Page 10 - 2_studijní opora - modul 8ANG

Structuring aids

In a speech, you cannot use indicators for a new idea as you do in writing
(paragraphs), but you have other choices. The two basic types of structuring aids
are non-verbal and verbal. The former include:

1. Pausing. If you say nothing, you say a lot. Pausing can help you divide
sections and subsections, or stress an important point. On the other hand,

pausing in the middle of sentences confuses the listener, breaks fluency of
the speech and can distort the message.
2. Voice control. You voice is a powerful tool in delivering the message. You
can use intonation, word stress, voice levels and changes in pace to
underline key points. Keep in mind that rising intonation at the end of a
sentence suggests a question, uncertainty or incompletion. Do not use it
for statements. A pleasant, expressive voice is far more stimulating to listen
to than a robotic, monotonous one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91aiax1ia-A (Presentation Skills Training:

How to Start Your Presentation – Pause 3:08)

3. Body language. By changing the position of your body you can indicate
the beginning of a new part. Unconsciously the audience perceives this
non-verbal message. This is, however, less pronounced than the previous
structuring aids.

Verbal structuring aids lead the audience through your presentation like
signposts on the road. As the listener cannot get back in the presentation, you
first turn him/her to the right direction and then they make the steps.

No matter what topic you talk about, the “signposts” can be very much the
same. Examples of verbal structuring aids can be found in Chapter 3 - Language
of presentations.

Questions and tasks

1. What aspects must be taken into account in presentations?
2. What is the basic structure of each presentation? What is the purpose of
individual parts?
3. What non-verbal means can you use to give the presentation a structure?

here

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From the beginner to the mentor (Supporting strategies of education of teachers in Zlin region)
Fund of Educational Policy project, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports