Chapter 10/12

Chapter 10 explains that using language can be effective in the success of your speech. Speakers should be careful with their words because they could have different meanings to the audience. Knowing your audience is key because you could offend them by using words that may have denotative or connotative meanings. I would refrain from using slang in my speech as words meaning may be interpreted differently. With students, it is ok to use jargon because we are all associated with school and how the university runs. We would all know the meaning or interpret some words the same. This chapter helps to explain how the way you say things could have a different meaning. For example, saying something in a way that is narrative as opposed to factual, rhythmic opposed to image. Each way you say a phrase could be interpreted differently. I hope I use inclusive language to pull the audience in and not neglect certain groups. Just like the videos, they say to use similes, metaphors, parallelism, rhymes, alliteration, and antithesis to help the audience visualize.
Chapter 12 helps to pick a proper delivery method. Impromptu speech is something that I have always wanted to give because it would put me on the spot and really force me to search through my head to delivery a great speech. Extemporaneous speaking is what I am used to, but now I feel that it doesn’t help me except for becoming more comfortable speaking in front of people. This chapter also explains what one of the videos went over. Using pitch, volume, rate and vocal variety will help me in my next speech. I think I need to improve my volume and rate so I can have a better delivery. I feel that I am too fidgety when speaking. I will combat this by knowing my speech so I am confident to deliver it. Last, using note cards more effectively will help me because I tend to use too many words. I have caught myself reading instead of actually delivering a speech. My next speech, I plan to have key words and phrase on my cards and practice a lot more so I can get an A!