322. How to Give a Speech in English: Lessons from My Participation in a Japanese Speech Contest! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Dec 9, 2024
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Discover valuable strategies for mastering public speaking in a foreign language! Learn how to craft and practice a speech effectively, drawing from personal experiences in a Japanese speech contest. Explore the importance of body language and receiving feedback to improve pronunciation. Get inspired with motivational tips that can elevate your public speaking skills in English. Tune in for some insightful advice and techniques that can help anyone overcome the challenges of speaking in a second language!
Public speaking is essential for language acquisition as it boosts fluency and confidence while engaging deeply with a foreign language.
Effective speech delivery requires careful preparation and practice, including choosing familiar topics and utilizing feedback from native speakers.
Deep dives
The Power of Public Speaking
Public speaking serves as a vital tool for language acquisition, enhancing fluency and confidence. The speaker, after participating in various speech contests, has become a strong advocate for using public speaking as a method to improve language skills. By recounting personal experiences, such as his performances in Japanese speech contests, he illustrates how giving speeches can help learners engage with a foreign language more deeply. This approach to language practice not only develops speaking abilities but also builds the necessary courage to present in front of an audience.
Effective Speech Preparation
Careful preparation is crucial for delivering an effective speech, involving both writing and extensive practice. The speaker emphasizes the importance of selecting familiar language and content that resonates personally, which can significantly ease the delivery process. For instance, he highlights his choice to write about becoming a tour guide, a subject he is passionate about, making the speech easier to engage with and memorize. He also notes that practicing with a native speaker or using tools like pronunciation apps can provide valuable feedback, ultimately refining the overall delivery.
Building Confidence and Managing Nerves
Confidence plays a central role in successful public speaking, where thorough preparation can reduce anxiety levels. The speaker shares that as he became more familiar with his speech, his nerves almost vanished once he took the stage, allowing him to deliver more naturally. Implementing techniques like practicing in front of a mirror and recording the speech for self-review further enhances confidence through body language and delivery refinement. Emphasizing composure and maintaining a positive demeanor during the speech also contributes to an engaging performance, regardless of any minor mistakes made during delivery.
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Last week I came second in a Japanese language speech contest.
Today, I want to talk to you all about how I prepared for giving a speech in a foreign language, explain my approach to writing and practicing speeches and presentations, and hopefully give you some useful advice on public speaking in English!