The most outstanding speakers in history capture audiences’ attention from the introduction. Public speaking can be self-introductory or general, each involving audience engagement through rhetoric and tonal proficiency. An effective speech is one that audiences can remember long after its delivery and, in most cases, creates a speaker’s legacy. This paper analyzes two videos on self-introduction and secrets of great presentations, arguing that combining words, body language, and voice tone determines communication effectiveness, especially during self-introduction.
I think of the two speeches as the best examples of what the speakers are lecturing on effective communication. Richard Greene’s top secret to exemplary presentation was not in the techniques used by renowned world speakers but in the breakdown of word, voice tone, and body language effectiveness (word 7%, voice tone 38%, and body language 55%) (TEDx Talks, 2014 b). Greene and Kevin Bahler agreed that speakers should make headlines early enough to capture audiences’ interest in the presentation (TEDx Talks, 2014 b). I agree with Greene and Bhaler that people should effectively communicate with audiences by sharing passions and making engagements as sporadic and unpredictable as possible. Greene described it as having a conversation from the heart, whereas Bahler said it is about non-conformity to mundane introductions (TEDx Talks, 2014 b; TEDx Talks, 2014 a). Public speaking is a chance to present authentic interests in a monologue conversation with listeners.
The best way to introduce oneself is by matching name identification with personal interests. Bhaler advised that attaching a personality or something representing your ideal self captures audience interest in the introduction (TEDx Talks, 2014 a). I think the techniques, such as Bahler’s non-conformity idea, are the best introduction for creating a speaker’s unique personality (TEDx Talks, 2014 a). Most people try to fit in with an audience by mentioning common interests, sticking to safe conversations and safe friendships at the expense of exploring adventurous attractions.
In summary, speech effectiveness depends more on the rhetoric used to deliver words. The most outstanding speakers in history knew how to balance words with tonal voice and body language to capture the audience’s emotions and attention. The convincing power of a presentation lies behind a speaker’s authenticity, word choices, and connectedness with the audience. Engagement with listeners does not necessarily mean sticking with mundane introductions but unique passions, interests, or controversy-worthy topics.
References
TEDx Talks. (2014). How to introduce yourself | Kevin Bahler | TEDxLehighRiver [Video file]. YouTube. Web.
TEDx Talks. (2014). The 7 secrets of the greatest speakers in history | Richard Greene | TEDxOrangeCoast [Video file]. YouTube. Web.