- Published: November 13, 2021
- Updated: November 13, 2021
- University / College: University of Glasgow
- Language: English
- Downloads: 6
Verbal Message
Verbal Style
Last year, one had the chance to deliver a speech on global warming to middle grade school students. The activity was part of their science class and one was invited to explain to the students what global warming is. There were around 50 students composed of girls and boys from the grade 5 level of a public school. The message that they expected to get from my speech is an overview about global warming and how they can help minimize its causes. One intended to describe what global warming is and emphasize its effects on the environment. During the presentation, one defined global warming and gave examples of its devastating effects on the environment. It is unfortunate that one was not informed beforehand that the audience wanted to learn more how they, as students can help minimize the causes of global warming.
In the future, one would support the speech with a visual presentation on what global warming is. A short video presentation will be appreciated by students because the topic will be easier to understand when it is visualized. Another important change is that one should know what the audience expects from the presentation. Since it was not very clear what specific topic on global warming must be given emphasis, one did not devote much time on the suggestions on how the students can help minimize global warming in their own communities. The learning that one gained from the experience is that one should be flexible towards the audience. It is essential that one is willing to adjust to the needs of the audience. If one’s speech is directed more at the cause of global warming but the students are more eager to learn about its effects, one should be willing to make the necessary adjustments to satisfy the audience.
References
The Centre for Teaching Excellence. (n. d.). Effective communication: barriers and strategies. Retrieved from uwaterloo. ca: https://uwaterloo. ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/communicating-students/telling/effective-communication-barriers-and-strategies
