Public speaking has various forms with different purposes and intended audiences. These forms include political speeches, professional presentations, class presentations, keynote addresses, situational talks at a wedding or a funeral, and sharing key ideas, such as in the popular TED talks.
Most people at some time must speak in public. Many hate and fear the thought. In some instances, they should. A lot can hang on it. Evidence shows that a poor public presentation by a leader can severely negatively impact people’s perception of that person as a leader. Sometimes, therefore, the stakes can be very high indeed.
Yet, there is a wide variety of training and literature and information available to help people speak better, more successfully, and more effectively in public. This material draws on experience, research, ancient rhetoric and modern neuroscience insights.
To be sure, some public speaking training can result in clearly orchestrated behaviour. This type of performance is awkward to watch and hear. You feel the cringe. You anticipate the moves. The embarrassment is palpable.
At its best, however, public speaking training and learning allow people to express themselves authentically while paying attention to good communication techniques. It will enable the self to come through and offer the gift of something helpful and transformative to the listeners.
A vital feature of some modern public speaking literature is the importance of stories. Stories can inform, entertain, inspire, and persuade. They create an emotional connection between the speaker and the listeners. People can learn to discover, design, and deliver stories for maximum impact. Yet, if this is to happen, they need to be told and told well.
Not everyone can be a great public speaker. But there are better and worse ways of making a public presentation. Small things can make a considerable difference. These include making better use of silence instead of slides.
I find this a helpful, accessible, modern introduction to public speaking.
Stuart McLeod Blythe 