Unit 1: Why study public speaking?

Topic outline

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  BADGE – Becoming a Digital Global Engineer

  
  

  • MODULE: Public speaking
    

    Unit 1. Why study public speaking?

  • BADGE – Becoming a Digital Global Enginee
    Project 2019-1-FR01-KA203-063010 (167 512 512)
    

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  Objectives

  • After studying this unit you will be able to:

    1. understand the main elements of oral communication,
    2. differentiate between the levels of formality in a language,
    3. describe different speech methods.

    
    

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  Discussion questions

  • 1. Can you speak effectively? What does it mean to you?
    2. Do others think you are a good communicator? Ask them!
    3. Have you ever had problems communicating at a proper level of formality? If so, describe the situation.

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  Did you know?

  • 1. In order to become a successful speaker you must have knowledge, skill and integrity (DLI, 1996).
       You cannot present a subject you know little about, so thorough research is necessary. Also, you need to know more about the topic than the audience does, otherwise people will not be interested in what you have to say. Skill in presenting the subject matter will help you keep the audience’s attention, will facilitate the listening process and will give you a sense of confidence. When we talk about a speaker’s integrity, we emphasize the fact that in order for the audience to listen, trust and follow you, they need to perceive you as a sincere person.
    2. To be able to communicate successfully we need feedback from whoever we are speaking to. Therefore, in public speaking, the most important element of preparation is understanding your audience.
    3. Public speaking differs from everyday conversation in that it is usually more formal and uninterrupted. It should also be organized better and accompanied by more careful nonverbal behavior.

    
    

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  Reading

  • Why study public speaking? Book
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  Activities

  • Activity 1 Page
  • Activity 2 Interactive Content
  • Activity 3 Interactive Content
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  Further practice

  • Exercise 1 Page
  • Exercise 2 Page
  • Exercise 3 Page
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  Bibliography and references

  • 1. Brown, R., Starting from Scratch: A Different Kind of Writers’ Manual. Bantam Books, 1988.
    2. Defense Language Institute, English Language Center, American Language Course: Module 984: Military Speaking Skills, Lackland AFB, Texas, 1996.
    3. Eaton, S., “Language Register and Why It Matters.” https://is.muni.cz/el/1421/jaro2017/CJVAPD/um/Language_Register_and_Why_It_Matters.pdf.
    4. Herrmann, E., “Language register: What is it and why does it matter in education?” http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/language-register-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-matter/education. Multi Briefs: Exclusive, November 18, 2015.
    5. “Is there a future without bees?” https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200910. BBC Learning English, 10 Sep 2020.
    6. Joos, M. The five clocks. A linguistic excursion into the five styles of English usage.  New York: Harcourt, Brace, & World, 1967.
    7. Montano-Harmon, M. R., “Developing English for Academic Purposes” California State University, Fullerton. Retrieved from “http://www.genconnection.com/English/ap/LanguageRegisters.htm.”
    8. “No more bosses.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200806. BBC Learning English, 6 Aug 2020.
    9. “Should we wear a face mask?” https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200702. BBC Learning English, 2 Jul 2020.
    10. Storit, C., The Art of Crossing Cultures (2nd Ed.) Nicholas Brealey Publishing, 2001.
    11. Understanding language registers as a means to more effective communication – http://slincs.coe.utk.edu/gtelab/learning_activities/30carc.html

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