Self-Assessment

To be an effective public speaker , one has to learn a number of skills and be able to use it masterfully during the speaking engagement . For self-growth , we must be open to an honest assessment of our skills . In this connection , I took the public speaking techniques test and have found interesting results . In general however , I scored 95 out of 125 which indicates that I have an adequate idea of the techniques of public speaking , although I would become much better if I give myself the opportunity to seek and listen to

feedbacks and to venture into different s and a more varied audience

One of the most important aspect in public speaking is maintaining eye contact with the audience , I believe that I am equipped with this knowledge as I often look into the eyes of the members of the audience for up to four seconds , while I learned that I could also mentally divide the audience in quadrants and look them over , and that it is acceptable to look over their head to establish authority

I usually stand with my hands beside me while I rarely make emphatic gestures . I also know that I should not put my hand sin my pockets or wave them excessively . There however are no hard rules in the use of hands , one must be able to adjust to the kind of audience one has which I still have to learn to do

Visual aids are useful instruments in helping public speakers effectively communicate with the audience especially if it is something technical and can be more understandable if it is visually presented to them . I only use visual aids if I could not have any way of delivering the

message and when the picture can speak more than I could possibly do My use of visual aids is congruent with the accepted use of visual implement sin public speaking

A good public speaker is well prepared and should be able to present a coherent discussion of a . Using notes is a good way of staying on track and outlines what is to be covered in the speech . I use visual aids as cues on what to discuss and rely on buzz words and phrases While I may possibly just write a speech in full and use it or rely on mnemonics or memory . I learned that I am actually using one of the most efficient ways of using notes for public speaking

Stage fright is one if the realities of public speaking and no matter how seasoned one is in facing a sea of audience or a hall full of people , nervousness always comes prior to starting the speech or even during the talk when you notice people not connecting to you or just because of nerves . I found that I have a good grasp of what to do to settle my nerves and function effectively in front of the audience and deliver my piece

The exercise has been a...