The main aim of a speaker is to make their speech mesmerizing and convey the message in a convincing and thought-provoking way. For this very reason, speakers and individuals who communicate directly to the public have to avoid a lot of pointless details in their presentations to make the listeners follow the particular standpoints. Stagecraft is a skill that can be taught and obtained via a detailed analysis of diverse speaking techniques and methods. The communication aim is to change people’s vision of the world. While interacting with the audience, the speaker has to be connected as though they are single-minded human beings in this universe.
Their speech has to be a so-called blueprint full of powerful and life-changing messages that have to be cited on the audience’s behalf. In case the speaker finds the response in people’s hearts, the communication goal is completed. In the book Communicating for a Change, the authors offer the readers applicable guidelines abundant with tips on making speech scintillating and memorable.
According to this book, the significant aim of a speaker is to make their listeners hover about the subject and see the main roots of the observed topic. It is highly challenging as a topic consists of several parts such as an introduction, a thesis, arguments and evidence, a research base, and a conclusion. Flipping through pages and drafts, the speaker has to pick up a primary thought or a notion that has to be a hook for people’s attention. Following this philosophy, a listener can apply the “to understand why, submit and apply” frame1. While developing a theme after introducing a subject via simple but not ambiguous statements, the speaker has to expand their communication goal.
It is essential to present a detailed project using only crucial details so as not to overload students’ minds. The presentation or speech has to have a concrete “map” for listeners to remember. This outline of important details makes them revise the reference book presented by the speaker regularly, as the presentation or a project is abundant of ideas that might come in handy.
While developing a theme, the speaker has to create a connection with their listeners, as though they are closely connected and stick to each other. The crucial idea of this book is that people must have the mutual standpoints and perspectives the communication components allocate. The speaker has to find feedback and commitment in their audience’s eyes. It can be allowed to omit several communication details, but it is vital to make listeners totally immersed in the interaction process.
During the communication process, the speaker has to present a major identification of ideas they speak to in order to make their statements having valid data and a research base be trusted and not questioned. Except for excellent communication skills, the speech must be full of reliable details and information that can be checked through open sources. This is a beneficial combination or a “bingo” that makes the message not only fascinating but distinct and clear-cut.
Although overall the authors create a convincing arguments in the book, there are certain oversimplified examples that take away from the validity of their points. For example, claiming that one who is “really committed to communication” must necessarily follow the book’s advice2. Furthermore, the book has a strong religious theme throughout, which might make it difficult for some people to apply the tactics in secular settings. The use of ‘God’ as one of the steps in the Map Creation, one of the steps proposed by the authors, immediately alienate a large proportion of potential speakers. Nevertheless, the book is compelling and the advice and steps proposed appear helpful to those that need it.
Reference
Stanley, Andy., Jones, Lane. 2006. Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication. Multnomah Books.
Footnotes
- Stanley, Andy., Jones, Lane. Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication. (Multnomah Books, 2006), 13-14.
- Stanley & Jones, Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication, 39.