Page 273 - Essentials of Human Communication

252 Chapter 12 Public Speaking Preparation and Delivery (Steps 7–10)

Unfilled pauses, silences interjected into the stream of speech, can be especially effective
if used correctly. Here are a few examples of places where unfilled pauses—silences of a sec-
ond or two—can enhance your speech:

● Pause at transitional points. This will signal that you’re moving from one part of the
speech or from one idea to another. It will help listeners separate the main issues you’re
discussing.
● Pause at the end of an important assertion. This allows the audience to think about its sig-
nificance.
● Pause after asking a rhetorical question. This will give the audience time to think about
how they would answer.
● Pause before an important idea. This will help signal that what comes next is especially
significant.
● Pause before you begin your speech and after you finish it. This will allow you to scan and
assess the audience and gather your thoughts before your speech and then to let your
ideas sink in after and to dispel any impression that you’re anxious to escape).

Communication BOdy aCtiOn
Choice point
General appearance You speak with your body as well as your mouth, a point made clear in the discussion
You have to give three of the various nonverbal channels in Chapter 5. The four aspects of body action that
speeches on the same topic—the school’s are especially important in public speaking are (1) eye contact, (2) facial expression,
new hate speech code of conduct—to (3) gestures and posture, and (4) movement. As you read about these types of action,
(1) the faculty of an exclusive private school, be sure to follow the most important and general rule: Use consistent packaging; be
(2) your class, and (3) the city council. You careful that your verbal and your nonverbal messages do not contradict each other.
wonder how to dress for these presenta- So, if you say you’re happy to be speaking today, your nonverbals (facial expression,
tions. Assuming you have an unlimited ward- general enthusiasm, posture and eye contact, for example) should echo that sentiment.
robe, what options do you have for dressing You don’t want to give your audience conflicting cues. Consistency among verbal and
for each audience? nonverbal messages will also communicate your self-confidence and conviction.

eye Contact The most important single aspect of bodily communication is eye contact.
The two major problems related to this body action are not enough eye contact and eye con-
Explore the Concept tact that does not cover the audience fairly. If you do not maintain enough eye contact, you
“Speech Delivery” at may appear distant, unconcerned, and less trustworthy than a speaker who looks directly at an
MyCommunicationLab
audience. And, of course, without eye contact, you will not be able to secure that all-important
audience feedback. Maintain eye contact with the entire audience. Communicate equally with
the audience members on the left and on the right, in both the back and the front of the
room. Keep in mind, however, that cultures differ widely on the amount and intensity of eye
contact they consider appropriate. In some cultures, eye contact that is too intense may be
considered offensive.

Facial expression Appropriate facial expressions help you express your concern for the
public speaking interaction and will help you communicate your comfort and control of the
public speaking situation. Nervousness and anxiety, however, can prevent you from relaxing
enough for your positive emotions to come through. Time and practice will allow you to
relax, and your feelings will reveal themselves appropriately and automatically.

Gestures and posture Spontaneous and natural gestures will help illustrate your verbal
messages. If you feel relaxed and comfortable with yourself and your audience, you’ll gener-
ate natural body action without conscious or studied attention. When delivering your speech,
stand straight but not stiffly. Try to communicate your command of the situation rather than
any nervousness you may feel. Avoid putting your hands in your pockets or leaning on the
desk or chalkboard. Avoid self-manipulation (e.g., playing with your hair or touching your
face) and backward leaning, which can signal an ill-at-ease feeling.