The introduction of the speech “Faith versus Tradition in Islam” by Mustafa Akyol is decidedly precise and on to the point. He creates a receptive atmosphere by giving the nature and the background of Islam tradition. Akyol evinces the desire to speak with earnestness and sincerity, creating a virtuous identification technique in concurrence with Huff (2008) assertion that ascribes the attachment of the audience and the speaker to better designation of the speaker and establishment of a rapport or a common ground. He highlights the basic ideas of the issues to be discussed properly and systematically using a story, thence giving the overview of the whole agenda. The length of the introduction is short and exciting, thus making the audience glued and more attentive.
The main points in the speech encompass the Islam culture and practices that embraced the Islamic thoughts, Islamic worship, the political culture, the separation of men and women, the female circumcision and how women and men perceived by the Islamic society. The explanation of the origin and the development of the Islamic religion is the main intent of the speech. Moreover, Mustafa Akyol elaborates the changes that took place in the Islamic tradition between the 19th and the 21st century basing his arguments on the political changes and the lack of democracy that had been affecting most of the Islamic nations. He further asserts that the European nations played a greater role in the Islamic transition ascribed through their industrial revolution and colonialism.
Mustafa Akyol has a rather short conclusion under which he does not recapitulate the main points as well as reinforce the basic purpose of the speech. Similarly, he dwells a lot on the possible mitigation measures that could help in modernization of the Islamic tradition. However, he provides a cogent closure that enables the audience know that the speech is ending. In addition to this, he maintains a satisfactory rapport with the audience which facilitates silence of the audience to the end, in accord with Coopman and Lull (2011).
The main points are developed well, with excellent aspects of transitions from one point to another, which is in line with the affirmation by Coopman and Lull (2011) that the use of internal transition helps in signposting the course of the speech. In the same light, Mustafa uses a variety of support that helps in building his theme, for instance, he gives a personal testimony involving his visit to Mecca in which he acknowledges witnessing the separation of men and women in cafes and their interaction in worshiping places. He also gives illustrations of countries that were under authoritarian leadership, countries that resisted the dictatorship and countries that were experiencing a better transition of the modern Islamic tradition. The use of these supports are remarkably effective, and to a considerable extent help him fittingly build the theme, and in the explanation of the key aspects that affect the structuring of the modern Islamic traditions.
Akyol has a psychological ability to make the audience listen and he achieves this by using aspects like open posture that hold the interest of the audience. He avoids committing crucial presentation flaws like touching his chest, hips and clasping of the hands unnecessarily. Such flaws are analogous to the flaws that Livingston (2010) highlights in his book “Advanced Public Speaking: Dynamics and Techniques”.
Furthermore, he displays a masterly use of natural gestures, which complements the message well. Similarly, he maintains unfailing eye contact, and this emphasizes on the sincerity of the message delivered, and the establishment of positive connections between him, and the audience. Moreover, he is neatly dressed, the hair well kept- all these enhance his personal appearance in front of the audience corroborating Livingston’s tenet on the improvement of personal appearance through personal hygiene (2010).
The language used by the Akyol is straightforward and understandable. His choice of words is perfect. His voice is clear enough and carries some aspects of honesty and sincerity. In addition to this, strength and vitality are also depicted through his voice. The use of tonal variation is also efficient without any trace of tag questions, complied with brilliant articulation and pronunciation of words that emphasized on the message produced. The pauses amidst the speech are well placed, and they are noticeable when he is giving illustrations and moving from one point to another. However, his speaking rate is slightly high and hence high chances that most of the audience missed some of vital information of his presentation.
Concisely, the speaker is bold enough, and he portrays most of the aspects of public speaking techniques. He has a broad spectrum of ideas concerning the subject topic, and this enhances his presentation, since most of the views are clear and meticulous. A lot of information is imparted within the short time, ascribed to better choice of words and minimized repetition of words and ideologies. However, there is minimal utilization of the platform, as Akyol stands virtually at one point through the entire speech.
The public speaking techniques depicted by Mustafa has ameliorated my skills through various ways. The mastery of the content, and the arrangement of the ideas chronologically are the key components to public speaking, and it helps in the delivering of a good speech with a lot of emphasis, and limited repetition. Similarly, the nonverbal cues are acutely requisite, and they assist in providing more elaboration that helps in understanding of the points stated. They also help in generating the aspects of sincerity and honesty that facilitates and motivates the audience to be attentive and eager to listen. Moreover, personal hygiene is also noteworthy as it elevates the personal appearance and helps in the building of rapport between the audience and the speaker.
References
Coopman, J. S. & Lull, J. (2010). Public Speaking: The Evolving Art. Boston, MA: Lyn Uhl.
Huff, W. A. K. (2008). Public speaking: A Concise Overview for the Twenty-First Century.
New York, NY: Peter Publishing, Inc.
Livingston, R. (2010). Advanced Public Speaking: Dynamics and Techniques. Bloomington,
IN: Xlibris Corporation.
