Public Speaking 101

Have you ever though about the difficulties of public speaking? So much is required of a person speaking to the public.  This person essentially must perform in respect for her audience.  She must grab  attention, present her topic, and convey her message with precision.  There are many guidelines that a public speaker should follow when delivering a message to an audience.  Six of these guidelines can be found on the website, The Genard Method.  

The guidelines are as follows:

• “Make the Audience the Center of Your Universe”– Focusing on the audience relieves the pressure of the audience focusing on you.
• “Focus on Relationships”– The content of your speech can not exist on it’s own. Engage, interpret, and relate your content to your audience.
• “Understand Your Purpose”– Be aware of your intent and your audience.  Are you going to inform? Question? Persuade? Be sure to understand what your purpose is.
• “Use Your Body”– Make sure to use appropriate body language to communicate your message to the audience.
• “Color Your Vocal Delivery”– Use vocal dynamics to keep your speech interesting.
• “Boost Your Skills at Q & A”– Be prepared to answer questions when the audience challenges you.

It is apparent that Emma Watson’s U.N. speech on gender equality is an exceptional example of the guidelines a public speaker should be following.  Ms. Watson uses her own experiences and shares them with the audience so that her audience will know that they are important to her.  Watson establishes the relationship with her audience by engaging them with her eye contact and her serious demeanor.  Ms. Watson commands her audience to address gender equality with full respect.  Watson uses intentional gestures and physical expressions to emphasize her points.  Ms. Watson also uses inflections in her voice to stress and give meaning to her words.  Lastly, while there is not a question/answer format to her speech, the audience does react with affirmation to support her stance on gender equality.