findyourvoicespring2020-blog

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Chapter 16: Ceremonial Speaking

We have all heard terrible and magnificent ceremonial speeches throughout our lives. Some speeches were at weddings, funerals, goodbye parties, and monumental occasions in history, however, what sets a ceremonial speech apart from being 'okay' to moving and awe-inspiring are two items, identification, and magnification. Identification techniques enhance our abilities to generate feelings of commonalities by offering visions of shared beliefs and values through the use of narratives—inspiring qualities of admiration of people that sacrifice themselves to support our communities (Turner & Osborn, 2019). Identification "creates a feeling of shared goals, values, emotions, memories, and motives between a speaker and listeners" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 339), and because of a ceremonial speech often brings people together, identification is crucial to the success of the speech. As Turner and Osborn state, there are three (3) different strategies in which a ceremonial speech can promote identification, the use of narrative design, recognition of heroes and heroines, and lastly, the renewal of group commitment (Turner & Osborn, 2019). An example of the use of recognition of heroes and heroines was used in the commencement address by President Pollack's 2018 speech to the graduating class at Cornell University. Pollack referenced heroes directly in the speech.

"Now, on to that piece of advice. It has to do with heroes and with heroism. We live in tumultuous times, and in such times, it is very helpful to have some heroes. I'm not thinking of Iron Man and his friends in the latest Avengers movie, but of something more personal: real people who have stood fast and taken difficult actions in the face of enormous challenges" (Pollack, 2018). Pollack further goes on to talk about her hero, Nelson Mandela, "Nelson Mandela is one of my heroes. He's a hero to me because of his beliefs and because of his actions. He stood for equality and for the essential dignity of all human beings, and he took courageous steps to move his nation toward one that reflected those principles. Importantly, he also believed in forgiveness and reconciliation as essential to progress" (Pollack, 2018). To watch President’s Pollack’s entire commencement address please below where she speaks to the graduating class about heroes, hope, and courage, and tells the class to go out and find their hero and be one themselves. To view President Pollack’s remarks please fast forward to time stamp 1:11. 

https://www.cornell.edu/video/commencement-2018

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

Cornell University. (2018, May 27). 150th Cornell University Commencement.[Digital file] Retrieved from https://www.cornell.edu/video/commencement-2018

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Chapter 15: Building Persuasive Arguments

When was the last time you read or heard something that persuaded you to change your mind? Can you think back to why that particular strategy was able to convince you? How often do we really change people's minds? As was noted in Chapter 15 in Public Speaking: Finding your voice attempting to change someone's mind is a considerable undertaking. The two biggest obstacles are "engaging opposing arguments and moving uncommitted audiences from agreement to action" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 320). So, how do we effectively persuade reluctant listeners? There are different approaches to take. However, a co-active approach focuses on a thoughtful approach and can be used with a less sympathetic or hostile audience. A co-active approach "is an approach to persuasion that seeks to bridge differences on disputed issues by establishing identification and good will, reasoning from shared beliefs and values, emphasizing explanation over argument, and making a multisided presentation" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 321).  A co-active approach allows for building upon shared beliefs and values that help the presenter explain their position instead of forcing a hostile presentation. An example of a co-active approach is the 2004 speech Obama made to the DNC. Obama's eloquent speech capitalized on shared beliefs, values, an explanation of his views, while purposefully and carefully dissecting the opposition, and sparking a movement and a demand for action.

THNKR. (2012, Aug 30). The speech that made Obama President. [YouTube] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFPwDe22CoY

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

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Chapter 14: Persuasive Speaking

Persuasion is compelling. The word conjures up many ideas. There is an immediate image that some may associate with manipulative behavior or even malice. However, persuasion is more than that. To persuade, we can elicit reciprocation, commitment, consistency, and authority. But how do we can persuasion solicit such powerful and motivating beliefs? We can use proofs to help our appeal in persuading our listeners. According to Turner & Osborn, "proofs are appeals to ethos, logos, pathos, and mythos that help to enhance the persuasiveness of speaking" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 301). There are four different proofs to consider when writing a speech, ethos, pathos, mythos, and logos. Each proof serves a separate appeal, and when constructing a persuasive speech, we should carefully consider the intent of our message. To assure the audience that you are credible and knowledge use ethos. To appeal to the emotions of the audience and provide a humanistic narrative, use pathos. When attempting to connect and build identification and trends, use mythos, and finally, when appealing to logic and the need is to increase understanding use logos (Turner & Osborn, 2019). The picture below is an example of mythos. The Black Lives Matter sign serves as a powerful symbol of mythic identification, helping listeners connect to messages that reaffirm core values and traditions.

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

Vucci, E. (2015, Oct. 20).  Why the term ‘Black Lives Matter’ can be so confusing. Los Angeles Times. [Digital Image] Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-black-lives-matter-explainer-20151020-story.html

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Chapter 13: Informative Speaking

Selecting a design style is critical when presenting your speech, depending on what information you are giving might steer you in a certain direction. There are six major design approaches to take when writing an informative speech,  categorical, comparative, spatial, sequential, chronological, and causation (Turner & Osborn, 2019). A comparative design “develops the main points of a speech by exploring the similarities or differences among things, events, or ideas.” (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 277). The comparative design model is especially useful when illustrating abstract ideas to the audience because you have the ability to compare unknown to known ideas. Watch Great Thunberg’s address at the 2019 UN climate action summit in New York.

Guardian News. (2019, Sept. 23).  Greta Thunberg to world leaders: 'How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood'. [YouTube] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=TMrtLsQbaok&feature=emb_logo

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/ 

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Chapter 12: Delivering Your Speech

There’s a message in your voice, and your voice has a more significant impact than you think. You can shout, whisper, demand, and even roar, but more importantly, how you present your words is vital to your message. Your pitch “is the placement of your voice on a scale ranging from low and deep to high and sharp” (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 246). Changing your pitch can make the difference in your story being followed and remembered, vs. quickly forgotten. Some people confuse pitch with volume, but the pitch does not mean louder or quieter. When presenting to an audience, a great way to hook the listeners is by changing the pitch to grab the attention, primarily when used within a part of your story where the pitch is one way, and then you adjust the pitch suddenly. Here is an example of a changing pitch in Margaret Thatcher. People stated her voice sounded “shrill and hectoring.” Margaret Thatcher deepened her tone to sound more authoritative.

Plagasul. (2011, Oct 20). Margaret Thatcher voice before/after. [YouTube] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=28_0gXLKLbk&feature=emb_logo

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

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Chapter 11: Putting Words to Work

Words matter, and language is a behavior. Words have the power to motivate or deflate thoughts of hopes or dreams. Words can excite, inspire, sadden, frighten, or anger us. Words shape our perceptions and the environment around us. The importance of our word choices is critical when we are presenting speeches, especially if we are calling people to action or evoking a response from our speech. To create engaging speeches, remember "The Six C's of Oral Language" (Turner & Osborn, 2019).

Clarity

Conciseness

Color 

Concreteness 

Correctness

Cultural sensitivity 

Below is an example of how colorful and figurative language can impact our speech writing when we combine the two for a powerful tool.

Expertvillage. (2008, April 27). Word choice for public speaking: Using figurative language in public speaking. [YouTube] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd_KTyJLNjY

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

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Chapter 10: Presentation Aids

I bet you have seen a PowerPoint that has looked awful. I sure have, and I bet you have too. You probably wondered why the speaker was using a PowerPoint that was complicated, full of words, hard to read because of color choices, and could have been presented in a different format to make their point. Presentation Aids are powerful tools when used correctly. Presentation Aids can add “visual, auditory, and tactile supplements intended to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of a presentation” (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 187). However, when a presentation aid is misused, it can distract, confuse your audience, damage your credibility and your delivery, and let you are at the mercy of any technological mishaps. So, be sure when presenting your material, you keep in mind the principles of design, simplicity, visibility, emphasis, and balance.

Below is an example of when a PowerPoint Presentation attacks at the Public Words Forum at the Harvard Kennedy School, enjoy!

Tim Washer. (2010, Oct 8). When PowerPoint Attacks: Presentations gone terribly wrong.  [YouTube]  Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0leoffTxtlE

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

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Chapter 9: Structuring & Outlining your Speech

Have you ever thought about which ways you will structure your speech? Different styles of speech writing will help determine the most appropriate way to set up your speech. Depending on the information you want to present to your audience will steer you in the direction of the best pattern available. Eight designs are available, "categorical, comparative, spatial, sequential, chronological, problem-solution, refutative, and narrative. All of these patterns reflect the different ways we think about subjects as well as what we discover about them during research" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 161). Sequential design speeches have become popular on social media sites as they are "how-to" presentations and  "explains the steps of a process in the order in which they should be taken" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 162). Presentations using a sequential design style often will use presentation aids to help facilitate the demonstration process. Watch the how-to video below that has taken social media by storm for an example of a sequential design style on making whipped coffee.

References:

Emmymadeinjapan. (2020, March 23). Dalgona whipped coffee- Tik Tok recipe.Instant coffee powder 4 ingredient magic. Retrieved  [Youtube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wspx839B5x0

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/ 

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Chapter 8: Supporting your ideas

It's easy to make a claim the world is ending in three days, or unicorns exist. After all, it is challenging to refute predictions of the future and items of uncertainty. However, we all know saying something is not enough, especially in speech writing. Your speech should include more than just an opinion. Your speech should consist of supporting materials to help substantiate your claim. Supporting materials use facts, statistics, testimony, and narratives to "encourage others to take your ideas seriously" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 136). Providing facts that can be verified true or false and through observation or using statistical measurements offer valuable tools for the audience to help bolster your claims. For example, this statement provides supporting materials to strengthen the writer’s claim "the liver is the body's second-largest organ (skin is the largest organ), according to the American Liver Foundation (ALF), weighing about 3 lbs. (1.4 kilograms). At any given moment, the liver holds about 1 pint (half a liter) of blood — about 13 percent of the body's blood supply, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine" (Szalay, 2018). Presenting supporting material should encourage your audience to listen, so be sure to include a variety of supporting material and know your audience's interests.

Reference:

Szalay, J. (2018, Jan 25). Liver: Function, failure & disease. Live Science. Rerieved [Online] https://www.livescience.com/44859-liver.html

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fslideplayer.com%2Fslide%2F8780492%2F&psig=AOvVaw1kI0RsNdNUkY6UZHVIvp08&ust=1586470376731000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJjOkfDs2egCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAh

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Chapter 7: Building a responsible knowledge

The Internet is a fantastic place to gather information when writing speeches. However, anyone can set up an online presence with a few clicks, some graphics, and a URL. So, how do we evaluate the information online? Numerous sites claim to provide information that is objective and factual, yet that is not always true. As Turner & Osborn describe, it is critical in decoding online resources, especially when gathering information for research, it is " important to use your critical thinking skills and evaluate the information you find as carefully as possible. Start by determining what kind of website you are viewing" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 122). An information website "is to provide factual information on a specific topic. Information websites may include research reports; current world, national, or local news; government statistics; or simply general information such as you might find in an encyclopedia or almanac" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 123). Information websites have a purpose and provide information about a specific topic. Their intent is not to evoke emotions or persuade, nor should the information generate financial gains. Examples of informational websites include United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Reference:

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

Source: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516382799247-87df95d790b7?ixlib=rb1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=500&q=60

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Chapter 6: Finding your topic

Have you ever been stuck looking for a place to start, but didn't know where to begin? Brainstorming is an excellent way to move forward in search of your topic selection "that encourages the free play of the mind to generate a list of ideas that can then be carefully considered and critiqued for possible topics" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 99). Brainstorming can be done individually or as a group and encourages people to come up with thoughts and ideas that can eventually lead to creative solutions or spark more ideas. Brainstorming allows people to become unstuck by changing them out of their traditional ways of thinking. Brainstorming provides imaginative and creative problem-solving and encourages participation if in a group environment. Check out the video from MindTools as they discuss how brainstorming can help you.

References

MindToolsVideos. (2018, Sept 19). Brainstorming [Video file] Retrieved https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=93&v=V-uDOier1RQ&feature=emb_logo

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

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Chapter 5: Adapting to your audience and situation

Do women and men communicate differently? Scholars have disputed that men and women have different communication styles, but the findings have been widely debated. We are told that men are aggressive, competitive, and controlling, whereas women focus on nurturing social connections, growth, and self-discovery (Turner & Osborn, 2019). Stereotyping gender roles has led to sexist language in our everyday language and our presentations. Sexist language is defined as "using disparaging labels and references to gender, making irrelevant references to gender, or using masculine nouns or pronouns when the intended reference is to both sexes" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 73). Using sexist language is highly offensive when used in formal speeches and beyond sexist language use of irrelevant gender references. There are multiple ways in which we can use nonsexist language. We can eliminate the generic use of 'he' by using plural nouns. Substituting articles 'the,' 'a,' and 'an' for 'his,' and 'who' for 'he.'  Eliminate the generic use of 'man' by replacing with 'person'/'people,' 'individual(s),' and 'human(s).' We can eliminate sexism when addressing or referring to people formally by using 'Ms." instead of 'Miss' or 'Mrs.' or marital status. In correspondence, we can use 'Dear Colleague' or 'Editor' or 'Professor' in replace of 'Dear Sir' or 'Madam.' Lastly, we can eliminate the sexual stereotyping of roles by avoiding terminology that denotes gender. Using terms for both male and females 'department chair' or 'chairperson'  or by using the corresponding verb 'to chair' and not referencing gender in occupation status 'female pilot,' 'male flight attendant.' 

Source: Royston-Robertson

Reference

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

Royston-Roberston. (2019, Sep 29). Hello Mx Smith how’s that divorce case going? Cartoonstock [Digital image] Retrieved April 1, 2020 https://www.cartoonstock.com/cartoonview.asp?catref=rron2226

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Chapter 4: Becoming a Better Listener

Did you know we spend an average of 44 percent of our time listening? As a student, even more, time is devoted to listening than in a typical setting (Turner & Osborn, 2019). However, we seem to forget most of what we hear when people give a presentation. Listening skills are critical to success inside and outside the classroom,  So how can we deepen and enhance our listening skills? We can improve our listening skills by practicing comprehensive listening. Comprehensive listening "focuses on understanding a speaker's overall message" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 62). Comprehensive listening takes into account not only the main ideas, but the supporting material, body language, vocal inflections, gestures, and movements to comprehend the message that is being sent. This type of listening is a form of active listening. Taking notes of the speaker's main ideas will help the listener concentrate but actively participate in the process. This form of listening is more challenging due to the listener's ability to block out distractions and concentrate the speaker's message. The more you practice listening to comprehend, the better you will become.

Reference

LinkedIn Learning. (2014, Dec 10). Listening. Engineering. [Online] https://www.slideshare.net/rahulbavaliya/listening-42579730/9

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

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Chapter 3: Your First Speech: An Overview of Speech Preperation

Not all introductions or opening scenes contain a prologue, so what is a prologue, and why are they needed? A prologue is a short introduction that provides background information to the audience or reader and sets the stage for what happens next. According to Turner and Osborn, a prologue "establishes the context and setting, introduces the main characters, and foreshadows the meaning" (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 41). Prologues help with clarification and allow for the audience and readers to understand what will happen. Still, if a prologue is poorly written, an audience can become confused with information overload or slow the story down where the reader or viewer becomes disinterested.

Below the prologue of the musical Into the Woods provides critical information to allow the audience to understand the issues the characters are facing. Without the background information, the audience would be lost understanding the reason why the characters are facing the dilemmas in the story.

Reference:

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

YouTube Movies. (2013, March 6). Into the Woods: Stephen Sondheim [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=65S4nDyg2Zw&feature=emb_logo

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Chapter 2: Building your confidence as a speaker

“The best speakers know enough to be scared. . . . The only difference between the pros and the novices is that the pros have trained the butterflies to fly in formation”(Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 22). This quote is from longtime broadcast pioneer Edward R. Murrow describing how anxiety can either hinder or cultivate public speakers. We know that public speaking is uncomfortable for many people, and the stress surrounding public speaking has lasting impacts on people’s ability to communicate effectively. The illusion of transparency is a gap between our subjective experience and what other people notice, it is “the mistaken belief that people know what you are thinking and feeling” (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 26). How many times have you gone to work tired or mad and thought everyone has noticed, only to find out that your co-workers had no clue until you made a comment that you needed coffee or that you were very upset? The illusion of transparency is a cognitive bias that leads us to overestimate how much people notice our emotions when, in reality, people really are not attuned to other people’s mental states. Understanding the illusion of transparency allows the speaker to set themselves “free” and focus on what you are saying rather worry about what everyone else is thinking.

Below is a great explanation and demonstration of the illusion of transparency by Andy Kaufmann, PMP.

Reference:

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/

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Chapter 1: Finding Your Voice

Quoting out of context is rampant lately, and when I saw the bolden words in the textbook, I thought of all the recent articles and speeches I have heard recently that unfortunately have taken other people’s ideas and thoughts out of context to satisfy the writers or speakers purpose. Quoting out of context is defined as “an unethical of a quotation that changes or distorts its original meaning, (Turner & Osborn, 2019, pg. 15). Quoting out of context may be used to confuse speakers or to assist in gaining support for views that otherwise might not gain support, but also quoting out of context happens due to misinterpretation of the original quote. For example, people often misquote Bible verses, or social media uses quotes out of context for clickbait to generate clicks to their stories. Scarlett Johansson was misquoted by The Daily Mail when parts of her interview with As If were published about a recent film that she departed ways appeared to imply that she was insensitive to diversity and inclusivity within casting in Hollywood, specifically, the LGTBQ community.

Here is the text from the interview between Scarlett Johansson and David Salle for the As If, “The Art of Collaboration” interview where Johansson’s interview was taken out of context by The Daily Mail.

DS: Are we seeing an acting trend today?

SJ: Hmm… We live in such a weird time that is sort of identity-less in a lot of ways. I don’t know if there’s a trend in performance, but there’s certainly trends in casting right now. Today there’s a lot of emphasis and conversation about what acting is and who we want to see represent ourselves on screen. The question now is, what is acting anyway?

DS: Right. Who gets to play what roles…

SJ: You know, as an actor I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job and the requirements of my job.

DS: Yes. Must you only represent yourself, your gender, your ethnicity, or can you, in fact, play beyond these categories?

SJ: There are a lot of social lines being drawn now, and a lot of political correctness is being reflected in art.

DS: Does that bore you? Annoy you? Buck you up? Cheer you on? I know it’s complicated, there’s probably not one answer.

SJ: You know, I feel like it’s a trend in my business and it needs to happen for various social reasons, yet there are times it does get uncomfortable when it affects the art because I feel art should be free of restrictions. What do you think about it David? You’re literally creating art all the time.

To read the interview in the entirety click here 

References:

Johansson, S., & Salle, D. (2019, July 11). An artist’s musings with Scarlett Johansson. As If. Retrieved [Online] https://www.asifmag.com/story/scarlett-johansson-david-salle-collaboration-with-as-if-magazine 

Turner, K. J., Osborn, R., Osborn, M., Osborn, S. Public Speaking. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134401430/