Why Speakers Share Their Point Of View In A Speech

In the realm of effective communication, understanding the motivations behind a speaker's choices is paramount. When delivering a speech, speakers make deliberate decisions about how to present their ideas, and a crucial aspect of this is the point of view they adopt. The question of why speakers share their point of view is multifaceted, and exploring the various reasons behind this choice can illuminate the dynamics of persuasive communication. This article delves into the core reasons speakers use point of view in their speeches, examining how it influences audience perception and ultimately contributes to the overall effectiveness of the message.

Understanding the Speaker's Point of View

To truly grasp why speakers share their point of view, we must first define what it entails. A speaker's point of view is essentially the lens through which they interpret and present information. It encompasses their beliefs, values, experiences, and the specific angle they choose to emphasize. This perspective shapes the speaker's selection of evidence, their tone, and the overall narrative they construct.

Speakers strategically employ their point of view to connect with their audience on a deeper level. By revealing their perspective, they invite listeners to see the world through their eyes, fostering empathy and understanding. This connection is vital for building trust and establishing credibility, which are essential components of persuasive communication. Furthermore, the speaker's point of view provides context for their arguments, making them more relatable and compelling. When the audience understands the speaker's background and motivations, they are more likely to engage with the message and consider its merits.

Moreover, the speaker's point of view allows them to tailor their message to the specific audience they are addressing. By understanding the audience's values, beliefs, and prior knowledge, the speaker can craft a message that resonates with them on a personal level. This targeted approach enhances the effectiveness of the speech, making it more likely to achieve its intended outcome. For instance, a speaker addressing a group of environmental activists will likely adopt a different point of view than one speaking to a group of business executives. The former might emphasize the urgency of climate action, while the latter might focus on the economic benefits of sustainable practices.

Ultimately, the speaker's point of view is a powerful tool for shaping the audience's perception and influencing their beliefs. By carefully considering their perspective and how it aligns with their message and audience, speakers can create speeches that are not only informative but also deeply persuasive. The ability to effectively communicate one's point of view is a hallmark of a skilled speaker, and it plays a crucial role in achieving communication goals.

Debunking Misconceptions About Point of View

Before we delve deeper into the primary reasons speakers share their point of view, it's essential to address some common misconceptions. One such misconception is that speakers use point of view solely to control the audience. While it's true that a speaker's perspective can influence the audience, the primary goal is not manipulation. Effective communication is built on trust and mutual understanding, and attempting to control the audience can backfire, damaging the speaker's credibility.

Another misconception is that the speaker's point of view is merely a tool to make the audience agree with their ideas. While persuasion is often a goal, it's not the only reason speakers share their perspective. Sharing one's point of view can also foster dialogue and encourage critical thinking. A speaker might present their perspective not to force agreement but to spark discussion and invite alternative viewpoints. This approach is particularly valuable in academic or intellectual settings, where the goal is to explore ideas rather than simply win an argument.

It's also important to recognize that a speaker's point of view is not inherently biased or subjective. While personal experiences and beliefs inevitably shape one's perspective, a skilled speaker strives to present their point of view in a fair and balanced manner. This involves acknowledging alternative perspectives, providing evidence to support claims, and avoiding inflammatory language. By maintaining objectivity, speakers can enhance their credibility and make their arguments more persuasive.

By dispelling these misconceptions, we can gain a clearer understanding of the true reasons speakers share their point of view. It's not about control or manipulation but about fostering understanding, building connections, and contributing to meaningful dialogue.

Core Reasons Speakers Share Their Point of View

Now, let's explore the core reasons why speakers share their point of view in a speech. These reasons are interconnected and often work in tandem to create a powerful and persuasive message.

Building Credibility and Trust

One of the primary reasons speakers share their point of view is to build credibility and trust with the audience. When speakers reveal their perspective, they demonstrate their authenticity and vulnerability. This allows the audience to see them as genuine and relatable, which fosters trust. Credibility is essential for persuasion because audiences are more likely to be influenced by speakers they perceive as knowledgeable, trustworthy, and sincere.

Sharing your point of view can also enhance your credibility by providing context for your expertise. If you're speaking on a topic related to your profession or personal experiences, revealing your background can establish your authority and demonstrate your qualifications. For instance, a doctor speaking about healthcare reform might share their experiences treating patients, which would lend weight to their arguments. Similarly, a survivor of a natural disaster might share their personal story to illustrate the need for disaster preparedness.

Furthermore, transparency in sharing your point of view builds trust by showing the audience that you're not hiding anything. When you openly acknowledge your biases and assumptions, you demonstrate intellectual honesty, which makes you more credible in the eyes of the audience. This openness also invites dialogue and allows the audience to engage with your ideas critically, which can ultimately strengthen your arguments.

Connecting with the Audience

Another crucial reason speakers share their point of view is to connect with the audience on an emotional and intellectual level. By revealing their perspective, speakers invite listeners to see the world through their eyes, fostering empathy and understanding. This connection is vital for creating a meaningful exchange and influencing the audience's beliefs and attitudes.

Sharing your point of view can create common ground with the audience by highlighting shared values and experiences. When you connect with the audience on a personal level, they're more likely to identify with your message and feel invested in your ideas. This connection can be particularly powerful when addressing controversial or sensitive topics, as it allows you to approach the issue with empathy and understanding.

Moreover, a speaker's point of view can evoke emotional responses in the audience, making the message more memorable and impactful. By sharing personal stories or anecdotes, speakers can tap into the audience's emotions, creating a deeper connection and making the message more persuasive. For instance, a speaker advocating for animal rights might share a personal story about rescuing an animal, which could evoke empathy and inspire action in the audience.

Providing Context and Clarity

Speakers also share their point of view to provide context and clarity for their message. Your perspective helps the audience understand the why behind your arguments and the significance of your ideas. Without context, a message can be confusing or easily misinterpreted. By revealing your point of view, you frame your message in a way that makes it more accessible and meaningful to the audience.

Sharing your point of view can clarify your message by highlighting the underlying values and beliefs that inform your arguments. When the audience understands your perspective, they can better appreciate the logic and reasoning behind your claims. This clarity is essential for effective communication, as it ensures that the audience accurately understands your message and is more likely to be persuaded by it.

Furthermore, the speaker's point of view can provide context by situating the message within a broader framework. By explaining how your ideas relate to larger issues or trends, you can help the audience see the significance of your message and its relevance to their lives. This context makes your message more impactful and memorable, as it connects your ideas to the audience's existing knowledge and beliefs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, speakers share their point of view for a multitude of reasons, all of which contribute to effective communication. It's about building credibility and trust, connecting with the audience on a deeper level, and providing context and clarity for the message. By understanding these motivations, speakers can craft speeches that are not only informative but also persuasive and impactful. The ability to effectively communicate one's point of view is a hallmark of a skilled speaker, and it's essential for fostering understanding, promoting dialogue, and influencing positive change. Therefore, when preparing a speech, it's crucial to carefully consider your point of view and how it can be used to enhance your message and connect with your audience.