trust with Your Audience: Establishing credibility is crucial. Speak

with an authoritative voice, maintain eye contact, and demonstrate that you
understand your audience.
2. Work on Your Confidence: Build confidence by practicing deep breathing and
maintaining positive thoughts. Remember that confidence is key when speaking in
front of a large audience.
3. Prepare Thoroughly: Prepare your speech by going over your notes multiple times
and practicing extensively. Videotape yourself or ask a friend to critique your
performance.
4. Structure Your Presentation: Create a framework for your speech by organizing
your thoughts and ensuring a clear message. Having a well-structured presentation
helps you deliver your message effectively.
5. Pay Attention to Body Language: Nonverbal cues such as eye contact, posture,
and gestures play a crucial role in public speaking. Practice good body language to
engage the audience and establish credibility.
6. Engage the Audience: Connect with the audience by using humor, storytelling, or
other effective techniques. Engaging the audience makes your speech more
interesting and memorable.