Public speaking is the act of speaking to a group of people with an intention to inform, influence, or entertain them. In public speaking, like in any form of communication, there are 5 basic elements of public speaking that sum up the process. These are often expressed as “Who is saying what to who using what medium with what effects?”
That may seem like a lot, but when we simplify it, it’s really easy to comprehend. The purpose of public speaking can be anything from simply transmitting information and motivating people to tell a story.
Public speaking is a powerful tool if you wish to motivate, influence, persuade, inform, translate, or simply entertain a crowd. To succeed in doing so, learn about the following things that make the basic elements of public speaking.
You are the speaker and all the audience will have their focus on you.
The first and the most pivotal among the basic elements of public speaking is the speaker. They are the source of the message and the focal point of the whole presentation. Many believe that the speakers are the presentation itself, not the visual aids they use.
If you think as a public speaker you have to put a lot of thought into the visual aids, fonts, etc., then you’re going on the wrong track. You must start at the basics, which is you, as a speaker. You can learn How To Become A More Polished Speaker
Following are the three factors that you need to consider as a speaker.
– Your motivation behind the presentation or your passion for the subject
– Your authority on the subject
– Speaking style and the ability to communicate your knowledge and ideas.
Whatever you are going to speak and explain, that will be the main message for the audience.
The message is everything that comes out of the speaker’s mouth. It refers to both verbal and bodily conventions. The verbal component of any message can be categorized further into three basic elements.
– Content: This is everything the speaker has to say about the subject or topic.
– Style: This explains the way the content of the presentation is conveyed to the audience. The style may vary from speaker to speaker. In some cases, it will be very formal or informal depending upon the topic, setting, and target audience.
– Structure: The structure of a message is how you organize your speech. There are many ways to organize the content of your speech. The structure could include an introduction, a body or argument, and a conclusion.
Understand you audience carefully so that you can prepare your speech which they can connect with.
The people you’re conveying your message to are also critical elements of public speaking. Public speakers should always curate their content after analyzing the audience. That’s when they decide how to present their ideas.
Often the process of analyzing the audience means segmenting them as per different aspects of their identity. These include:
– Needs
– Age
– Sex
– Marital status
– Race
– Geographic location
– Type of group (homogeneous or heterogeneous)
– Education
– Trade
– Activity
– Profession.
The speaker then adapts to the audience’s interests & preferences, both in their language and attire (as much as possible)
Be open to feedback which comes from audience. This will help you to grow as a public speaker.
Here’s an interesting and unusual one for you. Feedback is also a basic element of public speaking. Many people consider it strange that feedback is also on the list, but it’s an important thing to watch out for.
Generally speaking, feedback is the process through which you receive one or many responses from the audience that has heard the speech about your public speech.
Technically, the feedback process is only completed when the speaker has responded to the concerns of his audience.
When you speak in public, be open to feedback from the audience. Look out for the nonverbal reactions of the audience, and be prepared to respond to the reactions of the public during the presentation. It’s your responsibility as a professional speaker to provide your audience with all the information you need to hear.
Check out the stage and venue before your event so that you can perform with confidence.
As we said, a public speaker has to tailor a speech as per the setting for the presentation, the place or situation is of significance. It’s the last of the basic elements of public speaking.
It is recommended that you check out the place or auditorium where you are going to deliver your speech. You also need to plan out your movements, know the exact spot where you are going to speak in public and coordinate all the details to take all precautions in advance.
For example, an issue with the conditions of the place, like the quality of the seats, the air conditioner, the lighting, the arrangement of the platform, the seats, the tables, etc. Any of these can throw you off your game. So, all details must be under control.
Now that you have looked at the basic elements of public speaking, the next thing you need to know is that there is a way you can master all the basic elements with ease. This way, you can ensure a successful speech delivery.
In case you want to know What To Wear On Stage When Speaking, this will help you to understand most about getting ready for event.
Public speaking is utterly important if you are looking to refine yourself in the social and professional arena. So, take up our public speaking course and make sure you hone the skills that matter the most when it comes to presenting to people. Our courses are woven around your needs, fears, and ambitions, which makes us the only ones to truly care for your personal growth.
Jeremiah O’Brian is a faculty member at the USC School of Dramatic Arts. His exceptionally diverse background – from gritty nuts-and-bolts firefighting to film and theatre credits and accolades – is bolstered by his several graduate degrees.
