Public Speaking For Beginners

Speaking in front of a crowd can be scary. Research has found that glossophobia – the fear of public speaking – is the most common phobia among Americans, ahead of thanatophobia – the fear of death.

The average person going to a funeral ‘would rather be in the casket than give the eulogy’ which means many people are scared of public speaking. They would rather die than speak in public. Yeah, right, public speaking is that scary to many people. Are you scared? However, public speaking does not have to be so scary. My friend, do not worry allow me to help you! When we talk about public speaking, it involves a single speaker and an audience. The speaker’s task is to deliver a message or a speech of general interest to the audience. Speeches can be classified according to purpose and delivery.

THE THREE BASIC PURPOSES OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

 

1. INFORMATIVE

An informative speech is aimed at giving new information or ideas for others to learn or to expand their knowledge about a certain topic they are already familiar with.

It is also called expository speech.

Types of Informative Speeches

Below are the three main types of informative speeches.

• Descriptive speech

This provides a vivid picture of a person, a place, an object, or an event. It creates a clear picture of a subject in the minds of the audience using sensory details (i.e., sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste).

Examples of speech topics for a descriptive speech are describing the person who influenced you the most, the symptoms of a rare genetic disorder like progeria, and the magnificence of the Northern Lights.

• Definition speech

This explains a concept, term, or an abstract topic (e.g., idea, principle, philosophy). It tells the audience what something is using facts, the etymology of the concept or word, classification, examples, or other details.

Examples of speech topics for a definition speech are explaining the effects of global warming, the concept of realism, and the term net cash flow for the business.

• Demonstration speech

   

This presents information about how to do something or how something is done. It gives the audience detailed information about a certain process in order to achieve a particular task or information about how something happens.

Examples of speech topics for a demonstration speech are; explaining how to operate a vote-counting machine, how toothpaste is made, and how to apply for a student loan.

2. ENTERTAINING

An entertainment speech aims to amuse audience members and put them in a jovial mood. Although it can also inform or persuade, its primary focus is to entertain an audience or create a pleasant or interesting diversion.

It is important to note, however, that an entertaining speech does not need to be funny all the time and all throughout. It should be interesting enough to hold the attention of the audience members, and it should create an enjoyable experience for them.

3. PERSUASIVE

A persuasive speech aims to influence the audience to accept the speaker’s position or stand on an issue. The speaker attempts to convince the audience members to adopt his or her way of thinking or change the way they think about things. In addition, a persuasive speech is designed to urge the audience to take a particular action. A speaker seeks to persuade the audience to start doing the action now. Sales speeches, political campaign talks, business presentations, and debates are forms of persuasive speech.