Becoming Well Spoken

Effective Communication is important! 

Anyone can learn to speak well! Speaking needs to be something we practice regularly. Here are two acronyms that will help you in your speaking.

Building a speech with A.C.O.V.A. 

Everything you do before uttering a word of your speech...

Audience: Who is listening? Think about how to connect with your audience. What is their age, education, or previous knowledge? 

Content: What matters? You cannot cover everything so only discuss what matters. Do you have a claim? Support?

Organization: Hook? Transition? Conclusion? Take your audience on a journey.

Visual Aid: How does it help the speech? Use images that add to your message. 

Appearance: Do you appear trustworthy and credible? You are a visual aid. How are you dressed? Do you have slides? Do you need a prop?

Performing a speech with P.V.L.E.G.S.

Effectively communicate your ideas.

Poise: Calm and confident and no distracting behaviors

Voice: Every word spoken clearly and loud enough for all to hear.

Life: Express passion and emotion for your message

Eye Contact: Looking each member of audience in the eye.

Gestures: Hand motions and facial expressions that match message and tone.

Speed: Not too fast, use pauses for effect and emphasis. 

Hint: Practice, practice, practice! Choose one or two of your weakest areas and focus on those.

Works Cited

Palmer, Erik. Well Spoken: Teaching Speaking to All Students. Stenhouse Publishers, 2011.