Many educators are required to present in public. That may be in every environment from staff meetings to convention centres. Delivery may be to a few people or to hundreds attending conferences. Presentations at workshops comes into the equation. Included are interviews that may be on radio, television on u-tube and similar.

The way in which presenters deliver their messages often reveal alarming shortfalls in speech and speaking methodology. The way in which presenters speak will reveals shortfalls, most of which cannot be hidden. Gesture, body language, word choice, speech hesitations, and awareness of time are a few areas often requiring education. There are many others.

It is said that beyond a presentation, 7% of audience recipients remember the speech content and often for only a short time. On the other hand 42% of audience groups remember the manner and method of delivery and for substantial periods. It is the way in which presenters present, rather that what they say which makes key impact.

I believe that educators, from teachers through to principals and departmental CEO’S should consider speech and message delivery training. Many politicians and notary publics certainly need to hone their speech, speaking, listening and comprehension skills. This might be through formal coursework, or through joining an organisation that promotes speaking, listening, appreciation, comprehension and evaluating skills. Toastmasters and Rostrum come to mind but there are other organisations including Zonta, an organisational supporting women within this domain.

It is easy to discount the importance of speech delivery: It is an area that needs our attention.

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