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Public speaking is a skill that can be improved through continuous practice. A talkative person may not be able to give the best speech. To give a great speech, one must first understand the type of speech one is expected to give and should prepare on those lines. A good public speaker is one who understands the needs of the audience and is flexible enough to adopt changes that may arise while giving a speech.
One of the most important components of public speaking is the sound of voice. It influences the impact of the message, and might even make or break the success of the speech.
There are essentially seven types of public speaking. They are:
- Introductions
- Toasts
- Informational
- Persuasive
- Ceremonial
- Extemporaneous
- Demonstrative
Introductions
As the name suggests, it is to introduce oneself in front of the audience. It is to allow the audience to remember the person's name and enough background material like qualifications, talents, significant contributions, awards etc. so that one can commence the conversation in the best way possible. Also, the second reason for introduction is to persuade the audience that the speaker is qualified to speak.
Toasts
This is also a kind of public speaking formats, just similar to introductions, but generally very short speeches. Example, greeting new couple happy married life, congratulations on achievement of something, may his/ her soul rest in peace on demise, all the best for future endeavour etc. are usually considered as toasts. When there are many speakers, based on the context relevant toast will be used. The skill of the speaker will depend on the contextual usage.
Informative
When a person gives a speech before an audience to impart information on a particular topic or issue, it is said to be an informative speech. Business presentations, seminars in colleges, class presentations in schools are some examples of informative speeches.
A person preparing for an informative speech has to research well on the topic. It should be short and precise because long speeches actually bore the audience. While preparing for the speech, one should have the audience in mind and aim to cater to their needs. The speech should include all the fact but cannot take sides on a particular issue, because the speaker role is to inform them and not to influence. The success of an informative speech will depend on how much the audience could understand from the speech.
Persuasive
Persuasive speeches are those where one tries to persuade or convince a group of people. These speeches aim to influence and change the opinions of the audience. This can be a difficult task as one would be facing a group of people who may have totally opposite views. The most important point that has to be kept in mind here is that if you want to influence others' views and ideas, you have to show your enthusiasm while speaking. Persuasive speeches are most commonly used by sales and marketing people to attract the interest of potential clients in their products. They are also used to influence political and religious views.
Ceremonial
Ceremonial speeches are usually given on occasions like weddings, funerals, graduation parties, retirement parties etc. The most important factor to make these speeches effective is to add a personal touch to it. One gives these speeches for people one knows and it would be great if one can bring in stories and incidents about the respective person. The speech can be humorous, touching or emotional, as per the occasion and the mood. However, one should take utmost care not to hurt feelings by making snide remarks about them.
Extemporaneous
Extemporaneous, also known as impromptu speeches are those where one will be asked to talk about a particular topic without prior notice. As this may come all of a sudden, one may become nervous and panicky. Especially in case of an employee it may affect career growth positively or negatively. Though nervous, quick thinking and logical arrangement of the important points of the topic will increase self confidence to speak before the audience.
Demonstrative Public Speaking
Like informative, demonstrative speaking attempts to demonstrate how to do something. This type of public speaking is used in product promotion campaigns. Unlike method demonstration it may not involve the participation of the audience; but because of body language, public addressing system and vocabulary the speaker will be able to make the audience feel the active participation.
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