Oral Communications

Chapter 1
Becoming a competent speaker
o Preparing speeches
o Making presentations
Learning about yourself
o Knowledge of topics of interest or concern
o Developing your style as a speaker
Discovering your place in society
o Developing another orientation
o Engaging ethical obligations

Benefits of Public Speaking

o Personal Benefits
Finding your voice
Success in school and the workplace
o Social benefits
Promotes civic participation and involvement
Defending your values and interest
Better democratic discussions
o Cultural benefits
Engaging diverse audiences
Expanding your horizons

Barriers to Cultural Growth

o Ethnocentrism - evaluation of other cultures
according to preconceptions originating in the
standards and customs of one's own culture.

o Stereotypes - a widely held but fixed and

oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of
person or thing. (try to stay away from using: all,
every, never, always)

Public Speaking as an Interactive Process

o Speaker - you
o Audience your speech should be geared to the
appropriate audience
o Message - what your speech conveys
o Feedback audience participation, attentive
audiences
o Channel where (skype chat, in person, etc.)
o Interface - distractions
Physical and psychological setting the place you
give your speech and inside setting (happy place)
o Relevant beliefs and predispositions of listeners
o Awareness of your speaking performance
o Anticipations of your speaking performance
o Expectations regarding the occasion

Burkes Theory of Identification

o Shared sense of oneness or purpose
o Encourages community
o Promotes collective action

Your Commitment to Public Speaking

o Time to prepare and practice presentations
o Energy and enthusiasm to speak well (Body
Language)

o Ethical considerations (be truthful)

Ethics
o The integrity of ideas and information
Speaking form responsible knowledge
Ethical use of communication techniques
Avoiding academic dishonesty
o A Genuine Concern for Consequences
Your communications impact the lives of others
Promoting informed and rational decisionmaking

Responsible Knowledge
o Know main points of relevance to your topic
o Know what the experts think
o Acknowledge opposing views on disputed topics
o Be aware of latest events and developments
o Consider relevance of your information to listeners

Credo for Public Speaking

o Truth, honesty, and reason
o Free speech and tolerating dissent
o Promoting mutual and respect understanding
o Equal access to information and commination
resources
o A constructive and nurturing communication
climate
o Responsibility for consequences