Public Speaking Basics: 9 Key Elements

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts from the lecture notes on public speaking.

Channel

The medium through which a message travels from speaker to audience, including Verbal, Paralinguistic, and Technological aspects.

Verbal

What is said in communication—the words and sentences used.

Paralinguistic

How it is said—tone, pitch, volume, pace, and emphasis that accompany words.

Technological

Visual aids and nonverbal behavior used as part of the message channel.

Message

The content being communicated by the speaker.

Demonstration speech topics

Subjects that explain 'How To' work best as demonstration speech topics.

Source

The origin of the message.

Speaker (Sender)

The person delivering the message to the audience.

Purpose

The goal of the speech: to inspire, instruct, rally support, and lead to action.

Audience

The listeners or group for whom the speech is intended.

Receivers

The people who receive the message.

Feedback

The reactions or responses from the audience to the message.

Noise

Anything that interferes with effective communication.

External Noise

Interference from outside factors engaging the five senses (visual, audible, tactile, olfactory, gustatory).

Internal Noise

Interference from within the speaker or audience, physiological (body) or psychological (mind).

Organizational Noise

Problems with the structure or organization of the message.

Semantic Noise

Interference caused by language or cultural differences.

Setting

The communication environment, including Place, Time, and Conditions/Context.

Place

The physical location where the speech occurs.

Time

The timing of the speech (time of day, season, schedule).

Conditions or Context

The situational factors affecting communication.

Preliminary Tuning Effect

Preparatory adjustments to align with the audience or context before speaking.

Recent Speeches

Past speeches that influence expectations or standards.

Recent Events

Current events that shape audience interest or context.

Consequences (Impacts)

The results or effects of an action, including its importance or relevance.

Immediate Consequences

Short-term effects right after the action.

Long-term Consequences

Effects that unfold over a longer period.