Public Speaking – Canons Study Guide

Public Speaking – Canons Study Guide

What is a Canon?

• A canon is defined as a set of principles, rules, or guidelines that are utilized to guide public speaking.

The Five Canons of Public Speaking (INASMEDE)

1. Invention → Creating the speech
2. Arrangement → Organizing the speech
3. Style → Choosing the language
4. Memory → Learning and remembering the main ideas
5. Delivery → Presenting the speech

Definitions of Each Canon

Invention

• Definition: The process of coming up with your speech ideas.
  • Choosing a topic.
  • Identifying your purpose.
  • Gathering materials.

Arrangement

• Definition: How you organize your speech.
  • Structure:
  • Introduction:
    • Orient the audience.
    • Motivate them.
    • Show credibility.
    • Preview the speech.
  • Body:
    • Connect ideas clearly.
    • Adapt content to your audience and occasion.
    • Avoid offensive language.
    • Use appropriate tone (not too much slang or too technical).
  • Conclusion:
    • Summarize main ideas.
    • Be memorable.
    • Transition smoothly to the ending.

Style

• Definition: The way you use language in your speech.
  • Focus on:
  • Avoiding jargon.
  • Keeping a balance between casual and formal.
  • Engaging the audience with appropriate tone (striking a balance between too much slang and overly technical language).

Memory

• Definition: How you learn and remember your speech.
  • Key ideas should not be memorized word by word.
  • Using notes or keywords to aid memory.
  • Important aspects include:
  • Speaking naturally (extemporaneous).
  • Maintaining eye contact.
  • Utilizing facial expressions.
  • Varying tone of voice (avoiding monotony).
  • Establishing a conversational style with the audience.
  • Staying within the allotted time for the presentation.

Delivery

• Definition: How you present your speech physically and vocally.
  • Good delivery involves:
  • Maintaining eye contact with the audience.
  • Utilizing a natural tone, avoiding monotone delivery.
  • Smiling to create a warm atmosphere.
  • Employing a conversational style to enhance engagement.

Speech Purposes

• The main purposes of a speech may include:
  • Inform – Sharing knowledge or information.
  • Reinforce – Strengthening existing beliefs or ideas.
  • Persuade – Convincing the audience to adopt a certain viewpoint.
  • Entertain – Providing enjoyment and amusement.

Materials Gathering Techniques

• Effective ways to gather materials for your speech include:
  • Conducting research.
  • Performing interviews.
  • Utilizing surveys.
  • Drawing from personal experience.

Delivery Tips

• In order to achieve effective delivery, one should:
  • Establish eye contact with individuals throughout the audience.
  • Maintain a natural tone of voice, avoiding a monotonous sound.
  • Engage with a sincere smile to boost audience connection.
  • Adopt a conversational style to encourage audience interaction.

Memory Techniques

• The memory aspect underscored a method of:
  • Practicing extemporaneous speaking.
  • Using notes efficiently without full memorization.
  • Speaking naturally to enhance flow and comprehension.

Extra Concepts

1. Rehearsing: Always practice extensively before presenting to ensure readiness.
2. Visualization: Utilize the technique of imagining oneself succeeding in the presentation.
   • Picture the audience reacting positively, which can significantly aid in building confidence and reducing anxiety before the actual speech.