Passion to Profession

through

Advanced Credit Program

https://virtualspeech.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-public-speaking

Public Speaking
About the Passion:
Public speaking plays a crucial role in various domains such as business, education, and public engagement. Its
significance extends to both individuals and organizations, offering numerous advantages. So, what exactly is public
speaking? Essentially, it involves delivering a live presentation in front of an audience. These speeches can encompass a
wide range of topics, with the aim of educating, entertaining, or influencing the listeners. To enhance the effectiveness of
the presentation, speakers often utilize visual aids in the form of electronic slideshows. These visual aids not only
supplement the speech but also make it more engaging and captivating for the audience.

Public speaking is an important skill to have, whether as a profession or as a passion. It allows individuals to
communicate effectively with others, convey their ideas and thoughts with clarity, and connect with their audience.

As a passion, public speaking can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-expression. It allows individuals to
share their experiences, stories, and knowledge with others in a way that can inspire, educate, or entertain.

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Public speaking also helps individuals build their confidence and self-esteem, as they learn to overcome their fear of
speaking in front of others and develop the ability to deliver engaging and persuasive speeches.

Moreover, public speaking can open up opportunities for networking and career advancement, as it is a highly valued
skill in many fields such as business, politics, education, and entertainment. Overall, whether pursued as a hobby or as a
profession, public speaking is a valuable skill that can have a significant impact on an individual's personal and
professional development.

Public speaking allows individuals to communicate with clarity, confidence, and persuasion. This is essential in
organizations and the corporate sector, where communication is critical for achieving objectives and building
relationships.

Public speaking helps individuals develop leadership skills such as confidence, decision-making, and problem-solving.
These skills are essential for success in organizational communication and the corporate sector, where leaders must
inspire and motivate others to achieve their goals.

Public speaking skills are highly valued in the corporate sector and can help individuals advance in their careers. Those
who are proficient in public speaking are more likely to be chosen for leadership roles, promotions, and speaking
engagements.

Effective public speaking can help individuals build their reputation and credibility within their organization and the
corporate sector. It can also help individuals establish themselves as experts in their field and gain recognition for their
work.

Public speaking events provide excellent opportunities for networking and building relationships within the organization
and the corporate sector. These events offer individuals the chance to meet and connect with other professionals, build
their network, and explore new opportunities. Public speaking is an important advantage in organizational
communication and the corporate sector. It can help professionals communicate effectively, build relationships, inspire
teams, and advance their careers.

Good public speakers are able to connect with their audience and understand their needs and perspectives. This skill can
help individuals develop empathy and better connect with others in all areas of life.

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Public speaking can help individuals develop a personal brand and reputation as a knowledgeable and confident speaker.
This can lead to improved career prospects and networking opportunities.

Overall, public speaking can be a powerful tool for personality improvement. It can help individuals build confidence,
improve communication skills, better express themselves, develop empathy, and build a personal brand.

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Facts/rules & important figures about the topic:
Know your audience: Before you start preparing your speech, it's important to understand your audience. What do they
already know? What do they want to learn? What are their interests and needs? This information can help you tailor your
speech to better engage and connect with your audience.

Be clear and concise: Effective public speaking requires clear and concise language. Use simple, direct language that
your audience can easily understand, and avoid jargon or technical terms unless necessary.

Have a clear structure: A well-structured speech helps keep your audience engaged and makes it easier for them to
follow your message. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction, include clear and relevant main points, and end with
a strong conclusion.

Practice, practice, practice: Practice is key to delivering a confident and effective speech. Practice your speech multiple
times, and consider recording yourself to review and improve your delivery.

Use visuals: Visual aids, such as slides or videos, can help reinforce your message and keep your audience engaged.
However, use them sparingly and make sure they enhance your speech rather than distract from it.

Engage your audience: Effective public speaking involves engaging your audience, whether through storytelling,
humor, or interactive activities. Encourage questions or feedback, and make sure to listen and respond to your audience.

Be authentic: Finally, be authentic and genuine in your delivery. Speak from the heart, and use your own experiences
and stories to connect with your audience on a personal level.

Overall, following these rules can help speakers deliver effective and engaging speeches that connect with their audience
and leave a lasting impact.

Some Facts about Public Speaking

Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413
  Fear of public speaking: Public speaking is one of the most common fears, with up to 75% of people
experiencing some level of anxiety or fear when speaking in public.

 Benefits of public speaking: Public speaking has been shown to have a range of benefits, including improved
confidence, communication skills, leadership skills, and career prospects.

 Economic impact: Public speaking is a major industry, with the global public speaking market valued at over $11
billion in 2020.

 Gender gap: There is a gender gap in public speaking, with men more likely to be invited to speak at conferences
and events than women. In some industries, the gap is particularly wide, with women accounting for only 20-30%
of conference speakers.

 Time constraints: Most public speaking engagements are relatively short, with the average keynote speech lasting
around 45 minutes.

 Audience engagement: Effective public speaking requires engaging the audience, and research shows that
audience attention span tends to decline after around 10-20 minutes of listening.

 Non-verbal communication: Non-verbal communication, including body language and tone of voice, can play a
significant role in public speaking. In fact, some studies suggest that non-verbal communication can account for
up to 93% of the message conveyed in a speech.

 Preparation time: Public speaking requires significant preparation, with experts recommending that speakers
spend at least twice as much time preparing their speech as they do delivering it.

Some researches highlighting the importance of public speaking

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Study published in the Journal of Business and Technical Communication found that employees who communicate
effectively are more likely to be successful in their careers. Effective communication includes public speaking, as well as
written and interpersonal communication.

According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, communication skills are the most
important factor in hiring decisions. This includes oral communication, such as public speaking.

A study published in the International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research found that public speaking
courses can improve students' communication skills, including confidence, clarity, and organization.

In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers found that individuals who spoke in
a clear, confident, and engaging manner were rated as more intelligent and competent by their audience.

A study published in the Journal of Public Affairs Education found that students who took a public speaking course were
more likely to be engaged in civic and community activities, suggesting that public speaking skills can also have a
positive impact on civic engagement.

Overall, research studies suggest that public speaking is a valuable skill for career success, personal growth, and civic
engagement. Effective communication skills, including public speaking, are highly valued by employers and can help
individuals stand out in their careers. Additionally, public speaking courses can help individuals improve their
communication skills, confidence, and engagement with their community.

Some challenges faced in public speaking

 Fear and anxiety: Fear and anxiety are common challenges in public speaking, with many individuals
experiencing nervousness, shaking, or sweating when speaking in front of others. This can make it difficult to
deliver a clear and confident speech.

 Lack of preparation: Public speaking requires preparation and planning, and failing to prepare can lead to a
disorganized or confusing presentation.

Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413
  Poor time management: Public speakers must be able to manage their time effectively to deliver a speech that fits
within a designated timeframe.

 Technical difficulties: Technical difficulties, such as microphone malfunctions or computer issues, can disrupt a
speech and make it difficult for the speaker to maintain their focus and composure.

 Audience engagement: Engaging the audience is a key aspect of public speaking, and it can be challenging to
capture and maintain the attention of a diverse audience with varying interests and attention spans.

 Adapting to the audience: Public speakers must be able to adapt their message and style to the specific audience
they are speaking to, whether it's a group of business executives or a classroom of students.

 Physical limitations: Physical limitations, such as mobility issues or hearing impairments, can make public
speaking challenging and require accommodations or adjustments to the speech delivery.

Some strategies to help overcome the challenges of public speaking:

 Fear and anxiety: To overcome fear and anxiety, practice deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and
positive self-talk. Additionally, prepare and practice your speech well in advance to build your confidence.

 Lack of preparation: To avoid lack of preparation, start early and create a structured outline for your speech.
Practice your speech several times and rehearse it in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member.

 Poor time management: To manage your time effectively, create a clear and concise outline for your speech and
rehearse it to ensure it fits within the designated timeframe.

 Technical difficulties: Prepare for technical difficulties by arriving early to set up and test your equipment, and
have a backup plan in case of equipment failure.

Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413
  Audience engagement: Engage the audience by starting with a compelling opening, using stories and anecdotes,
and encouraging audience participation and feedback.

 Adapting to the audience: Research your audience in advance to understand their interests and knowledge level,
and tailor your message and delivery style accordingly.

 Physical limitations: Address physical limitations by ensuring accessibility for all attendees, using assistive
technology when needed, and being open and transparent about accommodations.

 Overall, effective public speaking requires preparation, practice, and adaptability. By focusing on these strategies
and utilizing resources such as public speaking courses and coaching, individuals can overcome the challenges of
public speaking and deliver effective and impactful speeches.

Some famous activities for public speaking:

 Impromptu speaking: Impromptu speaking involves giving a speech on a topic that is given to you on the spot,
without any prior preparation. This activity can help improve your ability to think on your feet, organize your
thoughts quickly, and communicate effectively.

 Debate: Debating involves presenting arguments and counter-arguments on a given topic, often in front of an
audience. This activity can help improve your critical thinking skills, ability to communicate persuasively, and
ability to handle challenging questions or objections.

 Storytelling: Storytelling involves telling a compelling and engaging story, often with a lesson or message. This
activity can help improve your ability to engage an audience, use descriptive language, and convey emotions
effectively.

 Speech contests: Speech contests are competitions in which participants give a prepared speech on a specific
topic, often with a time limit. This activity can help improve your ability to prepare and deliver an effective
speech, and can provide valuable feedback and constructive criticism from judges.

Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413
  Role-playing: Role-playing involves taking on a specific role or character and giving a speech or presentation
from that perspective. This activity can help improve your ability to empathize with others, understand different
perspectives, and communicate effectively in different contexts.

 Toastmasters: Toastmasters is an organization that provides a supportive environment for individuals to improve
their public speaking skills through a structured program of speeches, evaluations, and leadership opportunities.

 Public speaking is an essential skill that can benefit individuals in various personal and professional settings.
Through effective public speaking, individuals can communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively, engage
their audience, and build their confidence and credibility.

References:
 https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-public-speaking-and-why-do-i-need-it.html
 https://business.tutsplus.com/tutorials/what-is-public-speaking--cms-31255
 O'Connell, D. (2018). The importance of public speaking skills in modern life. Journal of Professional
Communication, 8(1), 1-16.
 Rosenfeld, M. J., & Rosenfeld, S. A. (2015). Speak with impact: How to command the room and influence
others. FT Press.
 Carnegie, D. (1981). The quick and easy way to effective speaking. Pocket Books.
 Krippendorff, K. (2013). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology. Sage publications.
 Thompson, J. (2017). Public speaking courses: Can they really improve your skills? The Balance Careers.
 Toastmasters International. (2021). Toastmasters: Where Leaders Are Made. https://www.toastmasters.org/.

 Lucas, S. E. (2015). The art of public speaking. McGraw-Hill Education.

 Pearson, J. C., & Nelson, P. E. (2000). An introduction to human communication: Understanding and sharing.
Houghton Mifflin.
 Gallo, C. (2014). Talk like TED: The 9 public speaking secrets of the world's top minds. St. Martin's Press.
 Harvard Business Review. (2018). The importance of speaking up in meetings. https://hbr.org/2018/01/the-
importance-of-speaking-up-in-meetings.

Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413
 Jandt, F. E. (2013). An introduction to intercultural communication: Identities in a global community. Sage
publications.
 Munter, M. (2013). Guide to managerial communication. Pearson Higher Ed.

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Audience

Audience is a critical aspect of public speaking, and it refers to the group of people who are listening to the
speaker's message. The audience is the reason for the speech, and the speaker must consider their needs,
expectations, and characteristics to deliver an effective presentation.

Before the speech, a speaker should research and understand their audience's demographics, such as age,
gender, education level, and cultural background, to tailor their message accordingly. This can help the speaker
connect with the audience and deliver a message that resonates with them.

During the speech, a speaker should engage with their audience to maintain their attention and interest. This
can be done by asking questions, using humor, and making eye contact. The speaker should also adjust their
pace, tone, and volume of speech based on the audience's response to ensure that they are communicating
effectively.

After the speech, a speaker should seek feedback from their audience to gauge the effectiveness of their
message. This can help the speaker improve their future speeches and better connect with their audience.

Overall, understanding and engaging with the audience is essential for effective public speaking, as it can help
the speaker deliver a compelling message that resonates with their audience.

Body Language

Body language is a critical aspect of public speaking, and it refers to the nonverbal communication of a
speaker, including gestures, facial expressions, and posture. Effective use of body language can help a speaker
communicate their message more effectively and connect with their audience.

Here are some tips for effective body language in public speaking:

Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413
  Eye contact: Making eye contact with the audience helps to establish trust and shows that the speaker
is engaged with their listeners.

 Posture: Good posture conveys confidence and authority. A speaker should stand up straight and avoid
slouching.

 Gestures: Gestures can help emphasize important points and add emphasis to the speaker's message.
However, gestures should be natural and not distracting.

 Facial expressions: A speaker's facial expressions can convey their emotions and help to engage the
audience. Smiling can help establish a positive connection with the audience.

 Movement: A speaker should move around the stage or podium to avoid being static and to engage
different parts of the audience. However, movement should be purposeful and not distracting.

Overall, body language plays an important role in public speaking, and effective use of body language can help
a speaker to engage their audience and deliver a compelling message.

Delivery

Delivery is an essential aspect of public speaking and refers to the way in which a speaker presents their
message. Effective delivery can help a speaker to engage their audience and communicate their message more
effectively. Here are some tips for effective delivery in public speaking:

 Tone: A speaker's tone should be appropriate for the message and the audience. A serious message
requires a serious tone, while a humorous message may require a more lighthearted tone.

 Pace: A speaker should vary their pace to keep the audience engaged. A slow pace can convey
importance and emphasis, while a faster pace can convey excitement and energy.

Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413
  Volume: A speaker should use appropriate volume to ensure that they can be heard by all members of
the audience. The volume should be adjusted based on the size of the room and the number of people in
the audience.

 Pauses: Pausing can be a powerful tool in public speaking. Pauses can help to emphasize important
points and give the audience time to absorb the message.

 Inflection: Inflection refers to the variation in pitch and tone in a speaker's voice. Effective use of
inflection can help to keep the audience engaged and emphasize important points.

Overall, effective delivery is critical in public speaking, and a speaker must use appropriate tone, pace, volume,
pauses, and inflection to engage their audience and deliver a compelling message.

Pitch

Pitch is an important element of public speaking and refers to the highness or lowness of a speaker's voice.
Effective use of pitch can help to engage the audience and emphasize important points in a message.

Here are some tips for effective use of pitch in public speaking:

 Use variation: Varying the pitch of the voice can help to maintain the audience's interest and
emphasize important points in the message.

 Avoid monotone: Speaking in a monotone can make a presentation boring and unengaging. Varying
the pitch can help to add interest and excitement to the presentation.

 Match pitch to emotion: The pitch of the voice can convey different emotions, such as excitement,
sadness, or anger. Matching the pitch of the voice to the emotion can help to communicate the intended
message effectively.

Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413
  Adjust for audience: The pitch of the voice should be adjusted based on the size of the audience and
the acoustics of the room to ensure that everyone can hear the message clearly.

 Practice: Practicing the use of pitch can help to ensure that it is used effectively and naturally during
the presentation.

Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool in public speaking and refers to the art of using stories to communicate a
message or lesson. Effective storytelling can help to engage the audience and make a message more
memorable.

Here are some tips for effective storytelling in public speaking:

 Know your audience: Understanding your audience can help you to choose a story that will resonate
with them and convey your message effectively.

 Structure your story: A well-structured story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and should be
easy to follow.

 Use vivid language: Descriptive language can help to create a vivid image in the audience's mind and
make the story more memorable.

 Use emotion: Emotion can help to engage the audience and convey the message effectively. Using
personal stories can be especially powerful in this regard.

 Practice: Practice your story to ensure that it flows smoothly and is delivered effectively.

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Overall, storytelling is an effective technique in public speaking, and a speaker must know their audience,
structure their story, use vivid language and emotion, and practice to ensure effective communication of the
message.

Visual Aids

Visual aids are a useful tool in public speaking and can help to enhance the audience's understanding and
engagement with the message. Effective use of visual aids can help to convey complex information more easily
and make the presentation more interesting.

Here are some tips for effective use of visual aids in public speaking:

 Keep it simple: Visual aids should be simple and easy to understand. Avoid cluttered or complex
visuals that may distract or confuse the audience.

 Use appropriate visuals: Choose visuals that are appropriate for the message and the audience. For
example, charts and graphs may be appropriate for a business presentation, while images may be more
effective for a personal story.

 Use high-quality visuals: Ensure that the visuals are of high quality and easy to see. Poor-quality
visuals can detract from the presentation and make it difficult for the audience to understand the
message.

 Use visuals strategically: Visual aids should be used strategically to enhance the presentation, rather
than as a substitute for it. They should complement the message and support the speaker's points.

 Practice with visuals: Practice using the visual aids to ensure that they are effective and do not distract
from the message.

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Overall, visual aids can be an effective tool in public speaking, and a speaker must keep them simple, choose
appropriate visuals, use high-quality visuals, use them strategically, and practice with them to ensure effective
communication of the message.

Rhetoric

Rhetoric is the art of using language effectively in public speaking to persuade, inform, or entertain an
audience. It involves the use of various rhetorical techniques such as metaphor, repetition, and rhetorical
questions to create a powerful and persuasive message.

Here are some common rhetorical techniques used in public speaking:

 Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two seemingly unrelated things to create a
deeper understanding of the message.

 Repetition: Repetition involves repeating a word or phrase multiple times for emphasis and to make
the message more memorable.

 Rhetorical questions: Rhetorical questions are used to engage the audience and make them think about
the message. They are questions that do not require a response.

 Anaphora: Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or
sentences to create a powerful and persuasive message.

 Antithesis: Antithesis is the use of contrasting ideas or phrases to create a more powerful message.

 Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of multiple words in a
sentence or phrase.

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Throughout this course, we have explored various aspects of public speaking, including the importance of
preparation, delivery, body language, visual aids, and storytelling. We have also discussed common challenges
faced by speakers and strategies for overcoming them.

By mastering these skills and techniques, anyone can become a confident and effective public speaker.
However, like any skill, public speaking requires practice and continual improvement. With dedication and
effort, anyone can become a skilled and persuasive communicator.

References/Further Readings:

Rhetoric in Public Speaking:

 Aristotle, On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse
 Wayne C. Booth, The Rhetoric of Rhetoric: The Quest for Effective Communication
 Kenneth Burke, A Rhetoric of Motives

Visual Aids in Public Speaking:

 Garr Reynolds, Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery
 Nancy Duarte, Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences
 Scott Schwertly, How to Make a Powerpoint Presentation That Doesn’t Suck

Storytelling in Public Speaking:

 Annette Simmons, The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion Through the Art of
Storytelling
 Peter Guber, Tell to Win: Connect, Persuade, and Triumph with the Hidden Power of Story
 Nancy Duarte, Illuminate: Ignite Change Through Speeches, Stories, Ceremonies, and Symbols

Pitch in Public Speaking:

 Oren Klaff, Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal

Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413
  Carmine Gallo, The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any
Audience
 Chris Anderson, TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking

Delivery in Public Speaking:

 Dale Carnegie, The Art of Public Speaking
 Michael Port, Steal the Show: From Speeches to Job Interviews to Deal-Closing Pitches, How to
Guarantee a Standing Ovation for All the Performances in Your Life
 Nick Morgan, Power Cues: The Subtle Science of Leading Groups, Persuading Others, and
Maximizing Your Personal Impact

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 Open Source Video Links
S. Link Source Name Duration in hours
No
1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5we4kZIQRY Youtube 8:27
2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5naThX63pF0 Youtube 10:39
3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5mYphUoOCs Youtube 5:51
4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSp78RwcAS4 TED/Youtube 19:14
5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbz2boNSeL0 Youtube 7:53
6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB3MJt3dfrg NPTEL/Youtube 43:14
7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=962eYqe--Yc Youtube 12:56
8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87cnFmCr9PY Youtube 34:08
9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0pxo-dS9Hc TED/Youtube 16:51
10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns_z4wEtdRM Youtube 7:16
12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjdNewrG20E Youtube 7:03
13 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyuuA6aiQfQ Youtube 7:10
14 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_ylzGfHKOs TED/Youtube 12:22
15
16
17
18
19
20
Total ------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- 2 hours
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Note: The number of videos can be varied to make up total of 2 hours ± 15 minutes.
Self-recoded videos can also be used with cu logo template in the background.

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