Page 331 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

298 Part 3 Putting Theory Into Practice

Exhibit 11.3
Shifting the Zone
of Interaction With
Movement
Changing positions can
increase the perception
of inclusiveness as well
as add energy to your
speech.

how we are perceived by our audience. Experienced public speakers try to plan
the delivery of their speeches accordingly. When faced with a “tough room,” for
example, they know that the arousal level of their delivery will need to increase if
they are to reach their audience. Inexperienced speakers, on the other hand, all
too often play “victim” to their speaking environment. Instead of surveying and
planning for the environment, they simply deliver their speech as if the environ-
ment were of no consequence to them. As a student of public speaking, you know
what’s good and bad about the layout of the classroom in which you must speak.
Thus you, too, should plan your delivery accordingly. The box “Speaking of . . .
Seating Arrangements” discusses another factor you should consider when plan-
ning your delivery.

Tips and Tactics
The Speaking Environment

• Check out the room in which you’ll speak well in advance. Take note of the
seating arrangement, availability of lectern, and availability of equipment
necessary to any media you will be using.
• If permissible, consider changing the environment to better refl ect your
speech purpose and style of delivery.
• Rehearse planned movement, including how you will use any equipment
necessary for your presentational media.
• If possible, try to set the room temperature to between 68 and 70 degrees.
Check lighting at the same time.