Public Speaking Analysis

The Exercise (Hypothetical Case Analysis)

For this exercise, we will analyze a short hypothetical video. Imagine you are watching a speech by a local official, for example, a mayor, announcing a new infrastructure project (such as a bridge or a park).

The speech lasts approximately three minutes. The mayor uses a lectern and reads prepared notes.

Despite the supposedly positive content of the announcement, the public's reception is lukewarm.

Your task is to carefully observe the mayor's nonverbal language, ignoring his words, and identify inconsistencies and errors that contribute to the lack of conviction.

Key Observations (Incongruence)

During the analysis of this hypothetical video, we would observe several errors. First, a notable incongruence between the message and the body.

While the mayor says phrases such as "This is an exciting project for our future," his body remains rigid and his shoulders tense.

He clutches the sides of the lectern tightly, a barrier gesture that denotes anxiety and defensiveness, rather than the open posture we would expect from someone sharing good news.

His hand gestures are weak, rising just a few inches above the lectern before hiding again.

This lack of breadth in gestures (illustrators) makes the message seem insincere and lacking in energy.

Key Observations (Appeasers and Monotony)

Second, we would note the repetitive use of appeasers. At several key moments, especially when mentioning project cost or timelines, the mayor touches the back of his neck or adjusts his tie knot.

These are classic gestures of stress and discomfort. In addition, his eye contact is poor; instead of connecting with the audience, his gaze is fixed almost exclusively on his notes, breaking any possible rapport.

His paralanguage is monotone, with no vocal inflections that denote enthusiasm. Finally, he shows a false smile (only from the mouth, without eye activation) at inappropriate moments.

The combination of a closed posture, weak, stress-reliev