SPEAKING SKILLS
1. Definition
Speaking is an interactive process of constructing meaning that involves producing and receiving and processing information.
HOW TO SPEAK
Speak like a STAR
S – Situation
A – Attitude
T – Task
R – Result
Three E’S of speaking
- Entertainingly
- Enthusiastically
- Effectively
2. Objectives of speaking skills
- Develop the ability to speak effectively and with confidence
- To express ourselves fluently using appropriate grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
- How to perform common language functions in social situations, such as making a request, asking for clarifications, giving and accepting invitations and so on
- Develop our oral skills for academic purposes (making presentations, participating in debates, extempore speech, group discussions and so on).
- To develop comprehensive and composition skills
- The knowledge of figure of speech e.g. irony, metaphor, simile and personification
3. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPEAKING & TALKING
There is not much difference between speak and talk. They are usually both possible in most situations. Talk is less formal than speak. In fact, talk is the usual word to refer to informal communication.
Talk is less formal than speak. In fact, talk is the usual word to refer to informal communication.
- I want to talk to you.
- I think you should talk to him.
- I don’t know why she has stopped talking to me.
- I would like to talk to you about the film I watched yesterday.
- Stop talking nonsense.
- We talked for an hour.
Speak is often used for exchanges in more serious or formal situations.
- Speak your mind.
- I was so shocked that I could hardly speak.
- They are not speaking anymore.
- Actions speak louder than words.
Speak is not usually used before sense, nonsense and other words with similar meanings.
- PROCESS OF SPEAKING SKILLS
- BARRIERS OF SPEAKING SKILL
- Semantic barrier
- Lack of common language
- Poor vocabulary
- Use of jargons
- Poor grammar, punctuations
- Round about verbiage
- Lack of clarity in message
- Organizational barrier
- Complexity in organizational structure
- Status and positions
- Policies, rules and regulations
- Wrong choice of medium
- Communication overload
- Fear of superiors
- Psycholochical barrier
- Attitudes and values
- Difference in perceptions
- Past experience
- Source incredibility
- Abstraction
- Filtration
- Resistance to change
Other barriers
Cultural difference
Distance and time
Technical problems
Fear
Poor communication skills
Insufficient adjustment periods
6. OVERCOMING BARRIERS
· Nature of Perception
Perception is an important part of the communication process, and it is important to recognize that other people’s perceptions may be different from our own in several ways.
- Get feedback from the receiver
Don’t just ask, ‘Do you Understand?’. They will more often than not say ‘yes’ because they see things in the way they want to understand it. Ask instead what is their understanding of the message, and how they see it.
- As often as possible, speak face-to-face
This will allow for questions and, most importantly, allow you to see the body language, which will convey much more meaning than over the phone or through email.
- Use language that fits the audience.
Don’t try to impress by using language and words that may be distorted by the listener(s). It simply makes them confused and inadequate. Plus, they won’t be listening to you while they try to work out what on earth you are on about.
- Use the right communication channel.
Don’t send an email if it’s quicker to pick up the phone or go and talk to the person. Use email for its proper purpose. We are rapidly losing the art of conversation…don’t add to that by using the wrong channel.
- Have integrity and honesty in your communications
If you are seen as being someone who lacks integrity, this will immediately be noticed and even more barriers will be built up between you and the listener.
- Make it easy for others to listen to you
Make your communication style that one of a conversationalist, one who is able to make a point quickly, succinctly and with conviction. If your key message is lost in the morass of a thousand words, people will wonder what you mean and what the purpose is. Clarity and brevity are the watchwords.
7. Tips to become good speaker
- Make eye contact.
- Have a point and stick to it
- Speak clearly.
- Adjust your speech for your audience.
- Don’t use one tone the entire speech.
- Be interesting.
- Don’t patronize.
- Speak up.
- Be honest.
- Organize what you’re saying especially in long speeches
- Be polite, follow social conventions and be rational.
- Use your hands
- Get interactive.
- Chat up audience members before your presentation.
8. BENEFITS OF GOOD SPEAKING SKILL
• Developing courage
It takes courage (at least at first) to stand up on the stage and talk, even when you may feel like running away and hiding. By facing your demons you can learn to face and overcome even more situations, becoming a more courageous person in the process.
• Building confidence
There is no doubt that you need confidence to speak on a public stage and also that speaking on a public stage can help you become more confident. Just as being courageous once makes you more courageous at other times, so also does acting in a confident way makes you generally a more confident person.
• Learning to argue
When you present, you often need to put forward a coherent argument. In the preparation that you have to do, in the practice and on the actual stage of public speaking, you will learn much about the art of argument, especially if you get to engage with your audience in some form of question and answer.
English Study Material 