SPEECH CHAPTER ONE

Public Speaking

An organized, face-to-face, prepared, intentional attempt to inform, entertain, or persuade a group (usually 5+) using words, delivery, and visual/audio aids.

Glossophobia

A severe fear of public speaking.

Encode

The process of the sender putting thoughts and feelings into words or symbols.

Decode

The process of the receiver interpreting words or symbols to make meaning.

Symbol

A word, icon, picture, object, or number representing a concept, thing, or experience.

Denotative Meaning

The objective, literal definition of a word shared by most people.

Connotative Meaning

The subjective, cultural, or personal meaning a word evokes.

Communication Process

Defined by seven interconnected elements: People, Context, Message, Channel, Feedback, Noise, and Outcome.

People

Senders who initiate messages and Receivers who exchange roles.

Context

The historical, cultural, social, and physical factors that influence the communication.

Message

The formal, intentional content being communicated.

Channel

The means by which the message travels (face-to-face vs. mediated).

Feedback

Direct or indirect responses sent back to the speaker.

Noise

Anything interrupting the communication process.

Outcome

The internal or external change produced in the audience or context.

Public Speaking Anxiety

The fear or apprehension related to speaking in public.

Cognitive Restructuring

Shifting focus away from self-preservation and onto the audience and message.

Cicero's 5 Canons of Rhetoric

Invention, Disposition, Style, Memory, and Delivery used to structure speeches.

Muscle Memory

Physical activity requiring repetition to become proficient in public speaking.

Golden Rule of Speech Anxiety

You never look as nervous as you feel.