Lesson 7 Public Speaking Skills

Lesson 7 Public Speaking in Interpreting Learning Objectives

By 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 speaking

Do some interpretation exercises.

I. Definition of public speaking

Public 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 speaking

1. Proper voice

To 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)correctness

An 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)tone

A mellow, clear and bright voice is the most ideal one; a sharp or hoarse voice discomforts the audience.

(3) pitch

Pitch 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 adjust