PD Talk

Foundations of Oral Communication:

How to become a better speaker

In the PD Talk titled "Foundations of Oral Communication: How to Become a Better Speaker" (Acuña, 2019), I had the opportunity to present on May 31, 2019, at Centro Cultural Costarricense-Norteamericano in San José, Costa Rica. This dynamic session delved into the very core of effective speaking and the readiness necessary for impactful communication for language teachers and for their English students. Throughout the talk, I introduced and elaborated on four pivotal principles meticulously designed to amplify speaking prowess and prepare individuals for public speaking endeavors, whether in class or at work.

Kicking off the session, the objective was clear: To empower participants (most of them language instructors) with insights into crafting powerful speaking combinations that breathe life into their way of speaking and exchanging information with others. To set the tone, an engaging exercise called "Top Five" was introduced. It sparked vibrant discussions where attendees thoughtfully enumerated and explored their most resonant preferences in the topic of their choice, fostering connections and nurturing active listening skills. Building on this, participants transcended their comfort zones, sharing these preferences with previously unfamiliar partners, reinforcing robust communication dynamics, something that is key when dealing with language teaching and learning.

A profound concept, the mechanism of brain filters, was expounded upon. These cognitive filters, integral to managing the deluge of information, were unveiled for their role in shaping audience attention. Weak language's subtle but profound impact on presentations emerged as a critical focal point. The detrimental influence of non-committal language on engagement and information retention was unveiled and made visible to the eyes of the participating teachers in the PD Talk. The participants' consciousness was awakened to the art of self-analysis, prompting them to assess their language for frailties and replace them with expressions and vocabulary reflecting assuredness, precision, and vividness.

Highlighting the enchanting world of storytelling, the talk underscored the potency of descriptive language through interactive exercises. The transformative idea of strong language was introduced—an arsenal of vivid, emotional words fashioned to create indelible mental imagery in the mind of the listener(s). Within the framework of diverse activities, attendees were given opportunities to traverse the spectrum, practicing both the inefficiency of weak language and the vivacity of strong language. Elevating the narrative, impromptu speaking drills were blended seamlessly with partner feedback sessions, fostering an environment conducive to iterative growth and exploration of their own way of speaking in front of an audience.

The talk cast an illuminating spotlight on voice modulation and body language as integral components of impactful communication. The subtle nuances of tone, tempo, and gestures were unveiled as instruments to infuse energy and dynamism akin to musical performances we probably experience when listening to our favorite singers or bands. 

As the session drew to a close, a comprehensive recapitulation of the foundational principles served as a compass to guide participants to endorsing these speaking practices for themselves and to be taught to their students. The principles of discarding weak language, embracing robust vocabulary, mastering the symphony of voice modulation, and the eloquence of body language, collectively formed a roadmap towards enriched communication prowess.

Ultimately, this talk provided participants with an invaluable toolbox to transform themselves and students of theirs into more engaging, confident, and impactful speakers. Through the fusion of principles, exercises, and insights, attendees left equipped to command stages and conversations alike with finesse and conviction. So, now it is your turn to watch the video and get to practice the four principles outlined and practiced being then taken into the teaching space of each one of us.

References

Acuña, J. (31 de May de 2019). PD Talk - Foundations of Oral Communication: How to Become a Better Speaker - Jonathan Acuña, M. Ed. Obtenido de YoutTube.Com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVmPbSvsizI

 

Suggested Reading Comprehension Exercise

Instructions: Read the passage carefully, or watch the YouTube video, and choose the best answer for each question. Select the option (a, b, c, d, or e) that you think is correct. The answers are provided below.

1.   Who presented the PD Talk on "Foundations of Oral Communication"?

a) Jonathan Acuña

b) John Smith

c) Jessica Anderson

d) Michelle Rodriguez

e) Michael Johnson

2.   When was the PD Talk presented?

a) May 31, 2020

b) April 15, 2019

c) June 30, 2018

d) March 22, 2021

e) May 31, 2019

3.   How many key principles related to speaking exercises and public speaking preparation were introduced in the talk?

a) Two

b) Three

c) Four

d) Five

e) Six

4.   What was the primary objective of the talk?

a) To teach participants about brain filters

b) To introduce the concept of strong language

c) To elaborate on the importance of voice modulation

d) To empower participants with insights for effective communication

e) To discuss the history of public speaking

5.   What was the purpose of the "Top Five" exercise?

a) To discuss favorite movies

b) To practice impromptu speaking

c) To introduce brain filters

d) To foster meaningful connections and active listening

e) To analyze weak language usage

6.   What is the role of brain filters in managing information?

a) Enhancing audience attention

b) Causing information overload

c) Diminishing communication dynamics

d) Encouraging weak language usage

e) Introducing impromptu speaking skills

7.   What impact does weak language have on presentations?

a) Increases engagement

b) Enhances information retention

c) Diminishes engagement and information retention

d) Improves communication dynamics

e) Has no impact on presentations

8.   What is the transformative idea of strong language?

a) Using complex vocabulary

b) Creating powerful mental imagery with emotional words

c) Focusing on technical terms

d) Repeating the same words for emphasis

e) Using weak language for storytelling

9.   What does the talk emphasize about voice modulation and body language? a) They have no impact on communication

b) They are unnecessary for effective speaking

c) They are integral components of impactful communication

d) They are only relevant for musicians

e) They hinder communication dynamics

10.        What does the comprehensive recapitulation of foundational principles at the end of the talk serve as?

a) An introduction to weak language

b) A summary of the audience's preferences

c) A roadmap for enriched communication prowess

d) A discussion of brain filters

e) An analysis of strong language's impact

 

Answer Key for the reading exercise:

a) Jonathan Acuña

e) May 31, 2019

c) Four

d) To empower participants with insights for effective communication

d) To foster meaningful connections and active listening

a) Enhancing audience attention

c) Diminishes engagement and information retention

b) Creating powerful mental imagery with emotional words

c) They are integral components of impactful communication

c) A roadmap for enriched communication prowess

Foundations of Oral Communication by Jonathan Acuña on Scribd

Saturday, August 26, 2023