Rationale
We begin looking at literature through the lens of public speaking.
Looking back through history and right back to the early humans that walked the land, stories have always been part of who we are and what we do. Sharing stories is a very important exercise for connecting with others and sharing information. It is the earliest form of literature.
Before we knew about the system of using symbols for letters and making words leading to the concept of writing, we knew how to speak and present ideas. There had to be leaders in groups and those leaders needed to communicate their ideas.
This hasn’t changed. Despite all the modern technology available through computer mediated communication – even to the use of video conferencing – there is no substitute to seeing and hearing people in ‘real life’- ie. not in a virtual way. The same way as we can have all the songs from our favourite artist, but seeing them live is a much better experience – even if they are just miming.
Being able to learn from other speakers and present information in a logical and thorough way speaks to who we are as people.
This unit is designed to assist you with speaking in a general sense, but also in persuading others and delivering a message succinctly and clearly.
Learning Objectives
- To identify active listening elements.
- To recognise empathy as a key aspect of conversation.
- To use active listening skills to correctly engage in effective communication.
- To recognise the parts of the body that affect speaking.
- To identify their own speaking style is dependent on context.
- To listen for verbal cues in others and recognise the skill others have in communicating.