Speech Blog By Dylan Ruiz

            My groups worked on chapters four through six. These chapters talked about many skills and ways to get in contact with the audience without losing their attention or having them get confused on what you are trying to share. Through out the book there are many different lessons to learn on how to master the art of public speaking, but our chapters specifically spoke about how to organize your presentation, how to read what is on your presentation, how to get and keep the attention of the audience and many more. 

            One thing that is very focused on and talked a lot through our chapters is the demographics of different individuals. This can include gender composition, age, ethnicity, economic status, occupation and education. With gender composition the most important fact is that men and women are going to react differently to different topics so always be aware of the audience that is in attendance. Age is almost the same as gender composition where different age groups are going to react to different topics differently. Ethnicity is very hard to work around because there are somethings that some cultures and religions are going to find offensive so always be careful with what you say during your presentations. Economic status is an easy way to catch the attendance of your audience with how much money they are making you can count on that and talk about things such as vacations and better educations. 

            When talking about ways to explain your topic and ideas there are a few different ways that you can do this. One of the simplest ways to do this is with definitions, most people might think that definitions are too simple and easy however that is one of the easiest ways for your audience to understand maybe a specific word or topic. So don’t be scared to use definitions in your presentation because even the simplest ways can go along way for your audience. Another strategy that can be used is that of using analogy. This is as simple as comparing your topic or idea to almost anything else that can be thought of in the same field. Using analogies to simple things that all ages and ethnicities could understand can go a long way. Another thing that you don’t need to use but can use is charts and graphs, however if you are going to use these certain examples you need to have numeric literacy which is being to properly read and explain the charts and graphs if you are not one hundred percent sure that read and explain do not even bother using them. An easy alternative is using percentages and easy numbers. Of course, one of the most obvious things is using sources however you can easily mess up on this by using a source that isn’t creditable. Lastly the best two ways to support your idea is to use celebrity and expert testimonies. A celebrity testimony is when you use the words or ideas of a well-known person to help explain or support your idea and the same with an expert testimony however it is a person that studies and knows a lot about your idea. 

            A very important thing that all speakers must do when presenting an idea is using your time correctly and in intervals. Timing is an essential to keep your audience entertained and let them have the best chance to fully understanding what you are trying to communicate. Not only the timing of the presentation but also the time of the day is vital to your audience’s attention span. Making the presentation to early or to late could lead to audience having a much shorter attention span. The best time to speak is when your audience is coming specifically to call you and not come to do anything else. Keep all your presentations short and simple the faster it is the more likely the audience will get the point and more likely to come back and hear you again. The best public speakers are the ones that feed off the energy of their crowd and present with their attitude.   

            Public speaking is not only about presenting but also about interviews and other things. One of the most important things about interviews is preparing early not last minute and starting your day early. Always plan your words and do research on what you will be interviewed on, and it will make your interview that much easier. It goes the same way with conducting the interview always be polite and respectful when talking to someone you don’t know for a specific reason that you don’t know what they are going through in their life. Always watch your tone and the way that you present your questions and or comments.  Make them feel welcomed with your facial expressions and actively making them feel welcomed and at home. Being flexible and lenient is also a most because no matter what not everything is going to be perfect and go your way. Listening is always a big importance don’t cut off the interviewer or interviewee and always let them finish their thoughts which goes back to making them feel at home and welcomed. Finally, one of if not the most important thing is to properly leave with a proper farewell and never leave anything out there on the table. Always reflect on the interview after and take some time to think over everything, doing this will help open your mind and properly reflect on everything that happened. 

            All these things are very important in the art of public speaking and becoming a pro at everything you do and talk about. Not everyone can automatically be great at something it will always take some practice however once you practice enough it will make you a pro in a few years. Just consider the ten-thousand-hour rule, if you do anything long enough sooner rather than later you will be a pro at whatever it is you are trying to do. Through out it all no one in my group disappointed to be honest everyone did great with their work, and I learned just as much from them as I did learning about my own pages.