Question

1.      Many experts in public speaking discuss the importance of ‘word choices’, when preparing a speech. What is your understanding of this concept? Give at least one example.

2.      Provide an example of a public speaking situation or event you have been exposed to or watched and give your impressions (positive, negative, or mixed opinions):

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Answer 1

1.My understanding is that word choices are very important in delivering the exact message to the audience in a convincing way. There are many words with the same meaning but only one or two provide the exact feel of what we are trying to convey. The words should connect our thoughts with the audience and it is possible only through few words. We should be able to remember those and include in our speech to make the speech interesting and understandable for the audience. Word choice also depends upon the audience because the knowledge level of the audience should be considered while choosing the words. For example, if we use complex technical words to a group of audience working in the nontechnical field, they may not be able to understand the speech. We should simplify and explain the topic using familiar words giving the same meaning.

2. I have watched a public speaking last week by an agricultural officer to a group of farmers regarding the new type of seeds that has come to the market. He was explaining how to use them to get better profit and the dos and don’ts while growing those seeds. But I felt the speech as bit boring and ineffective because he made the speech as if he is reading some article. There were many complex words related to agriculture with scientific names as well and I don’t think that those poor farmers would have understood the meaning. Instead he should have used the common words the farmers use and also a bit more interactive during the speech.