Clarity
Speaking effectively requires good expression of ideas. Language should be very simple and understood by your listeners’. Your speech should be clear enough and words uttered distinctly and been easily recognized.
Accuracy
Words been said should be base on facts and concur with its meaning. The idea of vocabulary is very important here and words chosen should suit the purpose of your speech. Facts or authorities you quote should be reliable and avoid challenging statements e.g. “Everybody thinks… or Nobody here etc
Empathy
Speaking in public requires the speaker being friendly and calm. You need to put yourself in the position of your audience and establish a sense of humor for the person listening. The point is not only to agree with their ideas and views but it gives you understanding and patient to talk. The expression of your tone matters especially when addressing a group
Sincerity
The speaker has to be natural and be him/herself all the time. Sincerity is most needed according to the situation or type of gathering you addressing.
Appearance
Looks always affects your audience. Your appearance reflects yourself i.e. self image. The listeners are only to listen to you and notice. Appearance gives back metacommunication from the way you dress. In most situations, people see the speaker and form judgments about them even before they speak. There are therefore two important things to consider when it comes to appearance:
– Personal cleanliness and tidiness
– Dress and appearance appropriate to the situation
Posture
Posture has the following important implications:
– It helps to mould your attitude
– It dictates the quality of your voice both psychologically and physically
The sense of not caring about yourself is communicated by poor posture which eventually creeps on your voice. By improving on your posture when talking, you can do much by instilling in your voice and your whole manner four characteristics of good voice quality:
– Alertness – gives your listener the impression that you are aware of and interested in what is happening around you and what you are saying. They are more likely to feel it is worth listening to you
– Pleasantness – that is you have to be polite and also give friendly tone to your voice by facial expressions and looks
– Distinctness – is speaking clearly so that your listeners can hear and understand you well. This includes how you pronounce, move your lips, breathe properly and move your jaws freely. It requires you to talk to your listeners
– Expressiveness – putting a sense of feeling in your voice. You have to be expressive enough to avoid low monotone which turn offs your listener. Expressiveness can be supported by good posture.