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Distinctive Features of Public Speaking (Message)

Successful public speaking offers a massage that is designed to serve the speaker’s purpose. It is based on responsible research and careful thought and should be internally consistent and complete. Its aim is to coax an audience to give sympathetic attention to the speaker’s ideas. It has been carefully worded and rehearsed so that it achieves maximum impact. The message is the product of the speaker’s encoding processes-the effort to convey through words, tones, and gestures how the speaker thinks and feels about the subject. Audience members respond by decoding the message, deciding what the speaker mended and determining the value of the message for their lives.

Shaping a message is a basic public speaking skill. It begins with a search for supporting material-facts, examples, testimony, and stories-that will help convey your purpose.

How you word your message can determine its fate. In the 2,000 presidential elections, George W. Bush used the term compassionate conservatism to describe his philosophy of government. This term quickly became the central theme of his campaign, made it seem focused and coherent, and helped many people relate to him. On the other hand, the wrong words can destroy a speaker’s ethos. One senator, speaking in support of a balanced federal budget, did not help the cause when he declared: “We’re finally going to wrasse to the ground this gigantic orgasm that is just out of control.”

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The four objectives of a speech introduction

A. The first objective is to gain the attention and interest of the audience. B. The second objective of a speech introduction is to reveal the topic of the speech. C. The third objectives of a speech introduction is to establish the credibility and good will of the speaker. D. The fourth objective of a speech introduction is to preview the body of the speech.

Seven Methods that can be used to Gain Attention in an Introduction

1. One method of gaining attention is to relate the topic to the audience. a. People pay attention to things that affect them directly. b. No matter what other interest-arousing lures a speaker uses, she or he should always relate the topic to the audience. 2. A second method of gaining attention is to state the importance of the topic. a. An audience is not likely to be interested in a topic they regard as unimportant. b. Whenever a speaker discusses a topic whose importance may to demonstrate its importance in the introduction. 3. A third method of gaining attention is to startle the audience. a. This method can be highly effective. b. It is important, that the startling material be directly related to the speech. 4. A fourth method of gaining attention is to arouse the curiosity of the audie

A Speech Conclusion Has Two Primary Functions.

A. The first function is to signal the end of the speech. 1. Abrupt ending leave listeners surprised and unfulfilled. 2. One way to signal the end of a speech is with a brief verbal cur such as “In conclusion” or “One last thought.” 3. Another way to signal the end is by the speaker’s manner of delivery. a. In a crescendo ending, the speech builds in force until it reaches a zenith of power and intensity. b.In a dissolve ending, the final words fade like a spotlight on a concert singer, bringing the speech to an emotional close. B. The second function of a conclusion is to reinforce the audience’s understanding of or Commitment to the central idea of the speech. 1. There are four methods of accomplishing this. a. One method is to summarize the main points of the speech. b. A second method is to conclude with a quotation. c. A third method is to end with a dramatic statement. d. A fourth method is to refer back to the introduction of the speech. 2. Th

Supporting Materials and Critical Thinking (Peer Testimony)

Another type of testimony often used in speeches is Peer Testimony – opinions of people like ourselves; not prominent figures, but ordinary citizens who have firsthand experience on the topic. This kind of testimony is especially valuable because it gives a more personal viewpoint on issues then can be gained from expert testimony. It conveys the feeling, the knowledge, and the insight of people who speak with the voice of genius experience. For example, if you were speaking about the barriers faced by people with physical disabilities, you would surely include testimony from doctors and other medical authorities. But in this case, the expert testimony would be limited because it cannot communicate what it really means to have a physical disability – such as the following: Itzhak Perlman, the word-renowned violinist whose legs are paralyzed, once said; “When you are in a wheelchair, people don’t talk to you. Perhaps they think it is contagious, or perhaps they think crippled