Public Speaking & Persuasion – Review Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in public speaking, audience analysis, Maslow’s hierarchy, Aristotle’s appeals, propaganda techniques, and persuasive language devices.

Attention Getter

A strategy used at the start of a speech to gain the audience’s interest.

Don’t Ramble

Writing tip that reminds speakers to keep content concise and on-topic.

Don’t Be Redundant

Writing tip advising against unnecessary repetition of the same idea.

Proofread

Writing tip that stresses reviewing a speech for grammar, clarity, and accuracy.

Be Specific

Writing tip encouraging the use of precise details rather than vague statements.

Speech to Inform

A presentation whose primary purpose is to deliver new knowledge or understanding.

Speech to Persuade

A presentation aimed at influencing beliefs, attitudes, or actions.

Speech to Suit a Special Occasion

A presentation designed for ceremonies or events, such as toasts or eulogies.

Vocal Emphasis & Variety

Using changes in pitch, rate, and volume to enhance a speech’s impact.

Clear Articulation

Pronouncing words distinctly so each sound is audible.

Good Pronunciation

Speaking words according to accepted standards of a language.

Eye Contact

Looking directly at listeners to build rapport and maintain attention.

Transition

A word, phrase, or sentence that moves the audience smoothly from one point to the next.

Informative Speaking

Speech type focused on providing information to the audience.

Purpose Statement

Single sentence that states the overall goal of a speech.

Thesis Statement

Sentence that previews the three main points of a speech (the roadmap).

Topic Picking Tips – KFC

Choose topics you Know about, Feel strongly about, and Care about.

Verbal Citation

Oral acknowledgment of sources to show information is not your own.

Favorable Audience

Listeners who already agree, slightly or completely, with the speaker’s thesis.

Neutral Audience

Listeners who have not yet formed an opinion about the thesis.

Apathetic Audience

Listeners who have little or no interest in the thesis.

Hostile Audience

Listeners who oppose the speaker’s thesis.

Physiological Needs

Basic survival requirements such as food, water, and shelter (Maslow level 1).

Safety Needs

Desire for security, stability, and protection (Maslow level 2).

Love/Belonging Needs

Need for friendship, intimacy, and family (Maslow level 3).

Esteem Needs

Need for respect, recognition, and self-confidence (Maslow level 4).

Self-Actualization Needs

Desire to achieve one’s full potential (Maslow level 5).

Logos

Aristotle’s appeal that relies on logical argument and evidence.

Ethos

Aristotle’s appeal based on the speaker’s credibility and character.

Pathos

Aristotle’s appeal to the audience’s emotions.

Card Stacking

Propaganda technique that distorts or omits facts to persuade.

Glittering Generalities

Propaganda using vague, positive words to create excitement for an idea/product.

Testimonial

Propaganda in which someone, often famous, endorses a product or idea.

Name Calling

Propaganda that insults the opposing side to promote one’s own view.

Transfer

Propaganda that associates a respected person or symbol with a product or idea.

Plain Folk

Propaganda portraying ordinary people to suggest a product is practical or good for everyone.

Bandwagon

Propaganda urging people to do something because “everyone else is.”

Argument

A claim supported by reasoning and evidence.

Evidence

Research or data presented to support a claim.

Fact

Information verified as true through evidence.

Rhetorical Devices

Language techniques used to persuade, engage, or inform an audience.

Loaded Words

Terms carrying strong emotional implications to influence an audience.

Repetition

Persuasive strategy of repeating a message until it is accepted as true.

Red Herring

A distraction that diverts attention from the main issue in an argument.