Effective Oral, Public Speaking, and Gestural Communication

Techniques of Oral Communication

Conversation is the most important means of oral communication. Effective communication requires:

  • Simplicity in discourse.
  • Using a minimum of words.
  • Speaking concisely and logically.
  • Expressive force.
  • Considering that the listener is a human being.

Forms of oral participation are grouped as:

  • Individual Oral Participation:
    • Chat
    • Conference
    • Speech
  • Collective Oral Participation:
    • Dialogue
    • Interview
    • Discussion
    • Debate
    • Roundtable
    • Symposium
    • Panel
    • Forum
    • Seminar

Public Speaking

The main secret is to be oneself; it is easier than trying to imitate or be someone else. The three input channels for the receiver of communication are sight, hearing, and feeling. Points to consider:

  • Knowledge of the Subject: If you know the subject well, even if you feel afraid of the public and forget everything, just remember what you learned and the truth you know.
  • Qualities of the Speaker.
  • Organize the Presentation:
    • Introduction: The audience must know as soon as possible what you will be talking about and the time it will take.
    • Development: Indicate to the audience when a topic is finished and you are ready to move on to the next.
    • Conclusion: Summarize what has been said; it usually lasts 10% of the total talk.

Gestural Communication

It is the language of our body, and what arises from it does not depend on the words we say.

Social Skills

  • The Eyes: The look can express emotions and even allow us to know what the other person is thinking. When listening to someone, look them in the eyes. A sales professional continuously looks into the client’s eyes.
    • The business look conveys seriousness and security.
    • The social gaze conveys a social climate.
    • The sideways look conveys interest.
    • The intimate look traverses the whole body.
  • Facial Gestures: Allow us to actually read a person’s state of mind. A seller must display warmth toward the client. Friendliness is achieved through a smile. A sincere smile has its own charm.
  • Hands: Relaxed hands, which express alongside verbal language, emphasize and give color to the words. In tranquil people, hands should be restful.
  • Position: Pay attention to body position to understand what the other person is thinking based on how they position their arms or legs. Strive to give a sense of relaxation and attention to the other person. If our body is relaxed, we will provoke the same feeling.
  • Clothing: Clothing should never draw attention away from the product being sold. The company often provides the seller with the appropriate attire.
  • Arms: When a person has a defensive, negative, or nervous attitude, they cross their arms, showing they feel threatened.
  • Legs: Crossed legs indicate the possible existence of a negative or defensive attitude. There are two ways:
    • Standard Cross: One leg crossed over the other.
    • Figure-Four Leg Cross: Indicates an attitude of competition or argument.
  • Voice: Tone of voice reflects our mood. Just as the voice can persuade, build trust, or offer reassurance, it can also create a bad climate, offend, worry, or deter.