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How to develop your speaking skills. Oratory skills: how to speak so that you are carefully listened to

Orators of all times: Martin Luther King, Adolf Hitler, Gandhi and many others - they knew what qualities an orator should have, whether he should be clear, dexterous and unshakable, or bold and declarative. Different people like different speakers who have the ability to capture the interest of the public for a long time. Each speaker must grow in the eyes of people, and, above all, for himself. Books for personal growth will help him with this.

Great speakers are the ones who spark revolutions, evoke emotion and move people to action, for we know that the power of spoken words is undeniable. Word " speaker"derived from the Latin word" oratio" ("beg, speak or pray"). This speech is usually elaborate and elevated. The word " eloquence"Related to the art of public speaking, it is a rational explanation and practice of persuasive public speaking. Audience attitudes and reactions are immediately visible, but it can also have historical implications.


If you want to have in-depth knowledge of a topic, then it will require both study and focus. Explore the topic in depth, know the positive and negative sides from cover to cover. A good speaker should have a great command of the topic and be ready to answer for his words. The most important thing is that he/she conveys the message effectively and successfully.

Focus on the topic so that the audience can understand the main idea and the message being conveyed. The purpose of oratory is to convince the listener of something, such as accepting some definition of freedom, or simply the fact that the recently deceased was a person worthy of tears.


Every part of the human body plays an important role during public speaking, whether it be hands, feet, body position, etc. Making eye contact with the audience is very important as the interaction becomes more successful. Each eye contact expresses interest and, in response, the audience listens carefully to the speaker.

You should not constantly maintain eye contact with a certain person, on the contrary, look from one to the other, then the effect is created that the eyes sparkle. Also, use gestures, such as hand and face movements. Gestures should become more with an increase in the audience of listeners. In turn, include body language in the conversation.


It is usually noticeable that many speakers deliver a speech in a single tone. A monotonous voice is like nails on a chalkboard. The audience becomes indifferent and dull, and the speaker seems boring. Human ears prefer a tone that varies in pitch going up and down.


An ordered presentation can be perceived with minimal mental stress. The key factor is the bundle of information. Use quotes, facts, and statistics– don’t include them just like that, but apply them appropriately to complement the ideas.

Manage metaphors - they make the message more understandable. Believe in yourself and what you say. The audience does not like to hear a person who is flustered or does not believe what he/she is saying. Therefore, it is important to speak clearly, open your mouth and not mutter.


Create a stage look. It’s just better to behave differently on stage than in the company of close people. When a person is on stage, everyone should and wants to listen to him/her and he can control their opinion. Therefore, stick to the image that is beneficial at the moment.


When a speaker first enters the stage, the first and subsequent impression is influenced by style, because people are used to judging others by their appearance. A good public speaker should have a good appearance, dress nicely, be clean, and avoid fancy hairstyles, make-up, or facial hair.


Preparing a speech in advance gives the speaker the opportunity to understand what is better to include in the report and what is not. The speech may not be long, but in turn contain short sub-points that can be looked at during the speech and figure out if he/she should include them in the speech or not. Read the sub-points or speech so that you can remember them.


It is important not only to know the topic, but also to associate yourself with it. The speaker must feel the message being conveyed, since what conveys to the audience, the subject also feels and believes, accepting his message.


Join a group that will allow you to practice eloquence. Choose from a variety of groups to help participants develop skills, such as debate clubs, public speaking teams, or groups for people hosting special events. Develop a regular practice schedule. Watch other people develop their public speaking skills.


« It takes work to become a great speaker, but if you want to master this craft, practice, practice and practice again, because only practice will make a person a professional". A big myth that has taken root about oratory is that talent is innate and cannot be learned. But our courageous ancestors knew more.

The great orators of the world, from Cicero to Rockne, practiced oratory with firm determination. Demosthenes was a prime example of this. As a child, he was weak and clumsy, both in body and speech. But he decided to become a great orator and finally achieved what he wanted. Summing up, it should be said that " oratory was called the highest art, since it includes other disciplines; eloquence is not just a conversation, but a speech that appeals to our noble feelings, enlivens our souls, evokes strong feelings and emotions, and inspires virtuous deeds". Remember that public speaking is public speaking, but not every public speaking is public speaking.

In this video, brilliant orator Vladimir Dovgan talks about how to make the most of your oratory skills.

Sometimes we meet people who, unexpectedly for us, change our lives. It is not at all necessary that this communication last for years and be reinforced by regular personal meetings; one or two frank conversations are enough, which touched us to the core, impressed us, inspired us - and we are taking a new step. So what is the secret of oratory?

If you want to learn how to speak so that you are listened to attentively; want to convey your feelings, experiences and thoughts so that you are understood; if you want your information to change the minds of others and in some way help make their lives better - you definitely need to improve your oratory skills!

In this article, we will share with you proven ways to develop your public speaking skills. After all, no matter what you do, the ability to behave in front of the public and say the right words in time is very important in our time! We live in a social world where good communication can move mountains. One has only to remember a few useful tips on how to improve your oratorical skills and how to be guided when you speak in public.

Rule number 1. The public is not stupid.

In order to be listened to, first of all, you must respect the people you address. This is a world-old rule of famous speakers, musicians, actors, businessmen, educators and influential personalities.

While we have not transgressed to diction, intonation and body movements, remember: the audience that listens to you deserves to receive answers to their questions in a qualitatively stated form. Your every movement, intonation of voice, mood, openness, the slightest sigh and fleeting glance - everything plays a big role. Don't try to fool anyone. Be honest with the audience. In terms of love and respect, we receive exactly as much as we give.

Rule number 2. Speak loud!

It may seem ridiculous at first, but it works. On a subconscious level, when a person speaks a little louder, listeners perceive him as more confident than other participants in the conversation. It is important to find a middle ground here: do not raise your tone. Just tune in to the fact that the information you want to convey should be of high quality. This rule helps to cope with the excitement at important negotiations, meetings, presentations and master classes.

Rule number 3. Work on your diction.

There are many useful exercises for warming up the vocal apparatus. When you have to talk a lot, you need to warm up just like an athlete before a race. Being in a relaxed state, our muscles, ligaments and tongue often spoil the sound of words, which is why speech is slurred, the pronunciation is fuzzy.

Explore an arsenal of tongue twisters

The funniest tongue twisters for you!

"Speech talker"

The quick talker spoke quickly,

That all the tongue twisters you can’t re-speak, you can’t re-speak,

But, speaking quickly, he spoke out,

That you speak all tongue twisters, but you don’t speak too fast.

"Ears in mascara"

Even your neck, even your ears, you stained with black ink.

Get in the shower soon. Rinse mascara off your ears under the shower.

Rinse the mascara off your neck under the shower. After shower, dry off.

Dry neck, dry ears - and do not dirty your ears anymore.

"Fogs of the Estuary"

On the rocks we lazily caught burbot,

You exchanged burbot for tench for me.

For love, didn't you kindly pray for me

And the mists of the estuary beckoned me.

Rule 4. Don't rush. Breathe deeply.

Paradox: the faster you want to tell a story, the less you get to convey ... Nobody rushes you anywhere. Consider your words, share your thoughts without confusion. Let your speech go smoothly, calmly, balanced. Sometimes we want to speed up the pace because of the emotions that we experience. In this case, agogics is welcome, but it should not be neglected.

Rule 5. Be attentive to gestures and facial expressions.

Your body can tell a lot more than you think. A real speaker is always actively gesturing and moving around the audience. Here, psychological books on non-verbalism - sign language - help: intonation, facial expressions, expression of the eyes and face. Recommended reading:

  1. "Sign Language" by Christian Eisler-Mertz
  2. "First impression. Do you know how others perceive you? Anne Demarais, Valerie White
  3. “Sign language. How to read minds without words? 49 simple rules" Oksana Sergeeva
  4. Sign Language in Love by Allan Pease, Barbara Pease
  5. “Psychology of lies. Lie to me if you can." Paul Ekman

Let's open a little secret: when you show open palms during an appeal or greeting, you are perceived as one of your own, they trust you more. This fact is scientifically confirmed and many influential people successfully use it. You can also put your feet a little wider between each other when you feel insecure and when gesticulating with your hands, do not let your fingers be "sluggish sausages". This method will provide you with confidence and stamina, on which, in fact, the intelligibility of your speech depends.

Rule number 6. Rehearse in front of a mirror.

Develop charm and rehearse speech in front of a mirror, not only before important reports or speeches. Exercises with a mirror help to accept yourself and get rid of complexes. Talk to yourself until you like what you are doing! Smile and practice your charm.

Rule number 7. Properly chosen intonation is the key to success.

Whatever words you choose, everything depends on intonation! Surely, it happened to you when a person did not say anything offensive, but in his heart after a conversation he felt uncomfortable. People are very sensitive to intonation. When you are offended, but do not want to offend another, you can express it either with a tone of fatigue and disappointment, or with irritation and anger. When joyful - energetic conversation and inspiring expressions. Learn to combine both regardless of the situation. You will not only be able to convey what you want to the interlocutor, but also add contrast to communication. And in contrast, as we know, it is easier to perceive.

Rule number 8. A well-timed topical joke is the highlight of a good speaker.

A sense of humor is one of the most charming qualities of a person! When you use the moment of unloading the audience and joke at the right time (even at yourself), you inspire and relax the listeners. As a result, the atmosphere of the event changes positively, the public takes you for a friend and focuses on the perception of information.

Instead of a conclusion

To develop speaking skills, you need to accept yourself and understand that many people are ready to listen to your thoughts and experiences with pleasure ... In order to sincerely share information or knowledge with others, you just need to remember simple rules and respect your listeners.

Come to the developing courses and trainings of the Shaleny Ravlyk school for the development of memory and thinking in Kyiv!

Together with the school "Shaleniy Ravlik" you:

  • will develop conversational speech;
  • increase self-esteem;
  • will be able to develop concentration;
  • improve memory;
  • become a master of public speaking.

Waiting for you! With love to each client, the school "Shaleniy Ravlik"!

I want to train!

The talent of communicating with people, the ability to control your voice can be useful to many. Oratory skills in the modern world are used by businessmen, teachers, lecturers, just people who often speak in public. Requirements for a person and his professional qualities are constantly changing, often career growth depends on individual abilities, behavior. Simple but effective tips will help to develop them to the right extent.

The problem of the development of oratory was paid attention by psychologists and sociologists, philosophers and novice actors. All of them tried to understand the reasons for the manifestation (absence) of inclinations for public speaking, as well as how it is possible to learn them in the same way as it is possible to teach reading and writing.

Around the 5th century BC, when the first philosophical currents were born and the sophists (wise men) appeared, schools also arose for those who thought about how to develop oratorical abilities in themselves. In the ancient world, the ability to conduct a conversation, in compliance with logic, argumentation, in a well-trained voice, was valued almost worth its weight in gold.

The institution of litigation did not exist then, often the litigants defended themselves. Therefore, the outcome of the lawsuit depended on the composition of the speech, its emotionality, and the pace of presentation. Thus, the speaker needed:

  • have a clear presentation plan;
  • prepare arguments and arguments;
  • have a loud, pleasant-sounding voice;
  • enlist the support of listeners, convincing them of their innocence.

The most popular teachers, for example, Socrates, who influenced the development of oratory in ancient Rome, taught young men to correctly formulate their thoughts, express themselves consistently and logically, develop diction, develop voice power, and the like. Foreigners also studied in Greek schools - the Romans, who subsequently continued the work of the Hellenes, generalized their experience.

The best exercises for the development of oratory

The best are those methods of oratory that allow you to achieve the maximum effect. But you should not shift all responsibility for learning on the shoulders of the teacher in advance: the student will also have to work hard, and a lot.

Practice shows that most novice speakers suffer from pathology - they are frightened by public speaking, when it is as if everyone is looking at the speaker, trying to find flaws in his behavior. Therefore, you need to start by correcting this shortcoming. And you can get rid of it by practicing in disputes, thematic monologues, disputes. That is why, in group learning, all students go through the stage of making a speech-introduction of themselves.

Ease of syllable, euphony cannot be achieved without an extensive vocabulary. To do this, you need to read a lot, learn history, use the works of ancient authors, who left a solid legacy of oratory to posterity. A good memory will help to preserve all the diversity of the experience of conducting discussions accumulated by mankind - one cannot do without it either. Next comes: it is one of the main components of rhetoric.

To correct all the probable shortcomings of pronunciation, you will need to gather will, perseverance and persistently repeat phonetic exercises for vowels, consonants, voiced, deaf, until speech becomes legible.

Important. Not all reading contributes to the development of vocabulary and memory: this applies only to fiction, filled with a wealth of images, metaphors, colorful descriptions of nature, but not to pulp fiction.

The development of oratory in Russia, as in any other country, was subject to strict rules, almost dogmas: the student improved his inclinations, speaking to the audience, sometimes with several opponents. But first, he needed to work on his speech: get rid of verbal garbage, learn the right constructions, gain logical skills.

In modern conditions, the task is greatly simplified. It is enough to find videos with speeches by famous politicians, actors, then conduct a detailed analysis of their speech. You will get something like this scheme:

  1. posture of a person;
  2. facial expressions, gestures;
  3. general plan of speech;
  4. using examples and stories;
  5. pauses and their duration;
  6. the structure of the conversation (question-answer, monologue, dialogue).


The development of speech technology

Novice speakers should not forget about qualities that do not contribute. This is laziness and overconfidence. It is impossible to achieve something without putting effort into it, and any stop called “stop studying, I already know everything” destroys the progress of the first successful studies. The technique of speech is being improved continuously, it is like the voice of a singer who kneads his vocal cords before performing, sings several compositions, “tuning” his working instrument.

  • Brevity is the soul of wit. A story that is too long makes you bored, discourages the desire to listen to it to the end.
  • The pace and power of the voice should keep those present in some tension, creating intrigue.
  • Clear adherence to the plan (introduction, main part, conclusion with conclusions).
  • Arguments, arguments, examples - you can't do without them. No one is interested in a speech consisting entirely of theses, pathos and unfounded statements.
  • Articulation, intonation, tone control - the power of these methods must be used at 100%.

Important. Speaking in front of a mirror, recording your voice on a tape recorder, followed by listening and methodically correcting mistakes (it is better if someone else listens), will certainly contribute to the development of oratory skills. This cannot be neglected.

Techniques of an experienced speaker

There is a lot to read, tell and talk about how to improve oratory skills, but the best practice is to use the experience of current politicians or trainers. Often from the lips of teachers in rhetoric one can hear advice to become an observer for some time, to take a closer look at how well-known personalities conduct their speech.

Attention must be paid to any details: posture, gestures, the work of facial muscles, the inclusion of brief instructive stories - everything will come in handy. The speaker can also allow short pauses in speech, using them to his advantage. If the speech takes the form of a dialogue, then the interlocutors need the ability not only to speak, but also to listen, to give the opponent the opportunity to speak.

An experienced speaker clearly follows the plan, takes into account the conditions for the development of oratory in his region, observes a causal relationship and does not allow inconsistencies, alogisms, and gross errors in reasoning. Dosed humor is welcome, but here it is important to know the audience, its tastes and preferences. Before the speech, the speaker should have a full-fledged “dossier” on his audience: what she is interested in, what are her problems, level of education, hobbies, social group - and based on these details, a future report is built.

A lot has been written and said on the topic of how to develop oratory from scratch, improve existing skills. The teaching of rhetoric has become a profitable business, and schools offering their services in this area are multiplying like mushrooms.

Before you give preference to one or another technique, to start preparing yourself, you should learn a few simple rules:

  1. . Fear destroys any undertakings, causes uncertainty and blocks the development of abilities.
  2. Learn to listen. By carefully observing, absorbing the finest details of the behavior of experienced opponents, one can learn no less than fiercely arguing with them.
  3. Careful preparation. Impromptu are good only in the presence of colossal experience, and even then not always.
  4. Dosed use of arguments in his speech. A lot of arguments - hard and not perceived, little - sounds like an empty shaking of air.
  5. . To convince your opponent (listeners) of something, you first need to get infected with it yourself.

And it is also important to remember that any knowledge, skills are nothing without daily, exhausting practice, with which experience is gained, ease of explanation and real mastery come.

The ability to speak convincingly and work with an audience of listeners today is important for everyone. Even those who do not need to speak at conferences every day still need to present themselves correctly - getting a job, salary, career advancement depends on this. No matter how in-demand a specialist you are, it is important that you and your ideas are heard.

Two ways to improve your speaking skills:

  • go to courses in rhetoric or public speaking;
  • do self-study.

The main advantage of the courses is the real opportunity to speak in front of an audience of listeners. However, the courses also have disadvantages - due to the fact that there are many people in the group, the teacher does not devote enough time to everyone. Thus, there is no personalized approach, which is so important when working on the psychological and speech problems of people that prevent them from speaking correctly and freely.

In the case of self-study, the advantages are obvious - you can try different methods, spend exactly as much time on doing exercises and consolidating certain skills as you need, you can study according to a convenient schedule, etc. Oratory lessons do not have to be under the supervision of a teacher: today you can find a variety of video tutorials on the Internet, a tutorial for beginners, as well as many tips.

Beginner speaker mistakes

Those who are just starting out make the same mistakes. These include:

Training can take place in different ways. With the advent of the Internet in every home, video lessons have become very popular. In fact, they are no different from listening to a lecture at a seminar or training to improve rhetoric - except that you can not ask the teacher a question.

Videos can be free or paid. Free can be freely found, viewed and downloaded online. They provide information related to rhetoric, consider the most famous exercises to improve it. Paid lessons can be found on the websites of rhetoric teachers or by contacting them personally.

Popular exercises for developing public speaking skills include:

  • exercises in front of a mirror;
  • exercises with a voice recorder;
  • self-preparation of the performance using the given reference points.

In the first case, you can observe yourself during a speech or monologue. Looking at ourselves in the mirror, everyone will notice excitement and fuss that we ourselves do not notice, but which are visible to those who listen to a public speech. It is also effective to record speech on video - the effect of the exercise will be like in an exercise with a mirror, and the speaker will not be constantly distracted by the reflection in the mirror.

"Reference points" can be independently found on the Internet or in a book, or you can learn from a video in which the teacher talks about them. Knowing the "scheme" of the monologue, it is easy to make a speech. However, over time, the complexity of the task and training in improvisation will be required.

Video tutorials on the Internet also talk about other techniques that you can use in order to become an experienced speaker. The path to this will take some time, however, the result is worth it - you can speak at conferences and meetings in front of strangers, communicate with colleagues, partners and loved ones without hesitation, excitement, instantly formulating thoughts and being able to achieve the desired reaction to them.

Public speaking training is important at every age, for young and experienced professionals, and in a variety of activities. The time it takes to train will pay dividends for years to come. In addition, even if you know how to speak in public, it is worth periodically expanding your knowledge and abilities in the field of rhetoric - this will help in business, study, and personal relationships.

Instruction

Very often a person is able to express his thoughts beautifully and connectedly, but he cannot show his oratory skills because of the fear of public speaking. To overcome this phobia, you need to follow a few recommendations. To feel more confident during a speech, prepare for it. Make a plan to follow during your speech. Or, for example, if you are going to make a presentation at a conference, then compose a text that you will pronounce during your speech and learn it. This will help you feel more confident.

If you get lost because of the large number of people, you can choose one person and address him, rather than trying to cover the entire audience with a glance. It is only better to choose a person who sits in the middle or at the end of the hall, then you will get the feeling that you are talking with the whole hall, and not with someone alone.

Help yourself in your speech with gestures, facial expressions. Of course, you don’t need to swing much, but you shouldn’t stand like a statue either. Natural movement will help you feel freer and more at ease.

Many begin to stutter during a conversation, mumble something incoherent, as they feel constrained, afraid to make a mistake. This can be avoided if you think through all your fears in advance, give yourself the right to make a mistake. For example, you are afraid that you will forget your speech. Consider what can be done to remedy this situation. Imagine how you get out of this awkward situation. If you experience all this mentally, then in real life it will be easier for you to orient yourself later if you suddenly find yourself in a similar position.

To have good public speaking, self-confidence alone is not enough. You also need to be able to speak correctly and beautifully. A person with a wide vocabulary can express the same idea in different ways. To do this, you should expand your horizons, more books, be interested in the outside world, etc.

Clear and understandable speech also helps improve public speaking. If you speak indistinctly, others ask you several times, then you need to correct this. Record your speech on a voice recorder, and then listen to it. Make a note of all the flaws that you can find. Then record yourself again, listen again. Do this until you are satisfied with your speech. Or you can say tongue twisters. At first, do it slowly, learn to pronounce all the words well. After that, you can try to speak at a faster pace, with different intonations, etc. Regular practice will help you quickly make your speech clearer and more beautiful.

Related article

Sources:

  • How to overcome fear of public speaking?

Instruction

You can learn to speak if you master the technique of speech. This is a separate section of rhetoric and an integral part of oratory. Speech technique is a set of skills and abilities used to effectively sound speech.

The speech technique includes several stages of mastering the skill, such as staging speech breathing, staging the voice, improving diction, working on the intonational component of speech, and developing hearing.

When mastering the skills of good speech, it is necessary to observe the systematic training, perseverance in the implementation of appropriate exercises. Particularly lengthy work lies ahead on pronunciation.

It is advisable to work on improving the speech technique under the guidance of an experienced specialist. Only in this case you will be able to get feedback and correct your speech shortcomings.

A typical initial course in mastering the technique of speech includes the following sections and exercises: - warm-up exercises, including massage and gymnastics;
- development of controlled breathing;
- memorization and pronunciation of tongue twisters;
- exercises for the development of vocal data;
- exercises for setting up intonation skills depending on the content of the utterance;
- reading text with expression;
- special exercises to control the volume, tempo of speech, voice pitch depending on the communication situation, etc.

Properly formed speech skills are in demand in many professions. Neither politicians, nor journalists, nor teachers, nor workers of social institutions can do without them today. A high level of speech technique can be the key to professional success for every person working with people.

Related videos

Sources:

  • Speech technique in 2018

Tip 3: Saying the right words to the right people at the right time: how to master the art

Have you noticed that luck is passing you by? Big deals fall through, friends drift apart, and sometimes problems arise in their personal lives. It happens that people spoil important moments with words. Not knowing what, how and when to say, a person destroys everything that he built for a long time. It's time to learn to speak!

You will need

  • Books on rhetoric and psychology

Instruction

Watch out for the three components of successful communication. The perception of information is influenced by 3 factors: what, where to say and how to say. Each of them can lead to failure. Imagine the following situation. You decided what you need, you thought about how to do it, but you chose the wrong time: he was very busy. What will be the result of your congratulations? At best, none, and at worst, negative.

Start by thinking about what exactly you want to say. When in a conversation you begin to explain yourself vaguely and get confused yourself, then the interlocutor may not understand your thought. Think about what you will say, what you will keep silent about, what you will touch. At the same stage, you should try to decide for yourself what you do not know. What can be such that the meaning of your words? This point needs to be given special attention, because often people hear something completely different from what you say.

Imagine what words a person expects from you. Anticipate his reaction. What he would like to hear, and whether your information matches what he wants. If not, then the task becomes more difficult. Reporting bad news has always been inconvenient and even dangerous. So, before the messenger who brought the sad news was killed, and the one who pleased the addressee was treated to a variety of dishes.

When you have decided on the subject of your conversation, decide how you will speak. Be sure to pay attention not only to spoken words, but also to gestures and facial expressions. People have less control over them. Therefore, by such non-verbal signs, one can easily recognize that a person is worried or lying. Try to speak at the same speed as the other person. Choose clear and unambiguous words.

note

If your interlocutor speaks slowly and quietly, then your fast and confused speech will greatly annoy him.

Helpful advice

Read books on psychology and rhetoric. This will help you better understand other people and communicate with them.

Sources:

  • how to say the right words

A good speaker is one who skillfully presents and reveals the topic of his speech. He freely expresses his thoughts and skillfully captures the attention of listeners. Not everyone has such innate abilities, but they are not difficult to acquire.

Instruction

Practice good diction. Then the audience will understand you and take what you say seriously. Make sure that you pronounce them correctly, clearly, and that your speech is smooth, not abrupt.

Think about the audience. As you prepare your presentation, think about the people who will listen to you, about what they might be interested in, how to get their attention. Use similes, illustrations, and other oratory techniques to talk about things that are familiar, understandable, and touching to your audience.

Take breaks. They are necessary in order to emphasize and highlight the main points, and also to give the listeners the opportunity to reflect on what you have said.

Watch your appearance. Although it does not directly affect your public speaking skills, a neat appearance will make you feel more confident. By dressing in neat, appropriate, and clean clothes, you show respect to your audience and help them tune in to the importance of your words.