After taking a communications class, Mélange is much more comfortable speaking publicly, or in front of an audience. She learned very helpful tips on how to construct her thoughts, such as using a speaking outline, and how to voice her words effectively. When in front of the classroom she can speak extemporaneously, make eye contact and not depend on her index cards to shield her from those watchful eyes in the audience. Mélange feels in control when speaking publicly, and has realized that speaking in front of a group of people is nothing to fear.

I believe the most important characteristics of effective public speaking is to be able to successfully get your message across, engage your audience, and to own the material. Out of all three, I would say being able to know or at least show that you have a thorough understanding of the material is essential in effective public speaking. By demonstrating your own understanding of what you’re presenting, you show that you are confident about the legitimacy of what you are presenting and gives credibility to the speaker. As a speaker, if you are able to use enough vocal variety, strong posture, with an easy-to-follow presentation and the audience feels that you know what you are talking about – you’re on the right track to effective public speaking!

One observation about public speaking that I found surprising is the influence of speaking extemporaneously on giving a compelling presentation. Coming into the course, I did not realize there were different ranges of speech execution (scripted, extemporaneous, and impromptu/unscripted). Although scripted speeches can be well executed, I feel that speaking extemporaneously really pulls in the audience in a different way. The presentation feels more genuine and from the speakers best interest than simply reciting a written speech. I will definitely continue to use the many skills I’ve learned from this course in the future, especially speaking extemporaneously when giving presentations.

Time and time again I’m amazed at award-winning actor, singer and poet Daniel Beaty’s powerful spoken word performance entitled “Knock Knock”. Performed on Def Poetry Jam, a spoken word television program, Beaty captivates the audience with a sentimental poem about his childhood separation from his father. At the age of 3, his father was sent to prison, leaving the poet with the hardship of growing up in a household without a father figure. Instead of allowing the situation to discourage or intimidate him from manhood, Beaty learns to “father himself” and lives out the role he imagines a father to be: a teacher, an activist, and a revolutionary.

Although Beaty’s presentation touches on an array of sensitive emotions such as disappointment, anger, and empowerment, I admire his smooth, controlled, realistic transitions between these tones. In other words, the speaker’s skilled change of tones/emotion evoke a realism to the story by allowing the audience to experience a glimpse of the confusion and uncertainty experienced during the absence of his father. Beaty’s ability to convey such raw emotion, in combination with the story in itself, is the reason behind the crowd’s standing ovation. Through facial expression, gestures, and most notably – vocal expression, the poet appropriately and effectively escorts his audience step by step through his trials and tribulations, as well as self-realization and triumph.

The image I selected is from a video of the performance found on YouTube. I believe the image sums up the nature of the presentation in the best way possible: powerful, inspirational, and revolutionary.

(The actual video of “Knock Knock” is posted here: Def Poetry: Daniel Beaty – Knock Knock (Official Video) It’s worth watching for yourself!)

Mélange loves talking with people – sometimes, at least. In terms of oral communication, Mélange is at her best with small talk or one on one conversations. Communicating her skills to an interviewer at a job interview, or having tea at the cafe with a friend is a walk in the park. When meeting new people, she is always full of questions, probing at each newfound discovery – What does your name mean? Where did you grow up? Are you from Brooklyn?  The personal interaction between two people, bouncing off ideas and newly learned information is what excites her, and is itself the best, most authentic form of communicating. When asked to speak in front of an audience, given a question in class or asked to recite a speech, for instance, is when Mélange loses her spark. Perhaps it is the fear of being harshly judged or the rivalry between finding the right way to communicate a point that will appeal to the audience – Is this point relevant? I could look it up later; would I sound too smart if I say this? I could ask the professor after class; and the chain of “If’s” in conjunction with delayed attempts eventually dissolve into a pool of unspoken thoughts and once again Mélange goes unheard, with such a loud mind but a whispered voice.

Mélange wasn’t always this shy, as she has an adequate level of public speaking experience. She has given speeches from classroom presentations to auditorium assemblies. In her younger days, public speaking in front of large crowds was almost second nature. However, over time things have changed. Now as an undergrad in college, there is still an inner drive towards having her voice heard – but that urge is more often than not overpowered by shyness. This issue is most obvious during class. Everyone – even the professor – knows deep down, the communicative character has something to say, as she is very bright, talkative and full of great points to add to the conversation, but would much rather keep her thoughts to herself or neatly written out on the sidelines of her notebook.