Fundamental Competencies in the Pursuit of Speaking Profiency

Content

The speaker should be able to distinguish among the various objectives of a speech (to inform, to persuade, etc.), and to be able to select an appropriate objective.
The speaker should be able to select an appropriate topic and limit it to a manageable scope.
The speaker should be able to design a message with a thesis, relevant lines of analysis or main points, and sub-points as needed to develop the ideas.
The speaker should be able to locate and use adequate and relevant supporting material, i.e., demonstrate research skills.
The speaker (and the listener) should be able to distinguish between claims (points asserted) and supporting materials.
The speaker (and the listener) should be able to discern and evaluate not only the credibility and soundness of ideas but the quality of evidence as well.

Presentation Skills and Techniques

The speaker should be able to deliver the message relying only on a speaking outline or memory; speaking skills go beyond manuscript reading.
The speaker should employ effective nonverbal delivery techniques, including vocal effectiveness, eye contact, and gestures.
The speaker should be able to find and/or create appropriate multimedia aids to support the speech.
The speaker should be able to manage symptoms of speech anxiety and speak with a recognizable level of confidence.

Style

The speaker should demonstrate a mastery of language usage and use an oral style. Hallmarks of language usage include clarity, vividness, appropriateness, and simplicity.
The speaker’s language should be adapted to the audience’s level of knowledge and interests.
The speaker should use language adapted appropriately to the audience, including factors of age, race, and gender.

Ethics

The speaker should use skills and knowledge acquired in a responsible and ethical manner. The same standards of scholarship applied to student writing efforts should be applied to oral communication in the classroom.