Chapter 14: Composting Your Speech

Question 1

Composing

Answer 1

determining speech thesis and main ideas
arranging them into coherent, engaging presentation

Question 2

Speech thesis

Answer 2

One complete sentence
Identifies central idea of presentation
Evolves from specific purpose statement
Demonstrates overall point or position
Provides clues about main points

Question 3

Identifying Main Points

Answer 3

Main points must support thesis statement
Key statements or principles
A speech should contain two to five main points
Each main point focuses on one idea

Question 4

Subpoints

Answer 4

specific principles derived from breaking down main points

Question 5

Supporting Main Points

Answer 5

Main points and subpoints require supporting materials
Include definitions, statistics, examples, and testimony

Question 6

Definitions

Answer 6

Listeners may need terms defined
Connotative meanings: meanings associated with words based on life experiences

Question 7

Dialect

Answer 7

reflects language variations based on location of upbringing, socioeconomic status, or ethnic or religious ancestry

Question 8

Statistics

Answer 8

Number summarizing a formal observation about a phenomenon

Use a visual chart or graph
Round off large numbers
Follow with a meaningful practical translation
Use statistics sparingly

Question 9

Examples

Answer 9

specific references that illustrate ideas

make main points vivid and clear
are drawn from actual events or occurrences

Question 10

First-person lived-experience narrative

Answer 10

An actual story from your own life that illustrates the point
Most potent form of real example

Question 11

Analogy

Answer 11

Compares something familiar to an audience with something unfamiliar to them
For illustrating a particularly difficult main point

Question 12

Testimony

Answer 12

Relies on words or experience of others
Can be presented through direct quotation, the exact words of a person
Can be presented through paraphrasing, a summary of another person’s words

Question 13

Main Points

Answer 13

Definitions, examples, statisitcs, testimony

Question 14

Topical pattern

Answer 14

Points organized into categories, subtopics

Question 15

Chronological pattern

Answer 15

suggests time sequence, series of steps

Question 16

Spatial pattern

Answer 16

Shows relation within physical space

Question 17

Problem-solution pattern

Answer 17

Describes problem, presents solution
Motivates listeners to take action

Question 17

Cause-effect pattern

Answer 17

Shows how events, forces lead to outcomes

Question 18

Connectives

Answer 18

Words, phrases that link ideas

Question 19

Internal Previews

Answer 19

Foreshadowing information that will be covered

Question 20

Internal Summaries

Answer 20

Short review of information

Question 21

Transitional Phrases

Answer 21

Verbal signal you are moving on

Question 22

Signposts

Answer 22

Brief words/numbers that mark the location of an idea

Question 23

Keeping Listeners Engaged

Answer 23

Integrate novelty
Use appropriate humor
Tell a story
Integrate presentation aids

Question 24

Introducing a Speech

Answer 24

Tell a story
Make a startling or suspenseful statement
Reference current occasion, recent events
Ask a real question
Ask a rhetorical question
Use a brief quotation

Question 25

Establish Credibility

Answer 25

Credibility creates a more receptive audience
Credibility is key component in persuasive speech
To establish credibility
Share relevant personal experience
Explain why you’re interested in topic

Question 26

Connect to Listeners’ Needs and Interests

Answer 26

Clearly state “what’s in it for them” during introduction

Question 27

Disclose the Speech Thesis

Answer 27

Be explicit and specific
Avoid tentative, vague, or allusive language

Question 28

Preview the Main Points

Answer 28

Should end with roadmap of content to come
Signals transition from introduction to body of speech
Gives audience firm sense of speech outline

Question 29

Concluding Your Speech

Answer 29

Signal the End
Provide listeners with signpost that signals speech is ending

Question 30

Summarize the Main Points

Answer 30

Quick review of main points
Don’t repeat extensive details
Express each main point in one sentence

Question 31

Create a Memorable Moment of Impact

Answer 31

Parting words should be memorable
Ask questions, use quotations, tell a brief story
Use start of speech to bring things full circle at end

Question 32

Finish Clean

Answer 32

Compose a clean and clear final sentence
Don’t add anything else
If something else is necessary: “Thank you very much” is appropriate

Question 33

Preparation outline

Answer 33

Details presentation’s overall structure

Question 34

Delivery outline

Answer 34

Keeps track of ideas

Question 35

Preparation Outline

Answer 35

Details introduction, body, and conclusions
Use consistent set of symbols and indentations
Identify each main point

Question 36

Preparation Outline

Answer 36

Practice the principle of subordination

Subpoints must support main point they sit under
Ensures you’re making valid arguments
Use connective words/phrases in outline
Include works-cited/references section

Question 37

Delivery Outline

Answer 37

Acts as “speaker notes”
Use keywords/phrases
Use large font or handwrite legibly
Put in time codes
Include nonverbal reminders