Public Speaking Study Guide

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the Public Speaking Study Guide, focusing on speech structure, delivery, audience analysis, and informative speech techniques.

Ice Breaker Speech

A short introductory speech to help the speaker get comfortable and allow the audience to learn about them.

Introduction

The opening of a speech designed to grab attention and introduce the topic.

Body

The main section of a speech where key points and evidence are presented.

Conclusion

The final section of a speech meant to summarize and leave a lasting impression.

Extemporaneous Speech

A prepared and practiced speech delivered from brief notes rather than reading or memorizing.

Gestures

Hand and body movements that add emphasis.

Eye Contact

Looking at the audience to build connection and credibility.

Topic

The subject of the speech.

Brainstorming

Generating ideas freely to find a topic.

General Purpose

The overall goal of a speech (to inform, persuade, entertain).

Specific Purpose

A precise statement of what the speaker wants the audience to gain.

Central Idea (Thesis)

One sentence that summarizes the main message of the speech.

Residual Message

The lasting idea or feeling the audience should remember.

Audience-Centeredness

Keeping the audience’s interests, values, and needs in mind.

Egocentric

Audiences naturally care most about how the speech relates to them.

Demographic Audience Analysis

Analyzing traits like age, gender, cultural background, etc.

Stereotyping

Making unfair assumptions about a group.

Situational Audience Analysis

Considering the setting, audience size, mood, and occasion.

Attitude

The audience’s feelings toward the topic or speaker.

Fixed Alternative Question

Offers limited answers (yes/no or multiple-choice).

Scale Question

Measures intensity of opinion (e.g., 1–5 rating).

Open-Ended Question

Allows free response in the audience’s own words.

Catalogue

Library system for locating resources.

Call Number

Code used to find a resource on library shelves.

Reference Work

Summarized information sources like encyclopedias.

Newspaper and Periodical Database

Online access to articles from magazines and news sources.

Academic Database

Scholarly research database with peer-reviewed sources.

Abstract

A short summary of an article or source.

Sponsoring Organization

The responsible publisher or group behind content.

Research Interview

Gathering information by interviewing someone knowledgeable.

Preliminary Bibliography

An initial list of potential sources.

Supporting Materials

Evidence like examples, statistics, or testimony.

Example

A case or instance used to illustrate a point.

Brief Example

A short, simple instance.

Extended Example

A detailed story or narrative.

Hypothetical Example

A realistic but imaginary scenario.

Statistics

Numerical data used to support an argument.

Mean

Mathematical average.

Median

Middle number in a numerical set.

Mode

Most frequently occurring number.

Testimony

Quoted or referenced statements from others.

Expert Testimony

Information from a professional or specialist.

Peer Testimony

Information from someone with personal experience.

Direct Testimony (Quotation)

Quoting someone's exact words.

Paraphrase

Restating someone’s ideas in your own words.

Quoting Out of Context

Twisting meaning by using a quote incorrectly.

Strategic Organization

Arranging speech content to achieve purpose effectively.

Main Points

Major divisions of the speech body.

Chronological Order

Organized by time sequence.

Spatial Order

Organized by physical direction or location.

Causal Order

Organized by cause-and-effect.

Problem-Solution Order

Problem presented first, solution second.

Topical Order

Organized into categories or subtopics.

Connective

A device to link ideas smoothly.

Transition

Indicates movement from one point to another.

Internal Preview

Tells what is coming next.

Internal Summary

Recaps what was just covered.

Signpost

Brief cue like 'first,' 'next,' 'finally.'

Rhetorical Question

Asked for effect, not a response.

Credibility

Audience’s perception of speaker’s trustworthiness and expertise.

Goodwill

Audience’s belief that the speaker cares about them.

Preview Statement

Introduces main points near the beginning.

Crescendo Ending

Builds intensity to a powerful finish.

Dissolve Ending

Soft, emotional fade-out conclusion.

Preparation Outline

Full structured outline used in planning.

Speaking Outline

Brief note-based version for delivery.

Visual Framework

Indentation system showing structure.

Bibliography

List of sources used in research.

Delivery Cues

Notes reminding speaker of gestures, pauses, emphasis, etc.

Informative Speech

Speech meant to educate without persuading.

Object Speech

Focuses on a person, place, or thing.

Process Speech

Explains a procedure or how something works.

Event Speech

Describes something that has happened or will happen.

Concept Speech

Explains an idea or theory in depth.

Description

Using vivid language to create imagery.

Comparison

Showing similarities to clarify an idea.

Contrast

Highlighting differences to create understanding.

Personalize

Connecting content directly to the audience’s life.