Public Speaking TipsYour voice has certain qualities which are necessary if we are to fully interpret our thoughts and ideas for the audience. These qualities are known as the five P’s Pitch, Pace, Power and Pause and they all add up to Poise. They may be summarised as follows.
PITCH Change of pitch is used to denote change of emotion. The voice assumes a lower pitch when we are sad or doleful, a higher pitch when we are happy, excite or nervous. For this reason we begin a speech or talk on a lower note, then commence each sentence on a slightly higher note. The end of a sentence denotes some rounding off, of the sense and therefore demands a falling inflection. Change of pitch is used to denote statements in parenthesis, e.g. an inside. It is used to indicate different characters when we are using dialogue. PACE Pace is one of the factors which can entirely hinder understanding of a talk or speech if you speak too quickly. You must speak sufficiently slowly to be able to enunciate clearly and distinctly. Pace must of course follow the sense of what you are saying, like lists or repeating the same word. Describing a horse race for example would be spoken at a fast pace. The general rule remains however ‘slow it down’. POWER Power is the volume of your voice. It is essential that you use sufficient power to ensure that all the audience can hear you. A reasonable level of vocal power is also necessary to give conviction to what you are saying. Increased power can be used to emphasise a statement but it is often more effective and dramatic to emphasise a point by lowering your voice and speaking more slowly and deliberately. Use power sparingly. Too much will confuse and tire the audience and it will certainly tire you. PAUSE The use of pause is almost paramount for the speaker. It interprets the grammar of what is said. Pause is necessary to breathe and it gives the audience a chance to think about what is said. The speaker has an opportunity to marshal his or her thoughts and think ahead. Pause before and after a word or statement to emphasise it. To rattle on without stopping will leave the audience behind and indicate nerves and tension. Pause communicates calmness and control. So do remember the 5P’s PITCH, PACE, POWER AND PAUSE all add up to POISE and that is the hallmark of a balanced speaker. |
Hints for Speeches
Address your audience Mr/Madam President Ladies and Gentlemen
A good introduction such as a quote or question. A good ending bringing your speech round to the beginning again answering your question reply to your quote. Make no more than 3 points 1st one about 45 – 60 sec 2nd one about 60 – 75 secs 3rd one 45 – 60 secs. Introduction and ending 30 secs. Each (Rough Time) Do not speak on Politics, Religion or Sex in an offending way but you can quote from the Bible and other holy books. Remember your 5ps always. Reading Hints Address your audience Mr/Madam President Ladies and Gentlemen Be comfortable with your book. Not too heavy. If you wish hold it in one hand out to your right or left or with both hands in front. Do not bend the book (paperback) back. Keep it flat. If you have to turn a page don’t close your book over bring your hand up to your book and start to turn it over about two thirds down keeping your finger in the place. The secret of good fluent reading is to keep your eyes running ahead of your words. Pause before and after someone speaks, at the end of sentences and paragraphs. Introduce your extract naming the book, author and where the particular extract comes in the book. You are assessed from when your name is called to when you sit down again. Make sure you are settled before you start. Make sure your ending is definite and pause a couple of seconds before you go back to your seat. Remember the 5Ps always Audience Behaviour As a member of the audience please do not walk in while someone is up speaking. You can see in to the room so wait. Do not speak out while someone asks a rhetoric question. All comments to be made through the President. k here to edit. |
