Here are some key definitions taught in this public speaking course:
Upstage
The area of the stage farthest from the audience. Also refers to stealing focus or attention from the intended main performer.
Venue
The location where a meeting or event takes place. See also Site.
View-graph
An alternate term for an overhead transparency.
Wings
The extreme sides of the stage, typically hidden from the audience by curtains or walls.
Wireless Microphone
A microphone that transmits sound signals without a physical cable. See also Cordless Microphone.
Whisper
An attention-gaining technique in which the presenter lowers their voice significantly, sometimes addressing a single audience member.
Workshop
An educational session ranging from one hour to several days, usually including hands-on practice of specific skills.
ZZZs
A humorous reference to the sound of dozing during a speech—something every engaging speaker aims to prevent.
Comparing Informative and Persuasive Speech Structures
Informative and persuasive speeches may address the same subject, use similar evidence, and even share several organizational techniques. Their central purposes, however, are different. An informative speaker helps an audience understand a topic. A persuasive speaker asks listeners to accept a position, reconsider a belief, or take a particular action. This difference affects every part […]
Techniques for Improving Verbal Fluency
Verbal fluency is the ability to express ideas smoothly, clearly, and with limited unnecessary hesitation. A fluent speaker can find suitable words, organize thoughts, connect sentences, and maintain a natural speaking rhythm. Fluency does not mean speaking as quickly as possible. A person can speak rapidly while remaining unclear, repetitive, or difficult to follow. Strong […]
What Is Audience Analysis in Public Speaking?
A speech does not succeed simply because it contains accurate information. The same presentation can be clear and persuasive to one group but confusing, irrelevant, or unconvincing to another. Effective public speaking therefore begins before the speaker writes the introduction or designs the first slide. It begins with understanding the audience. Audience analysis is the […]