Introduction to Public Speaking and Communication Models

Communication

The sending and receiving of messages.

Transactional Model of Communication

A model where messages are exchanged simultaneously between sender and receiver.

Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication

An early linear model of communication that is one-directional, moving from sender to receiver without immediate feedback.

Nonverbal Communication

Communication that includes appearance, eye behavior, kinesics (body movement), proxemics (use of space), touch (haptics), time, and smell.

Elements of Transactional Communication

Components that facilitate the exchange of information through the assignment of meaning.

Axiom of Communication

One cannot not communicate; every verbal and nonverbal response is a form of communication.

Feedback

The response from the receiver back to the sender in the communication process.

Context of Communication

The circumstances or setting in which communication occurs, influencing how messages are sent and received.

Public Speaking

The act of delivering a speech to a live audience.

Communication Process

The series of steps involved in sending and receiving messages.

Verbal Communication

The use of spoken or written words to convey messages.

Kinesics

The study of body movement as a form of nonverbal communication.

Proxemics

The use of space in communication, including personal space and distance between individuals.

Haptics

The study of touch as a form of nonverbal communication.

Silence in Communication

A form of communication that conveys messages without words.

Eye Behavior

The use of eye contact and movement as a form of nonverbal communication.

Time in Communication

The perception and use of time in communication, influencing how messages are interpreted.

Smell in Communication

The use of scent as a form of nonverbal communication.

Preparation for a Speech

The ten steps involved in getting ready to deliver a speech.

Audience Engagement

The interaction between the speaker and the audience during a speech.

Message Encoding

The process of turning thoughts into communicable messages.

Message Decoding

The process of interpreting and understanding received messages.

Communication Barriers

Obstacles that hinder effective communication.

Effective Communication

The successful exchange of messages where the intended meaning is understood.

Sender

The originator of the message; in public speaking, this is the speaker.

Receiver

Anyone who hears or sees your message; in public speaking, this is your audience.

Encode

Converting ideas, thoughts, and feelings into words or actions.

Decode

Where the receiver interprets words or actions into meaning.

Denotation

The literal or dictionary definition of a word.

Connotation

The personal, social, cultural, or emotional association the receiver has with the message.

Message

The main idea(s) the sender conveys to the listener.

Channel

The medium through which the message is sent from the sender to the receiver; can be auditory and/or visual.

Noise

Anything that interferes with the message being encoded or decoded.

Physical noise

Interference from external sounds, such as people talking or papers rustling.

Physiological noise

Interference from internal physical state, such as hunger, illness, or pain.

Psychological noise

Interference from wandering thoughts, such as worries about homework or work.

Semantic noise

Interference from misunderstood meanings, such as cultural differences in gestures.

Context

The situation that influences the speaker, audience, and message.

Frame of Reference

The lens through which you view the world that informs how we encode and decode messages.

Speaker

The person who sends a message to the audience.

Audience

Listeners who are actively involved in receiving the message from the speaker.

Socio-psychological context

The relationship between the speaker and the audience.

Temporal context

Time of day and where the speech fits into the sequence of events.

Cultural context

The collection of beliefs, attitudes, values, and ways of behaving shared by a group of people.

Delivery

The methods used to send the message to the audience.

Impromptu

A method of delivery with little to no preparation, such as a spur-of-the-moment toast.

Memory

A method where the speaker memorizes a speech and delivers it exactly as rehearsed.

Manuscript

A method that involves a word-for-word iteration of a written message.

Extemporaneous

A method where presentations are researched, prepared for, and rehearsed, typically used in college classrooms.

Ethics

The obligation of both the speaker and the audience to be credible, truthful, respectful, and good listeners.

Determine your audience

The first step in preparing a speech, focusing on who you are speaking to.

Select your topic

The second step in preparing a speech, identifying your general and specific purpose.

Develop your thesis

The third step in preparing a speech, focusing on the central idea.

Research your topic

The fourth step in preparing a speech, gathering supporting materials.

Preparation outline

An outline that builds and supports main points using an organizational pattern.

Consider your use of language

The sixth step in preparing a speech, relating language to audience, ethics, topic, and occasion.

Construct your introduction, conclusion, and transitions

The seventh step in preparing a speech.

Finalize your preparation outline

The eighth step in preparing a speech.

Create your speaking outline

The ninth step in preparing a speech, including presentation aids.

Practice your speech delivery

The tenth step in preparing a speech.

Linear Model

A one-way communication model where a sender transmits a message to a receiver.

Socio-psychological

Referring to the social and psychological factors that influence communication.

Transactional Model

A communication model that emphasizes the simultaneous sending and receiving of messages.

Ethical Standards

Guidelines that determine speech goals to ensure the audience is receptive.

Authenticity

The quality of being genuine and truthful in speech content, which builds credibility.

Credibility

Your authority on a subject and your currency as a speaker, built through words and actions.

Inclusive Language

Language that aims to make all listeners feel represented and avoids excluding or disrespecting groups.

Plagiarism

Passing off other people's work as your own, which can have serious academic consequences.

Intentional Plagiarism

Purposefully using content that is not your own, such as stealing a speech or fabricating sources.

Unintentional Plagiarism

Inadvertently using someone else's work without proper citation.

Honest Messages

Messages that are truthful and do not deceive the audience, presenting verifiable facts.

Speech Goals

The objectives a speaker hopes to accomplish when addressing an audience.

Ethical Strategies

Methods chosen to achieve speech goals while adhering to ethical standards.

Guilt Induction

A method of persuasion that involves making someone feel guilty to achieve compliance.

Citing Sources

Giving appropriate credit for the sources used in a speech to avoid plagiarism.

Research Project

A task that involves gathering facts and evidence, requiring proper citation of sources.

Gender-Specific Terms

Words that may exclude or disrespect certain groups, such as 'man' or 'mankind.'

Bias in Language

Statements that express or imply ideas that are prejudiced or denigrating to particular groups.

Consequences of Plagiarism

Potential outcomes of plagiarism, including failing an assignment or being expelled.

Proper Paraphrasing

Rephrasing a source in a way that requires more than just changing a few words.

Audience Focus

The practice of prioritizing the audience's perspective and needs during speechmaking.

Verifiable Facts

Information that can be confirmed and is presented by ethical speakers.

Speech Content

The material presented in a speech, which should be original and properly cited.

Damaged Credibility

The loss of trust and authority due to dishonesty or bending the truth in speeches.

Ethical Speakers

Speakers who adhere to ethical standards and present truthful, researched information.

Ethical Responsibilities of the Listener

The obligations of an audience member to listen respectfully and attentively to a speaker's message.

Speech Preparation

The process of selecting and researching a topic, analyzing the audience, organizing main points, creating visual aids, and practicing delivery.

Impact of Speech

The effect a speaker's message has on the audience, which can be maximized through thorough preparation.

Active Listening

The practice of fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively hearing the speaker's words.

Open Mind

The willingness to consider new ideas and perspectives while listening to a speaker.

Body Language

Non-verbal communication through gestures, posture, and facial expressions that conveys attentiveness and respect in an audience.

Providing Feedback

The act of giving constructive criticism or praise to a speaker, which requires active listening and attention.

Quality Research

Thorough investigation and gathering of credible information to support a speech or presentation.

Visual Aids

Tools such as charts, graphs, or images used to enhance a speech and aid audience understanding.

Ethical Body Language

Body language that demonstrates respect and attentiveness towards the speaker, such as maintaining eye contact and nodding.

Distractions

Anything that diverts attention away from the speaker or the message being delivered.

Mindfulness in Listening

The practice of being fully present and engaged while listening to a speaker.

Audience Expectations

The assumptions and desires that a speaker has regarding how the audience will engage with their presentation.

Speech Delivery

The manner in which a speaker presents their speech, including tone, pace, and body language.

Respectful Listening

Listening to a speaker with consideration and attention, valuing their message and presence.