THE POWER OF LANGUAGE: SYNERGY IN READING, WRITING, AND SPEAKING BY FAIZAH ADEDIRAN

In the symphony of human expression, language emerges as the virtuoso conductor, orchestrating communication through the melodic dance of words, whether spoken, written, or gestured. It is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as the principal method of human connection, consisting of words used in a structured, conventional way conveyed by speech, writing, or gesture. Language weaves a tapestry of structured dialogue within communities and across nations. Within this intricate framework, the trio of reading, writing, and speaking stands as the eloquent performers, each note playing a vital role in the grand composition of human interaction.

At the genesis of learning, oral language — spoken and listened to — feeds reading and writing. Before you can read and write, you learn first to speak and listen. However, as you grow older, reading starts to feed the other components of your language. This means that the more you read, the more eloquent you are at speaking, and the better you get at writing, thereby fulfilling the purpose of language. 

Therefore, it makes sense that there will be a synergy between the components of language, where they coexist and work together to fulfil the purpose of language. As a public speaker, it is essential that you fully understand this synergy so that you can wield its power and effectively leave your imprint in the hearts of your listeners. 

THE POWER OF READING

Reading is the process of consuming and assimilating information from a written source. The result of this process is comprehension and a total understanding of concepts present in the material read. This includes understanding the meaning of the words used and the context of usage, the grammar, writing style, idioms and wordplay, and the overall message passed in the material. Reading improves your vocabulary, introduces you to new concepts and ideas and increases your wealth of knowledge. Reading is the most popular and most efficient way of gaining new information and knowledge.

As a public speaker, you will be required to speak and debate on a variety of topics. To effectively do this and pass your message, you need to read. Reading not only provides you with the necessary information you need to pass across, but it also helps to enrich your vocabulary, grammar and storytelling ability, all of which are necessary to captivate your audience and ensure that they understand your topic of discourse. Reading also directly impacts your confidence levels on stage simply because the more you know about the topic of discussion, the more prepared you feel and thus, the more self-assured you are. 

THE POWER OF WRITING

Writing is the process of offering information through written language symbols to communicate. It is the ability to represent thoughts and speech in graphic form accurately and express them in a coherent, cohesive, and structured manner. To write effectively, you need to develop an understanding of spelling, vocabulary, grammar, spelling and capitalization, punctuation, and sentence ordering to distinguish the main idea from supporting ideas. To write, you must first read to learn all these answers and their proper application or usage. 

A well-written speech in the hands of a public speaker is like a well-tuned guitar in the hands of a musician. The result is something that sounds beautiful, and effortless and remains in the hearts of listeners for a long time. Being a well-rounded speaker means that you possess the ability to read and digest information, represent it on paper with your own words and emotions, and express it vocally to pass the information. Although public speaking is inherently about your ability to communicate effectively, it is enhanced by your ability to read, comprehend and write in your voice. 

THE POWER OF SPEAKING

This is the ability to vocalise one's thoughts concisely and articulately to convey information. Speaking depends on one's comprehension of the subject of discussion as well as one's language skills such as word pronunciation, grammar, emotiveness, and elocution. Speaking aims to convey information vocally while ensuring that the audience's attention is arrested and they have a clear idea and image of what you’re trying to say.

However, before you present that speech on stage, you need to write it down first. This ensures that your thoughts, assertions and conclusions are well thought-out and chronologically arranged in such a way that there is a flow from one point to the other. You don't necessarily have to be a writer to do this (although I guess doing this does make you a writer.) Writing is inherently the comprehension of what you have read and the ability to regurgitate it in your words without losing any of the information in it, as well as the ability to add emotion to make the piece come to life. 

UNDERSTANDING THE SYNERGY: TIPS FOR ENHANCEMENT

1.) Have a clear reading purpose: When your purpose for reading is clear, it becomes easier to achieve a goal from it. For example, if you’re reading to look for information, you tend to find what you're looking for faster and if it isn't there, you know quickly enough that you have to move on. 

2.) Write a summary of what you read: When you're done reading, it is a good idea to write a summary of what you have just read. This improves your retention ability, enhances your comprehension of the text, and narrows down what you have learned to the key points. 

3.) Re-read to improve comprehension: This clarifies your confusion as well as enhances your previous knowledge. It also assists in identifying hidden contexts and nuances in the text. 

4.) Infodump: After reading the entire material, write down everything you have learned. Contrary to writing a summary, you shouldn't paraphrase or shorten anything. Write it as you remember it. It's okay if it's not perfect because you will go over it a second time, shaping and editing it until you have correct grammar and use of words, with the facts in chronological order, moving smoothly from point to point. 

5.) Read what you want to write and/or say: To proffer information about a topic of interest—whether through speaking or writing—you have to have a huge wealth of information on said topic from different sources. Read widely and vicariously, consuming everything relating to that topic until you can explain it to a 5-year-old. 

Language is the most powerful tool that you have as a public speaker — without it, you cannot communicate effectively. It is therefore important that you know its components and how to effectively wield them to full maxim. Reading, writing and speaking are components of language that are interwoven and dependent on each other. To realize your full potential as a public speaker is to be able to read, comprehend, write and speak, while simultaneously learning and imparting knowledge. 

Editor-in-Chief: Ifedayo, Similoluwa Sharon.