Fisheries Extension Education (2+1)

2.7.3 Public Speaking/Extension Talk

Art of public speaking

There are countless situations in which we interact with other human beings and strive to get their valued co-operation and support. Interaction requires interpersonal communication in a variety of ways. Extension talk/public speaking is one of the most powerful way through which we can communicate with others.

Public speaking is the process of verbal articulation to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to inform, influence, or entertain the listeners. Public speaking can be a powerful tool to use for purposes such as motivation, influence, persuasion, informing, translation, or simply entertaining.

In public speaking, as in any form of communication, there are five basic elements, often expressed as "who is saying what to whom using what medium with what effects?" The purpose of public speaking can range from simply transmitting information to motivating people to act or to simply telling a story. Good orators should be able to change the emotions of their audience and not just inform them.

Factors to be considered for good public speaking skill

Some of the factors and habits that can help a person to improve his public speaking skills are reading, thinking, listening, talking, conviction, confidence, convincing, memory, time consciousness and cheerfulness.