Transcript Foundations

Foundations
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What is communication?
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A dynamic, ongoing, transactional process
Whereby people create shared meaning
Through the sending and receiving of messages
Via socially shared codes
Key concepts
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Speaker, message, channel, receiver, feedback,
noise, context
Functions of Communication
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Basic function is to achieve
understanding or shared meaning.
Other functions:
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Inform
Persuade
Entertain
Manage relationships
Goals of Communication
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Clark & Delia’s three biggies:
Identity
 Instrumental
 Interpersonal
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Conversation vs. Public Speaking
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Key Differences
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Public speaking:
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is more highly structured
requires more formal language
requires a different method of delivery
Key Similarities
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Similar goals (inform, persuade, entertain)
Similar skills (logic, tailoring message, storytelling,
adapting to feedback)
Stage Fright
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Be assured that it is completely normal!
Tips:
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Think positively
Be at your best when you have to speak
Concentrate on sending your message rather than
your nervousness
Take a few deep breaths before starting to speak
Pay special attention to your introduction
Make eye contact with audience members
Use well designed/chosen visual aids
Impromptu Speaking
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Impromptu speeches are presented with little or
no preparation.
4 steps to organize your thoughts quickly:
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State the point/question to which you are
responding.
State the point you want to make.
Use whatever support you have (examples, statistics,
or testimony).
Summarize your point.
Suggestions for Impromptus
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Quickly jot down a brief outline.
Try to remain calm and assured.
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Audience members cannot tell how nervous you are.
Making a speech is not a catastrophe.
Maintain strong eye contact with the audience.
Concentrate on speaking at a clear, deliberate
pace.
Use signposts (“first”, “second”, etc. to help the
audience track of your ideas).