Speaking to an Audience

Abstract

Most jobs today require both the ability to write cogently and to speak well. While writing skills are practiced from our earliest grade school, public speaking usually gets only scant attention in our academic development. This chapter is designed to help you become a polished speaker. Specifically, three aspects of public speaking will be covered: structuring the presentation, delivering the presentation, and overcoming anxiety when speaking in front of an audience. A superior presentation is well-structured, with an introduction, main body, and conclusion. Main ideas are then more likely to be received and remembered by the audience. Just like a written document, a good presentation is created by developing an outline and working through several drafts. Preparation and practice help ensure the presentation flows well, and helps to reduce anxiety many of us feel about speaking in front of groups. Even if you know your subject intimately, the presentation must be developed for the specific audience in order to be effective. As always, know who the audience is and why this group is there to listen to you. How much time do you have to present? What do you want to achieve with this presentation? Where will you speak? Are there suitable facilities for what you wish to do? Being prepared and knowing the audience, room and setting helps reduce stress and helps you to become comfortable with speaking before people.