New
New
Year 10
Edexcel

Using non-verbal features to present a speech effectively

I can understand how non-verbal features contribute to the effective presentation of a speech.

New
New
Year 10
Edexcel

Using non-verbal features to present a speech effectively

I can understand how non-verbal features contribute to the effective presentation of a speech.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Paralanguage is important: the pitch, tempo, loudness or tone of voice that is used in speeches can enhance the content.
  2. Kinesics - gesture and posture - can be used to engage the audience and to add emphasis to important points.
  3. Spoken language often needs to be slower than feels natural.
  4. Pupils need to consider their spatial behaviour- too much movement can be distracting but too little can be wooden.

Keywords

  • Paralanguage - the features of verbal communication other than words e.g tone, volume and pitch.

  • Kinesics - the way body language, facial expressions and gestures can communicate meaning.

  • Pitch - this refers to the highness and lowness of your voice.

  • Tone - this refers to the attitude and emotion of your voice.

  • Posture - refers to the way someone holds themselves when they’re seated or standing.

Common misconception

Content alone is enough for an effective speech.

Consider the most engaging speakers and how they use tone, gestures and eye contact. Giving a speech is so much more than just the words on a page.

This lesson focuses on improving an existing speech so students will need to have a previously written speech with them when completing the tasks related to improving non-verbal communication.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
A speech's tone refers primarily to...
its content.
its delivery.
its narrative voice.
its subject.
Correct answer: its mood or feeling.
Q2.
Which of the following is an example of non-verbal communication in spoken language?
vocabulary
punctuation
spelling
Correct answer: facial expressions
Q3.
Match these devices to the correct speech openings.
Correct Answer:direct address,You have decided that enough is enough.

You have decided that enough is enough.

Correct Answer:rhetorical question,How can we stand idly by knowing our planet is in crisis?

How can we stand idly by knowing our planet is in crisis?

Correct Answer:anecdote,I remember the loud bang of the explosion.

I remember the loud bang of the explosion.

Correct Answer:rule of three,Ignoring this plea will be disastrous, catastrophic and tragic.

Ignoring this plea will be disastrous, catastrophic and tragic.

Q4.
What is the correct definition of the word 'gesture'?
written or spoken communication intended to convey a specific message
Correct answer: physical movements used to express an idea or feelings
a facial expression conveying emotion or attitude
the volume and tone of a voice
Q5.
Which word beginning with 'C', can be described as being trustworthy and believable?
Correct Answer: credible
Q6.
What features has the following closing used? "Like a powerful weapon, education can be empowering. Stay curious, stay informed, and ensure your learning journey leaves a lasting impact."
Correct answer: simile
ancedote
Correct answer: rule of three
rhetorical question
Correct answer: direct address

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following refers to the speed at which you deliver your speech?
pitch
tone
Correct answer: pace
volume
Q2.
Which word beginning with 'p' can be described as the highness and lowness of a voice?
Correct Answer: pitch
Q3.
Which three answers could be considered features of paralanguage?
Correct answer: pace
Correct answer: pitch
vocabulary
Correct answer: tone
punctuation
Q4.
Which three of the following would you use to show confidence when delivering a speech?
Correct answer: good eye contact
Correct answer: assertive tone
closed body language
fidgeting
Correct answer: open body language
Q5.
Which of the following does kinesics refer to?
Correct answer: body language
Correct answer: physical gestures
Correct answer: facial expressions
pitch
tone
Q6.
Which two answers would not be considered an appropriate tone in which to deliver a persuasive speech about peace to world leaders?
assertive
Correct answer: humourous
confident
Correct answer: casual
urgent