SPEAKING

When we talk about speaking in English, many students will turn their heads down because they think that speaking in English is quite hard compared to speak in our native language. However, the fact is that speaking in English is not as hard as many students think if we know the right techniques on how to speak effectively, deliver meaningful speech and make our speech more interesting.

What is speaking?

Speaking is one’s ability to communicate in a language.

Example: English, Chinese, Swedish, British.

What is communication?

Communication is the act of transferring information from one person to another.

What is speech communication?

Speech communication involves the ability to understand and be understood.

In speaking, communication will be a success if you have both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Verbal communication

Expressly spoken or written

Non-verbal communication

Known as body language which refers to, among other things, gestures people make while speaking, the way they move their eyes and the way they stand.

Culture can play an important role when a person fails to communicate. In some culture it is sign of insecurity or unfriendliness if the person who is speaking does not look directly into the eyes of the listeners.

However for some others, it is impolite to stare at people.

The distance between speakers is another concern. In some countries it is permissible to stand or sit quiet close to one another. However, it may be a sign of disrespect if people do not keep their distance when for instance, speaking to elders or people of higher authority.

When we speak, we have different purposes of speaking:

1. To inform

2. To persuade

3. To entertain

When writing out your speech, you should remember to:

1. Address your audience

2. State the purpose of the speech

3. Use all the points given

4. End your speech appropriately

Source from Nurhayati Ghazali