Eye contact

Making eye contact with an audience is one of the most terrifying things about presenting a speech in public. Because it’s scary and difficult, several myths about eye contact exist to help us cope with our fears. These myths swirl around meeting rooms, conference halls, Toastmasters clubs, and classrooms, and if you listen closely, you might hear presenters whispering them to one another.

Unfortunately, none of these myths help a presenter’s delivery.

In this article, you will learn why these myths don’t work, and discover how you can move toward effective eye contact instead.

Myth #1: Above the audience

What’s the myth?

When I ask my students if they have heard any eye contact tricks, the first “tip” they bring up is to look at the back of the room. Instead of meeting the eyes of the audience, the first myth suggests that you should avoid eyes altogether and instead focus on a space on the back wall… above the audience’s heads.

How to link points to the motion You must first define the whole motion into simple terms, pick out the key words and define those words and then your will have what is in debate circles known as the re-defined version of the original motion. Your side usually plays a role on what points you must have, like proposing is agreeing to the motion at hand while as opposing is disagreeing to the motion. This means when you are proposing you must find points that are in agreement with the motion, any point that supports the motion is welcome but it must be explained so that the audience may understand. And when opposing you must look for points that are against the motion, points that disagree with the motion, these are points which must show the audience to believe your views and not those of the proposing side. And be informed that sometimes there are motions that are usually closed in nature where to find exact information is a problem. But the basis is still the same define it and find any point that might be in support of your side, that is why you need to be good in researching widely. So when the motion is closed make it a point to look for points that may at least offer support to your points but this will depend on how you explain them. Sometimes if you are opposing and the motion is against, you could agree to the motion but offer alternatives the motion…………………………..we are not saying it cannot be done but we are saying if? It is very important to do a lot of research works because you will come across a lot of information, and motions that are closed are best handled with providing evidence give a lot of examples. You need to be creative when dealing with such kind of information, consult your relatives about the motion even friends can give such valid information. Listen to songs of struggle like reggae music, gospel and any other type of music which might be deemed helpful as well as speeches done by famous people in our societies. Be informed that all motion are balanced in they own way; it is up to you as a debater to make the motion work to your advantage. Lastly points depend on how you define the key words of the motion and you need to devote time to do research, brainstorm with your fellow debaters. Points are available out there you just need to look around and am hopeful that you will find all that you want………ask God for help and am sure he will not let you down……….…he has being good to me always.

                                     Speech to inform

The situation in Egypt has been unpredictable due to the uprising and this means education is not taking place.

 Apart from violence the protesters are using the power of speech to advance their demands.

In fact it is persuasive speech been used here, because of its power to influence change.

A persuasive speaker entices the audience to trust his or her views as the best options; we talked about this last week.

Today we make progress by discussing another type of speech known as the speech to inform or information speech.

As the word suggests information speech, it informs those in attendance of latest and historical information.

The major purpose of this speech is to make the audience more knowledgeable, to educate them on various topics.

As a result of this, the audience always depends on those who provide such information as being the best in that particular field.

Therefore, the speaker should be familiar with the topic, such that in case of queries answers must be given.

Some categories of people using this type of speech are the teachers, shop attendants, parents, tour guides and many more.

Teachers are the best providers of information speeches, they do this in every lecture, for instance in Science demonstrations.

Speeches that talk about people, places, animals and structures are information speeches.

Events like the trade fair, the agricultural show and at Museums are some of the places where the speech to inform is commonly used.

The speech to inform is very common where even by just explaining how to use a mobile phone to a friend; it is a speech to inform.

When we go to a shop to buy anything, we ask shop attendants to give advice on the thing we intend to buy, that is information speech.

Even when on Educational tours like to Munda Wanga, the tour guide is always on hand to give information regarding the animals.

Imagine going to a Science Lab, Shop, Museum and nobody giving you the information you need.

This is the reason why we must give credit to the teachers, shop attendants, tour guides and many others who give us information on a daily basis.

Information is vital in life we depend on it to make informed decisions in life.

Don’t forget to give thanks to God always and read more about the speech to entertain next week.

Comments:mikeishmeal@yahoo.com or 0967719061 or log on to: http://speking.blogspot.com/

                My view

The aspect of public speaking has for many years been looked down as nothing that can move this country forward , many people think or believe that they don’t need the skills of public speaking because they think its just a tool of becoming a Politician, Lawyer  and many other related professions.

Alas, this is not true because in today`s world, we can not run away from the aspect of communicating well. Because in order for one to do this he/she needs to learn these skills of public speaking in order to communicate effectively.

Many people underrate themselves of being potential public speakers, but the truth is, on a daily basis speeches are given by ordinary people in society. Just by explaining how to use a mobile phone to customers is speech presentation even when a street vender persuades a motorist to buy his merchandise it`s still speech presentation and many other areas.

My view and belief is that once a person acquires the skills of public speaking, Zambia will have people who will be able to analyze and interpret issues that affect us, rather than engage in acts of violence or being used even be cheated.

Public speaking skills are not taken seriously in our schools I have a strong feeling that my column will compliment what careers teachers do in schools. Many youths have not seen the importance of public speaking because they have being made to believe that it is a hindrance to their academic success.

 I was involved in debate for over 5 years, during my secondary school days at Kamwala Secondary School; this was from 1998 to 2003.

After completing my secondary education in 2000, I was invited by Ms Florence Nkowane who by then worked for International School of Lusaka; she was the coordinator of “ZAMUN”.

This is where I trained students from various schools debate skills, lobbying skills and resolution writing.

I also took part in National Youth Parliament in 1999 at the National Assembly then later on took part in the largest debate programme in Zambia called the Zambia Model United Nations in short ‘ZAMUN ‘.

ZAMUN was a stimulation of the real United Nation where students represented member countries of the United Nations. I was involved in this programme for 3 years in which I represented countries like Saudi Arabia, U.S.A, France and Morocco in various committees such as disarmament, Environment, Human Rights and the General Assembly.

And in this programme my achievements were from being a delegate to ambassador then I became the deputy secretary general of the general assembly and I was also privileged to be joint best delegate with Timothy Katanga who now works for the office of the president.

And these are some of the examples of individuals who have done debate and are excelling in life, Mutuna Chanda worked for the post newspaper now with the BBC, Gloria Kabungo now musician, K Smash now with muvi TV, Nathan Sinkala now with the Barclays Bank as an Accountant, Kwenda Paipi worked for the post newspaper now with the World Vision, Makebi Zulu now a lawyer, Chiteta Kayombo now with MTN Zambia, they are so many.

                Therefore I have the experience in this area and am able to provide the best information not only through my knowledge but also from books and the experienced people whom I have interacted with during my life of debating.

Public speaking skills are for everyone so that we communicate well and these skills help in so many ways such as becoming confident, improvement in written and spoken English Language, in research and leadership qualities are seen when one is able to express themselves.

                                   How to link points to the motion

You must first define the whole motion into simple terms, pick out the key words and define those words and then your will have what is in debate circles known as the re-defined version of the original motion.

Your  side usually plays a role on what points you must have, like proposing is agreeing to the motion at hand while as opposing is disagreeing to the motion.

This means when you are proposing you must find points that are in agreement with the motion, any point that supports the motion is welcome but it must be explained so that the audience may understand.

And when opposing you must look for points that are against the motion, points that disagree with the motion, these are points which must show the audience to believe your views and not those of the proposing side.

And be informed that sometimes there are motions that are usually closed in nature where to find exact information is a problem.

But the basis is still the same define it and find any point that might be in support of your side, that is why you need to be good in researching widely.

So when the motion is closed make it a point to look for points that may at least offer support to your points but this will depend on how you explain them.

Sometimes if you are opposing and the motion is against, you could agree to the motion but offer alternatives the to motion…………………………..we are not saying it cannot be done but we are saying if?

It is very important to do a lot of research works because you will come across a lot of information, and motions that are closed are best handled with providing evidence give a lot of examples.

You need to be creative when dealing with such kind of information, consult your relatives about the motion even friends can give such valid information.

Listen to songs of struggle like reggae music, gospel and any other type of music which might be deemed helpful as well as speeches done by famous people in our societies.

Be informed that all motions are balanced in they own way; it is up to you as a debater to make the motion work to your advantage.

Lastly points depend on how you define the key words of the motion and you need to devote time to do research, brainstorm with your fellow debaters.

Debate will improve your thinking fast abilities, making quick decision which is a must in debating you must take interest because as we grow chances to speak in public increase as well, the early the better

Points are available out there you just need to look around and am hopeful that you will find all that you want………ask God for help and am sure he will not let you down……….…he has being good to me always.

Persuasive Speech

By: Sichula Mike

Am so grateful for the encouragements I keep receiving from you my readers from different parts of the Zambia even those in Norway, South Africa and Botswana.

There are many types of speeches which include acceptance, Funeral, wedding speeches and many others.

But today let’s look at one type of speech called Persuasive speech.

The word persuasive comes from persuade which is to challenge something on someone to change their point of view.

Persuasive speech is mostly used to convince others about someone’s personal view.

Some examples of the people who use this type of speech include politicians, Lawyers, pastors’ even street vendors and debaters.

To persuade is to make your audience accept your point as been the best option. But this takes logical arguments and leave room where possible for compromise so that you are not seen to be imposing your views on the people.

This type of speech is a difficult to deliver effectively as it may be opposed by the people due to their cultural, political and religious beliefs.

Take for instance trying to change the minds of Mr. Sata, the leader of the opposition to rejoin the country’s ruling party, do you think it is ease?

This is the reason in last week’s article l said before coming up with any type of speech it is important to have a purpose, what do want to achieve?

Because without it your speech will not have an impact as well as it won’t follow.

Setting the purpose will also make the speech suit the occasion and the audience will appreciate it for many days to come.

This year prepare yourself for such because it is an election year, they are coming and in numbers seeking your vote with the persuasive speech.

What is a Speech?

By: Sichula Mike

I have being stating the word speech in almost every article done so far; speech and public speaking are inseparable.

Today let’s find out what is a speech? Those that don’t know you have every reason to be happy because you will learn something new.

A Speech is a collection of ideas put together or something that you present to people in written or orally, a speech is a report of something.

A speech has three parts which include; an introduction, the main body and conclusion.

An introduction is the starting point and it serves the following;

It capture’s the attention of the listener, introduces your topic, shows the importance of the topic also previews the outcome.

The core of any speech is the main body, contains details of the speech, the real message you want your audience to hear.

When preparing your speech it is important to consider your purpose in the first place.

The purpose has a bearing in arranging your ideas, is it a speech to inform, Persuade, Entertain?

The main body is the longest part of the speech and it must be given the greatest amount of preparation.

If possible don’t make your speech too long, listeners find it difficult to follow everything and retention is hard.

Retention is the ability to recall what you just heard or read easily.

The last part of a speech is the conclusion, this is the summary you cannot finish your speech by just saying thank you or am through, you need to end in style.

A good conclusion does the following; informs the audience that you are about to end, summarizes the major points and leaves them with an idea to remember.

Lastly am looking forward for a time in Zambia when electing our leaders will strictly be based on good speech presentation.

Look out for part one in the series of (3) types of speeches that we hear on daily basis.