Public Speaking Chapter 15

speeches about objects can use a variety of organizational patterns, like...

-a speech about the history or evolution of an object would be arranged in chronological order -a speech about the main features of an object might be arranged in spatial order -most informative speeches about objects will fall into topical order

speeches about concepts:

-convey information concerning beliefs, theories, principles, or other abstract subjects -when discussing concepts, a speaker should avoid technical language and define terms clearly -a speaker should also use examples and comparisons to make concepts understandable to listeners

-whenever possible, informative speakers should try to dramatize their ideas in _________ ________ -what is the best way to accomplish this?

-human terms -through real or hypothetical examples, that personalize the subject matter

how are some speeches about processes organized?

-speeches that explain a process step by step are arranged in chronological order -speeches that focus on the major principles or techniques involved in performing the process are usually arranged in topical order -whichever method of organization is used, each step in the process must be clear and easy for listeners to follow

how is a speech about an event organized?

-speeches that recount the history of an event are arranged in chronological order -speeches that deal with particular elements of an event are usually arranged in topical order

speeches about objects:

-they describe something that is visible, tangible, and stable in form -they need to be sharply focused -they use a variety of organizational patterns

the six guidelines for effective informative speaking:

1. informative speakers should be wary of overestimating what the audience knows 2. informative speakers should find ways to relate the subject directly to the audience 3. informative speakers should avoid being too technical 4. informative speakers should avoid abstractions 5. informative speakers should personalize their ideas 6. informative speakers should be creative in thinking about ways to achieve their objectives

the two kinds of informative speeches about processes:

1. one type explains a process so the audience will understand it better. 2. the other type explains a process so the audience will be able to perform the process themselves.

how should a speaker avoid distractions?

1. replacing tedious abstractions with specific details makes an informative speech more compelling 2. one way to avoid abstractions is through description 3. a second way to avoid abstractions is with comparisons 4. a third way to avoid abstractions is with contrast

the three criteria for effective informative speaking:

1. the information should be communicated accurately 2. the information should be communicated clearly 3. the information should be made meaningful and interesting to the audience

public speaking to inform occurs in a wide range of everyday situations, like...

1. there are endless situations in which people need to inform others 2. the ability to convey knowledge and understanding will prove valuable to students throughout their lives

speeches about events:

anything that happens or is regarded as happening/or an occurrence

effective informative speakers select topics that are not too technical for the audience and use ____________ language

appropriate

speeches about processes:

explain how something is made, how something is done, or how something works

to avoid misunderstanding, the speaker must...

explain ideas thoroughly and clearly

in public speaking, creativity involves using...

language imaginatively and resourcefully

informative speakers must recognize that what is fascinating to them...

may not be fascinating to everybody

the lines dividing speeches about objects, processes, events, and concepts are...

not absolute

nothing enlivens an informative speech more than _______________ _________________

personal illustrations

what is one of the most important skills a student can develop?

speaking to inform

informative speeches can be classified into four types:

speeches about: -objects -processes -events -concepts

an informative speech may be overly technical because...

the subject matter is too specialized for the audience or because of the speaker's use of jargon

how are speeches about concepts organized?

usually in topical order

in most cases, the audience will be only ________ knowledgeable about the speaker's topic

vaguely

creativity can also influence any aspect of a speech, including a speaker's ___________ _______

visual aids

speeches about processes often require _______ ____

visual aids

effective informative speakers ________ to get the audience interested—and to keep them interested

work