eCore Public Speaking Textbook (COMM 1113)

Developing Topics for Your Speech

General Purpose- the broad, overall goal of a speech; to inform, to persuade, to entertain, etc.

Specific Purpose Statement- an infinitive phrase that builds upon the speaker’s general purpose to clearly indicate precisely what the goal of a given speech is.

Central Idea Statement- a statement that contains or summarizes a speech’s main points.

Organizing and Outlining Your Speech

Chronological pattern- an organizational pattern for speeches in which the main points are arranged in time order.

Spatial pattern- an organizational pattern for speeches in which the main points are arranged according to movement in space or direction.

Parallelism- the repetition of grammatical structures that correspond in sound, meter, and meaning.

Connectives- a phrase or sentence that connects various parts of a speech and shows the relationship between them.

Internal summaries- a type of connective that emphasizes what has come before and reminds the audience of what has been covered.

Internal previews- a type of connective that emphasizes what is coming up next in the speech and what to expect with regard to the content.

Transitions- a type of connective that serves as a bridge between disconnected (but related) material in a speech.

Signposts- a type of connective that emphasizes physical movement through the speech content and lets the audience know exactly where they are; commonly uses terms such as First, Second, Finally.

Bridging statements- a type of connective that emphasizes moving the audience psychologically to the next part of a speech.

Introductions and Conclusions

Attention getter- the statement or question that piques the audience’s interest in what you have to say at the very beginning of a speech.

Anecdote- a brief account or story of an interesting or humorous event.

Rhetorical Question- A question to which no actual reply is expected.

Rapport- a relationship or connection a speaker makes with the audience.

Clincher- something memorable with which to conclude your speech.

Inspire- to affect or arouse someone’s emotions in a specific, positive manner.

Delivery

Impromptu Speaking- the presentation of a short message without advance preparation.

Manuscript Speaking- the word-for-word iteration of a written message.

Extemporaneous Speaking- the presentation of a carefully planned and rehearsed speech, spoken in a conversational manner using brief notes.

Memorized Speaking- the rote recitation of a written message that the speaker has committed to memory.

Vocal Cues- the subtle but meaningful variations in speech delivery, which can include the use of pitch, tone, volume, and pace.

Lectern- a small raised surface, usually with a slanted top, where a speaker can place notes during a speech.

Volume- the relative softness or loudness of your voice.

Pitch- the relative highness or lowness of your voice.

Monotone- a continuing sound, especially of someone’s voice, that is unchanging in pitch and without intonation.

Rate- the speed at which you speak; how quickly or slowly a speaker talks.

Vocalized Pauses- pauses that incorporate some sort of sound or word that is unrelated to what is being said; “uh,” “um,” and “like” are well-known examples.

Special Occasion Speaking

Special Occasion Speech- a speech designed to capture an audience’s attention while delivering a message.

Speech of Introduction- a mini-speech given by the host of a ceremony that introduces another speaker and his or her speech.

Speech of Presentation- a brief speech given to accompany a prize or honor.

Speech of Acceptance- a speech given by the recipient of a prize or honor.

Speech of Dedication- a speech delivered to mark the unveiling, opening, or acknowledging of some landmark or structure.

Toast- a speech designed to congratulate, appreciate, or remember.

Roast- a humorous speech designed to both praise and good-naturedly insult a person being honored.

Eulogy- a speech given in honor of someone who has died.

Lament- to express grief or sorrow.

Console- to offer comfort in a time of grief.

Speech of Farewell- a speech allowing someone to say goodbye to one part of his or her life as he or she is moving on to the next part of life.

Speech of Commencement- a speech designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a graduating class or other group of people.

After-Dinner Speech- a humorous speech that makes a serious point.

Motivational Speech- a speech designed not only to make an audience experience emotional arousal (fear, sadness, joy, excitement) but also to motivate the audience to do something with that emotional arousal.

Hero Speech- a motivational speech given by someone who is considered a hero in society.

Survivor Speech- a speech given by someone who has survived a personal tragedy or who has faced and overcame serious adversity.

Religious Speech- a speech designed to incorporate religious ideals into a motivational package to inspire an audience into thinking about or changing aspects of their religious lives.

Success Speech- a speech given by someone who has succeeded in some aspect of life and is giving back by telling others how they too can be successful.