The Art of Public Speaking

Question: Discuss about theArt of Public Speaking. Answer: Introduction One of the most important features of public speaking is the capability of connecting with the audience, through eye contact and body language. According to Norman Thomas, there is a vast difference between written words and spoken words ("Dos and Taboos of Public Speaking" 2017). Reading out a speech fails to influence the audience. The disadvantages of reading a speech are as follows- The speaker most of the time fails to maintain an eye contact with the audience. Reading a speech also poses the danger of repeating or missing a word. Reading a speech sounds monotonous and the spontaneity of the speaker is lost in the process. On the other hand, reading a speech also has certain advantages, it makes the speaker feel confident enough, it also ensures that all the points related to the topic are covered and no omission is made. The speaker does not divert from the topic and the records of the speech are maintained (Lucas, 2008). Reading a speech is considered appropriate and advantageous only in certain context such as while presenting an idea to the media, responding to a lawsuit or commenting on some very sensitive issue. In such situations, reading a speech is a necessary in order to maintain a record and to avoid any miscommunication. If I were asked to give a speech in public or some institutions, I would present the speech extemporaneously, because it brings spontaneity and helps in connecting with the audience. However, in case of addressing any legal or sensitive issue, I would prepare my speech in advance and read from it in order to avoid any kind of miscommunication. Ethics involves dealing with the issues of wrong and right in human affairs. According to Plato, the Greek philosopher, every public speaker must be truthful, honest and devoted to the good of society (Lucas, 2008). However, it is evident from history that the power of speech is abused frequently; often leading to disastrous results and thus, speech must be guided by a powerful sense of ethical integrity. While addressing an issue one should also keep in mind whether the goals are ethically sound or not. In addition to this, according to Jenkin Lloyd Jones, it is also the responsibility of a speaker to prepare his speech carefully before addressing the public because time is a valuable factor and a badly prepared speech is an utter wastage of time for both the speaker and the audience (Attias et al., 2016). While addressing an issue on the impact of migration in Singapore, on must keep the sentiments of his friends and co-workers in mind by following an ethical way of speaking. Excessive immigration has become a problem for Singapore and to address the issues faced by Singapore, one must avoid abusive or attacking language and emphasis on the problems rather than on the overseas people present there. The tone of voice while communicating the problem should also be set right, so that it does not betray your emotional motivation behind the said words (Esenwein, 2013). References: Attias, B., Goding, A., Wrench, J., Johnson, D. (2016). Stand Up, Speak Out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking. Dos and Taboos of Public Speaking. (2017). Scribd. Retrieved 28 February 2017, from https://www.scribd.com/doc/60200936/Dos-and-Taboos-of-Public-Speaking Esenwein, J. B. (2013).The Art of Public Speaking. Read Books Ltd. Retrieved from https://mapage.noos.fr/hbiszbest/som/The_Art_of_Public_Speaking.pdf Lucas, S. E. (2008).The Art of Public Speaking 11th Edition. McGraw-Hill. Retrieved from https://osa.uark.edu/pdfs/poised-public-speaking.pdf