Effective Speaking

Unable to speak or communicate effectively, many people undergo emotional conflicts. These conflicts constitute of anger, hatred, and other negative emotions. Of the large population, only few express themselves in words; either as letters, articles, poems or other forms of literature. Contrary to it, the overwhelming denizens of the world speak to communicate. Moreover, speaking is such an acquired habit that even those who write’ and write the finest; speak.

Although writing is bliss to reflect emotional attachments or conflicts, few people understand the theme expressed in these words. The majority fails. The case is even worse in expressing our emotions through poetry and fictional works because the intended message in it is cryptic. First of all, one doesn’t know if that piece is meant for him/her. When the emotions are expressed in fictional works like short stories, one actually believes it to be of complete imagination. Moreover, one has to go into depth to understand these aims which tend to be subjective or objective. Furthermore, to understand these messages, the reader has to reach into the author’s life. S/he has to understand why the writer wrote this piece, on what circumstances, is it pure fiction or accidental, did they have a similar encounter, when; and most importantly, what was its consequence. Only then can a reader grasp the intended; not the “possible” meaning. Majority fall short to this understanding. That is when speaking comes into effect; and most precisely, effective speaking.

Although speaking is inborn, effective speaking is an acquired trait. Therefore, one can speak about anything, but s/he cannot speak effectively about the subject.

Here are some of my personal tips to communicate effectively:

- Contextualization: On whatever topic you are talking about, contextualizing events from your personal experience or human history is very important. This is the first step to effective speaking. It helps to grasp the attention of the audience. Likewise, it also helps to intrigue them with questions like what happened, how, when, its consequence and so forth.

- Drawing examples: A theory is a theory. Its validity is likely to expire overtime. As a result, your listeners are likely to take it lightly. This is when examples come handy. Support your topic with examples. These examples could range once again from history, personal experience and those things which you’re heard of.

- Stick to your opinion. Don’t sway: remember, when you prepared on a topic, you had made your blanket cover. Stay with it. Don’t sway here and there. This shows your inconsistency and reflects that you aren’t well prepared.

- Give counter-arguments: When you speak of something, there is bound to be counter arguments. However, on giving counter-arguments, if you start to support it and criticize your own topic, you are axing your own knee. Remember, you are giving anti-thesis to show the possibility, but precisely, weaken it by your arguments. For it, once again, you have to cite examples from the aforesaid aspects.

- Stay firm to you conclusion.

- Appreciate the queries if they seem valid: However, do not take it as a truth. View it as a “possibility” for the simple fact that truth is subjective. Despite the seemingly validity, stick with your own logic and intellect. Remember, they are asking their questions, but you prepared the material.

- Say “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure” if you don’t know. You’ll influence your audience with your honesty.

- Thank them for providing further insight on your topic: You have to express your gratitude when someone tells you something out of the blue. The insight will be useful next time.

- Don’t make your speech blunt or dry: Both diminish the attention of your audience. Present them artistically and with sound eloquence.

- Say. Don’t argue: Remember! You haven’t mastered the subject. Moreover, even if you have, the feedbacks could be a possibility; those which you haven’t had thought of.

- Apologize: Some examples are conflicting or tend to disintegrate the audience. Be very careful of this. therefore, in this case, say “I’m sorry for the example I provided or am about to provide…but this is what this says.” This will help to bar disturbance from the audience on the views or examples you expressed. However, be careful not to give personal interpretation. Relate it to the thesis or antithesis and the trend or validity of the example.

- Give reference: Intellectual Property Right (IPR) is very important. Always give credit to the person who said certain things. How did you come across this information? In which form (written or spoken)? When and so forth.

Having drawn the twelve tips from my personal experience, I do hope it will work with you. Try applying these tips if you find it useful. You could find some change in effective speaking. Well, BEST OF LUCK!