Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs. --- Pearl Strachan Hurd
Speaking in front of people is a great opportunity. You have the power to express your thoughts and persuade your audience. You have the power to change people's beliefs and perspectives. By giving you a platform, a microphone, and a podium, you can make a change in this world filled with various voices. However, abusing this opportunity can destroy lives. This is true as misinformation and disinformation cause chaos among people. The quote above entails that words can be weaponize and can cause massive damage more than the dangerous atom bombs can do.
Thus, preparation and ethics are keys to credible speech. In Spider-man movie, a famous line is relevant to the public speaking: With great power comes great responsibility. Public speaking is a responsibility. As a speaker, you must be responsible in handling the power of delivering words. He must be honest with his words. He can do this by sourcing the information. Backing up your speech with facts as supporting details can make your speech substantial and reliable.
The following are the sources a speaker can use in writing his speech.
a. Reference books- these materials provide background knowledge about the concept. Example of these are dictionary, encyclopedia, almanac, and atlas.
b. Textbooks- these are books focusing on particular subjects such as senior high school books.
c. Internet- this consists of online pages where information (text, audio, and visual) are stored and published.
d. Research papers and journals- these papers are products of extensive studies and reviews.
With the advancement of technology, information are made available from print to non- print, paper to digital copy. In just one click of search icon, millions of results appear on the screen. The challenge now is on how to filter fact from fake. Gather data that are collected, processed, and analyzed by experts. Check the background of authors and/or organizations, and publishers. Moreover, check the year of publication as the information maybe outdated. Social media have lots of fake news and information. You must review the accounts and authenticity of content before using them in your speech. Cross- checking is important to make sure that what you put in your speech are correct.
Lying, brainwashing, and gaslighting are inexcusable. Your audience deserves the truth. You cannot twist nor revise history, facts, and data. One inaccurate detail of your speech can destroy a life. You must be a speaker with honesty, integrity, and respect.
Sources:
Agon, A. (2020). Oral communication in context quarter 2- module 10: principles of speech writing. Department of Education- National Capital Region: Quezon City
Domingo, M. et al. (2020). Oral communication in context quarter 2 – module 3:principles of effective speech writing and delivery . Department of Education- Region IV-A CALABARZON: Rizal
Meah, A. (n.d.). 50 Inspirational quotes on the power of words. Retrieved from https://www.awakenthegreatnesswithin.com/50.../
Sipacio, P. J. & Balgos, A. R. (2016). Oral communication in context for senior high school. C & E Publishing, Inc.: Quezon City
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