Pocket Guide to Public Speaking

by Pfeiffer, William S.

• ISBN13: 9780130415448
• ISBN10: 0130415448
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-05-22
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

This brief and practical book offers immediate help in preparing and delivering all kinds of oral presentations. It covers the five elements of the speech process and includes guidelines, supporting examples, and practical exercises to reinforce the skills being learned.Chapter topics provide an overview of public speaking, and then outline the methodical process that is the key to effective speakingresearch, organization, text, graphics, and delivery.For engineers, sales executives, human resources personnel, scientists, and anyone who wants to build confidence speaking in front of an audience.

Table of Contents

Preface
Overview of Public Speaking	1	(14)
SLMR (``slimmer'') Speech Model	2	(3)
Speaker	3	(1)
Listener	3	(1)
Message	4	(1)
Response	4	(1)
Speech Types: Based on Delivery Method	5	(2)
Verbatim	5	(1)
Memorized	6	(1)
Extemporaneous	6	(1)
Impromptu	7	(1)
Speech Types: Based on Purpose	7	(3)
Informative Speeches	8	(1)
Persuasive Speeches	8	(1)
Occasional Speeches	9	(1)
Five Elements in the Speech Process	10	(3)
Research	10	(1)
Organization	11	(1)
Text	11	(1)
Graphics	12	(1)
Delivery	12	(1)
Chapter Summary	13	(1)
Exercises	13	(2)
Research	15	(22)
Finding Information about the Audience	16	(6)
Understanding the Audience Problem	16	(2)
Sorting by Technical Level	18	(1)
Sorting by Decision-Making Level	19	(1)
Gauging the Audience	20	(2)
Finding Information about the Topic	22	(7)
Choosing a Topic	22	(3)
Using Online Catalogs	25	(1)
Using the Library	26	(2)
Conducting Interviews	28	(1)
Using Borrowed Information	29	(5)
Avoiding Plagiarism	30	(1)
Tracking Borrowed Material	30	(4)
Chapter Summary	34	(1)
Exercises	35	(2)
Organization	37	(18)
Background on the ABC Format	38	(3)
Guidelines for the ABC Format	41	(7)
Abstract Section	41	(4)
Body Section	45	(2)
Conclusion Section	47	(1)
Outlines	48	(3)
Reasons for Outlines	48	(1)
Guidelines for Outlines	49	(2)
Chapter Summary	51	(2)
Exercises	53	(2)
Text	55	(20)
Definition	56	(5)
Background on Definition	56	(1)
Guidelines for Definition	57	(4)
Description	61	(2)
Background on Description	61	(1)
Guidelines for Description	61	(2)
Classification/Division	63	(3)
Background on Classification/Division	65	(1)
Guidelines for Classification/Division	65	(1)
Guidelines for Division	65	(1)
Comparison/Contrast	66	(3)
Background on Comparison/Contrast	66	(1)
Guidelines for Comparison/Contrast	67	(2)
Argument	69	(3)
Background on Argument	69	(1)
Guidelines for Argument	69	(3)
Chapter Summary	72	(1)
Exercises	72	(3)
Graphics	75	(34)
General Guidelines for Speech Graphics	76	(3)
Preparing Graphics	76	(2)
Using Graphics	78	(1)
Specific Guidelines for Eight Graphics	79	(21)
Tables	80	(2)
Pie Charts	82	(3)
Bar Charts	85	(4)
Line Charts	89	(2)
Schedule Charts	91	(2)
Flowcharts	93	(2)
Organization Charts	95	(1)
Technical Drawings	95	(5)
Misuse of Graphics	100	(4)
Description of the Graphics Problem	100	(1)
Examples of Distored Graphics	100	(2)
Special Issues Related to PowerPoint	102	(2)
Chapter Summary	104	(1)
Exercises	105	(4)
Delivery	109	(18)
Final Preparations	110	(3)
Options for Notes	110	(2)
Options for Practice	112	(1)
Giving the Speech	113	(5)
Guidelines for Delivery	113	(3)
Guidelines for the Question-and-Answer Period	116	(2)
Dealing with Nervousness	118	(6)
Reasons for Speaking Anxiety	118	(1)
Zen and the Art of Reducing Anxiety	119	(5)
Chapter Summary	124	(1)
Exercises	125	(2)
Appendix: Sample Speech	127	(12)
Index	139

Excerpts

Good speeches should start by giving listeners three main pieces of information: Purpose: What purpose does the speech have? Importance: What importance does the speech have? Plan: What plan will the speech follow?It may not surprise you that thisPIPformula applies not only to speeches but also to writing--from business proposals to handbooks like this one. So without delay, let's examine the purpose, importance, and plan for this book. PURPOSE OF THEPOCKET GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKINGThis little book aims to help three main groups improve their skills in public speaking: Students in introductory speech classes that focus less on reading about speeches and more on preparing and delivering them Students in other courses that require speeches and thus may use the book as a secondary text Employees needing an on-the-job reference guide about speeches or a handbook for seminars on the subjectNot many people in any of these groups actually look forward to public speaking. Speeches force us outside our usual "comfort zone" of interpersonal, informal communication and into a "risky zone" of communication with larger groups in more formal situations. But because most of us do enjoy speaking informally, one key to good public speaking is to transfer skills we already display in less stressful contexts-such as conversations with friends or meetings with colleagues--to the formal contexts covered in this book. ThePocket Guide to Public Speakingwill help you make this transition.You've probably heard that every obstacle in life can be viewed conversely as an opportunity for learning. This book encourages you to see every speaking event as an opportunity to educate your audience. Public speaking also helps you grow personally and professionally. Just as you learn more about a subject in the process of preparing to write a report or proposal, you also learn more about a subject in the process of preparing to speak about it to others. View each speech as a chance to learn as much during the preparation process as you want your audience to learn during its delivery.In short, improving your speaking skills first requires you to focus your attention and discard negative thoughts. Then you can proceed to follow the guidelines in this book for preparing and delivering your best speech. Adopting a positive attitude and working hard go hand in hand. IMPORTANCE OF THIS BOOK TO YOUWe've established that the act of preparing and delivering speeches requires a great attitude and hard work. It's only natural for you to ask, "Why are speeches worth all this effort?"The answer is that success in your professional life will depend on your speaking skills--either because you regularly will be asked to speak before groups or because you will occasionally be asked to do so. In the first case, much of your job may involve presenting new ideas to colleagues in your own organization or speaking about products or services to your customers. In the second case, you may toil away for years before you get that first request to speak before supervisors, clients, or professional colleagues. In either scenario, your next promotion, your next job, or your professional credibility may depend on the skills emphasized in this book.Besides helping you influence others, there's another equally important reason to use this book in refining your speaking skills. Every time you deliver a competent presentation you add to a reservoir of self-confidence that spills over into the rest of your life. Success in public speaking breeds success in interpersonal communication because similar skills are at work. Your ability to inform, persuade, and entertain in an oral presentation increases the likelihood that you will run a more effective meeting, give a better job