Interaction or communication is important to achieve total excellence in
relaying a message or a conversation. The speaker or speakers play a vital role
to ensure the intended message is being relayed. It is not easy to talk well but
sales personnel, insurance agents and direct selling agents are able to achieve
their targets because of their influential talks.
The first requisite for a good speaker is to have a good voice. The speaker
must have a voice that is neither too loud. too low, inaudible, nor harsh. What
the speaker needs is a voice that is sweet and far-reaching. A god voice is
sometimes God's gift. Some people are gifted with the voice that can arrest and
attract you. However, an experienced speaker will comment that this can be
cultivated to the required quality.
The expression on the look is also important. It is good to have a good
expressive face. No one likes to see a face that has an ugly expression on the
physical outlook. Put on a happy look because a smile speaks a thousand words.
The physical appearance and gestures of the speaker are very important too.
The audience will be sitting in a room looking at a speaker who must be pleasant
though not necessarily beautiful. As the saying goes, 'mankind normally judges a
person by the looks'. Therefore, this criteria is important to ensure everyone
gives the due respect and attention. Some speakers try to tempt their audience
with their physical gestures. However, overdoing will not help. It only
distracts the attention of the listeners and soon, you will be surprised that
people might be leaving the room.
The length of a speech is a matter of importance. An hour is long enough for
a good public speech. The secret of success is the art of omission. Leave the
audience with a feeling that you have spoken effectively. Bear in mind the pulse
of the audience. Stop before the audience gets tired or restless.
An effective speaker must arouse the interest of his audience. It is
important to retain the attention of his audience. Practice makes perfect. It's
easier said than done, but learn to adapt to the situation. Adding a little
humor is also a powerful tool. It is alright to make the audience laugh their
way out once in a while. This is a part of the traits of an effective speaker.
Good anecdotes and stories are great aids to speaking. Of course the speaker
must avoid becoming a bore by telling stories only. However, make it a point by
sharing a short story that amuses or anecdotes that can send a nerve sensation
tot he minds of the listeners. Quotations are very useful in speaking. But they
are most apt when they come to you spontaneously.
A day or two before the presentation, prepare your speech in advance. The
best preparation is to make a mental note of the points. Plan how to begin the
speech and also to close the speech. Ensure that the speech is logical and
closely argued. Make sure that all the points have been well stressed.
Another criteria to take into consideration is the language. Use standard
English if you are required to present them. Never use bombastic language. The
language must be simple, easy to understand and clear.
Finally, always do a research on your audience. study the audience carefully.
Who are they ? What do they want to listen and their needs ? Address them at the
beginning of your presentation. Watch and see how they react. Remember to adjust
your speech to the audience. There are different kinds of audience. Some are
easy to address. Others may be slightly hostile. So adapt to the situation.
Employ all the weapons of an effective speaker to convince your audience and
make them realize that there is a good deal to be said from your point o view. |