TRAITS OF A GOOD SPEAKER

TRAITS OF A GOOD SPEAKER

Speakers have also to learn and acquire skills in speaking. These skills can vary widely from being effective in conversation among a few colleagues, a medium sized group or a large audience verging upon a public speech. A few salient traits of a good speaker are:

(1) Be earnest

An earnest person speaks not to show of nor talks about irrelevant topics. He remains conscious of the purpose of his speech.

(2) Have a sense of responsibility towards audience

He is conscious that time is precious and tries to make the best use of the time he gets with his audience.

(3) Has a sense of commitment to his subject / duty

He thinks and plans ahead what he has to say and does not take on more than what can be accomplished.

(4) Has a sense of responsibility towards other speakers

He does not try to monopolize the occasion and restricts to the time allotted to him.

(5) Keeps his cool

He is not carried away by excitement and enthusiasm. Over-confidence is as bad as under-confidence.

(6) Has a good sense of leadership

He speaks with eye contacts with the audience in full measure; talks with confidence, authority, and responsibility.

(7) Is balanced in approach

The speaker should remain balanced in spite of provocation if any and exhibit sanity to the audience.

(8) Has a sense of humour

An anecdote that is humorous is welcome as it adds a flavour to the message being delivered.

(9) Is focused and interested

The speaker must convey that he is very interested in the subject as it is interesting and will be of interest to his audience too. His focus on the subject should become evident by the time he finishes speaking.

(10) Is enthusiastic and spirited

The speaker must be full of spirits and assume lively audience who need to be enthused about the benefits of the message that he has the privilege of knowing and delivering.