Public Speaking Exam 2

M. Perry SUSCC Public Speaking

Speech Organizational Strategies

Methods used to arrange the main points of a speech, including topical, spatial, chronological, and causal patterns.

Topical Organization

Speech structure that divides a subject into logical categories or subtopics.

Spatial Organization

Speech structure that arranges information according to physical location, position, or direction.

Chronological Organization

Speech structure that arranges information according to time or the sequence of events.

Causal Organization

Speech structure that arranges information according to cause-and-effect relationships.

Plan of Introduction

The basic structure of a speech opening, consisting of an attention getter, thesis statement, and transition into the body.

Attention-Getting Statement

The opening device of a speech designed to capture the audience's interest.

Speech Preview

A statement in the introduction identifying the major points that will be discussed.

Denotative Meaning

The literal or dictionary definition of a word.

Connotative Meaning

The implied, associated, or emotional meaning of a word based on context.

Word Choice

Selecting words appropriate for the audience, topic, purpose, and situation.

Audience

The people who receive or listen to a speech.

Characteristics of Delivery

Elements affecting how a speech is presented, including vocal qualities, facial expressions, articulation, and posture.

Pitch

The perceived highness or lowness of a speaker's voice.

Inflection

Changes in pitch or tone used to emphasize meaning.

Rate

The speed at which a person speaks.

Vocal Variety

Variation in pitch, rate, volume, and tone that keeps a presentation engaging.

Pause

A deliberate moment of silence during a speech used for emphasis or audience processing time.

Facial Expressions

Movements of the face that communicate emotions, reactions, or meaning.

Articulation

The clear and distinct pronunciation of speech sounds.

Dialect

A variety of a language associated with a particular region or social group.

Posture

The way a speaker holds and positions their body while presenting.

Presentation Aid

A visual, audio, or supporting tool used to help an audience understand or remember speech content.

Visual Aid

A presentation aid seen by the audience, such as an image, graph, chart, diagram, or object.

Ethos

A persuasive appeal based on the credibility, character, or expertise of the speaker.

Logos

A persuasive appeal based on logic, evidence, facts, statistics, and reasoning.

Pathos

A persuasive appeal directed toward the audience's emotions.

Hearing

The passive physiological process of detecting sound.

Listening

The active process of receiving, interpreting, evaluating, and responding to spoken messages.

Appreciative Listening

Listening for enjoyment or pleasure, such as listening to music or stories.

Empathetic Listening

Listening to understand another person's feelings, experiences, or perspective.

Informative Listening

Listening to receive, understand, and process information.

Critical Listening

Listening to analyze, evaluate, and form an opinion about a message.

Internal Noise

Distractions originating within the listener, such as personal thoughts, worries, or daydreaming.

Physiological Noise

Physical conditions interfering with communication, such as illness, fatigue, or hunger.

Psychological Noise

Mental or emotional factors like prejudice, anxiety, or bias that interfere with understanding.

Environmental Noise

Physical distractions in the surroundings, such as background conversations or construction sounds.

Semantic Noise

Communication interference caused by differences in word meanings or interpretations.

Linguistic Noise

Communication interference caused by differences in language, accents, dialects, or proficiency.

Egocentrism

The tendency to focus primarily on oneself and view situations mainly from one's own perspective.

Audience Relevance

The practice of connecting a speech topic to the audience's interests, needs, and concerns.

Process of Listening

The sequential stages of listening: receiving, attending, understanding, responding, and remembering.

Second-Guessing

Overthinking or questioning a message in a way that interferes with effective listening.