** Da'waa Techniques **

OsMaN_93

Here to help
:salam2:

here are some dwaa techniques :lol:

TECHNIQUES OF DA'WAH RELATED PUBLIC SPEAKING​


I - IMPORTANT TIPS
1. Body Language is very, very important.
2. It is preferable that the talk be given without the help of notes.
3. Speak without a podium to enable the audience to observe the body language.
4. Before beginning your speech, remove any disturbances that may cause obstruction or hindrance.

II - PERSONAL APPEARANCE:

1. Keep a Beard.
(Sahih Bukhari Vol. 7, Book of Dress, Chapter no. 64 and 65 Hadith no. 780 & 781)
2. It is preferable to wear a cap which is clean or cover your head.
(if the label shows your intent, wear it!)
3. Wear formal clothes (avoid T-shirts, jeans and other casual wear).
4. Wear formal shoes (avoid track shoes, slippers, etc.). If footwear are not allowed, wear only clean, untorn socks.
5. Do not wear neck chains or wrist chains.
6. Avoid wearing glamorous things like shining watches, rings, etc.
7. Do not wear belts with big showy buckles.
8. Button your shirt (except for collar button, all the other buttons should be closed).
9. Do not fold your sleeves while lecturing.
10. Do not keep anything (not even a pen) in your shirt pocket. Do not clutter your trouser pockets with things not required.
11. If spectacles are worn then the frame should not be glamorous. (If the talk is being video recorded, then preferably the glasses should have an antiglare coating).
12. Your overall appearance should be smart, appealing and confident.

III - POSTURE:

1. It is preferable to stand and talk rather than sitting and speaking.
2. While standing, your legs should neither be too far apart nor too close.
3. Stand erect on both your feet, without bending them at the knees.
4. Stand upright and not with drooping shoulders.
5. Do not move to and fro, i.e. sideways, or front and backward.
6. Do not shake unnecessarily.
7. Do not lean on anything like table, chair, etc.
8. Your posture should be confident and energetic. It should be relaxed and not tense.

IV - GESTURES:

1. Do not stand rigid like a statue.
2. Make gestures with hands very often.
3. Gestures should be natural and not acted out or preplanned. (You may, however, see your own trial performance in the mirror to evaluate the effectiveness and impression of your gestures).
4. Gestures should be related to the matter that is being spoken.
5. Avoid making similar gestures repeatedly throughout the speech.
6. Your facial expressions should be warm, genial and cordial, and not appear stern or angry.
7. Your face should have expressions according to the matter of your speech.
8. If you have to turn or make a movement, do it from the hip and upper part of the body.


V - TERMINUS:


1. Your hands should be placed one on top of the other on the navel or slightly below or above the navel, (or on the podium) when at rest, i.e. while not making gestures.

2. Do not put your hands in your pockets or behind your back.

3. Do not play with your fingers.

4. Do not bite your nails.

5. Do not fidget with your clothes.

6. Do not fidget with the mike, or the wire, or any article such as pen, paper, etc.

VI - EYE MOVEMENT:

1. At the beginning of the talk give a glance throughout the audience.
2. Have eye to eye contact with as much of the audience as possible (each and every one if possible if you have a small audience).
3. Do not look at the opposite sex if they are present in the audience. You may however give a passing glance occasionally.
4. Look more often at the target audience (e.g. Non-Muslims, Questioners, etc.).
5. You may draw attention of a person in the audience by looking at him directly. However, if this person continues to disturb or distract, it may be advisable at such times to ignore the distraction and continue with your talk.
6. It will be helpful to you and enhance your confidence if you look more at those sections of the audience that appear to be supportive and attentive.
7. Do not look at or fix your gaze on the ceiling, floor, empty space or above the heads of the audience.
8. If referring to your notes is unavoidable, then do not peep at them from far in an apologetic half-hearted manner, but instead hold them close to you and look at them properly in a dignified manner.

VII - MIKE HANDLING:
1. If possible, prior to the commencement of the programme, adjust the equalizer (treble and bass or hi, mid and low), i.e. quality of the tone suitable to your voice.
2. Always insist that the mike be fixed on a floor stand without a podium.
3. Adjust the mike according to your height before the programme begins.
4. If the mike is not adjusted before the programme, do it before beginning your speech. (It is better to spend a few seconds at the start, rather than being uncomfortable throughout the speech or to disturb your speech in between to adjust the mike).
5. If the mike has an on/off switch, check that it is in the 'on' position before beginning the speech.
6. The mike should not cover your face, as it would obstruct the view of the audience and the video shooting.
7. Your mouth should be a few inches away from the mike (not too close, nor too far). Distance also depends on the sensitivity of the mike.
8. The distance between the mouth and the mike should be constant throughout the speech and should not vary.
9. Sometimes for emphasis, you may move your mouth close to the mike without raising your voice.
10. The mouth should always be pointing towards the mike throughout the speech and should not vary at any point.
11. If you have to look in another direction, for eg. towards the chairman who is sitting behind on the stage, take a side step forward and then looking at the chairman, speak into the mike and not away from the mike.
12. Do not speak when your mouth moves away from the mike, e.g. while picking up a book from the table.
14. Never hold the mike on the stand while speaking.
15. Avoid giving a talk with a handheld mike since the gestures become restricted. There is a tendency for the hand to move thereby creating variations in the sound.

VIII - SPEECH:

1. Speak loudly.

2. Speak at a moderate speed, neither too slow nor too fast.

3. People can usually listen faster than the speed at which they can speak. Thus there should not be pauses or blanks, leaving the audience without something to listen and allowing their attention to be diverted.
4. However, after speaking on a difficult or unusual matter, give a short pause for the audience to grasp and assimilate the information.
5. Speak clearly. Speech should not be slurred.

6. Speak confidently.
7. Speak with energy and enthusiasm. (You have to enthuse and charge- up the audience).
8. Speak forcefully (assertively) with conviction. Be persuasive.

9. Repeat the important points for emphasis when required.

10. During normal speech there should not be any repetition.
11. Do not speak monotonously. Modulate/Alter your voice. Change the Speed / Pace, Tone and Pitch appropriately (High tone, Low tone, hushed voice, depending on the matter). As far as possible, ensure that you hold the interest of your audience throughout your lecture.
12. Do not have a patterned speech like a sing-song voice which goes up and down at regular intervals. The concentration of the audience is lost. (This is common in memorised speeches).
13. However, rhythmic tempo in choice of words can be used.

14. Do not interrupt your speech for petty reasons.


IX - MISCELLANEOUS:

1. Before the commencement of the speech, walk confidently and calmly towards the mike and not in a tense and rapid manner.
2. Pause confidently before starting the speech.
3. If there is any disturbance during the speech, if it can be overlooked, overlook it; or ask the disturbance to be stopped verbally, but don't interrupt your speech intermittently during the disturbance. The attention of the audience will be diverted at intervals and you will loose your grip on them.
4. It is preferable to drink water before starting the speech to lubricate the mouth. Only drink room temperature water and not cold water (Avoid drinking water while standing).

5. Visit the venue in advance, if possible, to familiarise yourself with the hall and the surroundings.
6. The public address system should be professional, as sound is the most important part of the talk.
7. Prepare a checklist of all the requirements. eg. (i) Professional Public Address System (ii) Mike on floor stand without a podium, (iii) A glass with a jug of water (at room temperature) to be kept on the table. These requirements and the check list can be given to the organisers, well in advance.

X - SEEK ALLAH'S HELP:


1. Do your supplications and du'as seeking Allah's help and support.
2. It is highly recommended that you offer two rakaah Salaah before the talk (seeking Allah's help) and also after the talk (as thanksgiving).
3. Always be in 'Tahaarat' (state of ablution) while delivering a speech.
 

OsMaN_93

Here to help
RE. dwaa tips

:salam2:

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF ISLAMIC TALKS


I - BEGINNING:

1. Always begin the speech by praising Allah (swt) and by wishing / sending peace to the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions. eg. "Al-Hamdu lillaah, Was-Salaatu Was-Salaam 'Ala Rasoolillaah, Wa-Ala Alihi Wa-ashaabihi Ajma'een. Amma Ba'ad".
("Praise be to Allah and Peace and Blessing on the Prophet of Allah, his Descendents and all his Companions...")

2. Then seek Allah (swt)'s protection from Satan the accursed by saying, "Auzoo Billahi Minash-Shaytaanir-Rajiim".
("I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the accursed")

3. This should be followed by, "Bismillaahir-Rahmanir-Rahiim"
(In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful).

4. It is preferable to follow this with Arabic recitation of any verse or verses of the Glorious Qur'an which are relevant to the topic.

5. It is advisable to seek Allah (swt's) help in delivering the message by reciting Surah Ta-Ha, Chapter 20 Verses 25-28 of the Glorious Qur'an. "Rabbishrah lii sadrii; Wa yassir liii 'amrii; Wahlul 'uqdatam-mil-li-saanii, Yafqahuu qawlii:"
("O my Lord! expand me my breast; Ease my task for me; And remove the impediment from my speech, So they may understand what I say")

6. Mention the name of the Chairman, Chief guest, any other speakers on the stage if present, and then address the audience and welcome them by saying, "...Respected Elders and My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I welcome all of you with the Islamic greetings...."

7. Now wish the audience, "As-Salaamu Alaikum, Wa Rahmatullahi, Wa Barkatahu", "May Peace, Mercy and Blessing of Allah (swt) be on all of you".



(Combine step 6 and 7)

N.B. Do not mention the translation of the Arabic verses within brackets

II - INTRODUCTION:

1. Mention the topic of the talk.

2. Clarify the meaning of the topic if required (for eg. the word Da'wah).

3. State the importance of the topic.
4. If applicable, give the relevance of your talk to the present situation (current issues, special occasions like graduation ceremony, etc.).

5. Explain historical background, if required.
6. Clarify misconceptions, if any, regarding the subject of the talk.


III - BODY OF THE LECTURE:


1. Divide the body of the lecture into various sub-headings (eg. The topic 'Women's Rights in Islam' can be divided into spiritual, economic, social, educational, legal and political rights of Women in Islam).

2. If required, mention the sub-headings at the outset.

3. The duration of the body should at least be twice in length and duration than that of the beginning, introduction and conclusion put together.

4. Explain the different points of your lecture in such a way that even a common man understands it, unless the lecture is addressed to a particular audience consisting of specialists in that field.

5. It is preferable to mention few points with different explanations and examples rather than mentioning several points which are difficult to assimilate.

6. If possible, analyse and discuss the topic from different angles.

7. Do not divert or stray away from the topic.

8. Do not beat around the bush by giving vague and irrelevant matter.
9. Your matter should be interesting enough to hold the attention and concentration of the audience.
10. The content should do full justice to the topic of the talk.


IV - CONCLUSION:


1. Plan the conclusion well.

2. Refrain from saying "Finally ..." or " In conclusion ..." more than once.

3. Summarise the body, if required.
4. Do not repeat the complete speech again while summarising.

5. Appeal for action, based on implications.

6. Conclude the talk by giving a very striking example or a relevant incident or a thought provoking quotation.

7. You may conclude the talk with an emphatic Qur'anic verse.

8. An excellent conclusion is very important for a lasting impression of the talk.

9. The last sentence preferably should be Surah Yunus chapter 10 verse 10 'Wa aakhiru da'waa naa 'anil- Hamdulillaahi Rabbil-'aalamiin'
("And the close of our cry will be: Praise be to Allah the cherisher and Sustainer of the Wolds!") or any other relevant verse of the Qur'an or authentic Hadith to be quoted in Arabic.


V - IMPORTANT TIPS FOR AN IMPRESSIVE AND AUTHENTIC TALK:
1. Do not carry the text of your full speech to the stage or the podium. It is unimpressive. There will be very little impact if you read the lecture.

2. It is preferable that you do not carry any summary or points of the lecture. It is best to speak altogether from memory.

3. If under unavoidable circumstances, you have to refer to points, write only the headings, sub-headings and the very important points in big bold letters on sheets of paper. (While doing so, make sure that you number and arrange them to avoid last moment shuffling).

4. Quote as many relevant verses of the Qur'an as possible which deal with the subject.

5. Whenever feasible, expound quotations of the Qur'an by giving cross- references (the best commentary of the Qur'an is the Qur'an itself).

6. If possible, quote verses of the Qur'an in Arabic alongwith the translation.

7. Quote only authentic Ahadith.

8. Whenever you quote any religious scripture, it is highly preferable to give the reference.

9. Quote statistics for better impact and emphasis.

10. Mention the source of any quotation or statistics that you cite.

11. If possible, display the books from which you quote, e.g. Qur'an, Bible, etc.

12. Audio-Visual aids like clippings from video cassettes, over head projectors, slide projectors, flipcharts, etc. are useful for seminars and small discussions, but are not very effective when Islamic lectures are addressed to large audiences.

13. You may include stories, incidents and common examples from
day-to-day life to make the talk interesting.
14. If the speech is inherently serious, you may include a humorous incident, example or joke, to keep the audience engrossed and to break the monotony. But the joke should be relevant and not cheap.

15. When appropriate, a few words in Urdu / Hindi (or in the local language) may be said to prevent monotony.



VI - OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS:

1. Always bear in mind that your objective is to seek Allah's pleasure and to communicate the message of Islam.

2. Never boast about yourself or your achievements. Be humble and polite.

3. As a speaker, you should establish credibility. The audience should have faith and confidence in the speaker.

4. Give the translation of each and every Qur'anic verse you quote as well as the one you quote at the beginning of the talk (the prayer at the beginning and conclusion of talk need not be translated).

5. Provide maximum information in the shortest time possible by being to the point and brief.



VII - POINTS TO BE AVOIDED:

1. If you forget any point, do not make it obvious by giving a long pause. Jump to the next point or say something relevant to the previous point, while trying to recollect what is forgotten. Always be prepared with fillers, for e.g. certain verses of the Qur'an like 16:125.

2. Avoid using the same favourite repetitive words or sentences.

3. Do not interject your speech with unnecessary phrases / fillers (eg. "I mean", "you know", "hope you understand", "and all ", etc.).

4. Avoid slang words like "stuff", "guy", etc.

5. Do not ever say, "I am sorry, I did not have time to prepare", "My speech will not be good", "I do not know much about the subject of the talk". Directly enter into the subject confidently and do your best.

6. Do not exceed the time alloted.


VIII - PRELIMINARY PREPARATION:


1. Obtain a brief idea of the audience you are going to address:

a) the language they understand.
b) background of the majority of the expected audience.

c) whether the audience consists of a group of specialists or professionals, or whether it is a heterogeneous group.

d) the group to be addressed, is it hostile or friendly?

2. Study the occasion & the reason for the talk:


IX - PREPARATION OF THE MATTER OF THE SPEECH:

1. Notes: Prepare notes of your complete speech well in advance.
2. Outline: Prepare a point-wise summary or a skeletal outline of your complete written talk for a final glance or revision.
3. Qur'anic Quotations: Note all the Qur'anic Verses to be quoted along with their translation on a seperate sheet for a final glance or revision.
4. Duration: (a) A short talk should be of a duration of 15 minutes to 30 minutes.
(b) A long speech should not exceed 45 minutes.
(However, if the speaker is an expert orator and
can hold the attention and interest of the audience,
he may speak for about an hour).
5. Order: It is preferable to arrange the talk in a topic-wise order rather than chronological order unless required.
6. Continuity and Sequence: There should be continuity and sequence in the speech and it should flow smoothly from the begining to the end.
7. Link: Link should be established between various points covered in the speech.

X - RESEARCH:

1. Do extensive reading and research for your talk. (You should have much more additional information and knowledge regarding the subject of the talk besides what you will be speaking).
2. Read as many books as possible (related to the subject of your talk) by various authors.
3. View as many video cassettes as possible (relevant to the subject) by various speakers.
4. Viewing video cassettes of international speakers will give you an idea of the style of speaking, presentation, matter, etc.
5. Whenever you use a quotation from any book or audio / video tape of any speaker, check its authenticity from the source as well as the authenticity of the source. Do not blindly repeat it without having checked its authenticity.
6. Whenever you repeat the logical and convincing example of any other speaker, either repeat it verbatim or change the example only if you can improve upon it, or if it has the same impact (without having any defects or loopholes).
7. Prepare yourself thoroughly for the question and answer session. The entire impact and credibility of a good speech delivered well is lost, if the speaker fumbles while answering questions, or gives long, incoherent and unconvincing replies.

XI - REHEARSAL:

1. Practice makes you perfect.
2. It gives you confidence.
3. It gives you an opportunity to rectify your mistakes.
4. You can time your speech.
5. The more rehearsals and trials you give, the better will be your final speech delivery or presentation.
6. It is preferable to have an experienced person sitting in the audience during the trial who can point out your mistakes. The last option is to give the trial in front of a mirror.
7. If possible, do a video recording of the trial and also of the actual talk itself so that you yourself can judge and improve your speech in future. It can also be given to experts for evaluation.
8. Check and practise the pronunciation of new and difficult words.
 

OsMaN_93

Here to help
Usage of Audio-Visuals

:salam2::SMILY259:

Usage of Audio-Visuals

I REASONS FOR USING AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS

1. People learn in many ways. Use of audio-visuals in conveying information enhances learning.
2. People can grasp and retain more if verbal communication is supplemented with visuals. This helps to increase the impact of the presentation.
3.(i) Visual aids are overhead transparencies (with the help of OHPs), 35 mm slides, and flip charts.
(ii) Audio-Visual aids are films (videotapes or filmstrips), CD ROMs, slide / tape
presentations.
(iii) A slide is a transparent photographic film that is projected on a distant large
screen.
(iv) OHP transparencies are transparent plastic sheets that can be written on and projected on a large screen placed nearby.
(v) Flip charts are large paper sheets that are placed on an easel, written on and turned over after use.

II AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATIONS


A. How to plan Audio-Visual Presentations:
1. Plan the usage of audio-visual aids on the basis of different factors such as reliablity, cost effectiveness, profile of the audience, equipment and resources available and ease of use.
2. Plan to prepare visuals for highlighting key ideas, vital information or important messages.
3. Do not prepare a visual aid unless you are convinced that it is absolutely necessary and that it will add value to your presentation.
4. Each visual aid should be clear and simple. Remember, one good visual is more effective than many dull ones.


B. How to design Audio-Visual aids:

1. Text and graphics can both be used. It is preferable to use coloured pictures and designs instead of words wherever possible.
2. Text on visual aids should be legible thirty-two feet from the screen. Each slide should not contain more than seven lines and each line should contain not more than six words. Maintain appropriate spacing between texts. Remember: less text is more effective than more text.
3. Avoid using too many words, words with small font-size, words at all angles, and always use colours without compromising on visiblity.


C. Use of Audio-Visual aids during your presentations: 1. While using slides make sure that your back and side do not face the audience frequently.
2. It is very distracting if you leave visuals up on the screen for too long. Avoid this.
3. It is not preferable to read your visuals to the audience.
4. Don’t depend too much on your presentation aids. The main attraction of your presentation should always be you and your message. These aids are only meant to supplement your presentation.
5. Make sure that all equipment work. Cross-check the system till you are sure that it will not fail. Also ensure that you know how to handle the situation if any of the equipment fail to function.



III COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SLIDES, OVERHEADS AND FLIP CHARTS



COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES OF SLIDES, OVERHEADS AND FLIP CHARTS

Slides=
  • Slides are easy to carry or mail
  • They can be used in both, rear or front projection systems
  • Convenient for reproduction of photographs



Overhead
(Transparencies)=

  • Lights need not be dimmed
  • You can maintain eye contact with the audience
  • Overheads are easy and inexpensive to make
  • Overhead projectors and transparencies are easy to use
  • Your transparencies can be photocopied to make handouts
  • A photocopy of the set of transparencies can be used by you during the course of you presentation
  • You can continue discussion with the audience and yet show OHP transparencies


Flip Charts

  • They are inexpensive
  • They provide spontaniety and flexibility during the presentation
  • One can maintain normal room lighting and partial eye contact
  • A group’s entire work as recorded on the flipchart can later be typed out and given as handouts

Slides=
  • Each updation needs to be done on a new slide
  • It is at the cost of eye contact since room light must be dimmed
  • Preparation of slides is highly time consuming
  • It is difficult to conduct discussions with the audience while showing the slides
  • Appropriate screens are required
  • Slides are expensive to make in India
  • Now obsolete with power point presentations on LCD projectors.
Overhead
(Transparencies)

  • Tiltable screens are required

  • Photographs’ reproduction on transparencies is dull
Flip Charts=
  • Flip charts cannot be used for large amounts of matter
  • Complex preprinted or predrawn charts require much time for preparation
  • Does not support eye contact since your back is towards the audience when you write on the Flip Chart

  • Visibility is a major problem




IV Checklist for Using Audio-visuals

(Slides, Overhead Transparencies, and Flip Charts)






Item .....................................................YES.........................NO

1. Accessories: Please check if you have:
- adapters?:.......yes/no
- extension cords?:.......yes/no
- marker pens?:.......yes/no
- additional bulbs for projectors? :.......yes/no



2.
Equipment: Please check if you have:

- obtained instructions on the use of equipment? :.......yes/no
- found whether replacement of the equipment can be done quickly, if the need arises? :.......yes/no
- arranged back-up equipment in the room? :.......yes/no
- tested all equipment in advance?:.......yes/no



3.Room Check: Are you aware:


- where the light switches are?:.......yes/no
- whether the curtains adequately block natural light? :.......yes/no
- of the location of electrical outlets? :.......yes/no
- whether the power cords are sufficiently long? :.......yes/no
- if the power cords can be taped down to prevent tripping? :.......yes/no
- where the nearest phone is? :.......yes/no
- whom should you call for help?:.......yes/no


4.
Physical Set-up and Layout:

- Have you worked on the physical set-up in advance? :.......yes/no
- Is the screen high enough for clear visiblity by all? :.......yes/no
- Can they be seen from all corners of the auditorium including the farthest one? :.......yes/no
- Will the beam not be disturbed:.......yes/no
or interrupted by viewers’ heads? :.......yes/no
- Are volume and balance levels marked with tape?:.......yes/no


5.Presentation Rehearsal:

- Have you checked for the right ordering of the visuals?:.......yes/no
- Are your visual aids right side up? :.......yes/no
- Have you run through the program at least once?:.......yes/no

:salam2::SMILY259:
 
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