A dialogue between a teacher and a pupil on public speaking
Teacher- Well Robert, I hear you are taking part in the speaking competition.
Pupil.- Yes, Sir; and I came to ask you to give me some hints on the art of the public
speaking.
Teacher- With pleasure, Robert. Have you prepared your speech?
Pupil.- Yes, Sir; and now I am learning it by heart.
Teacher- Oh ! but that is a great mistake. Always carefully prepare what you want to say,
but never try to learn it off by heart.
Pupil.- But why, Sir?
Teacher- Because when you are speaking, you should watch your audience to see whether
they are following what you say. You can see by their faces whether they understand and
are interested; and if they are not, you can then win their attention by adding, or
emphasizing, or changing something. But if your speech is learnt by heart, you can't
alter it.
Pupil.- But it seems so much easier to learn it.
Teacher- It is not so in the end. Memorising is a great strain. Also, if you forget one
sentence, you may break down altogether.
Pupil.- Well, I might manage if I could have my notes with me when I speak.
Teacher- At first you may take a short note of outline, or main points, of your speech, lets
you forgot; But when you get used to speaking in public, it is best to do without notes
altogether.
Pupil.- But if I don't use notes, and must not learn my speeches off by heart how can I
remember what to say?
Teacher- You must prepare carefully, and Ihink out what you want to say; and learn the
main points, or outline, of your speech. Then, when you get up to speak, you will find
that the words will conic.
Pupil.- But I feel so nervous when I have to speak.
Teacher- That is natural, especially at first. But as you get used to speaking in public, you
will overcome that. Even practised speakers often feel very nervous before they begin to
speak; but when they get on to their feet, they forget all about it.
Pupil.- When I am nervous. I think I speak too fast.
Teacher- Well, you must practise speaking slowly and distinctly. And don't shout-it
strains your voice and prevents people hearing you; and don't speak too low. Speak
naturally, so that all can hear.
Pupil.- Thank you, Sir, for your hints. I will try to follow them.
A dialogue between a teacher and a pupil on public speaking
Teacher: Good morning, Rafiq. How are you today?
Pupil: Good morning, sir. I’m fine, thank you. How about you?
Teacher: I’m doing well, thank you. So, I heard you’re interested in improving your public speaking skills. Is that right?
Pupil: Yes, sir. I’ve always felt nervous speaking in front of others, but I want to overcome this fear.
Teacher: That’s a great decision, Rafiq. Public speaking is an essential skill, especially in Bangladesh, where expressing yourself clearly can make a big difference, whether in school, a job interview, or even community events.
Pupil: I understand, sir. But how do I start? It seems so overwhelming.
Teacher: Let’s break it down. First, public speaking isn’t just about speaking; it’s about connecting with your audience. Do you know what makes a good speaker?
Pupil: Umm, confidence?
Teacher: That’s one part of it. Confidence comes from preparation. The more you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel. Start by choosing a topic you’re passionate about. Can you think of something?
Pupil: Maybe climate change in Bangladesh? It’s a topic I care about.
Teacher: Excellent choice. It’s relevant, and you’ll have a lot to say. Next, structure your speech. Start with an introduction, where you grab attention. For example, you could start with a statistic, like how rising sea levels are affecting our coastal areas.
Pupil: That sounds impactful. What comes next?
Teacher: The body of your speech. Here, share three or four key points. For instance, you could discuss the causes of climate change, its effects on Bangladesh, and what can be done to mitigate it. Support your points with examples and facts.
Pupil: And the conclusion?
Teacher: End with a call to action. Encourage your audience to plant trees, save energy, or raise awareness. A strong conclusion leaves a lasting impression.
Pupil: This makes it sound manageable, but I’m still worried about speaking in front of others.
Teacher: That’s natural. Practice is the key. Start by practicing in front of a mirror, then in front of family or friends. Gradually increase your audience. Also, remember to speak slowly and clearly, and make eye contact with your audience.
Pupil: What if I forget what to say?
Teacher: It happens to everyone. Keep a few key points on note cards as a backup. But try not to read directly. Instead, focus on understanding your content so you can speak naturally.
Pupil: I see. Sir, are there any opportunities in Bangladesh to practice public speaking?
Teacher: Absolutely. Many schools and colleges have debate clubs or public speaking competitions. You could also look into organizations like Toastmasters or join local community events. Practice wherever you can.
Pupil: Thank you, sir. I feel more confident now.
Teacher: You’re welcome, Rafiq. Remember, public speaking is a skill you develop over time. Keep practicing, and you’ll do great. I look forward to hearing your speech on climate change.
Pupil: Thank you, sir. I’ll start working on it right away!
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