Oral Communications Home Page

Did you know that more people fear  public speaking than they fear death?

    Oral communication is the most common form of communication.  We use it everyday in friendly conversation, as a means to convey new ideas, and as a way to express our feelings and opinions.  Most importantly, oral communication allows for feedback; this allows people to make sure they understand the message being conveyed.  However, not only does oral communication include speaking, it also includes nonverbal cues which are often more credible than a person's words.  This web page describes specific aspects of oral communication including:

      Speaking                   Listening            Presenting Oneself

   

    In addition, we will discuss how to give strong presentations skills, complete successful interviews, and conduct effective meetings.  How to be a good listener and how to convey a professional mannerism are also described.  So if you are interested in becoming a more confident speaker, read on and discover the secrets behind successful communication.

    Although oral communication is used most often, it is the most feared form of communication.  After surveying 100 people, the following reasons were given for fearing public speaking:

	Not knowing what the audience is thinking or how they are going to react
	Forgetting what you want to say
	Being the center of attention
	Making mistakes/stuttering in your speech

Fears About Public Speaking:

1. Most people have two types of fears:
   

   1. Fears about the audience:  (ex. They will interrupt me/confuse me, they will ask difficult questions, won’t like me etc.)
      

   2. Fears about themselves: (ex. I’ve failed before and will probably fail again, I will be nervous, I will not be able to say a single word etc.).
      

2. Most audiences are friendly and are aware of the difficulties of public speaking.  However, about 5% of the audience will not like you or your speech no matter how well you present yourself just as 5% of people you meet will not like you no matter how nice you are—that’s life!
   

3. Stress is normal and good.  It guarantees that you are alert.  Controlling stress is key.  Some suggestions: accept your body’s reaction as normal and try to relax and take deep breaths.
   

4. Most fears are not rational.  Try to break the cycle of irrational fear by rationalizing your emotions.

(More information about this section at: www.hio.ft.hanze.nl/thar/presenta.htm)

    Here are some that people have had during their public speaking experiences:

    "I was speaking in front of 600 people, and a flasher came up behind me and exposed himself to everyone!  I didn't know he was behind me, so I thought all the laughter was geared towards me."

    "I did a speech on raves, and I had people getting up and dancing to Jump-up Jungle to demonstrate how it didn't matter how you danced as long as you were moving.  While dancing, a campus tour walked by and just stared, mouths wide open."

    "During a speech meet, someone once said, 'Look, it's so easy I could fart up there and win.'  He ; he didn't win."

We also asked the subjects what qualities a good public speaker should possess:

	Confidence
	Good delivery skills including eye contact, a clear voice, and a professional appearance
	Extensive knowledge of the topic
	Credibility
	The ability to speak at the audience's level
	A sense of humor