Lesson 7 Public Speaking Skills

Lesson 7 Public Speaking in Interpreting Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this Chapter, you should be able to●Have an idea of the basic requirements for public speaking●Be aware of the significance of audience analysis in public speakingDo some interpretation exercises.I. Definition of public speakingPublic speaking is the process of speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to inform, influence, or entertain the listeners. In the four processes of interpreting: listening, memorizing, processing and delivering, the last step actually plays the important role of public speaking. An interpreter, though a secondary speaker, makes great target-language impact on the first speaker on the spot, especially in consecutive interpreting. Therefore, a good interpreter, first and most, is an outstanding public speaker. Public speaking in interpreting is a communication in essence; a communication among audience, speakers and interpreters A good public speaking in interpreting undoubtedly increases audience and speakers’ trust in the interpreter and his interpreting quality. To make a good public speaking, an interpreter could train himself from the following three aspects: proper voice, proper body language, and proper strategy.II. Some basic requirements for public speaking1. Proper voiceTo a large extent, the effect of interpreting is determined by the interpreter’s voice. An interpreter’s voice bridges the communication, and a good interpreter is competent of using his voice properly to meet the demand of smooth and successful communication. How to control his voice scientifically and how to use his voice artfully are compulsory to learn for all the interpreters.(1)correctnessAn interpreter must focus on voice projection and articulation, as they are the important carriers of voice. Good-to-ear voice and standard articulation weigh much to the training of public speaking.(2)toneA mellow, clear and bright voice is the most ideal one; a sharp or hoarse voice discomforts the audience.(3) pitchPitch refers to the loudness or lowness of one’s voice, which is, generally speaking, high, modest, and low voice. High voice in interpreting could bring surprise, joy and praise, while it is inclined to create an anxious atmosphere. High voice for a long time, in all likelihood, exhausts audience. Modest voice, relatively rich and substantial, conveys the mild and moderate emotion. Low voice, however, frequently applies to the case of gloom and grief. For most interpreting occasions, modest and moderate voice is recommended. But a good and qualified interpreter is able to adjusthis pitch to various cases.(4) intonationIntonation is changes about voice fall and rise. Changes in intonation are based on the interpreter’s understanding of source language and the context on the spot. A qualified interpreter will use appropriate, natural and nice intonation to keep audiences’ attention and deliver the fullest contents and sensibilities of the speaker.(5)speedToo fast and too slow are two extremes in interpreting. Under intensive interpreting, an inexperienced interpreter will subconsciously quicken his speed, sometimes words or sentences missing, which fail the audience to catch up with and the audiences lose their interest, trust and patience. Here is a good tip for public speaking speed: the more audience, the moderately slower your speech speed than average. Meanwhile, fast and slow deliveries are alternative in live interpreting, as well as by means of pause and stress.(6) volumeThe basic requirement of public speaking is clearly audible and intelligible. A qualified interpreter, especially in conference interpreting and simultaneous interpreting, will professionally watch and adjust his microphone position and volume, i.e. microphone manners. A certain distance should be kept between interpreter’s mouth and microphone to prevent from distorted sound and pop noise, from gasping, sniffing, coughing and noise-making data reading. To keep voice stable and clear, especially when an interpreter lowers his head to read notes, he will keep a little closer to microphone.2. Proper Body languageBody language is a form of non-verbal communication, which consists of body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements. Humans send and interpret such signals subconsciously. Body language may provide clues as to the attitude or state of mind of a person. For example, it may indicate aggression, attentiveness, boredom, relaxed state, pleasure, amusement, and intoxication, among many other cues. Therefore, body language is message carrier of communication, which is taken as an indispensable part of public speaking. As an interpreter, he excels not only in verbal expression, but in using body language to complete and compensate meanings and feelings.(1)appearance and presenceAppearance and presence is the initial visual image and non-verbal body language when an interpreter is on the stage or on the spot. Audiences observe his appearance and presence, guessing and creating the first impression on him, which makes directly impact on the interpreting effect. Natural and graceful appearance and presence is the respect to audience that narrows the psychological gap between audience and the interpreter; that wins the attention and respect from audience, and in turn creating harmonious atmosphere. How to have a good appearance and presence? Formal dress or informal dress? The simplest way is to communicate with the host or sponsor and to make an elegant and tact dress.(2) poseProper pose is necessary in public speaking. Standing, sitting or stepping, an interpreter has to be modest and natural. Stand and sit stably, vigorously and energetically; try not to cross legs, shake or lean, bow or bend, look back and forth or left and right. Hands can be seen and available, while it is improper to play with fingers or the corners of clothes, even it is no need taking notes.(3) eye contactEyes are the windows of one’s soul so that calm and confident eye contact is the most exact and active bridge of communication. An interpreter’s proper eye contact impresses audience like an individual contact. A sophisticated interpreter will hold every listener in his eyes, pause or ponder when he sees audience confusing, adjust his interpreting by occasionally looking at audiences and reading notes or references alternatively.(4)facial expressionProper facial expression could convey messages and emotions effectively. Elegant and earnest, calm and confident, affable and amiable facial expression will narrow the distance, double the interpreting effect, and add the mutual trust. Better not exaggerate one’s facial expression, nor be glassy-eyed or a poke face. Try not to frown, make faces and a miserable face, tongue out, and sigh. When there is a slip of the tongue, an interpreter should accept criticism or correctness modestly rather than to frown or pull a straight face. Above-mentioned taboos easily result in adverse effect and lead to centrifugal effect in the end.(5) gestureProper gesture can refine the interpreting; too many gestures of an interpreter are to gild the lily, imperceptibly distracting audiences’attention and dissatisfied them. An experienced interpreter could use gestures moderately and consciously, meanwhile avoid scratching his ears or cheeks.3. Proper strategiesHere are some proper strategies on public speaking training for an interpreter.(1) To have a good habit of completing a sentence after starting interpreting. Better not be a brave beginning and weak ending, nor restart interpreting, nor have constant back-correction.(2) As for the issue of first person or third person in interpreting, generally speaking, first person is more favored in practice. It is the international practice that an interpreter informs the audience the nationality, title and name of the spokesman or spokeswoman and using the first person. But an interpreter takes the interpreting role for many speakers in two-sided or multilateral conference; he should state explicitly the spokesman identity.(3) To train his eloquence in public speaking, an interpreter is recommended to practice three-point skill. That is, to talk three points or three aspects whatever topic or opinion is given, for instance, put forward three evidences, give three reasons or make three examples. Psychologically speaking, two points are insufficient to most audience; four are redundant and easily to forget the second point; three is appropriate and right.Practice of public speakingExercise 1Listen to the following texts once and then start interpreting at the end of each segment.Secretary-General's remarks to the Memorial Ceremony in honor of those killed in the Haiti earthquake in New York, 9 March 2010Excellencies,Dear colleagues,Dear friends,Above all, dear families of those to whom we sadly bid farewell://Let us begin by thanking the families and friends who have traveled far to be with us. To those who could not be here, please know that our hearts are with you. //We are joined by duty stations around the world, the men and women of our proud United Nations. Among them are the members of our UN mission in Haiti, who have carried on despite their pain and hardship. // I thank Mr. Edmond Mulet and his courageous staff who are working tirelessly - day in, day out – in MINUSTAH [UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti]. I highly commend [you] and I am deeply grateful to all of you. //Today, we commemorate the single greatest loss the UN has suffered in its history. We remember 101 lives of consequence. We honor 101 unique paths that joined in Haiti to write the larger story of the United Nations. These women and men were our own. They were family.//They came to Haiti from all corners of the world, from all walks of life. Yet they shared a common conviction, a belief in a better future for the people of Haiti, and a common resolve to help them build it. Now those 101 paths come together one final time, here in this chamber, through us - families and friends, colleagues and loved ones.//The world knew them as trusted diplomats, dedicated humanitarians and conscientious professionals. They were doctors and drivers, police officers and policy advisers, soldiers and lawyers, each contributing to the mission, each in his or her own way.//To us they were even more. We knew them, very personally. We knew their smiles, their songs, their dreams. Now we cannot forget the last email, the last conversation, the last meal together, the last au revoir. Their words echo: "Don't worry about me. This is where I need to be. //"At the United Nations, we don't simply share office space; we share a passion for a better world. So it is no surprise that many of these 101 paths crisscrossed the globethrough the years: in Cambodia and the DRC, Eritrea and East Timor, Kosovo and Sierra Leone. //Whether they came to Haiti, or came from Haiti, they knew that hope shines in even the darkest corners. And so they chased the flame. Wherever they went, they carried the light of hope. //And as they fulfilled their mission in Haiti, they illuminated a profound truth: Earthquakes are a force of nature, but people move the world. //Key words:duty stations:工作地点mission: 任务MINUSTAH(UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti): 联合国海地特派团Commemorate: 缅怀lives of consequence :英烈humanitarian: 人道主义工作者conscientious:良知的crisscrossed:纵横交错的Cambodia:柬埔寨DRC(democratic republic of Congo):刚果民主共和国Eritrea: 厄立特里亚East Timor: 东帝汶Kosovo: 科索沃Sierra Leone: 塞拉利昂Exercise 2胡锦涛在上海世博会欢迎晚宴上的祝酒辞尊敬的国际展览局蓝峰主席、洛塞泰斯秘书长，尊敬的各位国家元首、政府首脑、议长和王室代表，尊敬的各位国际组织代表，尊敬的各位来宾，女士们，先生们，朋友们： //今晚，2010年上海世界博览会将隆重开幕。