Public Speaking - Introductory
This subtopic introduces learners to foundational public speaking skills by having them prepare and deliver a two-minute talk about a character from a book. It emphasizes clarity, structure, and audience engagement, while the subsequent discussion with the examiner assesses comprehension and the ability to respond to questions. The practical application is building confidence for everyday communication, such as expressing ideas clearly and answering questions in academic or social settings.
Assessment criteria
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
The NEA Entry Level Award in Graded Examination in Communications (Introductory, Entry 2) assesses basic communication skills through practical and written tasks, focusing on clear speaking, listening, and non-verbal cues. It is part of the New Era Academy of Drama and Music (London) Ltd Performing Arts Graded Examination suite, designed for beginners to build confidence in expressive communication.
Topic Overview
This qualification introduces students to the fundamentals of communication, focusing on speaking, listening, and non-verbal interaction. It is designed for beginners, often taken at Entry Level 2, and is part of the New Era Academy's graded examinations in Performing Arts. The exam typically involves a one-to-one conversation with an examiner, where you may be asked to introduce yourself, describe pictures, or respond to simple questions. The aim is to build confidence and basic skills in expressing ideas clearly and understanding others.
In the context of Dance & Performing Arts, communication is not just about words; it includes body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These skills are essential for performers, as they convey emotions and stories to an audience. This introductory level sets the foundation for more advanced graded exams, where communication becomes more complex and integrated with performance.
The exam is assessed by a trained examiner from New Era Academy, who will observe your ability to communicate effectively. You will be marked on clarity, coherence, and your ability to engage with the examiner. Preparation involves practising speaking about familiar topics, listening carefully, and using appropriate non-verbal cues. Success at this level demonstrates that you have the basic communication skills needed for further study in performing arts.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Clear speaking: Pronouncing words correctly and speaking at a steady pace.
- →Active listening: Paying full attention to the speaker and responding appropriately.
- →Non-verbal communication: Using facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact to support your message.
- →Structured responses: Organising your thoughts into a logical order (e.g., beginning, middle, end).
- →Confidence: Speaking with assurance and maintaining a positive attitude.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- 1. Give a talk on your character from a book(Time limit 2 minutes)1. Discuss with the Examiner§ The content of the talk
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for delivering a talk that is clearly structured with an identifiable opening, body, and conclusion.
- Award credit for demonstrating knowledge of the chosen character, including key traits, actions, and motivations from the text.
- Award credit for maintaining appropriate eye contact and vocal clarity throughout the presentation.
- Award credit for engaging in a discussion with the examiner by listening to questions and providing relevant, extended responses.
- Award credit for keeping within the two-minute time limit, indicating rehearsal and self-monitoring.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Practice your talk multiple times with a timer to ensure you comfortably fill but do not exceed the two-minute window.
- 💡Know your character thoroughly: prepare key points about their role, personality, and story arc to make the talk engaging and to answer discussion questions confidently.
- 💡Structure your talk with a simple formula: say who the character is, describe an important moment, and explain why you find them interesting.
- 💡During the discussion, listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and aim to give answers that are at least a couple of sentences long, using examples from the book.
- 💡Warm up your voice before the exam and take a deep breath to project confidence—even if you stumble, carry on calmly.
- 💡Practise speaking about everyday topics like your family, hobbies, and school. This will help you feel prepared for common questions.
- 💡During the exam, take a moment to think before answering. It's okay to pause and gather your thoughts.
- 💡Use the 'P.E.E.' method (Point, Evidence, Explanation) when describing or explaining something: make a point, give an example, and explain it.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Memorising a script without understanding the character, leading to flat delivery or inability to answer follow-up questions.
- Rushing through the talk due to nerves, resulting in poor pacing and loss of clarity.
- Neglecting eye contact by reading notes or looking at the floor, which disengages the audience.
- Failing to manage time effectively, either finishing well under two minutes with insufficient content or exceeding the limit.
- Providing one-word or underdeveloped answers during the discussion, missing the opportunity to show depth of understanding.
- Misconception: Speaking fast shows confidence. Correction: Speaking too fast can make you unclear. Speak at a moderate pace to ensure the examiner understands you.
- Misconception: You must use big words to impress the examiner. Correction: Simple, clear language is best. Focus on being understood, not on using complex vocabulary.
- Misconception: Non-verbal communication is not important in a spoken exam. Correction: Your body language and facial expressions are part of how you communicate. They help convey your message and show engagement.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Focus on speaking clearly. Practise reading short passages aloud and recording yourself. Listen back and note areas for improvement.
- 2Week 2: Work on listening skills. Have a friend or family member ask you questions and practise responding appropriately. Also, practise describing pictures or objects in detail.
- 3Week 3: Combine skills by doing mock exams. Time yourself and simulate the exam environment. Review your performance and refine your answers.
- 4Week 4: Focus on non-verbal communication. Practise using gestures and facial expressions while speaking. Record yourself and observe your body language.
- 5Final days: Review key vocabulary and practise relaxation techniques to stay calm during the exam.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Introduction questions: You may be asked to introduce yourself. Prepare a short, clear introduction with your name, age, and a hobby.
- 📋Picture description: You will be shown a picture and asked to describe what you see. Use descriptive language and mention details.
- 📋Question and answer: The examiner will ask simple questions about your daily life, likes, and dislikes. Answer in full sentences.
- 📋Following instructions: You may be asked to do something simple, like 'Point to the red object' or 'Show me how you would greet a friend'. Listen carefully and act accordingly.
Command Word Expectations (NEW ERA ACADEMY OF DRAMA AND MUSIC (LONDON) LTD)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
Give a detailed account of what you see or know, including sensory details and specific features. For example, 'Describe your favourite place' – you should mention what it looks like, sounds like, and why you like it.
Give reasons or causes for something. For example, 'Explain why you like dancing' – you should give reasons such as 'it makes me happy' and 'it keeps me fit'.
Present yourself or another person in a clear, polite manner. Include basic information like name, age, and one or two personal details.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: You are asked to introduce yourself to the examiner. What would you say? (2 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Start with a greeting, e.g., 'Hello' or 'Good morning'.
- 2.Step 2: State your name clearly.
- 3.Step 3: Add one or two simple facts about yourself, such as your age, where you live, or a hobby.
- 4.Step 4: End with a polite phrase like 'Nice to meet you'.
Question: You are shown a picture of a park. Describe what you see. (3 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Look at the picture carefully for a few seconds.
- 2.Step 2: Say what the picture is about, e.g., 'This is a park'.
- 3.Step 3: Mention specific details: people, animals, objects, and actions.
- 4.Step 4: Use descriptive words like colours, sizes, and positions (e.g., 'on the left', 'in the background').
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for NEW ERA ACADEMY OF DRAMA AND MUSIC (LONDON) LTD Public Speaking - Introductory
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •No formal prerequisites are required, but students should be able to understand and respond to simple instructions in English.
- •Basic vocabulary and sentence structure knowledge is helpful.
- •Familiarity with common topics like family, school, and hobbies is beneficial.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- 1. Give a talk on your character from a book(Time limit 2 minutes)1. Discuss with the Examiner§ The content of the talk
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