HOW TO COMMUNICATE|Video Skills

DELIVERING A SPEECH

One way to improve your presentation is by rehearsing in front of other people. Learn how to manage your speech delivery by completing the How to Communicate video activity below.

CONSIDER THIS:

You and two classmates are working together on a presentation for your food science class. The group splits the work into three sections, and your portion will cover nutrition and fast food. Now, you are practicing your delivery together for the first time, and you want to make a good impression.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

The advice below illustrates how you can convey immediacy and a powerful speech style and best use presentation media in your rehearsal. As you watch the video, consider how various verbal, nonverbal, and listening concepts influence your delivery style. Then, test your knowledge of key skills, and create your own responses to the What if? video prompts on the next page.

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CONVEY IMMEDIACY. Use an oral style of language and create a conversational tone with your voice. Make eye contact with your audience and use expressive gestures and facial expressions.

CONVEY POWER. Avoid powerless language, hedging, and disclaimers. Practice your pronunciation and minimize your use of vocalized pauses and fillers. Dress appropriately for the occasion. (“In a 2010 article posted on WebMD.com, medical writer Daniel DeNoon claims that nine out of ten Americans consume too much salt daily.”)

KNOW HOW TO USE YOUR PRESENTATION MEDIA. When presenting with slides, use a clicker and laser pointer so you aren’t stuck behind a computer. Move around purposefully, staying focused on your audience, not your presentation media.

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