Unit II: Speaking Skills

Unit II – Speaking Skills (Topics Covered)

 Oral Presentation – Audio-Visual Aids, Audience & Feedback, Delivery of Presentation,

Handling Questions

 Group Discussion – Culture & History, Current Affairs, Society-related

 Public Speaking – Public Speech, Extempore

 Interview – Personal, Conversational, Public Practice

Effective speaking skills are essential for personal development, academic success, and
professional achievement. This unit explores key areas of spoken communication: Oral
Presentation, Group Discussion, Public Speaking, and Interviews. Each section outlines
the necessary tools, techniques, and strategies required to speak clearly, confidently, and
purposefully.

1. Oral Presentation
An oral presentation is a structured speech delivered to an audience with the intention of
informing, persuading, or entertaining. It often involves the use of visual or auditory aids and
requires careful planning, practice, and effective delivery.

Audio-Visual Aids

Audio-visual (AV) aids are tools that enhance the effectiveness of a presentation by
combining sight and sound. They help clarify complex ideas, engage the audience, and
reinforce key points.

 Purpose: AV aids should complement the spoken content, not replace it. They
support understanding and retention of information.
 Examples: PowerPoint slides, charts, infographics, videos, props, and handouts.
 Best Practices:
o Use clear, high-quality visuals.
o Maintain a consistent and uncluttered slide design.
o Limit text—use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
o Ensure all content is readable from a distance.
Audience and Feedback

The success of any presentation depends largely on how well the speaker understands and
connects with the audience.

 Audience Analysis: Consider the audience's background, knowledge level, interests,

and expectations before crafting your presentation. This allows for appropriate
language, tone, and content selection.
 Engagement Strategies:
o Vary your vocal tone and pace to maintain interest.
o Make eye contact with different sections of the audience.
o Use rhetorical questions or small interactive activities to involve listeners.
 Receiving Feedback:
o Observe non-verbal cues such as nodding, facial expressions, or restlessness.
o Be flexible—adjust the pace or explain concepts if the audience seems
confused or disengaged.

Delivery of Presentation

The way content is delivered can be as important as the content itself. Delivery involves both
vocal and physical aspects.

 Vocal Delivery:
o Speak clearly and audibly.
o Maintain a natural pace—not too fast or too slow.
o Use pitch, volume, and pauses to emphasize important points.
 Body Language:
o Stand confidently without slouching or fidgeting.
o Use open gestures to reinforce ideas.
o Avoid repetitive or nervous movements that may distract the audience.

Handling Questions

The question-and-answer segment is an opportunity to engage with the audience and

demonstrate depth of knowledge.

 Listening: Allow the questioner to finish speaking before responding. This ensures
clarity and respect.
 Responding:
o Pause briefly to organize your thoughts.
o Answer honestly. If unsure, admit it and offer to follow up.
o Stay composed, even when faced with challenging or critical questions.
2. Group Discussion (GD)
A group discussion is a structured conversation among a group of participants on a given
topic. It is commonly used in academic and recruitment settings to assess an individual's
ability to communicate, collaborate, and think critically in real time.

Key Skills Assessed:

 Listening actively
 Articulating ideas clearly
 Demonstrating leadership and teamwork
 Respecting diverse opinions

Culture & History

Topics related to culture and history often demand factual knowledge and sensitivity to
different perspectives.

 Approach:
o Use specific examples (historical events, cultural norms, or key figures) to
support your argument.
o Acknowledge and respect diverse traditions and beliefs.
o Avoid stereotyping or making generalizations.

Current Affairs

These topics focus on recent events and their broader impact on society, politics, economy, or
technology.

 Preparation:
o Stay updated by regularly reading newspapers, online articles, and watching
credible news outlets.
o Be ready to present both sides of an issue.
o Support your views with data and statistics where possible.

Society-Related Topics

These topics often revolve around social justice, education, public policy, and ethics.

 Approach:
o Display empathy and social awareness.
o Structure your argument logically, offering constructive solutions.
o Use inclusive and respectful language. Avoid emotionally charged or personal
attacks.

Note: In a GD, it's important not just to speak, but to listen actively, build on others’ points,
and create a healthy, respectful dialogue.
3. Public Speaking
Public speaking is the art of addressing an audience in a formal or informal setting with the
aim to inform, influence, or entertain. Unlike a group discussion, this is often a one-way
communication, although interaction may be included.

Public Speech

A public speech is typically a prepared talk delivered on a specific topic.

 Structure:
o Introduction: Capture attention with a quote, question, or story. Clearly
introduce your topic and objective.
o Body: Present 2–3 main ideas, supported by examples, statistics, or real-life
experiences.
o Conclusion: Recap key points and end with a memorable takeaway or call to
action.
 Preparation:
o Practice your speech aloud multiple times.
o Time yourself to ensure it fits the required duration.
o Record and review your performance to identify areas for improvement.

Extempore

An extempore is a spontaneous speech delivered with little or no preparation. It tests clarity

of thought, quick thinking, and confidence.

 Strategy:
o Form a simple outline in your mind: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
o Use the P.E.A. framework:
 Point – State your main idea.
 Explanation – Clarify your point.
 Analogy/Example – Support with an example or comparison.
o Keep your tone confident and composed, even if you stumble.

4. Interview
An interview is a structured conversation used to evaluate a candidate’s qualifications,
communication skills, and cultural fit. It can vary from formal job interviews to informal
conversational assessments.

Personal Interview

This is the most traditional interview format, focused on understanding the candidate’s
personality, background, goals, and skills.
  Common Questions:
o "Tell me about yourself."
o "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
o "Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it."
 Preparation:
o Reflect on personal and professional experiences.
o Prepare examples that showcase your abilities.
o Be honest, confident, and self-aware.

Conversational Interview

This format is more relaxed and resembles a casual conversation. The interviewer aims to
assess your communication style and cultural fit.

 Approach:
o Be professional yet natural.
o Maintain a two-way dialogue by asking questions.
o Share relevant experiences without being overly rehearsed.

Public Practice

Mock interviews and public practice sessions are essential for developing confidence and
identifying weak areas.

 Benefits:
o Reduce nervousness through repeated exposure.
o Receive feedback on language, tone, and body language.
o Refine answers and improve overall delivery.

Conclusion
Speaking skills are foundational to success in academic, social, and professional settings.
Whether you're delivering a presentation, participating in a group discussion, speaking
publicly, or attending an interview, clarity, confidence, and adaptability are key. With
regular practice and awareness of the audience, anyone can become an effective and
impactful communicator.