Using language
and delivery
Topic 2
Contents
2. Using language and delivery
2.1 Communication verbal and non-verbal messages
2.2 Types of non-verbal communication
2.3 Avoiding jargon
2.4 Delivery guidelines
2.5 Overcoming stage fright
Topic Learning Outcomes
1. Apply language and delivery skills in public speaking;
2. Recognise verbal and non-verbal messages;
3. Recognise types of non-verbal communication;
4. Recognise jargon and avoiding them when necessary;
5. Apply delivery guidelines in public speaking; and
6. Apply the techniques in overcoming stage fright.
2.1 Communication: verbal and
non-verbal messages
• Oxford English Dictionary defines “communication” as:
• The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other
medium. …The successful conveying or sharing of ideas and feelings.
• This definition means, communication is beyond transmission of message.
• Hence, in public speaking, communication involves verbal communication and
non-verbal communication.
• Verbal communication may involve words using:
• Tone of voice
• Language
• Non-verbal communication involve elements beyond mere words/writing such
as: (see next slide)
Activity
1. Discuss how voice tone may influence
presentation/public speaking.
2. Watch presentations/public speaking of different genre
(such as news, sports coverage, political speech,
informative speech, farewell speech, welcoming speech
etc.) and explain how language is an important aspect of
public speaking.
3. Practice your voice tone and language use in one topic of
a public speaking that interest you.
2.2 Types of non-verbal
communication
• Body language, movement and posture • Eye contact
• sit, walk, stand, or hold the head, stance, • Eyes are windows to your soul and may
posture, crossing arms, playing with show interest, affection, hostility, or
finger show boredom attraction
• Facial expression • Touch / Haptics
• happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, • Strong/weak grip during handshake, a
disgust, furrowing brows in frustration, warm bear hug, a patronizing pat on the
nodding or shaking head head, or a controlling grip on the arm
• Gestures • Attire / Appearance
• wave, point, beckon, using hands when • color, clothing, hairstyles, and other
arguing or speaking animatedly factors
• Be wary some gestures may be offensive
• Space / Proxemics
in some cultures or place. For instance,
OK sign made with hand! • Standing too close and etc
• Positive Roles of Non-verbal Communication:
• Repetition: Repeats the verbal message through other ways.
• Contradiction: You say one thing, but mean another!
• Substitution: An alternative for a verbal message. For instance, facial
expression conveys a clearer message than words.
• Complementing: Addition to verbal message. For instance, if a teacher pats
on the back of a student in addition to verbal praise.
• Emphasising: For instance, pounding the table emphasizing the importance
of the message. (In some place/culture, pounding the table may signify the
opposite)
• Some Negative message of Non-verbal communication
• Attention deficit
• Defensiveness
• Boredom
• Nervousness
• Unpreparedness
• Arrogance/attitude issues
Activity
1. Select a public speaking video and note the non-verbal
communication.
2. Once you’ve made notes on the video, identify the role(s)
and the message the speaker purports to deliver to the
audience.
2.3 Avoiding jargon
• Meaning of “Jargon”
• Cambridge online dictionary: “language used by a particular group of people,
especially in their work, and which most other people do not understand”
• Why you should avoid jargons?
• The audience may not understand and remember your intended message
• The audience might feel the presenter is showing off knowledge
• When you should use jargon and when you should avoid jargon?
• The answer depends on who are the audience.
• Use jargon if it is absolutely necessary and clarify (if necessary)
Activity
1. Select three public speech videos that present scientific,
engineering, medical, legal or business information and
identify the jargons used in them.
2.4 Delivery guidelines
• Select the Appropriate Type of Delivery:
1. Manuscript
• Write the speech out word for word and deliver it by reading the text.
2. Memorized
• Learn the speech by heart and recite it conversationally from memory.
3. Impromptu
• Prepare the speech on the spot, using information you know about the topic.
4. Extemporaneous
• Prepare and outline the speech in advance; rehearse; use note cards with the major
points and key words but select the exact wording as you speak.
• Maximize Your Personal Appearance
• Physical Appearance
• Clothing
• Accessories
• Develop Effective Mannerisms
• Control Your Gestures
• Avoiding Nervous Mannerisms
• Make Eye Contact
• Vary Your Vocal Behaviors
• Work on Clear Pronunciation
• Use Vocal Variation
• Loud and fast speakers: self-sufficient, resourceful, dynamic
• Loud and slow speakers: aggressive, competitive, confident
• Soft and fast speakers: enthusiastic, adventuresome, confident, composed
• Soft and slow speakers: competitive, enthusiastic, benevolent
• Pause for Effect
• unfilled pause
• silent pause
• filled or vocalized pause
• saying um or uh or other sounds during a pause
2.5 Overcoming stage fright
• Meaning of Stage fright
• fear to perform in some way
• stage fright does not mean fear of public speaking – it is the expectation of the performance that
causes the fear
• How to overcome stage fright?
• Know your material
• Prepare notes
• Practice makes perfect
• Feel the bottom of your feet, and breathe
• Pick a point in the room to look at
• Bring something to hold onto
• Don’t hurry through it but slow down
Activity
• Using the skills you have learned in 2.4 and 2.5:
• stand before a mirror or a recording video camera and present an
idea of your choice;
• now, stand in front of your family members or friends and present
the same idea in the activity above.
• NB: In these activities, pay attention to the comfort and
uneasiness that you’ve experienced and reflect on how
you plan to overcome them.
