Other Communication Factors

pages 46-51

Situation will determine your mode of communication

Location and the reason for gathering

Group biology project

Teacher present?

When you meet?

Two weeks before project due?

Night before project due?

The Speaking Situation Determines Communication Channel: Sight or Sound

One-on-one or in the classroom (small group situation)

Equally important

How you look

How you sound

Larger Venues: Auditorium/Sanctuary

Sound plays a more important role

Gestures and facial expression lose effect

Distractions

Divert attention from your message

Movement

Sound

Discomfort

Mannerisms

Prepare for the possibility of taking place

Uncontrollable Distractions

Inside noise or movement

Outside noise or movement

Lasting short period of time

Distracts small amounts of people

Can affect the speaker

Sounds to Ignore

Coughing

Squeaky furniture

Outside street noise

Deal with the distractions by addressing it with audience

Physical Discomfort

Uncomfortable seats

Room temperature

Overtired audience

After lunch address

Plan ahead for situation

Combat with increased energy, add variety in presentation, more audience interaction

Avoid Your Own Distractions

Strange or continual gestures

“Verbal clutter”

Nervous habits

Life Experience Word Use

Verbal symbols (words used for ideas)

Denotative meaning: Dictionary definition (words describe a true visual identification)

Connotative meaning: Defined by our own experience

Choose More Precise Words

Know your audience

Age, occupation, interests, etc.

Utilize a thesaurus

Use a new vocabulary word

Redefine by using a description to help visualize meaning

Value-laden or “Loaded” Words

Able to give positive or negative view to audience

The slender girl was in the hallway.

The emaciated girl looked sickly.

The girl was skinny .

Be Well-spoken

A broad vocabulary gives audience a taste of variety of words

Learn 3 new words for your speech and utilize them correctly