GUIDANCE PLUS
Make your mark as a good speaker
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How to go about exhibiting good communication skills during the Services Selection Board interview.
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KEY QUALITY: An officer must possess good communication skills.
There is a test known as the elocution/lecturette, in which you have to make a speech for three minutes. An officer in the armed forces should necessarily have good communication skills for being effective during briefings. Whether it is during war or peacetime, the usual practice in the forces is to communicate orders or convey instructions through the spoken word from officers.
Instructions on vital areas such as strategies in war or procedure for training will have to be conveyed through speech with clarity.
Do not ignore this event and prepare well for it. For those who could not demonstrate their speaking skills during the group discussion, the lecturette offers an opportunity.
Required skills
Improving your English language skills, including usage and pronunciation, acquiring sound general knowledge, analysing current issues at the national and international levels, learning good styles of body language and elimination of mannerisms ought to be the elements of your long-range preparation.
Your three-minute preparation prior to your speech has to focus on the selection of the points to be presented, the opening of the speech, the logical development of your theme, the conclusion, and the select expressions or quotes that you may use while speaking.
Topic selection
Selection of the topic from the choices offered is important. Choose the one in which you have several points to convey.
Arrange your thoughts in a logical order. If your speech is to flow smoothly, you have to move from one point to the next maintaining logical continuity. It is a good idea to write out the points and then arrange them properly. Limit your points in such a way that you can cover them effectively in three minutes. If there is an option to go up to five minutes, do make use of it and present richer content.
Good opening
The opening of your speech is crucial. It should arouse the curiosity of the audience. The first few words should have a ring of confidence. It may be possible for you to plan ahead to some extent. But you may have to modify the first words depending on the topic. Never start with an apology for your inexperience in public speaking.
You may greet the audience with words such as ``Mr. President and gentlemen'' and then move to the opening lines. These have to be impressive. Do not go for bombast; use simple language easily understood by everyone in the group.
Some points
The following points may be borne in mind:
Do not attempt to present too many points that cannot be covered well in the allotted time.
Stand firmly on the ground while speaking.
You may modulate your voice appropriately for keeping the attention of the audience.
You can use the technique of pausing deliberately after mentioning a crucial word. This will rivet the attention of the audience to the key idea involved.
You may use rhetorical questions if the occasion demands.
Limited gestures are adequate.
Avoid signs of nervousness such as pulling the earlobes, twisting the clothes, and looking as if you are frightened.
Try to limit the flow of ideas in keeping with your fluency. To err is human, but wrong, said Greville Janner, an expert in the art of public speaking.
Start a fresh sentence only after you have completed the one you are on.
Do not swallow the last words of any sentence.
A phrase or even a single word can often convey an idea effectively. The word "Independence?" can by itself form a question, provided the tone is properly modulated.
Avoid bad pronunciation. As a measure of long-range preparation listen to the newsreaders on TV or radio. Focus on the pronunciation while watching films featuring native speakers of English. When you are in doubt, go to standard reference books on pronunciation or the computer editions of dictionaries that provide pronunciation as well.
As a part of long-range planning, observe carefully the styles and techniques adopted by good speakers.
During the speech, do not utter the words monotonously, but give necessary stress wherever required.
Be pleasing throughout the presentation.
Use relevant quotes in support of your arguments.
Tell directly what you intend to tell, without taxing the listeners.
How you tell is as important as what you tell.
Never blow your own trumpet.
While you watch the performance of other candidates, note the errors they make. When your chance comes, avoid those errors.
Attempt humour only if you can do it well.
Do not bore the audience by frequent repetitions or the use of cliches. "Proud privilege and pleasant duty" and "last but not the least" are examples of cliches.
Never use technical terms that may not be understood by the greater part of the audience.
Never make any derogatory reference that may wound the feelings of any individual or group of people.
If you fear that you may forget some of the vital points you intend to convey, there is no harm in keeping a slip.
Conclude the speech logically and on a positive note. Give a quick summary of your stream of thought, before you say `Thank you.'
B. S. WARRIER
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