introduction to speaking skills_learning guide

8/10/2019 Introduction to Speaking Skills_learning Guide

1/9

Introduction to Speaking Skills


2/9

Infosys Limited Introduction to Speaking Skills

1 | P a g e I n f o s y s F o u n d a t i o n P r o g r a m

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All ideas and information contained in this document are the intellectual property ofEducation and Research Department, Infosys Limited. This document is not for

general distribution and is meant for use only for the person they are specificallyissued to. This document shall not be loaned to anyone, within or outside Infosys,including its customers. Copying or unauthorized distribution of this document, inany form or means including electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise isillegal.

Education and Research DepartmentInfosys LimitedElectronic CityHosur Road

Bangalore - 560 100, India.

Tel: 91 80 2852 0261Fax: 91 80 2852 0362www.infosys.com Mailto: E&[email protected]
http://www.infosys.com/http://www.infosys.com/http://c/Users/pooja_raina/Desktop/E&[email protected]://c/Users/pooja_raina/Desktop/E&[email protected]://c/Users/pooja_raina/Desktop/E&[email protected]://www.infosys.com/


3/9



Contents

Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

Introduction to Speaking Skills ................................................................................................................ 3

Articulation ................................................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 Speech .......................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1.1 Speech as an Interaction ................................................................................................... 4

1.1.2 Speech as Transaction ....................................................................................................... 51.1.3 Speech as Performance ..................................................................................................... 6

Exercises ...................................................................................................................................................... 7


4/9



ContextThis document contains exercises to be completed as a part of the module- Introduction to SpeakingSkills

Introduction to Speaking Skills

Speaking in proficient English is a very important expectation from an employee. It is a priority especiallyin the global workplace. Speaking is used as a platform to exchange or explore ideas, get somethingdone, work out conflicts or negotiate deals or simply to enhance team interpersonal effectiveness.

Articulation

In the first module on speaking skills, we will focus on the basic concept of articulation. When we lookup the word articulation in the thesaurus, it gives us two categories of results:

We are going to focus on the column expression and the speaking skills involved in our ability toarticulate our thoughts with clarity. It could mean any or all of the below-

a. Stating ones point of viewb. Giving an explanationc. Sharing ones feelingd. Asking and responding to questionse. Structuring ones points as part of the verbalizationf. The impact of the expression i.e. the tone etc.

Expression Enunciation

verbalization pronunciation

communication speech


5/9



This series on speaking skills will look at the 4 main aspects of articulation as given in the table below:

1.1 Speech

Let us look at Speech in this module:

Irrespective of the language being used, Speech has many complexities within it. Your speech willcontain many units of ideas planned or unplanned. It employs phrases, known and unknown words,fillers-both sound and word, and also the right responses. Speech is also situation centric ranging fromcasual to formal to direct or indirect.

Let us see how we can categorize speech based on the above aspects and the different functions ofspeech:

1.1.1 Speech as an Interaction

Here we look at our everyday interaction- conversations with clients/colleagues which do not look atdeeper objectives or outcomes. Simple interactions such as greeting each other, small talk, sharing basicinformation in a friendly and non- threatening environment. Here the intent of the speaker is to create acomfort zone for the other person. It is also about how they (the speaker) would like to portraythemselves, to create a good image, in front of the other person.

Speech Voice

Pronunciation Expression

Articulation


6/9



In such interactions speech would take the following form:

More formal than casual No emphasis on the message Polite and non-intrusive Conversation etiquettes are involved Balance between both the speaker and the receiver Reflects on the role and the relationship between them Is more of a formality/social obligation

Skills in Speech as an Interaction:

Using the right openers and closures in our conversation The art of making Small talk Recounting experiences with clarity and specificity Taking turns to ensure balance in speaker and receivers response Interjecting at appropriate place and manner Giving suitable responses to carry the conversation forward

Some of the frequently used instances of speech as an interaction-

Chatting to your colleague over a cup of coffee Small talk when waiting for the elevator Talking to your neighbors, before the meeting begins First time meeting with a group of people-clients, visitors, colleagues from a different

unit

1.1.2 Speech as Transaction

Here we refer to situations where we give a lot of importance to the message being given out. The focusis more on the information. More than creating the right image, the speaker will have to ensure that theinformation is given with clarity and accuracy and proper comprehension has happened.

We can categorize this function based on the outcome expected. For e.g. the first one is where thespeakers intention is more on giving out the right information and ensuring the receiver has heard andunderstood the message correctly. The second one is more with the purpose of getting a buy in to theidea of the speaker. Here the emphasis is more an obtaining suitable and desired response.


7/9


8/9



Audience orientation and management Language skills and flair Overall impact-from opening to closure

Some of the frequently used instances of Speech as Performance-

Presentations to colleagues and clients Speech to welcome or share information Addressing a large group of people Facilitating a workshop/session

As a speaker, it is extremely important to recognize the function where we are employing speech andthus tune ourselves to the requirement of the function as well as the situation and thus ensure ourpurpose to the communication is met.

Exercises

Objective: To understand the basics of speaking skills.

Problem Description:

a) To ensure your speaking skills will be focused and effective, use the following check list:

1. Identify function-conversation/interaction/performance2. What is the purpose?3. Who is my audience?4. What is the outcome expected?5. How do I structure my message?6. How do I divide the information into segments?7. What are the nuances of language skills to be used?8. How should my opener and closure be?9. What are the resources I would need to drive my message?

10. What else?

Volunteer to take part in speaking activities both in your classroom as well as workplace situations.


9/9



Summary of this assignment:By the end of this assignment, the learner will be able to:

Understand the importance of effective speaking skills at workplace. Recognize the subtle differences in the three types of speech functions.

introduction to speaking skills_learning guide

Documents