Speaking of Speech: Presentation Highlights


In the digital age, the ability to communicate effectively is more than a helpful skill—it is a necessity. Traditionally confined to podiums and auditoriums, public speaking has expanded into online forums, with tools such as Zoom serving as modern platforms for influence and expression. Based on Chapters 1 through 17 in Coopman and Lull's Public Speaking: The Evolving Art (5th ed.), a recent series of Zoom class presentations provided an informative and organized review of the fundamentals of public speaking. The main ideas, methods, and approaches necessary for giving powerful speeches, especially in online settings, are covered in detail in this essay's thorough analysis of these presentations.

An outline of the reasons public speaking continues to be an essential ability in academic, professional, and personal settings was presented at the start of the presentations. According to Coopman and Lull, public speaking is not only about delivering messages but also about engaging in meaningful, ethical, and audience-centered communication. Effective public speakers are created, not born, as the book argues, and our online classes echoed this idea.

Informative, persuasive, and ceremonial are the three main subcategories of speeches. During class, these were thoroughly discussed. Persuasive speeches try to alter attitudes or actions, informative speeches try to improve understanding, and ceremonial speeches celebrate important events. 

Another important topic that was discussed in the book and in class was audience analysis. Coopman and Lull emphasize that having an understanding of the values, wants, and expectations of the audience shapes a successful speech. Our presentations focused on this information and showed how to use this data to modify tone and content for various audiences. The idea of "audience-centeredness," or being attentive to and considerate of the needs of listeners, was specifically emphasized as being crucial to the success of public speaking.

One of the most practical aspects of the presentation was the discussion of speech structure and organization. We learned how to structure our speeches into bodies, introductions, and conclusions. The purpose of the introductions is to preview the key themes, build speaker credibility, and capture the audience's interest.The body of each speech followed formal patterns, such as chronological, spatial, or thematic structure, which were supported by evidence, cases, and transitions. Conclusions restated the key points and often left audiences with a memorable thought or call to action. The necessity of putting audience comprehension ahead of persuasion was one of the section's main lessons. The main objective of a well-structured speech, especially an informative one, is to make sure that your message is understood and presented clearly. Understanding must come first; influence may follow. The audience is more likely to develop their own well-informed ideas and participate actively in the discussion when they have a thorough understanding of the issue.

Our lectures included visual aids, especially slides, based on the concepts presented in the textbook. Presentation media sets a strong emphasis on relevancy, clarity, and simplicity. We learned to test our tech setups before presenting, to use images carefully, and to avoid packing slides with too much text. The goal is to support the spoken message rather than overpower it with a visual.

In conclusion, our Zoom speech class offered an in-depth guide to the art and science of public speaking, based on the first 16 chapters of Coopman and Lull's Public Speaking: The Evolving Art (5th ed.). Through theory, instruction, and peer interaction, we acquired the abilities required to create and present speeches that are morally sound, audience-focused, and effective. T he concepts we covered in the textbook are connection, preparedness, and adaptability.

By Georgette Amador

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