Chapter 16

Using Language to Style the Speech

Professor Tonya Evans

Steps in the Speechmaking Process

10. Practice Delivering the Speech10. Practice Delivering the Speech

9. Consider Presentation Aids9. Consider Presentation Aids

8. Outline the Speech8. Outline the Speech

7. Separate Speech Into Major Parts7. Separate Speech Into Major Parts

6. Gather Supporting Material6. Gather Supporting Material

5. Develop Main Points5. Develop Main Points

4. Compose Thesis Statement4. Compose Thesis Statement

3. Determine Speech Purpose3. Determine Speech Purpose

2. Analyze the Audience2. Analyze the Audience

1. Select a Topic1. Select a Topic

Language allows the audience to visualize an image or imagine a

scene.

Language allows the audience to visualize an image or imagine a scene.

1. Strive for Simplicity

Avoid using jargon of a specialized profession.

When choosing between two synonyms, choose the simpler word.

When using unfamiliar terms, define it as you’re speaking.

2. Aim for Conciseness

I would like to tell you that I am very happy to be here

I am very happy to be hereVS

3. Frequent Use of Repetition/Transitions

Transition words and phrases help the audience follow your line of reasoning.

Enumeration is a type of signpost that numbers the points, steps, or subsequent ideas.

1. FACT a. Supporting

b. Supporting2. FACT

a. Supporting b. Supporting

3. FACT

1. FACT a. Supporting

b. Supporting2. FACT

a. Supporting b. Supporting

3. FACT

REPETITION

Repeating important ideas infuses your speech with rhythm.

Repetition aids in retention. Listeners retain information that they receive more than once.

Anaphora is when a speaker repeats a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences.

Repeating same sounds, usually hard consonants, in words or syllables in the same sentence is called alliteration.

4. Use Personal Pronouns

Make specific reference to yourself and the audience.

Use We, Us, I, and You

Choose Language that Encourages

Shared Meaning

Use Culturally Sensitive/Unbiased Language

Biased language: Speakers should avoid negative references to age, race, or religious beliefs.

Some speakers use sexist pronouns by using the “he” pronoun inappropriately.

Be careful in how you refer to persons with disabilities (PWD);

Choose Concrete Words

Concrete language is specific, tangible, and definite. Listeners will try to think of a concrete word to replace abstract terms that speakers use.

Use colloquial expressions of your audience.Select words that are descriptive.

Overused Abstractions:Old; thing; bad; big; a lot; long;

short; new; good; late

Offer Vivid Imagery

Select words that are colorful and concreteAppeal to the sensesUse Figures of Speech (Table 16.1)

Analogies, Metaphors, and Similes Personification Understatement Irony Allusion Hyperbole Onomatopoeia

Metaphoric “Bad Check”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weEb9S6YyQs

Language that Creates a Lasting Impression

Use repetition for rhythm and reinforcement

Use alliteration for a poetic qualityUse parallelism to drive home your points

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnwDeZrGCzl

Other Figures of Speech

Irony uses humor, satire, or sarcasm to suggest a meaning other than what is actually being suggested.

An understatement draws attention to an idea by minimizing its importance. A hyperbole makes an obvious exaggeration to make a point.

Making a vague or indirect reference to people, historical events, or concepts, known as an allusion.

Speakers often make use of three parallel elements or triads. “…of the people, by the people, and for the people…”

Abraham Lincoln

Bibliography

O’ Hair, Dan, Stewart, Rob, Rubenstein, Hannah, A Speaker’s Guidebook, Bedford St. Martin (2009)