Characteristics of a Good Speaker
In speaking, as in most human activities, success depends upon a combination of factors. A good speaker, according to most authorities both ancient and modern, must have integrity, knowledge, self-confidence, and skill.
Integrity
Some nine hundred years ago the Roman teacher Quintilian insisted that a good speaker must first of all be a good man. Listeners, Quintilian maintained, cannot separate what is said from the person who says it: they are influenced by their impression of the speaker as well as by the arguments he presents.
If a person is habitually unreliable, speech training may give him skills, but it cannot make him effective. His actions will contradict his words: he cannot convincingly urge honesty in government if he himself cheats in school or business; his appeal for an open mind in others will go unheeded if he himself is bigoted (偏执的). Even a speaker’s choice of words and arguments betrays his character, for he may habitually appear to dodge issues rather than face them or to say what is popular rather than say what is true or just. A speaker of poor character may succeed for a time, but in the long run he will be found out and his appeals will be discounted.
Knowledge
Acquiring the knowledge necessary to become a good speaker is a lifelong and cumulative (累积的) task. Through thoughtful reading, listening, and observing, you can gain increased intellectual depth and maturity. While the first speeches you deliver may be on relatively subjects and may be based in part on personal experiences, they should present worthwhile ideas and considered convictions. Soon you will want to reach out beyond immediate and familiar topics--to learn and to speak about subjects in new fields. The more you learn about many subjects, the more effective your speaking will become. Moreover, what you say on any particular topic will reflect the knowledge and understanding of the educated person.
Confidence
A self-confident speaker has an erect but comfortable posture; natural, easy gestures; direct eye contact with his audience; and earnestness and energy in his voice. Moreover, he adapts his information and arguments to the attitudes of his listeners.
Many factors help determine the amount of nervousness a speaker may feel--including the amount of sleep he had the night before his speech, But the experience of many generations of speakers has shown that, in addition to preparing carefully, you can do much to increase your poise and self-control by following three rules:
1. Speak as often as you can. The first time a person drives a car or flies an airplane alone, he is likely to be tense and unsure of himself, but with each additional experience his confidence grows. In the same way, each successful speech you make will strengthen your self-assurance. Welcome every opportunity to speak, both in your classes and to groups in the community. Select subjects that you know a good deal about and that you are deeply interested in. Prepare your talks carefully. You will find that after a time speaking becomes a pleasant rather than a painful experience.
2. Remember that some nervous tension is both natural and good for you. Even in the deepest sleep our muscles are never completely relaxed. When we are awake our "muscle tension" is higher, and it increases still more when the mind or body is called upon for some unusual exertion (努力). Naturally, then, when you stand up to talk to a group of people, the tension of your muscles will rise. But this only means that you are more alert and alive. Much of the sparkle that we admire in good speakers comes from this physical verve and energy. If you are keyed up before you begin to speak, regard this as a good sign; it means that there is small chance of your a dull or listless speech.
3. Never allow yourself to give up. Each time you meet a situation and it, the more confident you will become; each time you acknowledge yourself beaten or evade an issue, the less confident you will be the next time. Avoid setting yourself too difficult a task in your first speeches--that is, avoid subjects that are detailed or complex--but once you have begun to work on a topic, go through with the job. Confidence, like muscles, develops by overcoming resistance.
Skill
Fluency, poise control of voice, and coordinated movements of the body mark the skillful speaker. Combined with the qualities of integrity, knowledge, and self-confidence, such skills heighten the speaker’s effectiveness by enabling him to communicate his ideas clearly and attractively.
Skill in speaking is gained principally through practice. In practicing, however, take care not to develop artificiality. Good speaking is distinct and lively; it is forceful, but it is also natural and conversational; it commands attention because of the speaker’s earnest desire to communicate. Note how speech becomes ineffective when these principles are violated. Doubtless you will recognize some of the following types of speakers:
The Elocutionist--one who talks for display rather than communication. He permits himself to be carried away by the sound of his voice and the graceful manipulation of his body, and forgets that his purpose is not to display his own speaking skills, but to get other people to understand or believe.
The Verbal Gymnast--one who makes a parade of language. He never uses a familiar word if he can find an esoteric (难解的)one; he delights in complex sentences and mouth-filling phrases. Disraeli once described the verbal gymnast as a man "intoxicated with the exuberance (精力旺盛)of his own verbosity (啰嗦)."
The Gibberer--one who emits a continuous stream of words with little or no thought behind them. He jumps from one point to another until his listeners are thoroughly confused. He usually concludes his speech with the abrupt remark, "Well, I guess that’s all I have to say on the subject."
The Hermit--one who mumbles to himself. He may have a wealth of ideas, well-organized and developed, but he looks at the ceiling or floor, talks in a weak, monotonous voice, and makes no effort to be heard or understood.
The Culprit--one who seems ashamed of what he is saying. He shrinks from his hearers both in voice and manner. Sometimes he apologizes verbally; always he seems self-conscious and tentative. He is never forthright in his statements, and thus gives the impression that he does not believe them himself.
How can you develop the natural, energetic, conversational delivery which the Elocutionist and his fellow "orators" lack For the present it will help you speak in a lively, conversational way if you always: have something you want to say; want someone else to understand or believe it and say it as simply and directly as you can.
Good speaking can control listeners’ attention through the speaker’s ______.