Occasions for Public Speaking
Influence of the Occasion
Specific speeches for specific occasions
Constraints created by occasions
Constraints not absolute
The Rhetorical Situation
A public speech occurs in response to a specific situation
A situation is a particular context in which a speech takes place
Rhetoric is the study of how messages affect people
The Rhetorical Situation
A situation in which people’s understanding can be changed through messages
The Audience Speeches are presented to specific audiences. The
reactions of audience members help to create/define the rhetorical situation.
Most speakers attempt to achieve identification with the audience.
Sometimes, a speaker may deliberately avoid identification with an audience to prove a point.
It is important for a speaker to know his/her audience prior to delivering a speech, as well as to gauge feedback during.
The Occasion The occasion will often dictate what type of speech
is delivered
Some speeches are ceremonial, while others are deliberative.
Audience’s expectations about appropriate behavior
The occasion provides a speaker with exigence
The Speaker The same speech delivered by different speakers will
have drastically different effects
Image, role, credibility (ethos), experience, talent, etc.
3 most general purposes of speeches:
Informing
Persuading
Entertaining
What is a good speech?
Constraints & Opportunities
Speakers face certain constraints when speaking, but also have opportunities to redefine rhetorical situations.
Case Study
Decorum “A decorous speech is one that conforms to
the expectations of a particular occasion.”
Formality
Length
Intensity
Decorum Supporting material
Identification
Identify your purpose
Deliberative Speaking
Prevalent with any formal or informal decision-making group – “What shall we do?”
Answer not self evident, but a decision is required
Involves informing and persuading
Deliberative Speaking
Community Service
Oral reports & presentations
Group presentations
Public hearings & debates
Ceremonial Speaking
Also known as epideictic speaking
Focus on values and bringing people together
Impact of resonance
Articulating unexpressed feelings
Ceremonial Speaking
Speeches of greeting
Introductions
Speeches of tribute
Testimonials, eulogies, toasts, roasts
Speeches marking awards
Presentation, acceptance
Case Study
Deliberative/Ceremonial
Keynote
After-dinner
Commencement