The 7 Elements of Public Speaking
Name 3 of the 7 elements of public speaking.
Any of these 3 are correct:
- The speaker - The message
- The channel - The listener
- The feedback - The interference
- The situation
What are the three main parts of a speech?
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion
What are the three key elements of vocal delivery?
1. Volume
2. Tone
3. Pacing
What is one positive and one negative body language gesture?
- Positive: Smiling, open posture, eye contact.
- Negative: Crossing arms, fidgeting, avoiding eye contact.
What is a common symptom of speech anxiety?
- Sweating
- Shaky voice
- Fast heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Nervous fidgeting
What is the role of "The Listener" in public speaking?
- The listener is the audience who receives and interprets the speaker’s message.
- Their reaction (verbal or non-verbal) provides feedback.
What is the purpose of a hook in an introduction?
A hook grabs the audience’s attention and makes them interested in the speech (such as a question, a quote, a fact, or a short story).
Why is pacing important in speech delivery?
Proper pacing keeps the audience engaged—too fast can be overwhelming, too slow can be boring.
Why is eye contact important in public speaking?
Eye contact:
- builds trust,
- keeps the audience engaged, and
- makes the speaker appear confident.
Name one strategy for reducing nervousness before a speech.
- Deep breathing
- Positive visualization
- Practice
- Power poses
- Preparing in advance
How does "Interference" affect a speech?
Interference is anything that disrupts communication, (such as noise, distractions, or misunderstandings) making it harder for the audience to understand the message.
Name two techniques for making a speech more engaging.
Any 2 of these answers is correct:
- Storytelling
- Humor
- Rhetorical questions
- Statistics
- Strong openings
- Audience interaction
How can pauses be used effectively?
Pauses:
- add emphasis
- allow the audience to absorb information
- create suspense
How does posture affect how an audience perceives a speaker?
- Good posture conveys confidence and authority.
- Slouching may make the speaker seem unprepared or unsure.
How can deep breathing help a nervous speaker?
Deep breathing calms nerves, slows the heart rate, and helps control voice stability.
Provide an example of a real-life "Communication Channel."
Examples include:
- face-to-face speeches
- online presentations
- radio broadcasts
- television appearances
- phone calls
Why should speeches be structured differently from written essays?
Speeches are designed to be heard, not read, so they need clear organization, repetition of key points, and audience-friendly language.
What does "tone" convey in a speech?
Tone expresses emotion and meaning, making a speech sound engaging instead of monotone.
Name a hand gesture that can be perceived differently in different cultures.
- Thumbs-up (positive in some cultures, offensive in others)
- The "OK" sign (varies by culture)
Why is practice important for confidence?
The more you practice, the more prepared and confident you feel, reducing anxiety.
Why is "Feedback" essential in public speaking?
Feedback helps the speaker:
- adjust their delivery,
- clarify points, and
- ensure that the audience understands and stays engaged.
How can storytelling improve speech effectiveness?
- Stories make speeches relatable, engaging, and memorable.
- They create an emotional connection with the audience.
How does body language contribute to delivery?
Body language reinforces the message through posture, gestures, facial expressions, and movement, making the speech more dynamic.
What should you do with your hands while speaking?
Use purposeful gestures to emphasize points, but avoid excessive fidgeting or keeping hands in pockets.
How can reframing nervousness as excitement help?
Seeing nerves as excitement shifts the mindset to a positive outlook, making energy work in your favor instead of against you.