Unit IV SPEECHESVOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRESENTATION

Unit IV

SPEECHESVOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRESENTATION

1) SPEECHES: Drafting a Speech

Stage presence and personality.

2) DESCRIBING A PROCESS.

3) DESCRIBING AN OBJECT.

4) ARGUING AND EXPRESSING ONESELF.

5) WRITING PARAGRAPH.

 VOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRESENTATION:

1. THINKING OF A  CAREER
2. RESUME WRITING
3. INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
4. INFORMAL INTERVIEWING
5. ORAL PRESENTATION HINTS
6. PRESENTATION ANXIETY- GROUP DISCUSSION

1. SPEECHES:

The acquisition of oral presentation skills (or giving speeches) is essential in a profession. The speech is of different forms according to the situation and purpose. Such as a Debate elocution, Seminar, Conference, Group Discussions etc..

Adequate planning and presentation in using one’s voice, body language and visual aids s imperative for achieving the desired results in an oral communication situation.

Drafting of speeches requires almost similar skills as that of essay writing. The speeches may have to be drafted for several occasions such as opening of a sports meet, annual day function etc.. Heretoo, your ability to express relevant ideas clearly and precisely will be tested . However, the speeches must be in first person singular. Draft the speeches as though you actually singularly addressing the audience from a platform.

A GUIDE TO WRITING SPEECHES: DRAFTING A SPEECH

There is no one perfect way to draft a speech. All speeches are different; all speakers have their o

wn preferences and their own speaking style. But there are easy rules for all speech drafting, which apply from the most humble to the most exalted.

If you remember nothing else, the obvious point is that a speech is written to be spoken – so it must be sayable, clear, interesting and easy to follow.

Don t write like you write or read – write like you speak. Keep it direct.

1. Establish a clear structure

A speech needs to lead the listeners (and readers) through the story the speaker is trying to tell. The material and argument must be organised in a logical structure.

You need more structure than you think. You are familiar with the material and arguments. But your listeners (generally) are not. They will not have the text of the speech in front of them. So make them follow the argument, and remember it when they leave the room, you need.a lively, logical, step-by-step structure. The speaker may be a non-expert – so a clear structure helps her/him too.

2. Opening and Closing

The beginning and -end are key. You need to get off to a good start and end with a flourish.

A strong opening wakes the audience up. They see that. they are, not wasting their time: the speaker is worth listening to. So avoid a dull opening paragraph which thanks the organisers, praises the venue and the sponsoring organisation, and expresses general delight at being there. The speaker needs to do those things – but get a big message in first.

An example of an opening

Thank you for that kind introduction.

Use opening lines such as       “Good Morning, Ladies & Gentlemen”

” Good Evening, Friends”

” Ladies & Gentlemen”

” Hello Friends”, etc..

suitable according to               1) the audience,

2) time of the event

3) the situation.

First let me say how delighted I am to be here at……….

The last paragraph is just as important. It reinforces your key message. Tell the audience it’s coming: “let me leave you with this thought” or reiterate the “Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests” with which you started. Or spell it out: “I know that most of you were hoping that I would speak for six hours like     :… But I am going to disappoint you! So let me leave you with my basic message today”

This is the conclusion part of your speech. If possible, conclude every speech with a message, a direction for the audience. If you speak about some problems about the subject in the body part, try to give solutions or suggestions from your side to the same problems you mentioned. Only then the  conclusion part of your speech will be effective that makes the audience to remember your speech.

2) Organising the body of the speech

What about the middle? There are many ways to organise the body of the speech. The crucial point is be ordered, clear, coherent way – only then can the audience follow your argument. A few ideas, which can be combined:

Past-Present-Future

Set the scene with historical context; then the current problem/issue; then what we should do about it.

Analysis-Prescription

Analyse the problem, then say what you think we should do about it. A speech is meant to explain, convince,- or rouse to action. So speeches should move from the descriptive (passive) to the prescriptive (active), and not the other way round. And finally give answers-to a questions.

Use clear and striking examples

Þ    Find killer facts which support your argument. Killer facts must (a) be true; (b) cony from a creditable source; and (c) make your case.

Þ    Think about dealing with the killer facts of those who oppose your argument. If done well it shows that the speaker is thinking about all angles of the issue; not simply pushing his/her own viewpoint.

Þ    Use practical and humorous examples to illustrate technical points.

Þ    Make figures real and comprehensible. Use “doubled”, “halved” etc. rather than percentages. Say “AIDS kills one person every x minutes” or “foreign investment contributes y for every person in Britain”. “India and China between them have almost 2 billion people” is OK; but better is “between them, India and China count a third of the world’s population” – it’s clear from that just how big and important they are.

4. Keep sentences short

Þ    Long sentences which contain several subordinate clauses or which try to work in too many separate thoughts cause a great number of problems for the eventual speaker since, in striving for effects that are intellectually elaborate, they tend to lead the audience away from the main point if not baffle them completely, (53 words). Worse, the speaker has no option but to read them out word for word, or risk losing the thread completely.

Þ    But short sentences make points quickly. Effectively: The speaker knows where she is. She can run sentences together as she speaks. 4. Be active; cut out the flab

Active drafting presents an active policy.

So avoid passive sentences (“the mat was sat on by the cat”). Passive sentences are favoured in bureaucratic drafting.. They convey (usually spurious) detachment, objectivity and caution. But they waste words and are out of place in a speech.

No-one talks like this: “What is now needed is an agreement on how this process is to be managed, in the light of international treaty obligations, so that deterrence will be enhanced not undermined, and radical reductions in strategic weapons can at the same time be pursued.” (43 words).

Five passive constructions in an over-long sentence. Bring it to life:

“We need to manage this process in the light of international treaty obligations. This enhances deterrence, not undermines it. At the same time we can aim radically to reduce strategic weapons.”‘ (31 words).

Þ    Use the indicative not the conditional – “can”, “will”, not “could”, “would”. Don’t say “if this could be achieved then “- say-“,if we achieve this, ”

Þ    Use verbs not nouns. No normal person talks of “obstacles to the achievement of success”., or “the observance of human rights”. They say “we won’t let these obstacles stop us” or “human rights must be respected” – or better, “North Korea must respect human rights”.

Þ    Replace “is capable of with “can”; “our goals are” with-“we want”;-“in our endeavours to”. with. “we intend-to-7 or “we will”, and So on.

Þ    Avoid every phrase ending in that: “I believe that”, “I am utterly convinced that”, “I , cannot underline too strongly that” and so on. They detract from the impact. “I think that I love you” or “I am convinced that there is no God but Allah” are far less powerful than the simple alternatives. Underline key sentences if you want the speaker to highlight them through tone of voice or physical gestures.

5.Use quotations sparingly.

Speakers’ appetites for quotations vary. Quotations illustrate a point well and introduce a touch of wit. But they need to be sensible for the speaker and the occasion. So:

• use quotations sparingly. Don’t conclude with one – the speaker must reach a strong conclusion, not subcontract it to someone else

• avoid over-familiar quotations unless you make them topical and witty
• Remember your audience: to quote someone whom your audience respects and admires (e.g.. a great writer of their country).

6: Rhetorical tricks    .

Here are a few tricks to enliven a speech – but don’t overdo them:

• Rhetorical questions focus the audience on the point, or denote a natural transition in the argument (“Where do we go from here?”). And they allow the speaker to deflect counter­ arguments elegantly:
• repetitions bang a point home: “Of course we want peace; of course we want security; of course we want to see trade improve “
• alliteration (repeating initial letters) and assonance (repeating vowel sounds).. “The ballot  box will defeat the bullet and the bomb.”
• threefold lists work best. “Government of the people, by the people and for the people”; “faith, hope and charity”; “safe, just and prosperous”.
• simple contrasts: “If our young people play together as children, they may more easily live and work together as adults.” This may sound – and indeed is – corny. But it is easy to , understand and remember.

7. Read it out

Read your draft aloud – preferably to one or two colleagues.

This painful discipline focuses the drafter on what has worked and what hasn’t: It:

• eliminates unsayable words such as “inevitability” or “incalculable”; and highlights any unintentional rhymes, which can otherwise make your speaker sound like Eminem
• gets rhythm right (a good balance of short and less short sentences and paragraphs)
• ensures that linking sentences between section/themes are convincing.

8 Format

Whichever format is used. the speech in its final version must be easy to read off the page. So

• no sentence/paragraph should run over a page
• all paragraphs should be short – three or at most four sentences in each.
• start a new idea on a new page

9. Be lively – but not weird

A draft speech needs to be lively. But there is a thin line between vivid language and weirdness or everuciating banality.

Follow ABCDs of public speaking

A – ATTENTION: Grab the attention of the audience using the initial sentences which has some punch and impact. Make every one divert their attention to your speech using Quotations, proverbs, paunchiness.

B – BRIDGE: Connect the audience attention to the main part of your speech . Maintain the same style and allow the concentration of the audience continue.

C – CONTENT: This is the main part of the speech or body of the speech. All the details and description about the topic will be included in this part. Don’t deviate from the main theme of the subject : You can use related information, ideas and view points, but cannot talk about a different subject. You can include examples, real incidents, stories, experiences, etc. in the section.

D – DIRECTION: This is the conclusion part of your speech. If possible, conclude every speech with a message, ‘a Direction for the audience. If you speak about some problems about the subject in the body part, try to give solutions or suggestions from your side to the same problems you mentioned. Only then the conclusion part of your speech will be effective that makes the audience to remember your speech.

STAGE PRESENCE AND PERSONALITY (BODY LANGUAGE)

In a face to face interaction (such as Speech) a person does not communicate only through words.                                    His whole personality

His attitude

His facial expression,

His posture and gestures

is involved in the process. A neatly dressed man with a pleasant expression will rind it easier to establish a rapport with others.

To maintain very good stage presence and personality, you should take care of your body Language as it leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Erect posture, pleasant facial expression, a smile sometimes, hand gestures, etc. are important aspects of a stage presence and reflecting your personality.

In body language, following two points are very important to remember.

Posture: Your appearance on the stake or inf: ont of a group.

1) Walk with your head erect and stand at ease at the podium. .

2) Be relaxed, both physically and’ mentally. Do not worry if you are little tense. It will be there only for a few. minutes ire the beginning of the speech.

3) If you carry note cards with you, keep them on the podium, and your hands on. the sides.

4) If you are not carrying any note cards or papers, and there is. no podium, just cross your palms, right palm above the left palm, keep it near to the navel.

5) Use your hands to make appropriate gestures while speaking. Hand gestures should match with the words you are saying.

6) If a microphone is being used, keep yourself eight to ten inches away from the microphone.

Eye Contact : You will Look more confident

1. Look at your audience and pause for a while before you say anything.
2. Make use of frequent and slight pauses during the speech.
3. Maintain eye contact, looking from one pair of eyes to another around the room.
4. If its too difficult for you to look into their eyes, at least look at their face portion only.
5. Do not look above the head or below the neck of the audience.
6. Do not look at windows, walls, ceiling. Listeners will feel that you are ignoring them.
7. Move your neck around the room, from left to right and vice versa, while speaking.
8. Do not look only at one section of the. audience, try to look at every one as much as possbile.

1. DESCRIBING A PROCESS :

1. a) Describing a process is the explanation of an activity or some kind of action taken  place.
2. b) It is the expression of different events that have occurred. in a step by step manner.
3. c) It should be described in an order of the occurrence, and also to emphasize the importance of the development of the process at different stages.
4. d) We should explain about the changes taken place at every stage, its progress and also how the process is being concluded.

For eg:

Preparation of Tea:

1) Ingredients Required.

2) Items required for preparation

3) General Process

4) End Result.

III. DESCRIBING AN OBJECT:

• Describing an object is the explanation of an item or a thing.
• We should start with its basic definition and explain what exactly the product is.
• Explain the application of the product and its function, for what purpose it is made.
• Then explain briefly its feature, specifications, size, quality and the overall physical attributes of the object.
• Describing its importance, its usage and its benefits for the user is also very important.

For Eg:

Computer:

1) Physical Components,

2) Technology,

3) Benefits.

1. ARGUING AND EXPRESSING ONESELF.

Argument is one form of conversation that mostly occurs when there are different and conflicting-opinions about the same topic-the speakers are involved. It can be only between two individuals or among a group of people. Generally, every one takes a particular stand for the topic they are speaking, either in informal situations like a friends group, or any other formal and professional situation like a team in the companies.

WRITING PARAGRAPH.

1. What is a paragraph?
2. How long should a paragraph be?
3. What are the various functions of paragraphs?           
   4. What are the ways in which paragraphs can be organized?
4. How can I know when to start a new paragraph?
5. How can I make my paragraphs most effective?

1. What is a paragraph?

Paragraphs are clusters of information supporting an essay’s main point (or advancing a story’s action). Aim for paragraphs that are clearly focused,  well developed, organized, coherent, and neither too long nor too short for easy reading.

Usually a group of related sentences unified by a single idea but occasionally as brief as a single sentence (or even a single word or phrase). The central, or controlling, idea of a paragraph is  often explicitly stated in a topic sentence. A paragraph is physically defined by the indentation of its first line.

First a paragraph should ordinarily be unified around a single thought. If the function of paragraphing is to help point out a writer’s main ideas, then it follows logically that separate ideas should be developed in separate paragraphs. Second, if the reader is to make sense of the text, all the paragraphs in a given piece of writing must be related to one another in some clear way.

Most paragraphs, though, include a number of sentences that develop and clarify one idea. A distinct section or subdivision of a chapter, letter, etc.., usually dealing with a particular point; it is begun on a new line, often indented.

The purpose of paragraphing is to give the reader a rest. The writer is saying to him: `Have „

you got that? If so, I’ll go on to the next point.’ There can be no general rule about the most

suitable length for a paragraph; a succession of very short ones is as irritating as very long ones are ; wearisome. The paragraph is essentially a unit of thought, not of length: it must be homogeneous in subject-matter and sequential in treatment. If a single sequence of treatment of a single subject means an unreasonably long paragraph, it may be divided into more than one. But passages that have not this unity must not be combined into one, even though each by itself may seem to make an unduly short paragraph.

Paragraphing is also a matter of the eye. A reader will address himself more readily to his task if he sees from the start that he will have breathing-spaces from time to time than if what is before him looks like a marathon course.

In summary, paragraph is a group of sentences focused on a single main idea and identified physically by indenting or beginning a new line.

2. How long should a paragraph be?

A paragraph is a unified unit of thought that can be of any length, that its sentences must be arranged m logical sequence, and that the end of a paragraph provides the reader a place to rest an absorb what he has just read.

There is no preferred length for a paragraph. It depends completely on the length of your thought. If you think in long, deep thoughts, you will produce long, deep paragraphs. If you think  in short, sharp bullets, your paragraphs will be like that, too.

In practice, lengths of paragraphs also depend on factors such as the style of the material,

its intended audience, and the width of the column in which it is to be printed. In general, the more sophisticated the style of writing, the longer the paragraphs. Whereas belletristic and highly technical paragraphs may extend to 200 to 400 words and 10 to 20 sentences, paragraphs for less- r formal writings may comprise only 100 words-or fewer (three to five sentences).

Paragraphs in newspapers commonly contain only one or two sentences and 30 to 50 words. Editors also say that one of the primary determiners of lengths of paragraphs is the need for white space, or breaks in the solid text that are provided by the indentations, of paragraphs.

The breaks can be inserted as frequently as every few lines (in newspapers with multiple columns) or as infrequently as every 10-20 lines (in serious books with single columns). I think,

though, that paragraphs in newspapers me short mainly because their thoughts are short.

The lengths of paragraphs divide into two groups. The shortest are for newspaper stories and editorials (l.1-1.3 and 3.2 sentences per paragraph, respectively), the longest for trade books and scientific articles (roughly 4 to 8 sentences per paragraph). This quick survey suggests that paragraphs in current scientific writing are similar in length to those in much other current writing, with averages of 3-8 sentences per paragraph. Paragraphs this short cannot have detailed

tures.

It wasn’t always so. Anyone who a glance at writings from a century or more ago sees that paragraphs were two or three times longer then. Why? Perhaps today’s shorter paragraphs are just reflecting our faster-paced lives and the pressure to read greater and greater amounts of material. Maybe we just don’t have the time to sit by the fire and luxuriate in paragraphs any more. Worse, maybe we no longer want to take the time.

3. What are the various functions of paragraphs?

Traditional textbooks on writing frequently confuse the function of a paragraph with its pattern of organization. Among the traditional “types” of paragraphs, which usually means functions rather than patterns of organization, are no less than eighteen:

1. Description
2. Details
3. Examples and illustrations
4. Chronological (narration)
5. Spatial
6. Process
7. Definition
8. Classification and division
9. Order of importance
10. Comparison and contrast
11. Topic-restriction—illustration
12. Topic-restriction-illustration-topic
13. Analogy
14. Question and answer
15. Cause and effect
16. Problem and solution
17. Deductive progression (from general to specific)
18. Inductive progression (from specific to general)

Thus the classical view is that you can do eighteen different things with paragraphs. But you can really do only sixteen, for the last two “functions,” inductive and deductive progressions are patterns of organization instead.

4. What are the ways in which paragraphs can be organized?

Paragraphs must meet the needs and expectations of their. readers, which are depend on the way we read and process the printer word.

Reading is like swallowing. As words are scanned by the eye, they enter a temporary repository in the brain (a mental “holding tank,” the analog of the mouth) where they accumulate until they can form a complete thought.

The brain then latches onto that thought (“understands” it) and dump it into a longer-term part of the brain along with others on the same subject (“swallows” it). This longer-term memory is also holding thoughts for later, larger-scale processing (acting as a sort of “supermouth”).

When enough thoughts have been accumulated, the brain “coinprehends” them as a group and dumps the higher-level thought up to the next level, and so forth.

These mental holding tanks have limited capacities that can easily be exceeded. when the brain is forced to hold too much information in its active memory (much like a computer’s RAM), it tires and begins to lose track of its contents.

Thus it is very important not to require the brain to hold too much information in suspension, as it were, before telling the brain what to do with it, i.e.., before signaling which part of the next level to dump it up to.

In paragraphs, the way to do this is to offer the reader as early as. possible a sense of where the paragraph is going. Of course, the degree of need for early orientation depends on factors such as the complexity of the material and the familiarity of the reader with the material.

The harder it is for the reader to process the material of a paragraph, the more important it is for that paragraph to provide good orientation near its beginning.

Of course, the same basic principles apply to the body of the paragraph as well. Because readers are constantly scanning, processing, and mapping, they need to know where they are at all times.

Thus, effective paragraphs will be laced with cues to their internal structure, much like road maps for the brain. The longer the paragraphs and the more difficult or unfamiliar its material, the more important these signposts become.

Large-scale structures of long paragraphs.

A common way to orient the reader to the content of a paragraph is to have the first sentence introduce the idea or give the conclusion. This so-called topic sentence produces a very effective two-part structure composed of introduction and development.

The introduction sets out the main idea of the paragraph; the rest of the paragraph develops it. Textbooks on composition commonly recommend this approach.

Topic sentences can also be placed at other locations, provided the reason is good enough. If placed as the second or third sentence, they can provide a transition from an introductory section to the discussion.

If placed at the end of the paragraph, they can inductively sum up that paragraph by helping the reader to “discover” the higher-level principle that explains everything (the answer). An inductive topic sentence can also be used to introduce subsequent paragraphs.

In longer paragraphs, the introduction may routinely be composed of more than one sentence. The remaining several sentences he calls .the discussion.

The sentence that appears at the end of the introductory section and that summarizes the thrust of the entire paragraph he calls the point sentence, or the point for short. Inductive paragraphs, with the point sentence last, he calls the point-last structure.

It is enlightening to examine the large-scale structures of actual classical

VOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND 

PRESENTATION

1. INTERVIEW

Interviews play a very important role in the modern world. It is the

main source through which an applicants’ skills are known. In a tradi-

tional setup. interviews were just used to fill in a vacancy. A ‘Wanted

Board’ was enough to make interested people aware of the vacancy. Sal-

ary. locality. recommendations and reservations played a key role in se-

lecting the candidate. rather than their skill. potential and suitability for

the job.

In the modern world. a wide range of advertisements and resources are

used to select the most suitable candidate. Modern interviews are scientific

processes. Selection depends on various factors. from personality and ap-

pearance to skills. qualifications and experience. The process is quite cos-

mopolitan in nature. Based on the situation. nature and purpose. interviews

are broadly divided into two categories. They are:

(i) Formal interview

(ii) Informal interview

1) Be confident about your capabilities. 1) Be dissuaded.

2) Sit comfortably and in an assertive 2) Relax and throw your body.

position. which would hamper your concentration.

3) Listen to the question clearly and 3) Be in a hurry to answer completely.

4) Note down the question. 4) Depend on your memory alone.

1. S) Analyse the question and give an apt answer.

6) Be very clear and audible.

7) Modulate your voice to a moderate pitch. 9) Frame the answer in your mind

1. IO) Make sure all the information you provide is true.  10) Donot blufl to impress the interviewer.

A clear conscience.  Aptness and spontaneity are the fundamental requirements of a telephonic interview. Informal interviews are conducted based on situation and purpose. It is an informal chat aimed at getting to know the candidate closely. Celebrity interviews and television chat shows fall under this category. Formal interviews are comparatively more serious. One type of formal interview is conducted to select the right candidate for a position in an organization. The purpose of this type of interview is to select the most skilled applicant for the job.

The following are the three popular kinds of interviews conducted to select a candidate:

Structured Interviews

In the case of structured interviews, a set of standard questions are asked. All candidates go through the same pattern. The obvious advantage is that the interviewer can easily compare candidates. since everyone is asked the same basic questions. On the other hand, it deprives the interview of spontaneity and tends to make all interviews alike.

Stress Interviews

Some interviewers deliberately employ techniques that place the candidate under pressure. One common technique employed is to counter question the candidate on the basis of earlier replies until the candidate gives up. Another tactic is to ask the candidate unexpected questions. This interview reveals how well the candidate performs in pressure situations.

Depth Interviews

Here, all questions that crop up in the interview are explored thoroughly. The interviewer will not be content with superficial responses. Each response is further probed to explore inconsistencies. weakness in argument. lack of complete understanding of the subject matter. etc.

Telephonle Interviews

the increased number of call centres make many business companies depend on the telephone. Many companies use telephones to interview their applicants. Contacting the applicants over the telephone for pre-interview or for an interview session has become commonplace.  Idft is used to narrow down the pool of applicants and to select desirable and suitable candidates to TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS

1. Always plan what you want to talk about.
2. Concentrate on the voice pattern.
3. Speak in a clear voice.
4. Avoid long pauses.
5. Respond simply. directly and enthusiastically.
6. Always keep a glass of water handy.
7. Maintain the highest level of concentration.
8. Move into a peaceful place.
9. Be relaxed.
10. Smile through the phone.
11. Keep the conversation interesting and easy to follow.
12. Always keep a paper and a pen within reach.
13. Keep a list of key words and a copy of your resume on desk.
14. Role play practice may help in the telephone interview.
15. Always end on a positive note.

Useful Phrases

1. I’m calling from…
2. I would like to make an appointment with…

Interview Skills

iii. Would it be possible to make an appointment with…

1. When will she be available?

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW

The candidate must be physically, mentally and psychologically prepared

for the interview. Pre-interview preparation techniques include self-analysis. subject revision. company analysis. analysing your background.  identifying your achievements and accomplishments. identifying your special interests and hobbies and  analyzing your skills.The candidate must know his strengths and weaknesses so as to project himself successfully.

Self-analysis is the first step towards effective planning for a job interview.

self- introduction clearly and briefly is very important for the candidate to get the attention of the interviewer. You should be able to narrate it within a minute or two. It includes name, father’s name, home town, age, career objective,  family background, strength and hobbies.

Analyse Your Background

If the candidate has the right educational and professional background. He should highlight this during the interview. He should be able to present it in at least two minutes in a polite manner.

Identifying Your Accomplishments and Achievements. Accomplishments reflect special skills, whereas your achievements are academic and professional successes.

Identifying Your Special Interests and Hobbies You should be able to present your hobbies, as stated in your curriculum vitae, during the course of the interview.

Analyse Your Skills

Every job has a set of functions and also requires certain skills to perform. Analysing your skills relating to the position offered by the interviewer is essential during the interview.

Body Language

While choosing candidates for different jobs. the interviewer also looks for certain other qualities, such as:

       Appearance

A person’s general appearance depends on several things.  The most important factors that contribute to appearance are grooming and personal hygiene, Care of skin, nails, feet, and hair is also necessary.

2. Dress

The right dress makes you look smart during the interview. Comb your hair well. Men should remember to shave. and women should wear a dress they are comfortable in. Shoes should also be well-polished.

3. Personality Projection

The interviewer focuses mainly on personality projection. i.e. whether the candidate’s personality suits the job or not.

4. Posture

It is the way we stand or sit that reflects our feelings. thoughts, attitudes and health. A stiff posture shows tension. while comfortably leaning back  conveys are laxedmood. A graceful posture is a great asset in any interview.

5. Facial Expression

Sometimes the interviewer may judge the listener’s reaction by his/her facial expressions.  which can act as instant feedback.

6. Eye Contact

it is a very important communicative factor. Eye contact between the interviewer and an interviewee is essential for indicating that both are interested in the interaction.

7. Gestures

The interviewee should be observant about his own movements. i.e. he should ensure that he does not move while answering. and end up appearing stiff and mechanical. Movements are closely related to one’s personality. as no two persons make exactly the same gestures.

8. Paralanguage

Non-verbal aspects of the spoken word are known as paralanguage. Which includes the quality of your voice as well as the sounds we make without altering the words. Tone (quality of the voice).  volume (loudness). pitch (high note on the scale). accent (the way a person pronouncesthe sounds of the language) and intonation (up and down of the voice) are all part of paralanguage. Hence. it is very important for the candidate to speak with clarity.

9. Probing Questions

Reflective Questions

These are intended to confirm the statements given by the candidates. For

example:     That means you want reservations banned.

That means you are against the freedom of the press.

loaded Questions

Loaded questions are asked to judge the candidates’ ability to handle sensitive and difficult situations.

For example:   You don’t have the typing skills. How do you justify that?

Questions Commonly Asked in Interviews

Tell me something about yourself.

What do you know about ouroompany?

Why should we hire you?

What according to you, are your strengths and weaknesses?

Which is more important to you? Status or salary?

What are your latest achievements?

Why do you want to leave your present job?

How long do you anticipate staying with our company?

Can you work well under pressure and tight deadlines?

1. Be firm regarding your opinions.
2. Be confident-a prerequisite to great achievements.
3. Be mature in answering and behaviour.
4. Be dressed in clean. well-ironed and comfortable clothes.
5. Be careful regarding shoes-leather and well-polished.
6. Be aware regarding your hair; keep it well-trimmed.
7. Be dressed in dark-coloured trousers and a light-coloured full-sleeve shirt.
8. Make sure you shave well.
9. Be in sari-blouse/salwar-kameez.
10. Put on simple jewellery and make-up.
11. Be cool and relaxed.
12. Keep your answers to the point.
13. Be sure to read the morning newspaper.
14. Be sure to reach the venue before time. Allow some extra time for traffic jams on the way.
15. Wish the interviewers pleasantly after entering the room.
16. Be a good listener. so that you know what is being asked.
17. If invited to ask a question. you may ask a question or two regarding the job.
18. While asking. do keep your questions short.
19. After the interview is over. get up and thank the interviewer(s).
20. Say ‘Good day!‘. while leaving the room.
21. Be polite.
22. After a day or two. you could write a polite and a formal letter thanking them.

1. Be guided by emotions and external impressions.
2. Have nagging selfodoubts.
3. Be immature in answering and in your behaviour.
4. Be in shabby. informal. ill-fitting clothes.
5. Wear sports shoes/chappal.
6. Let your hair fall over collar or ears.
7. Wear bright. gaudy or excessively patterned dresses.
8. Be in jeans. T-shirts or short skirts.
9. Apply excessive make up or wear excessive jewellery.
10. Be too tense.

PRESENTATION SKILLS

Presenting information clearly and effectively is a key skill to get your message or opinion across and, today, presentation skills are required in almost every field.

Whether you are a student, administrator or executive, if you wish to start up your own business, apply for a grant or stand for an elected position, you may very well be asked to make a presentation. This can be a very daunting prospect. Our guide is designed to help.

If, in this position, the first thing you do is open up PowerPoint, then you should probably first spend some time developing your presentation skills.  Delivering an inspirational or captivating presentation requires a lot of preparation and work, and you may not even need PowerPoint at all!

Many people feel terrified when asked to make their first public talk, but these initial fears can be reduced by good preparation which will also lay the groundwork for making an effective presentation.

Quick Guide to Effective Presentations

If you really need to learn quickly, then a really good place to start is with our Top Tips for Effective Presentations.

This will give you some ‘quick wins’ that will help you improve your presentations, and if you’re already an experienced presenter, hopefully take them from good to great.

Our tips include general ideas about connecting with your audience, through information about the importance of voice and body language, to detailed tips about preparing slide-shows.

But the most important tip of all?

It’s all about your audience.

Keep that in mind, and your presentation skills will almost instantly improve.

If you have more time to develop your presentation skills…

…then the Presentation Skills section of SkillsYouNeed is designed to help.

Our Presentation Skills section is split into two parts.

The first gives you a step-by-step guide to making a professional and effective presentation.

The second provides more detailed information about presenting and communicating in particular circumstances.

Our step-by-step guide includes the following areas:

What is a Presentation?

A presentation is a means of communication which can be adapted to various speaking situations, such as talking to a group, addressing a meeting or briefing a team. To be effective, step-by-step preparation and the method and means of presenting the information should be carefully considered.

Preparing a Presentation

Preparation is the most important part of making a successful presentation.  This is the crucial foundation and there should be no short-cuts.

See Preparing A Presentation.

Organising the Presentation Material

Irrespective of whether the occasion is formal or informal, you should always aim to give a clear, well-structured delivery.

You should know exactly what you want to say and the order in which you want to say it.  Clarity of ideas and good organisation should result in a lively, logical and compelling message.

See Organising the Material.

Writing Your Presentation

Before you write your presentation, you should already have started to prepare by developing your ideas and selecting the main points to include.

Deciding the Presentation Method

Once you have decided on your key messages, and thought about organising your material, you next need to think about how you will present. Presentations range from the formal to the informal, and your choice of presentation method will depend on many factors, including the audience, the venue, the facilities, and your own preferences.

Managing your Presentation Notes

Few people are able to give a presentation without notes. You will need to know your own abilities and decide how best to make the presentation. You might manage your talk by using full text, notes on cue cards, keywords on cue cards, or mind maps.

Working with Visual Aids

Most visual aids will need advance preparation and should be operated with efficiency.

Only use visual aids if they are necessary to maintain interest and assist comprehension: do not use them just to demonstrate your technological prowess. If visual aids are used well, they will enhance a presentation by adding impact and strengthening audience involvement, but if not, they can ruin a presentation.

Presenting Data

There are times when using data in a presentation can really help you to tell the story better. But it’s important not to blind your audience with statistics, and also to remember that many people find numbers difficult to understand.

Managing the Event

The practicalities of how you manage your presentation can make a significant difference to its success, and to your nerves! Learn how to cope, and also about managing sound systems, audio-visual equipment and lecterns.

Coping with Presentation Nerves

It is entirely natural to feel nervous before making a presentation.

Fortunately, there are some tried and tested strategies and techniques to manage your nerves so that you can concentrate on delivering an effective and engaging presentation.

Dealing with Questions

Decide in advance how and when you wish to handle questions. Some speakers prefer questions to be raised as they arise during the presentation whilst others prefer to deal with questions at the end. At the start of your presentation, you should make clear your preferences to the audience.

Self-Presentation in Presentations

Finally, how you present yourself can affect how your audience responds to your presentation.

You need to fit with your audience’s expectations if they are not going to spend quite a large chunk of your presentation dealing with the differences between expectations and reality.

For more about aspects of self-presentation, see our page on Self-Presentation in Presentations.

Presenting Under Particular Circumstances

You may find that you need to give a presentation under certain circumstances, where your previous experience is less helpful.

Circumstances that may be new to you include:

• Presentations in Interviews
• Presenting to Large Groups and Conferences
• Giving Lectures and Seminars
• Giving a Speech

One particular special case is attending public consultation meetings.

Finally, how you present yourself can affect how your audience responds to your presentation.

You need to fit with your audience’s expectations if they are not going to spend quite a large chunk of your presentation dealing with the differences between expectations and reality.

For more about aspects of self-presentation, see our page on Self-Presentation in Presentations.

Presenting Under Particular Circumstances

You may find that you need to give a presentation under certain circumstances, where your previous experience is less helpful.

Circumstances that may be new to you include:

• Presentations in Interviews
• Presenting to Large Groups and Conferences
• Giving Lectures and Seminars
• Giving a Speech

One particular special case is attending public consultation meetings.

GROUP DISCUSSION

1) It is a formal situation.

2) Where several members comprising a group will have an argumentative conversation on a specific topic.

3) A group discussion is not Pre-planned: it is a spontaneous exchange of views on a given topic or a subject.

4) The topic of discussion usually is controversial in nature such as to lead individual members of the group to hold different often conflicting opinions.

5) The members of the group discussion should remember the following tips:

1. a) Take the initiative and start the discussion.
2. b) Talk to the point.
3. c) Be specific to the topic. Do not deviate from the main subject. d) Do not shout. Just keep your voice audible to all.
4. e) Do not become emotional depending on the opinions of the other members.
5. f) ever allow cross talks. Control the crowd if there is so much confusion and noise
6. g) Allow non-speakers to speak. Invite them into the discussion.
7. h) You can counter ‘attack the opinions of the members, but never attack them on a

personal-level,

1. i) Body Language is also important. Maintain eye contact with all in the group.
2. J) Do not change your original opinion.
3. k) Do not lose your temper. Do not use rough Langauge:
4. l) Speak in a friendly tone. Use phrases such as “Excuse me”, “My Friend”, “Thank You” m) Sit in a confident posture. Keep a pleasant face expression. Do not show your anger.

6) If you have taken the initiative and started the discussion, then you must take the responsibility of summarizing the discussion and concluding it.

7) Generally a resolution is also passed at the end according to the opinion of the majority.