A521.8.3.RB_SiegmundWayne

Cornerstones of Speaking

     In the past, my presentations used to be one dimensional, so to speak. That is to say, I would utilize a PowerPoint presentation and speak to it. I have learned much in the ways of tools that provide depth in giving a presentation. These tools include developing a technical presentation that can be brief from, or spoken to, clothing choice, body language, voice fluctuations and inflection, facial expressions, gestures, and the environment that surrounds you. The objective is to capture the audiences' attention, and keep them engaged. With the right combination of these tools used at the right time and proper technique, presenting can be a very rewarding experience.

     In the future, I plan to know the presentation material so well, that my focus will shift from the material to the audience, employing body gestures, catch phrases, pauses, expressions, and vocal tone, rhythm, pitch, volume, prosody, timbre, and register (Treasure, 2016). In this sense, I can focus on these techniques and their employment while engaging the audience, instead of just talking about something that be of interest to the audience, but become less interested due to the delivery of the information.

     In giving a presentation, I will also be looking to approach the material with a storytelling flair when engaging the audience. If my intention is to get the audience's attention, and keep it, I will need to focus on not just what I'm saying, but how I'm saying it, such as vivid and emotive language (Valmont, 2016). Using certain techniques carefully, so as not to over do it, can provide the speaker with the right amount of energy that can captivate the audience, ensuring their attention is on the information you are presenting visually and audibly.

References:

Treasure, J. (2013, May 13). How to speak so that people will listen [YouTube Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEkEAFaV818&feature=youtu.be

Valmont, M. (2016, July 24). Storytelling: How to tell great stories that engage everyone. [YouTube Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEkEAFaV818&feature=youtu.be