Public Speaking

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

In public speaking, speaker and listener roles are clearly defined. There is little doubt as to who the speaker and listeners are. Public speaking spotlights the role of the speaker, but whether speakers can take advantage of Conversations Public Speaking 1. Audience-centered 1. More audience-centered 2. Loosely Organized 2. Organized and planned 3. Off of the top of your head 3.Grounded in responsible knowledge 4. Often no clear purpose 4. Has a clear purpose 5. Informal language 5. More formal language 6. Speaker/listeners change roles 6.Speaker/listeners roles clearly defined 7.Informal environment/small group 7.More formal environment/large group this attention depends on their ability to reward listeners with interesting and useful messages. As Aristotle pointed out more than two thousand year

The materials used to support a speaker’s ideas. The skillful use of Supporting Materials often makes the difference between a poor speech and a good one. It is also closely related to Critical Thinking. Using supporting materials is not a matter of haphazardly tossing facts and figures into your speech. You must decide which ideas need to be supported, give your audience, topics and specific purpose. You must to research to find materials that will being your ideas across clearly and creatively. And you must evaluate your supporting materials to make sure they really do back up your ideas. As you put your speeches together, you will need to make sure your supporting materials are accurate, relevant, and reliable. You will find yourself asking questions such as “Are my example representative?” “Am I using statistical measures correctly?” “Am I quoting reputable, qualified sources?” Assessing the supporting materials in your speech – as well as in your speech of your classmates—is