Public speaking is form of oral communication. “Public speaking is the process of speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to inform, influence, or entertain the listeners” (Wikipedia, 2007). Public speaking has personal benefits and professional benefits.. “The purpose of public speaking can range from simply transmitting information, to motivating people to act, to simply telling a story” (Wikipedia, 2007).
Speaking in public encourages you to listen to the needs of your audience. Which has a positive effect, you become a better listener. You will be able to communicate your needs in a clear and precise manner. Which will make you a better communicator. When you speak up you learn. For example, during a class discussion, your opinion and questions will benefit you and your peers. If you don't speak up and ask questions you will not learn. When you practice speaking in public, you force yourself to figure what matters to you. When you speak about what matters to you are sharing with others.
Learning to master the skills of public speaking will benefit you in the workforce. Many Employers will interview you and analyze your oral communications skills. Many Employers will evaluate the two stages before making the decision to hire you. One your knowledge about the position. Two your oral communication skills. You may not spend all your time at work practicing public speaking. However, the opportunity to present your ideas is important to your career success. To present your idea, you will need to master the skills of speaking in front of a group of people. Studies show that “Communications helped improve company productivie and understanding among employees” ( Krushing (n.d.) Oral communication is in high demand by many employers. Do you know of any employer who does not require oral communications skills? During interviews, the first impression is very important. If you are nervous speaking in front of a group of interviewers, you would not be a qualified candidate for the position, regardless of how well knowledgeable you with the position.
Mastering the skills of Public speaking will force you to speak with clarity and confidence, and effectively. You will also learn to speak out on important issues that matter to you and your community. This will make you an active member to your community, you will learn to speak out and request changes to better your community. When you master the skills of Public Speaking you will also learn to persuade your audience. As a group, the message is more effective. For example, Jessica Law was passed thanks to the support of a group of community members. However, the community gather together to listen to the Co-founder of Jessica Law speak in Public. Once you presuade your audience with your public speech, your voice can be heard. As you can see the effect of Public Speaking can bring you a stronger voice. Public Speaking allows you pratice your freedom of Speech but in a more effective way.
I believe mastering public speaking is essential in becoming a succuessful student. According to a study, 10% of us remember what we read, 20% what we hear, 30% what we see and 70% remember what we speak. This is very true. I read out loud when trying to recite the answers to a test or formula to the math problem. When I read out loud, I am force to concentrate. When you learn to master the skills of Public Speaking, you will also learn to master the skills of analyzing, researching, organizing, wording and deliverying. Before presenting the facts to your audience, you will spend the time to analyze if the facts are supported by examples, details. You will research for accuracy, you will research the type of audience you have. You will organize your speech so that you will have opening statement, supporting statement and an appropriate closing statement. Words can contain emotional contents. Words can hurt your audience, it can also create or transform the situation.
Therefore, choosing your words wisely and use words that will effectively inspire or influence your audience (depending on your type of speech) without offending them. The way you deliver your speech is also important. Your tone, body language, the atmosphere plays an important role. I find that same strategy applies when writing for school or office. I use the same application when writing. I analyze the information, I conduct researches to find supporting details, and examples. I then organize my thoughts, researched data and outline them correctly according to the wiriting style. I look for words that delivers my message without confusing my readers. For example, when writing your choice of words for a Thesis Statement can overwhelm your reader or inspire them to read on.
I have always been of public speaking. I get nervous, my cheeks turn red and I get butterflies in my stomach. However, after the research I realize the benefits of mastering the skills of Public Speaking outweighs my fear. I will enroll in courses that will help my put this fear to rest. The offical terminology for Fear of Public Speaking “glossophobia” (also known as stage fright). I pursue and want to advance my education for the purpose of landing a better job. Therefore, I believe it is beneficial for me personally, professionally and academically to master the skills of Public Speaking. Have you notice Donald Trump makes tons of money speaking at public seminars?
References:
Hamilton, K.E. (2000) Benefits of Public Speaking. Retrieved March 31, 2007, from the World Wide Web: http://webhome.idirect.com/˜/kehamilt/spkben.html
Krushing, (n.d.) Personal Benefits of Studying Public Speaking. Retrieived March 31, 2007, from Valencia College Community College, website:
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/krushing/lecture/BenefitsPUBLICSPEAKINGCh1.htm
Sanpran, (2007). Wikipedia, the free encyclodpedia. Retrieived March 31, 2007, from Wikipedia, the free encyclodpedia on the World Wide Web:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=public_speaking
Vickie, K.S., (2005, May 5). The Secret Weapon in Career Development, Usa Today Magazine, Business and Finance Section.
