Murray Exam Vocab Only

Hook / Attention Getter

A device used at the beginning of a speech to capture audience interest.

Thesis

The main argument or central idea of the speech.

Credibility Statement

A statement explaining why the speaker is qualified to speak on the topic.

Preview of Main Points

A brief outline of what the speech will discuss.

Signposting

Verbal cues that guide the audience through the speech.

Arrangement

The order in which ideas are presented.

Organization

The structure of the speech as a whole.

Context

Background information or circumstances surrounding a topic.

Evidence

Facts or information used to support claims.

Oral Citation

Giving credit to a source during a speech.

Review of Main Points

A summary of key ideas near the conclusion.

Restate Thesis

Repeating the main argument at the end of the speech.

Clincher

A strong closing statement meant to leave a lasting impression.

Punchline

A humorous or impactful final line.

Improv / Ad-lib

Speaking without preparation.

Tension

Suspense or emotional intensity.

Meter

Rhythm in poetry.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates a sound.

Dramatic Interpretation

A performance of emotionally expressive literature.

Humorous Interpretation

A comedic performance of literature.

Poetry Interpretation

A performance of poetry.

Storytelling Interpretation

A retelling of a story using expressive delivery.

Declamation

Performing a famous speech written by someone else.

Prose

A spoken performance of non-poetic literature.

Humorous Narrative

A funny personal or fictional story.

Ethos

Appeal based on credibility.

Pathos

Appeal to emotion.

Logos

Appeal to logic or reason.

Argument

A claim supported by evidence.

Counterargument

An opposing viewpoint.

Rebuttal

A response to an opposing argument.

Opening Constructive

The first speech in a debate presenting initial arguments.

Negative

The side arguing against the resolution.

Affirmative

The side supporting the resolution.

Resolution

The statement being debated.

Value

A principle or ideal used in debate.

Criterion

The standard used to judge the value.

Contention

A major argument supporting a side.

Claim

A statement that needs support.

Flowing

Taking organized notes during a debate.

Closing

The final part of a speech that wraps everything up.

Justify

Provide reasoning or evidence.

Acknowledge

Recognize another viewpoint or argument.

Delineate

Describe or explain precisely.

Evaluate

Judge or assess the value of something.

Relevant

Related to the topic.

Irrelevant

Not related to the topic.

Causation

One event directly causing another.

Correlation

Two things occurring together but not necessarily having a cause-effect link.

Delivery

How a speech is presented.

Eye Contact

Visual engagement with the audience.

Pace / Rate

Speed of speaking.

Volume

Loudness of speech.

Tone

Emotional quality of voice.

Pitch

Highness or lowness of sound.

Enunciation

Clarity in pronouncing words.

Fluency

Smoothness and flow of speech.

Paralanguage

Vocal elements like tone, pitch, or pacing.

Environment

The physical or social setting of communication.

Feedback

Audience responses to the speaker.

Audience

The listeners of a speech.

Verbal Communication / Verbal Cues

Communication using words.

Nonverbal Communication / Nonverbal Cues

Communication without words, such as body language.

Visual Aids

Objects, images, or slides used to support a speech.

Spatial

Organized by physical direction or location.

Topical

Organized by categories or subjects.

Cause and Effect

Shows how one event leads to another.

Chronological

Organized by time order.

Informative

A speech designed to educate.

Persuasive

A speech designed to convince.

Entertainment

A speech designed to amuse or entertain.