Objectives
- To improve communicative efficiency
- To avoid confusion in the message due to faulty pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary
- To be heard and understood effectively
- To use voice for the expression of emotions and feelings
The human brain is a wonderful thing. It starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public (Goerge Jessel).
What is speaking?
The act of conveying information or expressing one’s feelings in speech. oIn other words, speaking is an act of making vocal sounds. We can say that speaking means to converse, or expressing one’s thoughts and feelings in spoken language. To speak often implies conveying information and ideas. Humans have been using speaking for centuries, in fact, its roots run deeper beyond written language.
Researchers have long debated when humans started talking to each other, Estimates range widely from, as late as 50,000 years ago to as early as the beginning of the Human genus more than 2 million years ago, words leave no records on the archaeological record. It is a long journey from just speaking to modern language. Our human ancestors started grunting and hooting and this gradually developed the language we use today to communicate.
Speaking Skills
- Speaking skills are the skills that give us the ability to communicate effectively.
- These skills allow the speaker to convey his message in a passionate, thoughtful, and convincing manner.
- Speaking skills also help to assume that one won’t be misunderstood by those who are listening.
- It allows us to influence decision
- Without speaking skills the ability to progress in the working world and in life, itself would be nearly impossible
Importance of Speaking Skills
- Following are the importance of speaking skills
- Speaking skills help us to create a better understanding
- It helps us to express oneself to others
- Help a person to grow socially and professionally
- Help to avoid conflicts
- Used in assessment oIt allows us to form connections
Occasions where we have to speak
- introductions
- Presentation informative
- Gossips
- Commemorative
- Farewell
- Day to day interactions
Problems faced by the speaker during speaking
- Lack of confidence
- Fear of being laughed at
- Shyness
- Fear of making mistakes
- Time pressure
- Glossophobia
How to overcome speaking problems?
- Concentrate on the ideas
- Concentrate on your audience
- Be prepared and practice
- Get into a conversation with people near you
- Fluency
- Be in the room at least an hour early in case of a formal presentation, if possible try to triple check everything
- Breath deeply, evenly, and slowly for a few minutes.
Types of speaking
- Inter-personal: face to face interaction.
- Semi-formal: Exchange of information
- Informal: Exchange of personal information with friends and family.
- When it comes to being a public speaker, the type of speech to give depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. The different types of public speaking are:
- Speaking to Inform (informative, argumentative speech)
- Speaking to Persuade, Motivate, or Take Action (persuasive, argumentative, controversial, policy speeches)
- Speaking to Entertain (funny, special occasion speeches
Components of speaking skills
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Pronunciation
- Fluency: Fluency is defined as the ability to deliver information with speed, accuracy, and proper expression
- Vocabulary: Vocabulary the body of words used in a particular language.
- Grammar: Grammar is the way we arrange words to make proper sentences
Improving the components of speaking skills:
Pronunciation the way in which a word is pronounced if someone wants to master the art of speaking he should be fluent with strong vocabulary, grammar, and good pronunciation.
Improving the components of speaking skills.
Fluency Just like improving your writing, listening or any other skill, there are techniques you can use to improve your fluency in a targeted way. Here is the list that’ll help you improve your fluency
Improving the components of speaking skills.
Fluency Just like improving your writing, listening or any other skill, there are techniques you can use to improve your fluency in a targeted way. Here is the list that’ll help you improve your fluency
- Speak, speak and speak
- Reflect on your conversations
- Listen and read
- Learn phrases rather than single words
- Answer phone calls
- Don’t be afraid of making mistakes
Vocabulary A great vocabulary is just one essential tool while speaking, along with punctuation, grammar, and many others. Vocabulary can make your speech more powerful and more effective and help you say exactly what you mean. Here are few ways that will help you improve your vocabulary.
- Learn new words everyday
- Keep a journal
- Do word puzzles
- Look up words you don’t know
Grammar is a subject that stresses many people out, as it can be quite confusing and complicated. However, correct grammar is important for you while speaking. It is thus crucial to know some simple methods to improve your grammar skills.
Here are five basic tips to try
- Read
- Review the basics
- Listen to others
- Get a grammar manual
- Practice
Punctuation speakers with good English pronunciation are likely to be understood even if they make errors in other areas, whereas speakers with bad pronunciation will not be understood, even if their grammar is perfect. Such learners may avoid speaking and experience social isolation, employment difficulties, and limited opportunities.
The following list will help you improve your pronunciation
Learn to listen
- Notice how your mouth and lips move
- Break words down into sounds
- Practice with tongue twisters