Public speaking is an invaluable skill for all, especially those in public life.
Public speaking is an invaluable skill for all, especially those in public life.
MYour interest in public speaking began to grow the day I heard an unscheduled lecture by the head of a training institute a few decades ago. We trainees were bewildered when he suddenly entered our class one day and said in his metallic voice: “Your booked speaker has not arrived and so I propose to engage you for the next three hours. Please let me know.” Tell me what topic would you like to talk to me about?”
Tired of hearing the sectional topics, I proposed a simple topic amidst the explosive laughter of the class members, which seemed silly for the occasion.
“Can you speak about saving and spending money, sir?” With a sharp smile, he began to speak fluently in King’s English, taking the whole class with him.
I had never heard such a suggestive extempore that went on for three hours without interruption. He kept the class engrossed and we voluntarily skipped the tea break. He handled the subject effortlessly with compelling points and solid case studies that left us, above 50, mesmerized.
Public speaking is an invaluable skill for everyone, especially in public life. But linking it only to politicians is an unfortunate misconception.
historical speech
It is true that empires in the past and governments in the present were overthrown by brilliant public speakers. There were such brilliant orators who changed the course of history from the days of Socrates and Cicero. It was the ancient Greeks who developed the art of public speaking. His prolific speakers included Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Cicero of ancient Rome, considered the father of public speaking, developed the five principles still in use today.
Shakespeare immortalized Mark Antony in Julius Caesar with his oft-quoted lines, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I have come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.”
Who can forget Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, which has become a pillar of American history. Winston Churchill, the wartime prime minister of England, is remembered to this day for his speeches, he once wrote, “Of all the talents bestowed upon men, none is so precious as the gift of oratory.”
Certain qualities are essential to a successful public speaker. Avoid stage fright. Be well versed in the matter the homework has to offer. A slip with hints helps not to miss anything and follow the proper sequence. The language should be simple but attractive.
Exceptionally skilled speakers listen to the audience with an impressive start with mind-blowing statistics or catchy anecdotes. Make the speech lively and interesting with topical jokes and by introducing cases unknown to the audience. The ending is as important as the beginning. A sensational episode or a memorable ending will help the listener to remember the speaker forever.
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