Transcript Foundations
Foundations
What is communication?
A dynamic, ongoing, transactional process
Whereby people create shared meaning
Through the sending and receiving of messages
Via socially shared codes
Key concepts
Speaker, message, channel, receiver, feedback,
noise, context
Functions of Communication
Basic function is to achieve
understanding or shared meaning.
Other functions:
Inform
Persuade
Entertain
Manage relationships
Goals of Communication
Clark & Delia’s three biggies:
Identity
Instrumental
Interpersonal
Conversation vs. Public Speaking
Key Differences
Public speaking:
is more highly structured
requires more formal language
requires a different method of delivery
Key Similarities
Similar goals (inform, persuade, entertain)
Similar skills (logic, tailoring message, storytelling,
adapting to feedback)
Stage Fright
Be assured that it is completely normal!
Tips:
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
Impromptu speeches are presented with little or
no preparation.
4 steps to organize your thoughts quickly:
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
Quickly jot down a brief outline.
Try to remain calm and assured.
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).