Week 11: Discussion Question 1

I've always been a little confused when deciding what words to use during a speech, my word choices. In papers, and in science classes, we are taught to write in third person. However, this is not the case for speeches. In the videos regarding chapter ten we are instructed on how to engage with our audience with our words. Being audience centered can entail using pronouns such as "you" or "us;" being inclusive. This can be very helpful because this includes everyone and makes the audience feel involved. Other points I learned for chapter ten were to use appropriate language, making it effective and meaningful. This could be by being concise and definitely not using offensive (or questionable) language. One might think these tips are obvious, but I remember a student using a swear word during a speech in my high school speech class. It was quite shocking actually. 

Sometimes I think I don't speak loudly and clear enough. I mentioned a speech impairment of mine in my previous self-evaluation and how I've worked hard for years to minimize it, but it will slip out sometimes, especially if I speak too fast or don't enunciate properly. Like the videos for chapter twelve mentioned, vocal delivery is very crucial. One must speak loudly and at a good pitch for the audience to hear best, as well as not speaking too fast and not too slow. Also, changing the pace of one's words is important as well, but keeping a balance. 

For physical delivery, well, we're all progressing, right? Eye contact is most people's challenge, I think. Besides eye contact, facial expressions must be positive ones. Grinning from ear to ear is excessive, but choosing correct expressions is important. Although, a positive facial expression in a somber, sad event probably wouldn't suit it well. What I'm trying to say is that it all depends on the occasion. Finally, I need to remember to not use body contact if it does not feel appropriate in that moment. I think for my last speech I only took like two steps and didn't use my arms much. Perhaps it wasn't enough physical body movement, but sometimes its ok to not have lots of body movement.