Performance-Spoken LanguageThe language you use

You might be concerned that you have to use detailed and complex spoken language.

This doesn't mean you must use complicated vocabulary. There might be a need to use specific terms (eg specialist, scientific, and analytical terms related to your topic); however, for the most part, clear and simple language can be used to support complex material.

Group discussion

The language you use will depend on the topic of your discussion. A common task might be a discussion of texts/literature that you have studied in class. Depending on the genre of the text, it would be good to be ready to use appropriate critical or technical language. You should feel comfortable using words like:

• theme
• characterisation
• conflict
• irony
• key episode
• contrast
• imagery

Presentation

Use language which is appropriate to the subject. Be prepared to take time and explain unusual, highly specialist words to your audience. If they don't know what it means, they might struggle to understand what you are saying.

Difficult concepts can be made more understandable if you compare them to everyday equivalents as points of reference. Again, consider using some humour. A humorous comparison can often be more memorable.

Tone of voice

No one likes to listen to someone talking in a monotone: try to vary the pitch and tone of your voice. This will make you sound more interesting.

Varying the volume of your voice in a presentation can be very effective: some quietly spoken sections, or a sudden loud exclamation can be very powerful.

Non-verbal language

We all surround the sounds we make with gestures, little smiles, shrugs of the shoulders, nods of the head, eye contact etc. These are all part of communicating effectively with other people. These are all aspects of non-verbal communication.

When it comes to speaking to or in a group, many people get hung up on making eye contact. , especially if you find this difficult to maintain in front of groups of people. Eye contact is only one aspect of non-verbal communication, it is by no means the only way you can demonstrate it.

Many people find it difficult to maintain eye contact with a group of people. It helps if you are able to offer some eye contact around the room, but don’t feel you have to do it all the time, don't let it put you off what you are saying, and certainly don’t feel you have to pick audience members and stare at them. (Don’t. It will freak them out!)

There are some very easy ways to improve your non-verbal communication:

• Use straightforward hand or arm movements to emphasise points.
• Show you are listening by making eye contact with someone who is asking you a question.
• If you are doing a group discussion, a lot will depend on the smaller indicators: smile at the others in your group (especially those you agree with!); nod your head if you like someone’s idea.
• if you are doing a presentation, stand up straight. Good posture will help show confidence and signal that you know what you are talking about. It can also help make sure you are breathing properly which in turn will help you relax.
• Avoid pacing up and down – this looks fidgety and can be distracting for your audience.
• Don't worry about what to do with your hands. A good tip, used by a lot of professional speakers is simply to keep your hands down by your sides. If you do this you will find that your hands come up naturally as gestures to support what you are saying in a non-verbal way.