Work With Words |
Although good speech and good writing have much in common, each has a different emphasis. Oral language must be immediately understandable to the ear, since listeners don't have the opportunity to study and reflect on your words as they often do when reading. Oral language is also much less formal than written language and is often repetitious so that listeners will better remember certain points.
If you want your audience to understand and accept you, you must speak informally, the same way they speak. If you use familiar words and concepts, everyone will be more interested, attentive, and receptive to your message.
In order to help your audience understand your speech, you must construct it in an oral style.
Some people believe they impress others when they use long, convoluted words. This does not apply in speaking. The most effective and memorable words to listeners are short - usually one syllable.
Review your speech draft and count the number of syllables in each word. If most words have three, four, five, or more syllables, your audience may have difficulty understanding your message. This doesn't mean every word you use should have one syllable, only that most of your words should.
Following are some multi-syllable words you can easily eliminate from your speeches, along with better, shorter replacement words:
TOO LONG BETTER
abbreviate shorten
accommodate serve
advise tell
component part
currently now
demonstrate show
eliminate cut out
expedite speed, rush
facilitate make easy
generate make, cause
indicate say
inquire ask
numerous many
observe see, watch
originate begin
procure get
require need
subsequent next
terminate end
verification proof
Most likely you have heard speakers use sports terms as they about business or politics, or business words as they talk about art or theater. Avoid specialized words generally found only in certain professions unless you are speaking to people in those professions.
Some words can be considered jargon even though they are not specifically related to any one profession. Following are some of these words and the more acceptable words to use instead:
JARGON BETTER
conceptualize imagine
downsizing laying off
finalize finish
implement begin, use
infrastructure framework
interface talk with
operational working
output results
parameters limits
utilization use
viable workable, possible
Use descriptive, expressive words that paint pictures the audience can see. Descriptive words can convey emotion and action, stirring the audience's imagination and making your message more memorable.
Instead of saying, "Helena picked up the jar and looked at it," try, "Helena picked up the blue porcelain jar and ran her fingers over the smooth surface."
As a speaker, you should strive to say a lot in as few words as possible. Many words are unnecessary or are used as "filler." For example, phrases such as "as you know," "I think," "you may be aware of," "needless to say," "it has been shown that," "to be honest," or "it is widely known that" can be eliminated entirely. Replace trite cliches such as "dog-tried," "bull in a china shop," "tried and true," and "quick as a flash" with more appropriate, descriptive, shorter words or phrases.
Other phrases can be reduced to one or two words," A large number of" can be reduced to "many," "at the present time" can become "now" and "in the event of" can become "if." Do not use two or more words if one word will suffice.
Long, complex sentences are difficult for your audience to follow and understand. By the time listeners hear the last words, they can't remember the first ones, and your point is lost. Short sentences have more power and impact, and audiences will remember them longer. However, a speech made entirely of short sentences can become boring and tedious to hear. Use longer sentences periodically to add variety, but make sure the audience can easily follow them.
In the English language, sentences have a voice. This voice is defined by the verb in the sentence. The verb indicates whether the subject performs the action.
In the active voice, the subject does something, "The club elected Marion president." The active voice clearly states who is doing what. In the passive voice, something is done to the subject. "Marion was elected president by the club."
The active voice uses fewer words, is easier to follow, and sounds more vigorous and interesting. Use the active voice whenever possible in your sentences.
Many literary devices will add power to a speech, attracting the audience's attention and illustrating your message even more. A simile is a comparison that uses the words "like" or "as." "If we deny our children an education, ignorance will grow like a cancer." A metaphor merely implies the comparison. "Ignorance is a cancer that must be cured." In alliteration, the initial sounds in words or in stressed syllables within the words are repeated in a pleasing or memorable manner. "Unnoticed and unused," "hallowed halls," "protect and preserve peace."
Triads are another device. Group ideas, adjectives, and points in threes. Expressed in threes, thoughts have a pleasant rhythm, are dramatic, and become more memorable. For example, the sentence "...we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor" attracts attention and is easy to remember.
As you prepare your speech, avoid words that may evoke a negative emotional response. Some people find vulgarity offensive. Others find terms like "third world" or "disadvantaged people" irritating. Vague appeals to authority ("The experts agree," "My team is unbeatable") also can anger people. Avoid words that are ambiguous or have multiple meanings, too. For example, the word "cheap" can mean inexpensive, affordable, or poorly made. "Liberal" and "conservative" also have no clear meanings - what one person considers conservative, another may not.
For this project select a subject that will allow you to use words as described above. Carefully select your words, making sure they are clear, accurate, colorful, and as short as possible. Pay attention to sentence construction and length. Analyze your words and sentences to be certain they convey your meaning to the audience. Rehearse your speech before your family or another Club member and ask for feedback on the effectiveness and clarity of your message. If necessary, select better word and sentence combinations to communicate your message.
Your
evaluator will expect you to use words and sentences that clearly communicate
your ideas to the audience, paying particular attention to word and sentence
length, use of unnecessary words or jargon, use of descriptive words and active
voice, and use of rhetorical devices. Be sure to organize your talk and
use appropriate body
language and vocal variety as well.