Public Speaking as Communication, Public speaking builds upon the basic communication skills that we originally develop as we acquire language and learn how to converse with others. As expanded conversation, public speaking preserves the natural directness and spontaneity and the colorful and compelling qualities of good conversation. Like conversation, public speaking is tuned to the reactions of listeners and makes adjustments to this feedback. Speeches are also designed with the reactions of listeners in mind.
In contrast with conversation, public speaking defines the roles of speaker and listener more clearly. Public speaking gives prominence to the speaker. The ethos of the speaker, based upon audience perceptions of that speaker’s competence and integrity, likableness and forcefulness, can be crucial to the success of a speech. A successful speech is carefully planned to be internally consistent and complete. The speaker encodes the message; the listener decodes its meaning. Misunderstandings arise when message and meaning are far apart. The communication environment can promote or impede understanding. To achieve effective communication, the speaker must overcome interference that can block or distort the message. Successful communication can result in the transformation of speaker, audience, and the knowledge they share.