Construction Skills Fundamentals: Oral Communication

Writing in CSDPresentation Fundamentals:Oral CommunicationChallenges to oral communication:Studies show that people retain 10% of what they hearBut, the sender remembers 70-90% of what he or she saysSo, how do you narrow the gap between what you intend to communicate and what your listener actually understands?Making the message you give and the message received the same thing!Tips for Giving Effective PresentationsBasic GuidelinesKnow Purpose of Speech/PresentationKnow Audience Present a Clear MessageShow Value of Message Build Rapport & Credibility

Know your purposeThe main reason or objective for your speech or presentation. InformPersuade (Sell)MotivateTrain

Know your audienceTechnical or Non-technicalManagerial or StaffEducational LevelAgeFriendly or AtagonisticKnowledge of your Topic

Present a Clear Message2 Messages in a Speech:Message delivered by speakerMessage received by listenerYour goal is for these 2 messages to be the same!

How your message is received by the audience depends onThe verbal message (what you say)The non-verbal message (how you say it)The best way to make sure you give a clear message is to ORGANIZE!!!Tips for presenting a clear, well-organized messageGive a Speech Overview/Preview Prepares AudienceUse Connectives/Transitions Signals Topic ChangeReview Points Enhances Audience RetentionOrganize your presentationWrite down the purpose of your speech and your central idea (most important information)Choose 2-3 PointsReinforce your Central IdeaHighlight Central Idea through Examples

. Examples of purpose and central ideaPurpose: To inform my audience about the major advantages of telepractice in speech pathology.

Central Idea: Telepractice in speech pathology can be beneficial in that it addresses issues of mobility, remoteness, and clinician availability.

Organize Main (supporting) PointsChronological - Narrate a sequence of events or explain a processSpatial Follow a directional pattern (top to bottom, side to side, front to back, outside to inside)Causal or Problem-Solution - Show a cause and effect relationship or present a problem and offer a solutionTopical Divide main points into categories based on topic

Use transitions between pointsFirst, second, thirdNow that you understand the problem, I want to tell you about a solutionIn contrast to; Similar to the first pointMaybe you are wondering.The key to this point isThe bottom line isCarefully prepare your IntroductionState your purposeShow value of message (why should people listen?)Establish your credibility (why should they listen to YOU?)Preview your main points

Carefully plan your conclusionCue the endReview your main points and central ideaProvide a vivid ending (not: Well, I guess thats it.)

Establish your credibilityInitial (before)Perceived reputationAttireExhibited nonverbal behaviorsInferred preparation and organizationInstantaneous (during)IntroductionMessage contentDelivery abilityAudience connectivity

Tips on DeliveryPublic speaking apprehensionThe Book of Lists ranks fear of public speaking as the #1 fear, even ahead of death, disease, and nuclear war.

A 2001 Gallup Poll found that public speaking was second only to a fear of snakes.

PUBLIC SPEAKING APPREHENSION IS REAL, ANDEVERYONE HAS SOME LEVEL OF APPRENSION ABOUT SPEAKING IN PUBLIC.Overcoming public speaking apprehensionKnow your audience and the environmentSpend time organizing your speechKnow your material (what you intend to say)Practice your presentationRelaxBreatheUse extras wisely (handouts, power point)Keep your focus on the materialRemember - Your audience is on your side (usually)

Delivery -- How You Give the SpeechVerbal Techniques Volume, Rate, Emphasis, Vocal Variety, Articulation, Language

Non-verbal Techniques Personal Appearance, Gestures, Eye Contact

Final Tips for Effective PresentationsPrepare/organize your speechPractice your speech (out loud) and time yourselfMake eye contact with each person while giving your speechSpeak loudly enough for everyone to hearSlow down your speaking rateDont be afraid of pauses