What I Learned from Giving a Speech in a Second Language
I joined the Experience French Toastmasters Club and was excited to present my first speech. As a Toastmaster of twenty years standing, I’ve given hundreds of speeches, but this would be my first in another language. Memorisation is not something I am good at, nor do I consider it helpful in giving a speech. However, since I was presenting in French, I thought to try it. Spoiler alert: it was not a good idea, and it added to my anxiety. Very quickly, I completely and irreversibly lost my connection to the audience. Why was this?
Complexity
My speech was too complex to give in a language that I did not have full command of. Because I was thinking in English and translating to French, it left my speech devoid of emotion.
Emotion
Although it is beneficial to present a speech in another language to build confidence, it is important to present a topic that lends itself to the speaker fully understanding and being able to resonate with what is being said. That allows the speaker to be emotionally invested in the speech and able to change course if the audience is not engaging, for example, by adding humour or a personal story to pique the audience’s interest. I was unable to do that as I was not spontaneous in my thinking in French.
Presenting in a second language was the catalyst to remind me of the essential speaking elements: People do not remember you by what you say, they remember you by how you make them feel. My audience felt nothing because I was feeling nothing and therefore failing to deliver any emotion.
There are basic essential elements of engagement for effective public speaking, and when these elements are present, a speech in any language becomes memorable, engaging and leaves the audience wanting more.
What the audience sees
Visibility is the initial impression you give to the audience, and this first impression is crucial for audience engagement. For example, are you dressed appropriately? Do you look poised and confident?
When a speech is given in person, stand in a spot where you are visible to the entire audience. Online, make sure you are centred in the middle of the computer screen with adequate lighting and a background that is not a distraction. That way, your facial expressions and hand gestures will be seen clearly.
Eye contact is important. In my experience, it is difficult to maintain eye contact while using notes. I am not suggesting that notes should never be used. But, if it is necessary, be sure to maintain eye contact with the audience. Never read your speech.
What the audience hears
Just as essential as visibility is what the audience hears. You should encourage active listening by keeping the audience engaged. How do you do this?
- The quality of your voice – is your voice loud and clear? If you are presenting a speech in person, check that everyone in the audience can hear you. If not, then a microphone is needed. For online presentations, be sure to use a headset or earbuds and make sure your audio is without feedback or other distractions.
- The pace or cadence of speaking. Is your speech too rapid? If so, it will be difficult for the audience to comprehend what’s being said (as the brain takes a moment to catch up) and the audience therefore ‘tunes out’. On the other hand, a very slow cadence can put an audience to sleep as they tire of waiting for what the speaker has to say.
- Vocal variety. Pace or cadence is the rhythm of speaking and acts in conjunction with vocal variety. For example, speeding up to denote excitement, or slowing down to hammer home a point. Vocal variety is also the change in pitch and tone of voice. Think of it as being on a roller coaster with the twists, turns, highs and lows. The climax builds as the roller coaster ascends and then plunges downward. Giving a speech is similar as the speaker is engaging the audience on a ride to reach an exciting climax.
- Pausing. A pause is not an interruption; it’s a moment to take a breath – for you and the audience. It’s a moment to digest what has been said or to appreciate a joke. The pause is a powerful and essential element that is often overlooked.
What the audience feels
In preparing and presenting a speech, how do you want the audience to feel? A speech is not about the speaker; it is about the audience. It needs a clear (and relevant) message delivered in a way that keeps the audience engaged. Ultimately, it is about audience satisfaction.
My speech at Experience French was the most important speech I had ever given because it reminded me that the speech was not about me. It was about the basics. No matter how good you are at public speaking, everyone needs an occasional ‘wake-up call’. Mine was that speech in French!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Teresa Palmer is a member of Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit organisation that has provided communication and leadership skills since 1924 through a worldwide network of clubs. There are more than 400 clubs and 10,000 members in the UK and Ireland. Members follow a structured educational programme to gain skills and confidence in public and impromptu speaking, chairing meetings and time management. To find your nearest club, visit www.toastmasters.org