Many teachers find public speaking as nightmare for them.  They dread this activity so much, up to the extent that they file leave of absence when they are assigned to do this task.  They can teach in the classroom, however, when they are given task to talk in front of other persons, for a meeting or other purpose, they are stressed or nervous.

            So how can these teachers help themselves to be effective in oral communication?  Many believe that being an effective public speaker is a significant asset for a teacher.  He/she can easily persuade or convince others for the point he/she wants to convey.

            There are many reasons why Science teachers, like other teachers should be good in public speaking.  Science concepts, principles and methods should be explained very clearly for better understanding of the lessons, more so of the laboratory activities.  In the same way that Science teachers are also facing other speaking assignments, like PTA meetings and other assemblies and conferences and forums.

            Teachers must take most of the advantages given by speech.  We all know that speech is the most important gift that God has given us.  Through the correct and effective use of it, many benefits can be acquired by Science teacher and of course of all other teachers.

            Oral Communication asGupit, Jr. (1990) putsit is the process by which thoughts are transferred through spoken words from one person to another.  Since it is a process, the clear implication is that oral communication involves more than one step.  To be successful, it requires an interaction between the two persons involved—the speaker and the listener.  This is often forgotten by the speaker.  He thinks that he and he alone is the sole performer, often ignoring the listener to whom he addresses himself.  The result in such a case is generally a failure of communication.

            Teachers must remember that oral communication involves the problem of transmitting the ideas and thoughts of a person through spoken words to another person.  Many teachers neglect and do not realize the seriousness of this problem, usually because they do not know that the matter of transportation here referred to is a complex process.

            Self-confidence is also a prime importance to every speaker.  We can achieve this if the speaker is well-prepared.  A Read and Memorized speech are just the same in weight when it comes to preparation.  Just because a speech is to be read does not mean to say that the speaker will not practice any more.  This is to be remembered for a smooth flow of the delivery.

            The speech material or what will you say is equally important. Likewise, the Voice production, Vocal Variety, Articulation, Intonation, Pronunciation are likewise important.  Visual aids, Physical appearance, Personality Gesture, Facial and body movement should be considered.

            A teacher can acquire all of these in addition to what he/she already knows about public speaking.  It will be good if you are not only a good science teacher, but also an effective oral communicator.

 

Reference:

Gupit,Jr. F. Dr., Elements of Public Speaking Rex Book Store. Manila. (1990).

 

By: Mario L. Roncal | Teacher I | E.C. Bernarbe National High School | Bagac, Bataan