Theatre and Media Arts 150Public Speaking

Introduction

During a discussion, have you ever wanted to say, “Please say what you mean!” There are so many mixed messages in a conversation or even in a speech presentation. Let’s use a word, for example. Here are several of the meanings for the word division found in Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary, 2nd edition: (1) Difference of opinion, (2) Sharing or apportioning, (3) Separate into groups, (4) In music, a florid passage or run, (5) In biology, the group of organisms constituting part of a larger group, (6) The section of an army consisting of three regiments, (7) A boundary or partition.

So if you don’t have clarity and focus with your language, you can see how easy it would be to communicate the wrong meaning to your audience. If you look at the word “division,” it can mean “differences” or “apportionment,” which have nearly opposite meanings. The goal for this lesson is to learn to say what you mean with clarity! I’m looking forward to hearing the remake of your self-introductory speech. In this remake, you have the opportunity to increase the clarity of your words and enhance your language.

Lesson Objectives

1. Use words to make a connection with your audience and bring listeners together.
2. Learn the power of language.
3. Enhance your speaking language by following the “Six C’s.”