Why public speaking is important – Public speaking is an act or process of speaking to a group of people in a structured deliberate manner with a view to educating, persuading and informing the audience. It is also an oral presentation in which a speaker addresses an audience. With these definitions, it is obvious that public speaking involves speaking and this can be likened to conversation.
Public speaking is a planned, deliberate and a purposeful speech that is meant for a target audience. It has its root in democratic governance which all started in classical Greece. The process of delivering an address to a public audience and the act of people coming to see the speaker and listen to the speech making is known as public speaking.
Looking at our contemporary society, the aim of every man in life is to make a difference in the society. This makes all men to strive in order to make a difference either by turning the world around in their little way or by making an impact for the coming generation to see. This also applies to public speaking. It must make a difference.
Why public speaking is important is because it gives possible ways of making a difference. These are by persuading people to do the right thing, by informing people and by entertaining them. These are the major goals of public speaking and are also reflected in everyday conversation.
Why Public Speaking is Important
One of the reason why public speaking is important is that it help to motivate people. A great public speaker attains the power to motivate his or her audience to do something, stop doing something, change a behavior, or reach objectives.
Public speakers are leaders who are able to inspire their audience to work harder to achieve their goals.
As a public speaker, your role is to influence your listeners and create an environment where everyone walks out ready to roll.
You are not merely giving a speech in the attempt to get your audience to take a certain action; speakers are part of the action and can convey their passion and drive.
Public speaking help to bring people together. Within your company or on your team, public speaking is a way to bring workers together. When many people feel confident in public speaking, workers will speak their mind and collaborate better together.
Public Speaking Skills
Public speaking requires the same skills used in ordinary everyday conversation.
Majority of people who speak well in daily talk can also learn to speak well in public speaking.
This is because it requires a wide range of skills when talking to people and these skills are as follows:
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Organization
There is no listener that will want to listen to an unorganized talk. Any form of conversation or speech must be well organized.
There must be a flow of thought from one conversation to another. There is need for a systematic or chronological arrangement of information.
Any man that talks in an unorganized way will be called a lunatic. For instance, if a man is talking to his wife on what to do, he must give an organized instruction.
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Feedback
Anytime conversation or public speaking takes place, there is need to be conscious of audience reactions which could be verbal, facial or physical.
Both public speaking and everyday conversation must have impact on the life of the listeners.
No person will ever want to sit down and listen to unfruitful conversation or speech. They both have a specific message to pass across to the listeners.
Differences Between Public Speaking and Conversation
There are certain differences between conversation and public speaking. Some of these differences are explained below:
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Public speaking uses formal language
In conversation, slang, jargon and bad grammar can be use but have little or no place in public speaking. Listeners usually react negatively to speakers who do not have a good knowledge of the language used in addressing them. A speech is meant to be “special”. The language of formal speaking must reflect formality and decency.
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Public speaking is highly structured
It usually imposes strict time limitation on the speaker. It also requires much more detailed planning and preparation than ordinary conversation. In most cases, public speaking does not allow listeners to interrupt with questions or commentaries.
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Public speaking appears purposefully
There is an occasion that calls for it. Public speech is planned. Even, when it is impromptu, it still needs planning. Conversation doesn’t need planning.
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Public speaking requires a different method of delivery
Delivery in public speaking matters a lot as speakers’ manner of delivery determines the success grade.