Code-Switching and Public Speaking: Transcript Notes

Historical context of code-switching

• Code-switching has roots in the Black American experience in the United States.
• Early institutions: enslaved people were educated in "normal schools" (teacher-training schools). These normal schools evolved into historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
• After emancipation, Black women often became teachers and nurses; Black men entered various professions or the labor force.
• In white society, these educated Black individuals had to switch their language to navigate mainstream spaces. At home, they spoke a different vernacular or dialect; outside, they altered speech to fit white societal norms.
• Turn of the century immigration: Ellis Island era brought many groups who learned to switch language to fit into white American society.
• 1950s influx of Puerto Ricans and other immigrant groups reinforced the pattern: to operate effectively in society, many communities adopted code-switching.
• Overall historical point: code-switching emerged as a strategy to access opportunity and navigate social hierarchies; it has been broadly practiced across different groups and eras.
• Bonus reference from the session: historically, the term for these institutions was "normal schools" and they became the modern historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

What is code-switching? Definitions and scope

• Working definition (from the instructor): changing the way you speak, including words, tone, and even appearance, to conform to what is socially acceptable in a given environment.
• Not limited to language: code-switching can involve voice cadence, pace, directness, and even appearance or body language.
• Beyond speech: the concept extends to hair, attire, and other aspects of presentation that signal professionalism or cultural belonging in a given setting.
• The practice is not just about “talking proper” in formal settings; it appears in everyday micro-interactions (e.g., customer service interactions, workplace norms).
• Starbuck’s example: baristas across chains often adopt a particular style of speech that signals professionalism within that work environment, regardless of personal background.
• Workplace microaggressions and micro-dynamics:
  • Code-switching can become a broader system that affects how people are perceived and treated in corporate environments (e.g., hair, jewelry, or cultural foods in the workplace).
  • The speaker notes experiences where culture and appearance become points of scrutiny and judgment.
• Practical takeaway: code-switching is a survival and professional strategy, but it can require balancing authenticity with environment-driven adaptation.
• Ethical/spiritual dimension: the speaker argues for aiming to integrate thinking and professional speech without losing core identity; the message is to preserve self while navigating social contexts.

Public speaking, delivery, and personal reflection

• The discussion connects code-switching to public speaking, emphasizing awareness of audience, context, and cultural dynamics.
• Language and tone adaptation can help communication, but should not require losing who you are.
• Accent and pace considerations:
  • If an accent is heavy, slow down to improve comprehension for diverse audiences.
  • You can acknowledge your accent and gently guide the audience to understand your pronunciation and cadence.
• Cadence and rhythm examples:
  • Public figures (e.g., Barack Obama) have distinctive cadences; finding a personal cadence can help audience engagement.
• Nonverbal aspects of public speaking:
  • Eye contact, gestures, and posture matter, especially on camera versus in person.
  • The speaker shares experiences adjusting facial expressions and eye behavior when aiming for effective on-camera presence.
• Speaking authentic vs memorized:
  • Memorizing a script can lead to robotic delivery; memorization is not always recommended for live talks.
  • An extemporaneous approach (extemporaneous speaking) combines preparation with natural delivery.
  • Extemporaneous speaking steps (conceptual): gather information, structure the outline, signpost (e.g., First, Second), cue cards, and a script if needed for reference.
  • The speaker shares that even a long script can be treated as a reference while delivering.
• Delivery mechanics and public speaking tips:
  • Glance between cue cards and audience to maintain connection while staying on track.
  • Practice to be comfortable with your material so you can maintain eye contact and natural flow.
  • Be mindful of audience comprehension when using complex vocabulary or advanced terms; adjust word choice accordingly.
• Use of AI in speaking prep:
  • AI tools can aid in planning or drafting, but should be used thoughtfully; avoid overreliance and ensure you understand the material.

Practical implications for students and professionals

• Example scenarios illustrating code-switching as a broader cultural practice:
  • Informal everyday interactions (e.g., ordering at a café) can reveal how language style is shaped by social expectations.
  • Workplace norms around appearance (hair, clothing, fragrance, food) reflect coded expectations of professionalism and cultural fit.
• The speaker emphasizes: you should strive to present yourself professionally while not losing essential parts of your identity; environments will still attempt to shape how you present yourself.
• Microlevel awareness and preparation:
  • Understand that code-switching can affect your experiences, including interviews, meetings, and public-facing roles.
  • Develop strategies to navigate microaggressions by using prepared responses or assertive, respectful communication.
• Audience-centered communication:
  • Understand that different audiences may interpret language and presentation differently; tailor your approach to achieve clarity and connection.

Structural and course-related notes for public speaking practice

• Course objective: connect historical/personal context of code-switching to practical public speaking skills.
• Class activity focus: exploring how to introduce yourself in a two to three minute introduction speech.
• Time management practice:
  • Introduction speech length: $2$ to $3$ minutes.
  • Time your speech during practice to ensure it fits within the allotted window.
• Assignments mentioned:
  • Quiz number one: complete three discussion boards and read a chapter (referenced as “the seven most interesting things”).
  • Discussion and reading tasks are designed to build background knowledge and refine argument and delivery.
• Speech planning framework introduced:
  • Use an outline to structure your introduction: discuss your game (skills/abilities), values, and goals.
  • The instructor introduces an extemporaneous framework: gather, outline, signpost, cue cards, and occasional full script as a reference.
• Practical classroom tips:
  • Don’t rely solely on reading a script; practice enough so you can glance up and down and maintain fluency.
  • If you choose to use AI or other tools, use them smartly and verify content.
• Real-world relevance and ethics:
  • Public speaking intersects with social identity, cultural expectations, and professional presentation.
  • The overarching ethical message is to preserve personal authenticity while navigating environments that may expect conformity.

Key terms and concepts (quick reference)

• Code-switching: changing language, tone, and even appearance to conform to the social norms of a given environment.
• Normal schools: early teacher-training institutions that evolved into historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
• HBCUs: historically Black colleges and universities.
• Microaggressions: subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or actions based on identity.
• Extemporaneous speaking: delivering a well-prepared talk with the aid of outlines and cue cards, rather than reading a full script.
• Cue cards / index cards: tools used to cue key points while delivering a speech.
• Cadence: the rhythm and pace of speech.
• Audience adaptation: adjusting speech style, vocabulary, and delivery to meet listeners’ needs and context.
• AI in public speaking: using artificial intelligence as a supporting tool for drafting or organizing content, used thoughtfully.

Numerical references (LaTeX format)

• Introduction speech length: $2$ to $3$ minutes.
• Class session timing and activities mentioned (e.g., six weeks of speeches): $6$ weeks.
• Price example used in a workplace anecdote: $17$ dollars for a salad.
• Times referenced in anecdotes (e.g., $11:25$ on a specific date): included as a contextual example.
• Miscellaneous numeric mentions (e.g., counting points or steps) are represented with their numeric values in LaTeX when cited.