FOUNDATIONS
FOUNDATIONS
Public Speaking (updated 8-16-02)
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Category |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
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Content |
The purpose of the presentation is clear; some coherence and organization of material is evident |
The purpose of the speaking is clear; content is well organized -- including introduction, body, and conclusion; principal ideas are well supported with examples, stories, or other illustrations NOTE: at least one of the Level 2 validations must involve extemporaneous speaking. |
Organization and supporting details are creatively handled so as to consistently maintain the attention of the audience and achieve the purpose of the speech. |
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Delivery |
Speaks clearly, generally avoiding distracting vocal fillers or physical mannerisms, without excessive reliance on notes |
Speaks clearly, uses standard English, consistently avoids vocal fillers, demonstrates poise in public setting, adjusts style appropriately for audience |
Creatively uses mastery of language, body language, eye contact, and rhetorical techniques to consistently engage the audience |
NOTES: In evaluation, several elements may factor into judgments regarding Content and Delivery. The information below is provided to assist students in the planning process.
CONTENT
Purpose Speaking may be done to inform, entertain, persuade, etc. Given the mission of the college, the development of persuasive speech is an especially important skill for citizenship.
Format Four different speech formats might be used. Note that at least one of the Level 2 validations must involve extemporaneous speaking.
Extemporaneous -- using a developed outline, speaking freely to audience, occasionally referring to notes
Impromptu/Ad lib -- unprepared (needed when responding to audience)
Manuscript -- word-for-word reading
Memorized -- previously committed to memory. This is a valid format; however, total memorization should be avoided as it can be interpreted as acting. Speaking is not acting.
Structure There are a number of different ways of structuring speech, just as there are a variety of ways to structure a paper. In speaking, it is even more important that the organization is clear to the listeners, since they can't go back to reread a page. Virtually every speech should have an introduction, main body, and conclusion. A classic formula is: "Tell them what you're going to tell them. Tell them. . . . Tell them what you've told them."
Sources of information It will often be useful to refer to credible resources beyond the individual speaking in order to support or strengthen the points being made in the speech. As in written work, citation should be provided to avoid plagiarism. This can usually be done within the body of the speech. In some exceptionally detailed presentations, speakers may announce to the audience the availability of a printed bibliography listing supporting materials.
Supporting Elements Good presentations will often incorporate stories, examples, humor, transparencies, charts, exhibits, etc. Level 2 and Level 3 require the use of such elements.
DELIVERY
Voice Speaking should be at a rate neither too fast or too slow to be understood clearly. In general, larger audiences will require a slightly slower rate of speech. Projection should be adequate to be clearly heard by all members of the audience, with sufficient enunciation so that the sound is not only heard but understood. Except for deliberate pauses introduced as a rhetorical device, the speech should generally have few hesitations. Vocal fillers -- irrelevant sounds or words such as "um," "you know," "and uh" are always to be avoided. Variety may be introduced by using the full range of the voice, underlining key words by emphasis, and generally avoiding a monotone delivery.
Body It is good practice to establish eye contact with the audience, but in doing so keep the whole audience in mind, and don't just single out a few individuals for eye contact. Without being rigid, standing relatively still can help to suggest confidence to the audience. Distracting mannerisms such as leaning on the podium, rocking back and forth, bouncing up and down, scratching, slouching, playing with hair, etc. are always to be avoided. On the positive side, appropriate use of physical gestures can greatly enhance the engagement of the audience with the speaker and the points being made.