Public speaking in different settings
Public speaking is a handy skill in a variety of occasions. Since it is so widely applicable, it is important that we take note of the different scenarios, and prepare our presentation accordingly. Most typically, there are formal and informal occasions where we have to perform public speaking. For example, a formal situation may be when we have to do a school presentation, a job interview, or a talk on a serious subject; an informal situation may be an after dinner speech. So, what are the things to look out for to make each of your speeches fit the occasion?
Content
One thing to do is to pay attention the audience that you will address. For instance, take the topic of global warming. If you are addressing a group of adults in a serious forum, your content might consist of sophisticated contemplation, such as whether capitalism has played a role in worsening climate change, and what collective efforts are taken by international bodies. But this content would not appeal to a younger audience. If it is too hard to understand, they might lose interest. Rather, you might consider talking about common places of pollution which they know, and catch their attention by asking them about what they can do themselves to help protect the environment. There are many topics which could be presented to any audience, but it is important to spear the content which appeals to your audience to make your delivery a successful one.
Style
Apart from the content, tone, language and posture also affect your audience’s impression of you. If you are too patronising when you are addressing a group of adults or a mature audience, they might not warm to you no matter how much meticulous research you have done. Likewise, being too much of a lecturer may bore a young audience as well. Language has to be used appropriately as well. If it is a technical forum, make sure you use special or technical jargon well. It will help to impress your audience and improve your persuasiveness. However, do not overdo it as it might risk becoming a pretentious speech. Try to tinker around with your language to make sure that your audience understands and thinks about your speech. Your posture is also very important in your delivery. If you are allowed to move around the stage (e.g. when not behind a lectern), feel free to move around the stage! Or even more, if it is an informal setting, move around the audience, pick some of your young crowd to interact with you on fun facts so that your speech sticks to their minds.
If you pay attention to a few of these things and adapt your speech according to your audience, the event and the setting of the venue, you will excel at all forms of speech delivery.
