Public Speaking Chapter 15

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

A speech may be too technical b/c the subject is too specialized or b/c of the speaker's use of jargon or obscure language

What are three methods you can use to avoid abstractions in your informative speech?

Description, comparison, and contrast

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

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

Speeches about objects- Speech about Taj Mahal Speeches about processes- How US currency is made Speeches about events- Speech about the Battle of Little big horn Speeches about concepts- speeches about net neutrality

Informative speech

a speech designed to convey knowledge and understanding

contrast

a statement of the differences among 2 or more people events and ideas

description

a statement that depicts a person principle or the like

comparison

a statement that of similarities among 2 or more people events ideas etc.

process

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

Object

anything is visible tangible and stable in form

event

anything that happens or is regarded as happening

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?

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 to make sure ideas do not pass over the heads of listeners explain ideas throughly and clearly and consider whether the speech will be clear to someone who is hearing about the topic for the first time

personalize

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

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 interms of your listeners and use personal terms such as you and your