by Christopher Scott

Created on: January 28, 2008

Many will testify that verbal communication towards a large group (public speaking) brings about a substantial amount of fear. In a supporting article, Jerry Seinfeld was quoted saying: "At a funeral, there are those who would rather be the person in the coffin than the ones giving the eulogy" ("Speaking Successfully" 10). This statement may sound funny, but for many of us it is true. The fact is, most people are not born with the ability to speak effectively to large groups. Although some people are gifted with public speaking abilities, others must attain it through adapting several key techniques. Successful public speaking is characterized by a well developed, practiced, and delivered message.

To capture the imagination of others, one must first capture his own imagination. When developing a message, it is extremely important to make points clear and concise. Keeping the message simple is key to successful public speaking. Nora Carr in "The Art of Spokesmanship" states that "Speaking with one clear voice the nirvana of public communications requires a clear message" (43). Through reading and experience with the topic, also comes overall familiarity with the topic. Many people lack emphasis in their speech because the topic they have picked is not important to them. The audience wants to hear a message that is actually important to the speaker, before they decide to actually take it in as important for themselves. Another important factor of a well-developed is a message that is proof-read. Even if the message sounds flawless, a second opinion is always helpful in pointing out hidden errors.

While developing a message is hard work, delivering your message is where all the hard work becomes evident. The best way to define success in the actual deliverance of your speech is: practice, practice, practice. "The most gifted spokesmanthe ones who make it look easy and are never at a loss for wordstypically are also the most prepared" (Carr 43). It is important to speak twice as slow as you would normally speak. Many nervous speakers naturally speak fast, just to get the information out and over with. Speed speech results in a poor, sketchy, not long lasting message.

Knowing the audience is another key factor in successful public speaking. It would not be wise to incorporate sport analogies when speaking to a chess club. The terms used should be easily related to by the audience that is listening. A successful speech is also defined by a perfected introduction

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