Section BEG1A

     In order to become a good public speaker, one must fulfill several guidelines. First of all, he/she must step up and become a warrior, conquering the fear of being the center of attention. This is extremely important because being nervous can negatively influence the overall performance of the speaker. Secondly, dress appropriatly in times of presentation or making a speech. This would give the audience a good first impression, allowing the the overall presentation to be more appealing. Eye contact is also important in a way that it shows respect to the audience, as well as a way to show self confidence.

     When making a presentation, get straight to the point. The audience would want to hear what is needed to hear, not bunch of nonsense that aren’t related to the topic. Great speakers would also use body motions and gestures to enhance their presentation. When using them right, speakers are able to show their passion and authenticity to the audience. This allows the presenter and the audience to become one, enabling them to share the same intensity.

     Last of all, make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before the presentation. You wouldn’t want to look like a zombie the day you show up. If for some reason you aren’t able to get enough sleep, drink redbull coffee , do intense push ups pull ups sit ups, or whatever it takes to get yourself going.

   For a speaker to be effective, he or she must have a connection with the audience. The audience’s attention is what matters most because it shows that the speaker’s voice is heard.

   A speaker should have eye contact with the audience at all times; not specifically at one area, but the whole audience. This makes the audience understand that the speaker is there to deliver a clear message and not just there memorizing everything on the top of his/her head. When the speaker keeps a look out at the people, he/she can see how much or less attention the audience is giving him/her.  If he/she sees that the audience is falling asleep or not keeping eye contact, then he/she can change the tone or enthusiasm of the speech in order to awaken them again. If the audience is very participant and keeping really good eye contact, this can boost up the speaker’s confidence. Therefore, the speaker will give the speech with no nervousness or challenges.

   Another thing that the speaker should have in order to be an effective speaker is to have a sense of WHO the audience will be. That way, the speaker can use appropriate language. For students, it would be better if the speaker uses words that most students know, or if its a difficult term then he/she should define it. The language of the speaker can also give him/her credibility.

   Credibility is an important thing in a speech. If the audience thinks the speaker is a joke, then the message wouldn’t be heard or passed on. To keep credibility, the speaker should be serious when the topic relates to a serious idea or event. Or, if the speaker wants to use a quote or an idea that another person has invented, he/she must give recognition to them. In my senior year, I took a speech and communications class. A friend of mine gave a speech and the man he cited works from has an unusual name. When he was giving the speech and had to pronounce that man’s name, he laughed! This doesn’t give good credibility to the speaker nor the man.  When the speaker shows that he/she has a lot of credibility, the audience will pay more attention to him/her.