Chapter Presentation 4/12/2021

April 12th, 2021 : Public Speaking Period 9

Michelle Sun and Matthew Shvorin

Chapter 12 and 13 Presentations

Chapter 12 (Using Language)

Words have two meanings

    Denotative: textbook definition (WHICH IS WHAT)

    Annotative: meaning derived from connotation (what make words expressive and captivating toward audience)

Word Accuracy

            Ask yourself what do I want to convey to my audience? Is it positive or negative? What emotion?

        Each word has its own layers and connotations, ie ignorant vs persistent

 use a Thesaurus to select words that best capture your ideas

Language Clarity

    Use simple, specific, direct, and straightforward words

        Decrease misunderstanding, confusion, and clutter respectively

    Throughout the speech, take pauses instead of using filler words

        Recording and Practice can help improve this skill

        If not: decreases audience attention and focus on the spoken topic

 Language Vividly

    In order to make the speech more accurate, clear, and interesting

    Using sensory details

    Techniques

        Imagery

              Choice of Words

            Use words applicable to the 5 senses, not abstract

              Comparison of Words

            Simile: compared using “like” or “as”

            Metaphor: comparison between different things

                Avoid Cliche

        Rhythm

            Parallelism: similar arrangement of related series 

                Ie. I am a mother of two. I am a veteran. I stand by AARP.

            Alliteration: repeating initial consonant

                Ie. Sheep should sleep in a shed.

            Repetition: same/similar words repeated throughout multiple sentences

                Ie. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. (Dean Martin)

            Antithesis: Exact opposite of something

                Ie. Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what can you do for your country. (John F. Kennedy)

Language Appropriately

    Generally, think of these four categories:

        Occasion

            Informal vs Formal

        Audience 

            Classmates vs Relatives

        Topic

            Traffic Jam vs Decreased

        Speaker

            Intern vs CEO

   

    Inclusive Language

        Be respectful to others and they will do the same for you

        Keep in mind the audience’s age, race, gender, disability, etc.

            Avoid “He” and “Man” as a generalization for both genders, Stereotyping, and Grouping

 

Chapter 13 (Proper Delivery)

 

Good Delivery 

Good delivery is when someone is able to deliver their message clearly and intriguingly.

When preparing for your first speech, your delivery should have all of the essentials 

mastered (speaking intelligently, eye-contact, etc.)

Methods of delivery include - 

Reading from a manuscript, reciting from memory, speaking impromptu, and 

speaking extemporaneously

The Speaker’s Voice:

Control your volume: don’t speak too loudly or too quietly, avoid sounding 

monotone/vary your pitch, speak at a steady rate(not too fast or too slow), 

Incorporate some pauses in your speech so your audience can take in your 

information, try to pronounce every word correctly. If you’re not sure on how to 

pronounce a word, check the dictionary, there is no “correct” dialect, so long as 

your audience understands what you’re saying.

The Speaker’s Body:                                                    

Dress for the occasion, try to stay as comfortable as possible to avoid anxious 

tics and movements, hand gestures are not necessary, but they can help if they 

don’t take away from the presentation, and eye contact is important, but try not to 

overdo it. 

Practicing delivery:

Prepare your written speech aloud, prepare a speaking outline, practice your 

speech using only the outline, refine your delivery, do some speech rehearsals.               

Answering audience questions:

Create answers to questions that may be asked, practice delivery of answers, 

approach questions positively, and listen. Answer the entire audience, be honest, 

and stay on track.

Presenting your speech online:

Online speeches should be created specifically for live, remote audiences, 

specialized software exists for online meetings, and remember that it is difficult to 

grasp audience attention.

Adapting your speech:

Prepare all aspects of your speech to the format, make sure you’re well lit and 

your background isn’t cluttered, dress professionally, non-verbal communication 

is magnified, look into the camera and angle it as much as you can to look at the 

listeners, and keep in mind that you’re competing for attention with phones and 

social media.

Preparing for your speech:

Decide whether or not you want to offer a Q&A session, rehearse both in-person 

and online, record yourself and use the footage to frame the shot, and control the 

technical side as much as you can.

 Michelle's Reflection:

The chapter 12 presentation was a very detailed guide on how students can be selective with their word choice to better convey and express themselves to their audiences. Each small element of the presentation was simple and self-explanatory, but together they are strong reminders to anyone when planning and writing their speech. I didn’t learn much as everything was simple in concept and nothing out of the ordinary, but I did understand each concept much better through taking the notes as I would have to shorten what is said into simple sentences or phrases. For example, during the explanation of “Language Appropriately” via occasion, Kelly gave the example of “Hey guys” versus “Distinguished Guests”. By applying the points from language clarity, I chose the more straightforward and direct phrasing: “Informal vs Formal”. This both checks my understanding of “Language Appropriately” via occasion and “Language Clarity”.

As said by Gabrielle in the blog for a previous date, I did not understand the different types of credibility Mrs. Sanguinedo pointed out, but through the reference in this presentation, I believe I have a better understanding; having extensive filler words results in people thinking, “this person isn’t educated on what they are discussing” and therefore decreases one’s direct credibility. 

Chapter 13 fits like a glove over chapter 12’s topic as it expands from the word choice within something like a presentation outline into the body and presentation choice within a speaking outline. Both chapters highlighted the importance of clarity and appropriateness with 13 adding on the clothing and facial expressions of the speaker.

 

Matthew’s Reflection:

 

The presentations on chapter 13 were focused on mainly the visual and auditory aspects of speaking. Paying attention to the voice, how you say words and what you say are all shown to be very important. The way that you appear, from what you are wearing to how you conduct yourself is also important. There was not too much time but in the time of 20 minutes, the group went over quite a large amount of information, from how to best deliver a speech, the voice of a speaker, the body language, how to answer questions, and how to present your speech online (which, in today’s world, is especially important). The examples that Ronald gave, including how much preparation you must do, from preparing to answer audience questions beforehand, as if it’s a persuasive speech, you would need to prepare for objections that the audience may have to your points,  If it is an informative speech, you should prepare for people to ask more specific questions, or for clarification if people need it in simpler terms. Overall, chapter 13 and chapter 12 work in tandem, with chapter 12 speaking mainly on word choice and how a speaker should better express themselves, and chapter 13 using that improved expression and being able to reach the audience more effectively and appropriately.