I need a 4 page essay about the qualities of a good public speaker.
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“Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent” is a famous quote by Adam Shunner. Public speaking is essential in many aspects of life, including education, career, and personal development. According to Lucas et al. (2020), public speaking is the act of delivering a message or speech to an audience to inform, persuade, or entertain them. The art of public speaking involves effective communication and the ability to connect with an audience and convey ideas clearly and concisely. It is a powerful tool for communication, allowing individuals to communicate with their audience and influence their thinking and behavior. Lucas et al. (2020) also stated that effective public speaking skills are essential in many fields, such as education, business, politics, and entertainment. In the education sector, public speaking is used to teach and inspire students, while in the business sector, it is used to communicate ideas, persuade stakeholders, and deliver presentations. In politics, public speaking is a crucial tool for communicating with voters, while entertainment is used to entertain and engage audiences (Lucas et al., 2020). Improving your public speaking skills requires practice, preparation, and feedback. One way to improve your skills is by practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself and watching the playback; This will help you to identify areas that need improvement, such as tone of voice, body language, and pacing (Lucas et al., 2020). Certain qualities are required to be an effective public speaker, and some of these qualities include confidence, clarity, and charisma.
Confidence is one of the essential qualities of a good public speaker. A confident speaker can engage the audience, communicate their message effectively, and command attention throughout their speech. According to Connolly (2018), confidence is essential in public speaking because it helps to build trust and credibility with the audience. When a speaker is confident, they are perceived as knowledgeable, trustworthy, and competent; This makes the audience more likely to listen to their message and be influenced by their ideas (Connolly, 2018). In addition, confidence helps the speaker to stay focused and maintain composure, even in high-pressure situations. Connolly (2018) also stated that there are several ways to develop confidence in public speaking, and one such way is to practice regularly. The more a speaker practices, the more comfortable they become with their material and the more confident they feel when delivering their speech. Preparing thoroughly before the speech; This includes researching the topic, organizing your thoughts, and creating an outline or script (Connolly, 2018). Practice delivering the speech multiple times, and make sure to time yourself to ensure that you stay within the allotted time; This will help to build confidence in the material and the delivery. Another way to build confidence in public speaking is to focus on body language (Connolly, 2018). How a speaker carries themselves on stage can greatly impact their confidence level. Standing tall, making eye contact, and using gestures can all help to convey confidence to the audience. It is also important to speak slowly and clearly, taking time to enunciate each word and pause for emphasis; This helps to build a connection with the audience and convey confidence in the message being delivered (Connolly, 2018). Thus, one of the essential qualities of a good public speaker is confidence because a confident speaker can engage the audience, communicate their message effectively, and command attention throughout their speech.
Clarity is another essential quality of a good public speaker. A clear speaker can effectively convey their message to the audience and ensure that their intended meaning is understood. According to McNatt (2019), one of the primary reasons why clarity is important in public speaking is that it helps to ensure that the audience understands the speaker’s message. When a speaker is clear in their communication, they can use language that is easily understood by the audience; This allows the audience to follow along with the presentation and engage with the speaker’s ideas (McNatt, 2019). A clear speaker can also avoid confusing the audience with technical terms or jargon that may not be familiar to everyone in attendance. McNatt (2019) also stated that clarity is important in public speaking because it helps build credibility with the audience. When a speaker is clear and concise in their communication, they are perceived as knowledgeable and authoritative; This helps to build trust with the audience, who are more likely to be receptive to the speaker’s message and ideas. There are several strategies that speakers can use to achieve clarity in their communication. One effective technique is to use simple language that is easy for the audience to understand; This may involve using common, everyday words instead of technical jargon (McNatt, 2019). It is also important to use proper grammar and sentence structure, as this can help ensure the message is conveyed accurately. Thus, another essential quality of a good public speaker is clarity because a speaker who is clear in their communication can effectively communicate their message to the audience and ensure that their intended meaning is understood.
Charisma is another essential quality of a good public speaker. A charismatic speaker can naturally attract and captivate an audience and inspire and motivate them to act. According to Bosker (2021), charisma is essential in public speaking because it helps to establish a connection between the speaker and the audience. A charismatic speaker can make the audience feel like they are a part of something special, and can create a sense of unity and common purpose; This can help engage the audience and keep them interested throughout the presentation (Bosker, 2021). Charismatic speakers are also more likely to be remembered by the audience, and their message is more likely to have a lasting impact. Bosker (2021) also stated that charisma is important in public speaking because it can help establish the speaker’s credibility and authority. When a speaker has charisma, they are perceived as confident, knowledgeable, and trustworthy; This can help to build trust with the audience, who are more likely to be receptive to the speaker’s message and ideas. There are several ways to develop charisma in public speaking. One way is to build confidence and self-assurance (Bosker, 2021). Charismatic speakers are often perceived as confident and in control, which can help establish their credibility and authority. Confidence can be built by practicing the speech and becoming comfortable with the material, as well as by maintaining good posture and using confident body language (Bosker, 2021). Thus, another important quality of a good public speaker is charisma because a charismatic speaker can naturally attract and captivate an audience and inspire and motivate them to act.
In conclusion, public speaking is a valuable skill that can help individuals communicate effectively, inspire others, and achieve their goals. A good public speaker possesses many qualities, including confidence, clarity, and charisma. While some individuals may naturally have these traits, they can also be developed and honed through practice and training. Effective public speaking requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Speakers must research their topic, understand their audience, and tailor their message accordingly. They should also be aware of their body language, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues, as these can significantly impact their message and delivery. Public speaking is a skill that can benefit individuals in a wide range of personal and professional contexts. By developing the qualities of a good public speaker, individuals can communicate more effectively, inspire others, and achieve their goals. Anyone can become a confident and effective public speaker with practice and perseverance.
Bosker, H. R. (2021). The contribution of amplitude modulations in a speech to perceived charisma. Voice Attractiveness: Studies on Sexy, Likable, and Charismatic Speakers, 165-181.
Connolly, A. (2018). Public speaking skills for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.
Lucas, S., & Stob, P. (2020). The art of public speaking (p. 382). New York: McGraw-Hill.
McNatt, D. B. (2019). Enhancing public speaking confidence, skills, and performance: An experiment of service-learning. The international journal of management education, 17(2), 276-285 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2019.04.002