Public Speaking

Definition
Public speaking is speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to inform, influence, or entertain the listeners. In public speaking, as in any form of communication, there are five basic elements, often expressed as "who is saying what to whom utilising what medium with what effects?

Sub skills
Technical presentation to a technical audience

The skill of giving a technical presentation to technical audience is the skill of presenting on a technical subject to an audience who are familiar with the technical area. There is less importance on explaining the details of the area itself and more on the specific technical points in the talk. The skill requires the presenter to be able to decide on the objective of the talk, research appropriate contents, sequence the selected contents into a logical order, prepare a presentation, deliver the presentation and defend, through being able to answer questions, the presentation.

Examples inclulde: Presenting at a technica or academicl conference; presenting at a technical design review.

Technical presentation to a non technical audience

The skill of giving a technical presentation to non-technical audience is the skill of presenting on a technical subject to an audience who are not familiar with the technical area. In these presentations it is important to explain the meaning of technical terms and concepts in a language a non technical person will understand, this often involves the use of metaphors or demonstrations. The skill requires the presenter to be able to decide on the objective of the talk, research appropriate contents, sequence the selected contents into a logical order, prepare a presentation, deliver the presentation and defend, through being able to answer questions, the presentation.

Examples include: Public Awarness of Science talks and major lectures given to the general public such as the IET’s Faraday Lecture.
 * Speech, i.e friends and family

Assessment
Current methods used to assess ability in the skill.

Benchmarks
Statements that could serve as comparators for ability.

Relevant Higher Order Skills
Oral & Written Communications