Chapter 1 - Intro Flashcards
These are concepts covered in the first chapter of the textbook
What sets humans apart from other living creatures regarding communication?
Humans communicate using formalized systems of language.
Why is public speaking considered an important skill?
It has been formally taught for thousands of years and is linked to success and power.
True or False: Most people enjoy giving speeches.
False
What can anyone learn to do in terms of public speaking?
Give effective presentations.
What concludes a successful speech?
The audience must understand and remember the message.
List three reasons why public speaking skills are important.
- Personal benefits
- Professional benefits
- Public benefits
What are the two models of communication discussed?
- Linear model
- Transactional model
What is the difference between the linear and transactional model of communication?
Linear is a one-way process; transactional is an ongoing, circular process.
What are the components of the communication process?
- Encoding
- Decoding
- Communicator
- Message
- Channel
- Noise
- Worldview
- Context
What percentage of jobs today involve some form of public speaking?
70% (Aras, 2012).
What is encoding in the communication process?
The process of associating an idea with words to convey a message.
What is decoding in the communication process?
The process of interpreting words and forming mental images.
What term is used to refer to all people in the interaction or speech setting?
Communicator.
What does the term ‘feedback’ refer to in the communication process?
The information gained from observing others’ responses.
What two types of (communicative)behaviors are involved in a message?
- Verbal behaviors
- Nonverbal behaviors
What kind of appearance can positively affect audience interpretation of a speaker?
Wearing a nice suit.
Fill in the blank: Public speaking is important in creating and sustaining a society of _______.
[informed, active participants]
What is the main focus of Chapter 1 in ‘Public Speaking: The Virtual Text’?
To familiarize readers with the basic concepts of communication and public speaking.
What are the eleven core public speaking competencies?
- Useful Topic
- Engaging Introduction
- Clear Organization
- Well-Supported Ideas
- Closure in Conclusion
- Clear and Vivid Language
- Suitable Vocal Expression
- Corresponding Nonverbals
- Adapted to the Audience
- Adept Use of Visual Aids
- Convincing Persuasion
What are non-vocal components in communication?
Non-vocal components include personal appearance, posture, gestures, body movements, eye behavior, use of space, and even smell.
How does a speaker’s appearance affect audience interpretation?
A speaker in a nice suit is interpreted more positively than one in casual attire, even if they deliver the same speech.
In the case of conflicting verbal and non-verbal messages, what do people generally believe?
People generally believe the nonverbal portion of the message.
What is an intentional message?
An intentional message is when the communicator has a specific image they wish to convey accurately.
What is an unintentional message?
An unintentional message is when the message received differs from what was intended by the communicator.
What does the term ‘channel’ refer to in communication?
The channel is the means through which the message travels, involving senses in face-to-face communication or devices in digital communication.
How can the channel impact message interpretation?
The channel can profoundly affect how a message is interpreted, as different mediums have different psychological impacts.
What is physiological noise?
Physiological noise refers to bodily processes that interfere with a message, such as headaches or discomfort.
What is psychological noise?
Psychological noise refers to mental or emotional states that impede message transmission or reception.
What is actual physical noise?
Actual physical noise is the sound level in a room that interferes with communication.
What is cultural noise?
Cultural noise refers to interference in communication caused by differences in worldviews.
Define worldview in the context of communication.
Worldview is the overall framework through which an individual sees and interprets the world.
What are the five core components of worldview?
The five core components are:
* Epistemology
* Ontology
* Axiology
* Cosmology
* Praxeology
What does epistemology refer to?
Epistemology refers to how we acquire knowledge and what counts as knowledge.
What does ontology signify?
Ontology refers to our belief system and how we perceive reality.
What is axiology?
Axiology represents our value system, determining what we see as right or wrong.
Define cosmology in communication.
Cosmology signifies our view of our relationship to the universe and others, impacting power dynamics.
What is praxeology?
Praxeology denotes our preferred methods of completing tasks or solving problems.
Why is understanding worldview important in communication?
Understanding worldview is crucial as it impacts the encoding and decoding processes in communication.
What does context refer to in communication?
Context refers to the norms governing communication in different situations and relationships.
What are the three general purposes of public speaking?
The three general purposes are:
* To inform
* To persuade
* To commemorate or entertain
What characterizes an informative speech?
An informative speech shares information about a person, place, object, process, concept, or issue.
What is the aim of a persuasive speech?
The aim of a persuasive speech is to reinforce or change the audience’s beliefs, attitudes, feelings, or values.
What types of occasions may require commemorative speeches?
Occasions include toasts, eulogies, commencement speeches, or award presentations.
True or False: The general purposes of a speech cannot overlap.
False.
What are the general purposes of public speaking?
To inform, persuade, entertain, or commemorate
Examples include a eulogy, commencement speech, or an award presentation.
What is the first step in achieving effective public speaking according to Ayn Rand?
A desire to succeed
What is the Public Speaking Competence Rubric (PSCR)?
A framework for evaluating a variety of presentations at every level of mastery
What is the second speaking competency?
Engaging introduction
What characterizes an advanced speaker’s introduction?
Excellent attention-getter, establishes credibility, clear thesis, previews points
How does a beginning speaker’s introduction typically differ from an advanced speaker’s?
Mundane attention-getter, awkward thesis, little direction
What is the fourth speaking competency?
Well-supported ideas
What distinguishes an advanced speaker’s supporting materials?
Key points well supported with credible materials and clear citations
What does an ineffective speaker’s supporting materials typically lack?
No supporting materials or source citations
What is the first speaking competency?
Useful topic
What defines an advanced speaker’s topic selection?
Worthwhile and engaging topic presenting new information
What is a common issue with a beginning speaker’s topic?
Lacks originality or provides no new information
What is the third speaking competency?
Clear organization
What characterizes an advanced speaker’s organizational pattern?
Well organized with clear main points and effective transitions
What is the fifth speaking competency?
Closure in conclusion
How does an advanced speaker conclude their speech?
Provides a clear summary and a strong call to action
What is the eighth speaking competency?
Corresponding nonverbals
What nonverbal behaviors characterize an advanced speaker?
Natural posture, gestures, facial expressions, and confident eye contact
What is the sixth speaking competency?
Clear and vivid language
What distinguishes an advanced speaker’s language use?
Exceptionally clear, imaginative, and free from bias
What is the ninth speaking competency?
Adapted to the audience
How does an advanced speaker adapt their presentation?
Tailors the speech to the audience’s beliefs, values, and attitudes
What is the tenth speaking competency?
Adept use of visual aids
What characterizes an advanced speaker’s use of visual aids?
High-quality visuals that provide powerful insights
What is the seventh speaking competency?
Suitable vocal expression
What defines an advanced speaker’s vocal expression?
Natural, enthusiastic, with excellent variation and pacing
What is the eleventh speaking competency?
Convincing persuasion
How does an advanced speaker construct a persuasive message?
Articulates problem and solution clearly, supports claims with credible evidence
What is the importance of practice in public speaking?
Improves public speaking skills and communication competence
What is the communication process?
Encoding and delivering a message that is decoded by the audience
What is the role of noise in communication?
Interferes with message transmission and the encoding/decoding process
Define ‘abstract word’
Words that refer to ideas or concepts removed from material reality
Define ‘concrete word’
A word that describes a tangible object that can be perceived through the senses
What is ‘cultural noise’?
Differences in worldview that cause message interference
What is ‘decoding’ in communication?
The process of listening to words and interpreting them
What does ‘encoding’ refer to?
The process of associating a mental image with words for speaking
What is the significance of nonverbal behavior?
Conveys messages beyond spoken words, including appearance and gestures
What is the difference between norms and context in communication?
Norms govern communicative behavior; context refers to the rules of physical settings
What does ontology refer to in worldview?
An individual’s or group’s belief system
What is noise in communication?
Anything that interferes with the message transmission or the encoding and decoding process.
Define nonverbal behavior.
All of the messages we send –except for the words we say. Can include appearance, eye behavior, kinesics, proxemics, touch, time, and smell.
What are norms in communication?
The verbal and nonverbal rules (usually unspoken) that govern communicative behavior.
What does ontology refer to?
A part of worldview; refers to an individual’s or group’s belief system.
What is praxeology?
A part of worldview; refers to the way an individual or group goes about tasks or solving problems.
What is psychological noise?
Message interference that results from disturbed or excited mental states.
Define physiological noise.
Message interference that results from bodily discomfort.
What is physical noise?
Message interference that results when the noise level makes it difficult to hear a message.
What is public speaking?
The act of delivering a speech in front of a live audience.
What is worldview?
The overall framework through which an individual sees, thinks about, and interprets the world and interacts with it.