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Module 8

Public Speaking
Learning Outcomes

1. Trace the history of public speaking

2. Identify the types of speech according to purpose and delivery

3. Deliver effectively a message to an audience

Overview

Introduction

The importance of public speaking cannot be denied. Great speeches have moved
nations to war and revolution; they inspire and move people to act. What people say, and
how they say it, can get them elected in public office or create a new movement in society.
For the Greeks, public speaking was political in nature, and the spoken word was thought to
be such an important skill that citizens were taught the art of rhetoric.

Public speaking is an important life skill, yet few people master it. In fact, many
people are afraid of speaking in public. However, the significance of public speaking has
only gotten stronger in contemporary times. Public speaking platforms, such as TED Talks
and YouTube, have captured and disseminated public speech to an unprecedented scale,
and what one says at the spur of the moment can live forever on the internet. Great
speeches have created hope in perilous situations, and have made people change their
minds about the world and their places in it.

According to acclaimed public speakers Dale Carnegie and Joseph Berg Esenwein
(2007), “Public speaking in public utterance, public issuance, of the man himself; therefore,
the first thing both in time and importance is that the man should be and think and feel things
that are worthy of being given forth.

Although this chapter includes a short history on public speaking, we believe that this
is not complete without actually reading or watching great speeches. Aside from the written
speeches online, should they be needed? To be able to understand how to become a good
speaker, one needs to learn how to appreciate a good speech and aspire to have the kind of
skills that good speakers have.

A short History of Public Speaking

There are many public speaking traditions around the world. We will discuss a few of
these traditions, from the more well-known public speaking traditions of the Greek and
Romans, and the public speaking traditions that are found in the Philippines.

The most well-known public speaking traditions come from the West, specifically
from the Greco-Roman tradition. The Greeks studied the art of rhetoric on the island of
Sicily, and it began with a practical need. Their government had been overthrown, a new
democracy was formed, and the Greek courts were filled with clashing property claims. The
Greek teacher of rhetoric, Corax, and his student, Tisias, proceeded to help citizens when it
came to speaking persuasively in courts of law, and this led to the expansion of the teaching

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of rhetoric to mainland Greece. According to Corax, a basic speech has three parts, the
introduction, evidence, and conclusion, and this simple organization of speeches has
endured throughout the ages (Morreale, 2010).

Other famous Greek teachers were Protagoras, the father of debate, who made his
student argue for and against issues of the day, to sharpen their reasoning skills and
appreciate different sides of an issue. And there was the famous Greek philosopher,
Aristotle, also known as the father of modern communication. Aristotle wrote a treatise
entitled “Rhetoric,” where he discussed the use of logos (logical argument), pathos
(emotional argument), and ethos (the speaker’s character and credibility), in the use of
persuasive speaking (Morreale, 2010).

According to Grenville Kleiser (2009), in Successful Methods in Public Speaking,

“The great orators of the world did not regard eloquence as simply an endowment of nature,
but applied themselves diligently to cultivating their powers of expression.” The most famous
orator in Ancient Greece was Demosthenes. In the beginning, he had many flaws when it
came to public speaking, chief among them were his stammer and weak voice. According to
Kleise (2009). Demosthenes practiced earnestly by “declaiming on the seashore with
pebbles in his mouth, walking up and downhill while reciting,” and that his speeches were
known for the deliberation and forethought.

On the other hand, the most famous Roman orator was Cicero, whose eloquence
was described as a “resistless torrent” (Kleiser, 2009). Cicero was a statesman who argued
that the teaching of rhetoric should be considered an art form, and that this could be useful
in “all practical and public affairs.” Cicero believed that in order to prepare a speech, one
should first think of one’s listeners and their interests. And to use certain strategies, such as
using rumours, questions, etc., to engage the audience (Morreale, 2010).

The Roman lawyer and educator, Quintilian, also forwarded the idea that public
speakers should be ethical. According to Morreale (2010), the ideal spear was “a good man
speaking well… a good speaker is ethical and of high character, and speaking well-meant
being well-informed and presenting the speech effectively.”

It is interesting to note that during these times, women were not allowed to speak
publicly in these countries, and that for a long time, this was true for women in other areas of
the world. However, during pre-colonial times, the Philippines was one of the few places that
allowed women to speak in public for the purpose of presiding over religious rituals. These
women were known as the babaylan, priestesses of the community, and along with the
warriors of the community, the mandirigma, they were the leaders of pre-colonial Philippines
(Mallari, 2013). Although most of the babaylan were women, babaylan priests also existed,
wearing feminine clothing and adopting a feminized role in Philippine society.

The Philippines actually has its own tradition of public speaking. It is called different
words in different religions in the Philippines. According to Montemayor (n.d.), among the
Tagalogs, the Karagatan is said to be a game where in young men and women duel with
each other using words when it comes to talking about love, while the “Huwego de Prenda…
is a game used to entertain guests and the bereaved family during wakes.” During the
American period, the more widely known Balagtasan was also staged, on order to honor
Francisco Balagtas, a well-known Filipino poet. The Balagtasan is “like an ordinary debate,
except that one has to reason and argue in verse. Two master poets are assigned to defend
the pros and cons of an issue, and a board of judges sits to determine the winner.” At first,
this whole enterprise was scripted and staged, but thereafter, they were made in a more
impromptu manner.

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When the Americans brought public education in the Philippines, they also brought
their public speaking traditions along with them. The Americans wanted to distinguish
themselves from the Spanish colonizers by emphasizing public education, and did so on a
massive scale. They did this using the medium of the English language, which has its own
peculiarities and forms, foremost among them ius the dictum to be straightforward. It is
anchored on the public speaking tradition founded on Western Civilization, which is based
on the Greek and the Roman traditions.

In this manner, the Filipino public speaking tradition brings with it the flamboyant,
poetic manner that flourished under Spanish colonization, and the simpler, methodical public
speaking traditions of the west.

Factors that make up a Good Speaker

It has been often said that the measure of a good speaker will be the results
of his speech. For the reason, it is necessary to know the good characteristics of a
good, interesting and successful speaker.

1. Personality/Grooming - this includes appropriate attire, good grooming,

tidiness, neatness and comfort

2. Attitude - this is measured in terms of poise, confidence,

good posture, facial expression, friendliness,
naturalness
3. Intelligence - common sense, fact, goodwill, wide interest, self-
criticism and sense of humour.

4. Integrity - this means virtue, sincerity and moral values,

truthfulness.

5. Training - practicing what to say, how to say it, and how to

connect with the audience effectively.

6. Technique - this includes the elements of speech such as

voice pitch, voice volume, voice quality, rate and
pause, enunciation and pronunciation.

The following elements also form the requisites for a good speaker.

1. Gestures - the movement of arms, shoulders, hands, or head

in the physical expression of thought,
nodding/shaking of the head. Raising the chin
using hand, palm, fingers, etc. (open hand, closed
fist, etc.) stepping to sides/forward

2. Posture - the position and bearing of the body like standing

erect/relaxed, sitting erect, avoiding slouching

3. Facial Expression - the aspect and general appearance of the face

such as knitting brows, smiling smirking looking
hurt/angry/suspicious, etc.

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4. Audience Contact - eye contact and other forms of connection or

talking with the audience.

Type of Speech According to Purpose

. Making a speech may not be everyone’s cup of tea but at one point in our life,
we have to do it. Unless you are used to public speaking, delivering a speech in front
of an audience can be a harrowing experience. It is best to remember why you are
making a speech and come to the occasion prepared. A well-structured speech and
flawless delivery always save the day.

There are four basic type of speech according to purpose:

1. Informative

This speech serves to provide interesting and useful information to

your audience.

Some examples of Informative speeches are:

a. A school principal telling new students about the policies of the

school

b. A student discussing her research project

c. A cabinet secretary talking about the President’s new degree

2. Instructional

This has similarities with an informative speech since a demonstrative

speech also teaches you something. However, the main different is the
demonstration part in the instructional speech wherein the speaker teaches
the audience how to do something.

Some examples of instructional or demonstrative speeches:

a. How to create your own webpage

b. How to write a speech

c. How to create 3D art

3. Persuasive

A persuasive speech aims to move people into action like convincing

them to change in the way they think, the way they do something, or to make
them start doing something that they are not currently doing.

Some examples of persuasive speeches:

a. You are a Filipino if…

b. Explaining “balut” to an American

c. Filipinisms and other Funny Local Expressions

These types of speech are not mutually explosive of one another, though.
You can may have several purposes in mind when giving your presentation and may

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want to combine any of the four like informing the audience in an entertaining style or
persuading the audience on the merit of your powerful information. However, the
principal purpose of a speech will generally fall into one of the four basic type
mentioned above.

Type of Speech Delivery

A speech is considered to be the most effective way of communication, but

besides that, a speech is also a powerful medium of addressing concerns, discussing
controversial issues in a peaceful manner or effecting change.

There are four types of speeches: impromptu, extemporaneous, manuscript,

and memorized. Each has its purpose, style, and utility.

1. Impromptu Talk

This is speaking without preparation; however, thoughts maybe organized

that you will still come through like you have prepared for it.

Do

a. Think of what you will say

b. Keep to the main points of the topic
c. Keep your speech interesting
d. Comment on the what, why and how
2. Extemporaneous Speech

Speaker is given time to organize and rehearse the speech as ample time is
given.

Remember:

a. Rely mainly on the prepared speech

b. Keep the inspirational quotes to a minimum
c. Don’t talk too long
3. Memorized Speech

Using memorized speech is favoured by beginning speakers. The advantage

is that the speaker can connect with the audience because the speech is
memorized; however, the advantage is that some words may be forgotten in
the pressure brought about by delivery. Oration and Declamation are among
the two most popular memorized speeches.

a. Oration

It is speech that is usually elaborate and dignified wherein the topics

are usually related to current issues or moves to initiate change. This
is delivered in a persuasive way so as to motivate the audience to
make a choice. The recommended parts of an oration are
introduction, problem, cause/s or effect/s, solution and
conclusion.

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b. Declamation

A declamation is any speech that is presented with great emotion and

forceful emphasis. Gestures may accompany the oration, and it can
be much like a tirade or verbal attack. Declamation also referred to as
Oratorical Declamation, Oratorical Interpretation, or simply Dec uses
body language, facial expressions, and movement to enhance the
delivery and impact of the speech.

4. Spiel

A spiel can be described as a speech that is intended to persuade others.

This word connotes a number of meaning as in the lines read by television
host fro, a teleprompter or the so-called “elevator pitch” - the lines used by
business people to promote their product. Tour guides, stewards, fast food
crew and many others also have their own rehearsed or ready lines called
spiel.

CHECK and DO

CHECK (Questions for Discussion)

1. What is the history of public speaking?

2. What are the types of speech? How does each type differ from one another?

Do Activities (To Do)

A. Pair Work

1. Using the table, compare and contrast extemporaneous speaking to/ from
impromptu speaking by writing them differences in their respective columns and their
similarities in the middle column.

Impromptu Similarities Extemporaneous

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Do the same for read and memorized speech.

Read Similarities Memorized

B. Which mode of speech delivery has best application? Why do you say so?

C. Which mode of speech delivery has the most application? Why do you say so?

2. Read the sample speech.

Because of What We Are, of What We Believe

For every generation, there is destiny. For some, history decides.

For this generation, the choice must be our own.

Our destiny in the midst of change will rest on the changed

character of our people and on their faith.

In a land of great wealth, families must not live in hopeless poverty.

In a land rich in harvest, children must not be hungry.

In a land of healing miracles, neighbors must not suffer and die unattended.

In a great land of learning and scholars, young people must teach to read and write.

How incredible it is that in this fragile existence, we should hate

and destroy one another, other to pursue mastery over nature.

There is world enough for all to seek their happiness in their own way.

We have discovered that every child who learns, and every man

who find work, and every sick body that is made whole – like a

candle added to an altar – brightens the hope of all the faithful.

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So let us reject any among us, who seek to reopen old wounds, and

rekindle old hatreds. They stand in the way of a seeking nation.

Let us joined reason to faith and action to experience, to transform

our unity of interest into a unity of purpose. To achieve change

without hatred; not without difference of opinion but without the

deep and abiding divisions which scar the union for generations.

Under the covenant of justice, liberty and union, we have become

a nation. And we have kept our freedom.

it is the excitement of becoming-always becoming, trying,

probing, resting, and trying again but always gaining.

If we fail now, then we will have forgotten in abundance what we

learning in hardship, that democracy rest on faith, that freedom

asks more that it gives.

If we succeeded, it will not be because of what we have, but it will

be because of what we are; not because of what we own, but rather

because of what we believe.

For we are a nation of believers. Underneath the clamour of

buildings and the rush of our day’s pursuits, we are the believers

in justice and liberty and union. And in our own union we

believed that every man must someday be free. And we believe in ourselves.

For this is what our country is all about. It is the uncrossed desert

and the unclimbed bridge. It is the star that is not reached and the

harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground.

Is our world gone? We say farewell, is a new world coming? We

welcome it – and we will bend it to the hopes of man.

But you must look within your own hearts to the old promises

and to the old dreams. They will lead you the best of all.

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