Speaking Topic 3 – A Machine or Process - Hints
Task:
You have 3 minutes to describe a machine or process. Be careful to explain in a very systematic way. PREPARE BEFORE THE CLASS!
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Hints:
>>> Read the hints from
earlier classes!!
1. 4-7-8 breathing [breath in to a count of 4, hold for a count of 7, breath out to a count of 8] – this will calm you before you speak.
2. Imagine WHO you might describe a machine or process to. For example, if somebody is taking over your job you often have to do something like this. Try to understand their stage of understanding, not your own.
3. Go from the general to the particular, from the main function to details, from big to little, from the whole object or process to the parts.
4. Think about categories of description. Which categories are important for your task? Size, shape, design, function, order of operations, system, … and so on
5. You can draw a diagram on the whiteboard, but be quick. Try not to turn your back to listeners.
6. Don’t just describe parts separately. Explain in a way that your listeners understand how everything fits together and works
7. Modulate your voice.
Don’t talk in a flat, boring way. Watch your listeners to be sure they
understand.
8. If you seem interested, even excited, then your listeners will be too. If you seem bored or confused, they will soon become bored and confused too.
9. If you can connect your technical description to experiences and situations in the real world, then your listeners will be more likely to remember what you say.
10. At the end, invite listeners to ask about what they still don’t understand.
Topics in Public Speaking for English Learners ©Thor May 2016
thormay@yahoo.com
Editing & coaching: PFLH Services
Articles by Thor May