Communications Chapter 15

what 2 things should you watch out for in making sure your speech is not overly technical?

1. a speech may be too technical because the subject is too specialized... 2. or because of the speakers use of jargon or obscure language.

what are 3 methods you can use to avoid abstractions in your informative speech?

1. descriptions 2. comparison 3. contrast

Why must informative speakers be careful not to overestimate what the audience knows about the topic?What can you do to make sure your ideas don't pass over the heads of your listeners?

2A. In most cases, the audience will only be vaguely knowledgeable about the topic and the speaker cannot assume the audience will know what he or she means. 2B. To make sure ideas don't pass over the heads to listeners, explain ideas thoroughly and clearly and consider whether the speech will be clear to someone who is hearing about the topic for the first time.

Why is it important for informative speakers to be creative in thinking about ways to communicate their ideas?

Keep in mind that a good informative speech is not an oral encyclopedia article.

What does it mean to say that informative speakers should personalize their ideas?

Speakers can personalize their ideas by putting them in human terms. Examples: real; hypothetical.

What are the 4 types of informative speeches discussed in the chapter? Give an example of a good specific purpose statement for each type.

Speeches about objects, processes, events, and concepts. O: E-book readers P: To inform my audience how US currency is made. E: Cyber-terrorism C: Nutritional Theories

What should you do as an informative speaker to relate your topic directly to the audience?

You should tie it in with their interests and concerns. Find ways to talk about your topic in terms of your listeners, and use personal terms such as "you"' or "your."

concept

a belief, theory, idea, notion, principle, or the like

informative speech

a speech designed to convey knowledge and understanding

contrast

a statement of the differences among two or more people, events ideas, etc

comparison

a statement of the similarities among two or more people, events, ideas, etc

description

a statement that depicts a person, event, idea, or the like with clarity and vividness

process

a systematic series of actions that leads to a specific result or product

event

anything that happens or is regarded as happening

object

anything that is visible, tangible, and stable in form

personalize

to present one's ideas in human terms that relate in some fashion to the experience of the audience