Public Speaking Class 1 And 3

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Public speaking involves understanding various core principles related to listening, ethics, topic selection, and speech types. Effective listening requires filtering sounds based on their relevance, motivated by purpose, and engaging in critical thought processes to interpret messages sensibly, while respecting speakers ethically. Ethical public speaking balances aims, methods, and intentions, guided by principles that consider the impact on others, protected by rights such as free speech. Selecting a speech topic involves narrowing broad subjects to specific, manageable ideas based on audience, purpose, context, and time constraints. Strategies include using personal inventories, media, polls, and audience needs analysis to identify engaging speech topics. When crafting a speech, clarity in purpose and audience analysis ensures relevant, concise, and impactful messages.

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Public speaking is a nuanced art that hinges on multiple foundational elements, including effective listening practices, adherence to ethical standards, meticulous topic selection, and appropriate speech types. Each of these components contributes significantly to the speaker’s ability to communicate effectively, ethically, and with impact within diverse contexts and audiences.

Firstly, listening is fundamental, yet often underestimated in public speaking. Effective listening involves more than passive hearing; it is an active process where the listener filters sounds based on relevance and motivation. According to Wrench, Goding, Johnson, and Attias (2011), critical listening necessitates systematic thinking, such as uncovering assumptions and distinguishing facts from opinions. Developing these skills enables a speaker to understand the audience better, improve engagement, and respond appropriately. Ethically, listening entails giving speakers fair opportunities to communicate, being respectful, and fostering an environment of mutual understanding (Wrench et al., 2011). These principles underpin the integrity of public discourse and help establish trust and credibility.

Secondly, ethics form the backbone of responsible public speaking. The ethics pyramid outlined by Wrench et al. (2011) emphasizes three core concepts: ends (desired outcomes), means (methods used), and intention (motivations). Striking a balance among these ensures messages are truthful, respectful, and considerate of their impact. Nine principles of ethical communication highlight the importance of transparency and accountability, especially given the protections laid out by the First and Fourteenth Amendments in the United States, which safeguard free speech (Wrench et al., 2011). These principles help speakers navigate the fine line between advocacy and manipulation, fostering honest dialogue that benefits society.

Thirdly, selecting a suitable speech topic requires a careful process of narrowing broad subject areas into specific, manageable ideas. Broad topics like art, science, or history must be refined considering constraints such as purpose, audience, context, and time frame. As emphasized by Section 6.2 of the course material, this involves asking targeted questions to ensure the topic aligns with the speaker’s intent and audience interests. Techniques include personal inventories, media analysis, polls, and audience needs assessments, which provide insight into what issues resonate with listeners (Section 6.3). Furthermore, the process of narrowing involves asking whether the topic can be effectively covered within the available time and whether it is appropriate for the setting.

Fourthly, understanding different types of speeches enables speakers to tailor their messages effectively. These include informative, persuasive, and entertaining speeches. Informative speeches aim to share knowledge without persuading or entertaining, focusing on objective presentation of facts about objects, people, events, concepts, issues, or processes. Persuasive speeches are designed to influence attitudes and behaviors, requiring honesty and integrity to avoid manipulative tactics. Entertaining speeches, such as after-dinner or ceremonial speeches, serve to amuse or inspire audiences temporarily, often incorporating humor, storytelling, or motivational elements (Section 6.1). Recognizing these distinctions allows speakers to choose appropriate strategies for engaging their listeners and achieving their goals.

Finally, crafting an effective speech requires clarity of purpose, audience awareness, and relevance. A well-defined specific purpose guides the content and ensures focus. For example, a speaker might state, "To inform my audience about the dangers of embedded journalism, focusing on the death of Rupert Hamer," which aligns purpose, audience interest, and available time. It is crucial to avoid overloading speeches with multiple ideas, as simplicity and focus enhance clarity and impact. Additionally, matching the speech’s tone and content to the rhetorical situation—that is, the speaker, audience, occasion, and setting—is essential for appropriateness (Section 6.2).

In conclusion, mastering public speaking necessitates a comprehensive understanding of listening skills, ethical considerations, strategic topic selection, and appropriate speech types. By actively engaging in ethical listening, critically evaluating and narrowing topics, and tailoring messages to specific purposes and audiences, speakers can communicate more effectively. These principles foster trust, clarity, and influence, ultimately contributing to the growth of a speaker’s credibility and the enhancement of public discourse.

References

• Wrench, J., Goding, L., Johnson, E., & Attias, M. (2011). Stand Up, Speak Out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking. Flatworld Knowledge.
• Beebe, S. A., & Beebe, S. J. (2017). Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach. Pearson.
• Lucas, S. E. (2019). The Art of Public Speaking. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Hybels, S., & Weaver, R. L. (2018). Communicating Effectively. McGraw-Hill Education.
• McCroskey, J. C., & McCroskey, L. L. (2017). Communication in the College Classroom. Pearson.
• Seiler, W. J. (2019). Public Speaking & Civic Engagement. Oxford University Press.
• Cheney, G., et al. (2018). Organizational Communication. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Gregory, R. J. (2014). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. APA.
• Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. (2013). Communication Works. McGraw-Hill Education.
• O’Hair, D., et al. (2019). Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach. Bedford/St. Martin’s.