Oral communication is the oldest and most widely used medium of communication. It can take place in different forms and speech is one of them. Speech is generally, the most effective medium of delivering the message in a meeting, seminars, conferences, etc. Speech refers to delivering the message through words of mouth or spoken words in front of the audience gathered in a meeting, seminar or conference.
Through speech, the speaker can present his opinions and thoughts on any matter to a large number of audiences at a time.
Therefore, it is widely used in delivering an oral message in business, social, political and religious gatherings.
A speech is a highly structured form of address in which a speaker addresses an audience gathered to hear a message.
At least, we can say that speech is a kind of formal address delivered to an audience gathered in a place to hear a message.
Related: 7C’s of Business Communication
What does a Good Speech have?
A good speech has 10 qualities that can effectively deliver a message through words of mouth or spoken words in front of an audience gathered in a meeting, seminar or conference.
Speech is an effective means of oral communication. It is delivered in front of a large gathering.
Therefore, speech serves as an important medium for presenting information in meetings, political or business gatherings.
However, a speech becomes effective when it fulfills the following features:
- Clarity
Clarity is an essential feature of a good speech. A speech should be clear and unambiguous so that the audience can understand it easily. If it is not clear enough to express its meaning to the audience, it will become ineffective. - Definiteness of Message
The message of the speech should be definite and relevant to the subject matter. - Conciseness
The audience becomes impatient with a long speech. Hence, speech should be as concise as possible. However, it should not incomplete. - Interesting
A speech should be delivered in an interesting and pleasing way so that the audience is motivated to pay attention. In order to make the speech interesting, various stories, examples, quotations, and jokes can be cited. - Informal Touch
Though speech is a formal address, it should be presented in a personal and informal way. - Considering the Audience
Speech is delivered to a specific audience. So the speaker should actively consider the expectations, interest, and nature of the audience. - Speaking Slowly
An ideal speech is one that is delivered slowly and in the usual tone. It helps the audience to hear and understand the message clearly. - Free from Emotions
Another important feature of a good speech is that it should be delivered in an unbiased and unemotional way. Speaker’s emotion may drive him away from the main theme. - Use of Body Language
Good Speech goes with necessary body language. Therefore, at the time of delivering a speech, the speaker should use various nonverbal cues. - Ensuring Participation of Audience
A good speech is one that ensures the participation of the audience with the speaker. That means the audience will ensure their attention through effective listening, expressing their solidarity with the speech and so on.
If your speech fails to hit the checkboxes for these qualities, then it will lose its edge.
Despite a few limitations of a speech; if done well enough you make the audience move the earth for you.
