QUESTION ONE
Highlight eight characteristics of an effective speech
- Clarity
Clarity is an essential feature, of a good speech. Speech should be clear and unambiguous so that the audience can understand it easily. If it is not clear enough to express its meaning to the audience, it will become ineffective.
- Definiteness of Message
Message of .the speech should be definite and relevant with the subject matter-.
- Conciseness
Audience becomes impatient to long speech. Hence, speech should be as concise as possible However, it should not incomplete.
- Interesting
Speech should be delivered in an interesting and pleasing way so that the audience is motivated to pay attention. In order to make the speech interesting, various stories, examples, quotations and jokes can be cited,
- Informal Touch
Though speech is a formal address, it should be presented in a personal and informal way.
- Considering the Audience
Speech is delivered to a specific audience. So the speaker should actively consider the expectations, interest and nature of the audience.
- Speaking Slowly
An ideal speech is one which is delivered slowly and in usual tone. It helps the audience to Jrear and understand the ‘message clearly,
- Free from Emotions
Another important feature of good speech is that it should be delivered in an unbiased and un-emotional way. Speaker’s emotion may drive him away from the main theme.
- Use of Body Language
Good speech goes with necessary body language. Therefore, at the time of delivering speech speaker should use various nonverbal cues
- Ensuring Participation of Audience
A good speech is one which ensures participation from the audience with the speaker. That audience will ensure their attention through effective listening, expressing their solidarity with speech and so on.
QUESTION TWO
Identify six factors that an entrepreneur should consider to make audio visual communication effective
- Avoid overwhelming the-audience with excessive use of animation.
- Avoid sound clips or to blend colors which are inappropriate for the topic under discussion.
- Avoid lengthy document in tiny print and make it difficult for audience to read.
- The language or images selected should reflect the nature of the presentation and represent a dimension of the subject under discussion/being presented.
- Care should be taken not to use offensive images, phrases or music. (Do semi-clothed people sell cars?) The seating arrangements/room layouts are designed (and double-checked so that everyone can hear or see what’s going on.
- Avoid using effects which could upset your audience (e.g. loud bangs, flickering lights, strobe lights, fireworks) or even endanger them.
- It better to opt for simplicity and clarity rather than complexity and confusion.
- Always make reference to a visual.
- Avoid turning away from the audience to operate audio-visuals; either use technical support or arrange for your and the audience’s convenience.
- Try not to obscure visuals by standing in front of them.
- To keep attention, use audio-visuals at low attention periods such as after lunch, before a break or towards the end of season.
QUESTION THREE
Explain the term “persuasive communication”
Persuasive communication is a process in which communicators try to convince other people to change their attitudes or behaviours regarding an issue through the transmission of a message in an atmosphere of free choice.
QUESTION FOUR
Explain four characteristics of an effective speech
- Be Prepared – Being prepared is by far the most important element. How many times do you practice your speech? As a general rule, you should spend about 30 hours of preparation and rehearsal time for every hour you will be speaking. Use a tape recorder or videotape yourself. This will help you to get an accurate picture of how you speak.
- Give of Yourself – Use personal examples and stories in your speech whenever possible. Make sure your stories help to emphasize or support your point. The stories must match your message. Use examples from your personal and professional life to make your point. In either case be willing to give of yourself by sharing some of yourself with the audience.
- Stay Relaxed – To stay relaxed you should be prepared. Also, focus on your message and not the audience. Use gestures, including walking patterns. Practice the opening of your speech and plan exactly how you will say it. The audience will judge you in the first 30 seconds they see you.
- Use Natural Humour – Don’t try to be a standup comedian. Use natural humour by poking fun at yourself and something you said or did. Be sure NOT to make fun of anyone in the audience. People will laugh with you when you poke fun at yourself but don’t overdo it.
- Plan Your Body & Hand Positions – During the practice of your speech look for occasions where you can use a gesture. Establish three positions where you will stand and practice not only how to move to them but where in your speech do you move. Pick three positions, one on centre stage, one to your right, and one to your left. Do not hide behind the lectern. When you do move maintain eye contact with the audience;
- Pay attention to all details – Make sure you hate the right location (school, hotel, room & time). . Make sure you know how to get to where you are speaking. Ask how large an audience you will be speaking to. Make sure you bring all your visual aids and plenty of handouts. Arrive early so you can check out where you will be speaking and make any last minute adjustments.
QUESTION FIVE
Jane Akinyi has been requested by her line manager to make an oral presentation on the proposed good governance in business performance during the company’s annual general meeting. Summarize the factors that Jane Akinyi should consider when planning for each of the following stages of oral presentation.
Preparation stage
- When preparing fqr a presentation, one should think like a reporter and answer the “who, what, why, and where” questions.
- Who will attend- and how many? The content of presentation should be aimed at the audience, and the choice of visuals to meet the needs of the presenters group. Visuals need to be visible to everyone.
- What is the purpose of the presentation? Is it to explain a plan or a project; to tell people what to do and how.
- Why are they there? Is attendance mandatory? Any time anyone attends a meeting, they will always be asking themselves, “What’s in it for me?”Be sure answer that question for them.
- One should keep his points short, concise and understandable to the audience. Visuals could be used to clarify and reinforce the message.
Delivery stage
- Plan the timing
- -Make the points dear.
- -Speak clearly
- -Use visuals that can be seen by all.
- -End the presentations on time.
Follow-up stage
After the presentation, the presenter should ask a trusted colleague in the audience to give him a feedback afterward. If the feedback shows that he needs help, the presenter should hire a private presentation skills coach.
