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.
How Audience Awareness Shapes Rhetorical Strategy
Strong communication is never only about having a good idea. It is also about knowing who needs to hear that idea, how they are likely to receive it, and what will make them pay attention. A message that sounds clear and persuasive to one audience may seem confusing, boring, or unconvincing to another. That is […]
Using Humor Without Losing Authority
Humor is often treated as a professional risk. People want to sound confident, credible, and intelligent, so they assume seriousness is the safest option. In many cases, that instinct makes sense. A poorly timed joke can weaken a message, create awkwardness, or make a speaker seem less competent than they really are. But the opposite […]
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A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect rather than to get an actual answer. The speaker or writer already knows the response, or expects the audience to understand it immediately. Instead of inviting discussion in the usual way, a rhetorical question is used to emphasize a point, guide the reader’s thinking, add emotion, […]