People who speak before an audience are considered speakers, using the speech art to persuade a group of people. The speech usually has one or several fixed objectives and seeks to cause some effects on the audience. These effects can range from motivating the audience, informing them, changing their point of view, interest them, presenting a problem, giving an alert message, etc.
To achieve his goal, the speaker aims to draw the attention of the public, arouse interest in them in order to more effectively convey their message. It should be taken in mind that the speaker can be individual or belong to a speaking agency.
What skills should a good speaker have?
1.- Preparation
He should be an expert on the subject he will speak about, correctly developing the arguments and being ready to answer any specialized questions that may be asked. The speaker’s knowledge on the subject is what allows the speech to remain fluid, without hesitation at any time and without causing distrust in the public due to a lack of knowledge. It is also important to be prepared for each event, that means to know the event room or venue well and to know all the technologies that will be used.
2.- Good presence
He should have a good presence, dress well and take into account the audience he is addressing. A good presence also includes a good posture, with the shoulders slightly back, showing security and determination at all times. It must also move through the different sectors of the public, making the discourse more dynamic and show great enthusiasm.
3.- Credibility
If, on occasion, he receives a question that he can not answer due to a lack of knowledge, it is better to acknowledge his limitations before attempting to deceive the public with false answers. Trying to answer always is one of the many mistakes that can be made.
4.- Practice
Not for the simple fact of knowing a subject correctly it’s enough to give a speech, because the speaker should practice privately to find the best way to present the arguments of the speech.
5.- Rhythm
A good speech has to be dynamic and use visual or digital resources to keep the attention of the public. Pauses should be done well when speaking and pointing out the different stages of the speech.
6.- Vocabulary
Like the presentation, the vocabulary must also always be adapted to the target audience it is addressing. For example, at no time do you have to use words that the public may not know or understand, and in case it has to be used, the term always has to be explained before and clearly.
7.- Argumentation
You should be responsible for adding the arguments to be able to defend yourself correctly from the criticisms or questions that may be received. The speech should be firm with your point of view, but it is also important that you listen to the opinion and views of your audience.
8.- Visual and verbal contact
Visual contact should be established with some members of the public, something that serves to improve the integration and attention they give to your speech. You also have to appeal to the audience using the second person singular in your speech.
9.- Gesture
The gestures that are used are very important and these should serve to emphasize verbal messages, improving public empathy and managing to maintain good speech dynamics.
10.- Diction
Finally, words must be pronounced well at all times, clearly and with a distinctive modulation in each vowel and consonant.
Whenever you consider these 10 skills you will improve your speaking skills remarkably.