The Heart Of Persuasion: The Art Of Public Speaking Poem by Dr.Sandhya Tiwari

All my life since childhood I was fascinated
With the art of persuasion making others delighted
Sense and sensibility are a combination rare
Why not help others than just stand and stare
I started observing the marathon session
Father had with mother to challenge her decision
But perseverant as she was with a logical mind
Appeared as though naïve and all benign

Childhood passed I became more observant and vigilant
Not just parents but the countless speeches
Presentations, panel shows and debates on TV held
How quick were they to grasping what others told
Observing even quiver of a muscle and slight raised brow
With learning the nuances of the art of speaking I grew
Is there something special about speaking as an art?
Young though was I, wanted to test and start
Trepidation at heart, speech full of ifs and buts
Repetition, fragments and mistakes galore
Still always I craved for chance, one more

Days passed with the constant effort I progressed
Prepared and geared up to learn than feel forever embarrassed
Through practice fear turned into stimulant
Remarks, anecdotes came naturally and my talk became potent
Speaking is difficult than acting of actors on stage
No place for correction as no second or third takes
When hall is full of people occupying chairs
Once you perform and finish the presentation
Sense elated, inexpressible relief and jubilation
It is over and everything as expected went on well
Sans butterflies in stomach the chest swells

Learn you all, this sure short steps to master the oratory
Without which incomplete would be the success trajectory
To muster the courage and prepare the ground
The first and foremost thing is to know what is required
With question like WHY, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and HOW
Once you answer and prepare well your audience are sure to bow

Once ready with the material and the write up done
Read, read and read not once, twice, thrice
But read till you perfect even if takes fifty, no compromise
Repeat reading till it commits to memory
That will adorn you the speaker with glory

Stepping the feet on the podium when you stand
Never lean or hold tight the lectern with hands
The audience would see with their eyes glued
Initially for a few minutes till have proved
You are comfortable with the front restless groove
Displaying the audacity with natural posture
Like the Obama at the inaugural presidential address
Be prepared to exploit the power pause and speaking silence
The rhythm of language texture is the mark of a great speech
Rise and fall, pitch and tone the language teachers teach
The heightening of intensity with the agility of an athlete
Is an essential factor for emphasis and important a trait
This will benefit the audience off and on stage
Work hard and reap success by training your pallet

It is absolutely required that you look at your audience
As they expect you to talk to them to the text
For this be comfortable with your speech
Practice till words become compatible like fiancé
Select the phrases and the words of power
Attract, mesmerize and enthrall irrespective of sex, age and all
Remember and recollect President Kennedy’s address
Heart filled with pride reflected the face
Anchored towards audience, alive and passionate
He just talked to the audience not to the text
Hail thee! O great orator the listeners are sure to amaze.

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(The poem can be used by the readers but with acknowledgment to the author)