Lecture 3 Being a Good Public Speaker

Summary

In this lecture, Professor Akua introduces the fundamentals of public speaking, emphasizing that it is a skill that can be developed rather than an innate talent. She discusses key components such as drawing on conversational and writing skills, developing an effective oral style, and respecting differences. She illustrates her points with examples, including famous speakers like Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. The lecture also covers practical advice on speech preparation, audience analysis, and the importance of cultural awareness in effective communication.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Public speaking is a skill that most people are not born with and must be developed over time.
• 🎓 There are exceptions like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy, who seemed to have a natural gift for public speaking.
• 📚 The lecture supplements the textbook and other course materials, emphasizing the importance of learning how to deliver a speech effectively.
• 🤝 A good public speaker utilizes conversational skills to engage the audience and make the speech sound natural rather than robotic.
• 📝 Composition skills are essential for public speaking; speakers should prepare full-sentence outlines to structure their speeches.
• 🎨 Developing an effective oral style is crucial, which includes the speaker's unique way of speaking and the vocabulary they use.
• 👁️ Demonstrating respect for differences is vital for public speakers, including cultural nuances and inclusive language.
• 👂 Listening and understanding the audience's needs and expectations is key to tailoring a speech effectively.
• 👀 Eye contact and acknowledging all parts of the audience are important to avoid making anyone feel slighted.
• 📑 Note cards are recommended for speeches to help with delivery without relying on reading from a full manuscript.
• 🔑 The four key hallmarks of a good public speaker are conversational skills, writing skills, an effective oral style, and respect for differences.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Lecture Three as presented by Professor Akua?

The main topic of Lecture Three is public speaking, focusing on what it is and what it isn't, as well as the skills and attributes that contribute to effective public speaking.

According to Professor Akua, are people born with the ability to be excellent public speakers?

Professor Akua states that most people are not born with the ability to be excellent public speakers, suggesting that it is a skill that must be developed over time, although there may be exceptions like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy.

What is an example of a skill set that a good public speaker should develop, as mentioned by Professor Akua?

A good public speaker should develop conversational skills, writing skills, an effective oral style, and demonstrate respect for differences.

Why is it important for a public speaker to draw on their conversational skills?

Drawing on conversational skills helps a speaker to come across as more engaging and relatable, making the speech sound less robotic and more like a natural interaction, which is more appealing to the audience.

How does Professor Akua suggest students prepare their speeches for the course?

Students should prepare full-sentence outlines for their speeches, which will then be used to create supporting PowerPoint slides and note cards for their presentations.