27- A DIALOGUE BETWEEN AN APPRENTICE AND A TUTOR ON PUBLIC SPEAKING

Apprentice: Asslam-o-Alaikum! Sir.

Tutor: Wa’alaikum-us-Salaam! How are you?

Apprentice: I am perfectly fit and fine. Thank you.

Tutor: Well, I hear you are taking part in the speaking competition. Isn’t it?

Apprentice: Yes, Sir; and I came to ask you to give me some hints on the art of the public speaking.

Tutor: With pleasure, Faizy. Have you prepared your speech?

Apprentice: Yes, Sir; and now I am learning it by heart.

Tutor: Oh! But that is a great mistake. Always carefully prepare what you want to say, but never try to learn it off by heart.

Apprentice: But why, Sir?

Tutor: Because when you are speaking you should watch your audience to see whether they are following what you say. You can see by their faces whether they understand and are interested; and if they are not, you can win their attention by adding, or emphasizing, or changing something. But if your speech is learnt by heart, you can’t alter it.

Apprentice: But it seems so much easier to learn it.

Tutor: It is not so in the end. Memorizing is a great strain. Also, if you forget one sentence, you may break down altogether.

Apprentice: Well, I might manage if I could have my notes with me when I speak.

Tutor: At first you may take a short note of the outline, or main points, of your speech, lest you should forget; but when you get used to speaking in public, it is best to do without notes altogether.

Apprentice: But if I don’t use notes, and must not learn my speeches off by heart, how can I remember what to say?

Tutor: You must prepare carefully, and think out what you want to say; and learn the main points, or outline, of your speech. Then, when you get up to speak, you will find that the words will come.

Apprentice: But I feel so nervous when I have to speak.

Tutor: That is natural, especially at first. But as you get used to speaking in public, you will overcome that. Even practised speakers often feel very nervous before they begin to speak; but when they go on to their feet, they forget all about it.

Apprentice: Thank you, Sir, for your hints. I will try to follow them.

Tutor: It’s my pleasure.