We explain what a good speaker is like and how you should prepare before a speech. Also, what are its general characteristics and more.
What is a speaker?
A speaker is a person who speaks before an audience , and for this, uses the resource of oratory, which is defined as the art of speaking eloquently (the ability to persuade).
While the speaker may have other goals (for example, tell a story), he always wants to have some kind of effect on his audience (convince them of his position, motivate them, report a discovery, alert them, raise a problem, interest them in a story, etc.).
Ultimately, the persuasion of the speaker aims to provoke the interest of your audience , so that you can effectively get your message across. The oratory can be individual (a single person addresses a group) or group (two or more people alternate their participation in the speech , addressed to a group).
Characteristics of a good speaker :
Presence
A good speaker must move to show enthusiasm and convey it to his audience.
A speaker should dress appropriately , but always with the audience in mind. Your posture should be upright (with your shoulders slightly back), showing determination and security.
Your presence should not be static but should move to address different sectors of the public and to show your enthusiasm and convey it to the audience.
Preparation
You must master the topic, the arguments that you will develop but also anticipate the questions that may direct you . His knowledge of the subject that he will develop allows him to maintain a fluent speech, without hesitation that can provoke mistrust or diminish the interest of the public.
On the other hand, preparation also includes punctuality , knowing the venue where the presentation will take place and knowing what technological elements it will have (microphone, projector, etc.).
It may interest you: Political speech .
Practice
A good speaker should privately practice speech, rhythm, gestures, and tone of voice.
Knowing the subject is not enough to be able to express it effectively . A speaker will practice in private the best way to present his arguments , combining content, tone of voice , gestures, rhythm and any other element that he includes in his dissertation.
Credibility
While possible questions should be anticipated in your preparation, if you are unable to answer any, it is preferable to admit your limitations than to try to mislead your audience with false answers.
Diction
Words must be pronounced correctly but also clearly, with a distinctive modulation of each consonant and vowel.
Vocabulary
If a specific word needs to be used, its meaning should be explained first.
Rhythm
The presentation of a good speaker should be dynamic, using various digital or visual techniques that help keep the audience’s attention. Part of this dynamism also implies taking the necessary pauses when speaking, to mark stages in the speech , create expectation or facilitate the understanding of the message.
Argumentation
The good speaker must be convinced and firm in his position.
The speaker should be aware of the fragments of his presentation that are most prone to debate . That is why your preparation should include arguments to defend yourself against the expected criticism.
While the speaker must be convinced and firm in his position , he must also listen to the opinions of the audience and respect those who disagree with his opinions.
Gesturality
The gestures of both the face and the body should be used to emphasize the verbal messages , to favor the empathy of the public or to maintain the dynamism of the exhibition.
However, it must be used consciously as a means of non-verbal communication , and never abandon it to chance, since if it is not used properly it can become a distraction or even contradict the message that you want to convey.
Visual and verbal contact
Sometimes it is necessary to use the second person singular.
By establishing visual contact with different members of the audience , attention and integration towards the subject being presented is promoted . In addition, the audience must be appealed to using the second person singular frequently in his speech.
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