Communication—the imparting or exchanging (sending or receiving) of information or news.
Communication Barrier—anything that comes in the way of receiving and understanding messages that one sends to another to convey his ideas, thoughts, or any other kind of information.
Ice Breaker—a thing that serves to relieve inhibitions or tension between people, or start a conversation.
Paradox—a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
Ethics—moral principles that govern a person's behavior.
Intrapersonal Communication—communication with one’s self.
Interpersonal Communication—the exchange of information among people.
Oratory—the art or practice of formal speaking in public.
Symbol—a thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.
Rhetoric—the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.
Logos—appeal to logic.
Ethos—appeal to character.
Pathos—appeal to emotion.
Stereotype—a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
Stereotyping—making a distorted mental image of someone or something on the basis of an oversimplified opinion, a prejudiced attitude, or an unexamined judgment held in common by members of a group.
Credibility—the quality of being trusted and believed in.
Confidence—the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
Phobia—an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something.
Stage Fright—nervousness before or during an appearance before an audience.
Self-esteem—confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect.
Impression—an idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence.
Empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Enthusiasm—intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
Irrational—not logical or reasonable.
Eulogy—a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically someone who has just died.
Assertion—a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
Passive Listening—hearing something or someone without giving it your full attention.
Active Listening—to listen attentively to a speaker, understand what they’re saying, respond and reflect on what’s being said, and retain the information for later.
Paraphrase—express the meaning of (the writer or speaker or something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity.
Summarize—give a brief statement of the main points of (something).
Sympathy—feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
Etiquette—the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.
Brash—self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way.
Manipulating—control or influence (a person or situation) cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously.
Verbatim—in exactly the same words as were used originally, word for word.
Slang—a type of language that consists of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, are more common in speech than writing, and are typically restricted to a particular context or group of people.
Perception—how one sees things.
Conviction—a strong belief in one’s message and a determination to convey that message to one’s audience
Propaganda—ideas, facts, or allegations spread to further or oppose a cause—often distorting the truth or deceiving an audience in the process.
Nonverbal Communication—facial expressions or body movements used to express attitudes or moods about a person, situation, or idea.
Criticism—an evaluation or judgment (often negative).
Interviewer—the person who asks the questions in an interview.
Introduction—the beginning of a speech, containing the attention getter, the link statement, the thesis statement, and frequently a preview statement.
Sender—a person who transmits a message.
Message—that which is sent or said.
Receiver—a person who intercepts a message and then decodes it.
Feedback—a reaction that a receiver gives to a message offered by a sender.
Oral (Verbal) Communication—communication that is primarily spoken.
Cliché—a trite or hackneyed phrase (unoriginal and overused phrase).
Metaphor—a direct comparison; a figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
Simile—a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using “like” or “as.”
Pantomime—conveyance of a story by bodily or facial movements especially in drama or dance—https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pantomime
Impromptu—done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed.
What are the parts of a speech? LINK: Parts of a Speech
Organizing speeches serves two important functions. First, organization helps improve clarity of thought in a systematic way. Second, organization increases the likelihood that the speech will be effective
Audiences are unlikely to understand disorganized speeches and even less likely to think that disorganized speakers are reliable or credible. Speeches are organized into three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.
The introduction of the speech establishes the first, crucial contact between the speaker and the audience. For most classroom speeches, the introduction should last less than a minute. The introduction needs to accomplish three things:
Focus your audience's attention. Speakers must have an “attention grabber” to interest the audience—a joke, astonishing fact, or anecdote. (Rhetorical questions like “Haven’t you ever wondered how…” are notoriously ineffective.) The introduction is the place where the main claim or idea should be stated very clearly to give the audience a sense of the purpose of the speech. Speakers need to orient the audience and make connections between what they know or are already interested in and the speech topic.
Establish goodwill and credibility. Many people believe the most important part of persuasion was ethos, or the character the speaker exhibited to the audience. The audience needs to see the speaker as someone to listen to attentively and sympathetically. Ethos is generated by both delivery style and content of the speech. Making eye contact with the audience and displaying confidence in voice and body are two important ways to establish ethos. In addition, if you express ideas that are original and intelligent, you will show what “intellectual character.” Audiences pay attention to habits of thought that are interesting and worth listening to.
Give a preview. Mentioning the main points to be covered in the body prepares the audience to listen for them. Repetition is an important aspect of public speaking, for listening is an imperfect art, and audience members nearly always tune out in parts--sometimes to think about previous parts of the speech, sometimes for other reasons. The preview should end with a transition, a brief phrase or a pause to signal to the audience that the speech is moving out of the introduction and into the body.
The body follows and is itself structured by a mode of organization, a logical or culturally specific pattern of thinking about ideas, events, objects, and processes. Having a mode of organization means grouping similar material together and linking the component parts together with transitions. Good transitions show the relation between parts of a speech. They display the logic of the speech. Common transition phrases include: in addition to, furthermore, even more, next, after that, then, as a result, beyond that, in contrast, however, and on the other hand. One special type of transition is called the internal summary, a brief restatement of the main point being completed.
Body
In the body, the fewer the main points the better. For short classroom speeches, under 10 minutes, speeches should not have more than three main points. For longer speeches, more than five main points ensures that audiences will have trouble following and remembering the speech. In the speech, main points should be clearly stated and "signposted," marked off as distinct and important to the audience. Transitions often serve to signpost new points, as do pauses before an important idea. Additionally, speakers might number main points—first, second, third or first, next, finally. Always make it easy for the audience to recognize and follow key ideas.
There are several common modes of organizing the information in the body of your speech:
Temporal organization groups information according to when it happened or will happen. Types of temporal patterns include chronological (in the sequence it occurred) and reverse chronological (from ending back to start). Inquiry order is one special mode of temporal organization useful in presenting some kinds of research: here you organize the body in accord with the unfolding processes of thinking and gathering data, taking the audience from the initial curiosity and questions to final results.
Cause-effect is a related mode of organization, showing how one event brings about another. Cause-effect, like other temporal modes, may be used for past, present, or future events and processes. Cause-effect can also be reversed, from effect back to cause.
Spatial patterns group and organize your speech based on physical arrangement of its parts. If a speech is describing a place, a physical object, or a process of movement--downtown Mercer, a plant cell, or the Battle of Shiloh--spatial patterns can be useful.
Topical designs are appropriate when the subject matter has clear categories of division. Government in the United States, for instance, falls into federal, state, and local categories; or into executive, legislative, and judicial branches; into elected and appointed officials. Categories like these can help divide the subject matter to organize the main points.
Compare/contrast takes two or more entities and draws attention to their differences and/or similarities. Sometimes speakers explain a difficult subject by comparing it with an easier, more accessible one--to explain nuclear fusion with the stages of high school romance, for instance. The use of analogies often assists in audience understanding.
Following a transition from the body of the speech, the conclusion follows. The conclusion should be somewhat shorter than the introduction and accomplishes two purposes: summarize main ideas and give the speech a sense of closure and completion. Good conclusions might refer back to the introduction, offer an analogy or metaphor that captures the main idea, or leave the audience with a question or a challenge of some type. Brief quotations can also make effective conclusions (just as they can make effective openings for introductions).
Source: University of Pittsburgh
Group 1: Communication Fundamentals
Communication: The process of sending and receiving messages.
Intrapersonal Communication: Communication with oneself, like self-reflection or internal dialogue.
Interpersonal Communication: Communication between two or more people.
Communication Barrier: An obstacle that impedes effective communication.
Nonverbal Communication: Expressing messages without words, using body language, gestures, or facial expressions.
Nonverbal Message: A type of communication that involves facial expressions, body movements, or other visual cues.
Sender: The person who transmits a message.
Receiver: The person who receives and interprets a message.
Encoding: The process of converting thoughts into communicable messages.
Decoding: The process of interpreting and understanding the message received.
Group 2: Feedback and Active Listening
Feedback: The response or reaction of the receiver to the message.
Message: The content or information being communicated.
Active Listening: Fully concentrating on and responding to the speaker.
Paraphrase: Rewording a message to show understanding.
Summarize: Providing a brief overview of the main points of a message.
Filter: Adjusting or modifying the message based on personal biases or perceptions.
Clarification: Asking questions or providing additional details to ensure understanding.
Reflection: Mirroring the speaker’s emotions or thoughts to confirm understanding.
Message Framing: The way a message is presented to influence perception and understanding.
Analytical Listening: Examining a speaker’s message for its logical coherence and evidence.
Group 3: Public Speaking and Rhetoric
Oratory: The art of formal public speaking.
Rhetoric: The study and practice of effective speaking and writing to persuade or inform.
Orator: A person skilled in public speaking.
Logos: Logical appeal or reason used in arguments.
Ethos: The credibility or ethical appeal of the speaker.
Pathos: Emotional appeal used to persuade the audience.
Symbol: An object or sign that represents a concept or idea.
Persuasion: The act of convincing others to change their beliefs or behaviors.
Hyperbole: Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Irony: The use of language that normally signifies the opposite, often for humorous or emphatic effect.
Group 4: Rhetorical Devices and Persuasion
Metaphor: A figure of speech comparing two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
Simile: A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using "like" or "as."
Allusion: A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or idea.
Repetition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis or clarity.
Dedication: Commitment to a cause or message.
Enthusiasm: Eagerness and excitement about a topic.
Conviction: A strong belief in one’s message.
Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
Euphemism: A mild or less direct word or expression used in place of a more harsh or blunt one.
Antithesis: The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.
Group 5: Speech Content and Structure
Content: The substance or material of a speech or message.
Organization: The arrangement or structure of a speech or message.
Notes: Written reminders or points to aid in delivering a speech.
Quotation: Repeating someone else’s exact words in a speech.
Portfolio: A collection of work or evidence showcasing skills and experiences.
Sound Bite: A short, memorable statement or phrase, often used in media.
Rapport: A positive and trusting relationship between the speaker and audience.
Thesis Statement: A sentence that expresses the main idea or argument of a speech or essay.
Transition: Words or phrases that help connect different parts of a speech or message.
Conclusion: The final part of a speech that summarizes the main points and provides a closing thought.
Group 6: Listening Styles and Strategies
Appreciative Listening: Listening to enjoy or appreciate the content, such as in music or storytelling.
Discriminative Listening: Identifying and understanding the differences in sounds and messages.
Group 6: Listening Styles and Strategies (continued)
Empathetic Listening: Understanding and sharing the feelings of the speaker.
Critical Listening: Evaluating and analyzing the message for its value and truthfulness.
Passive Listening: Listening without actively engaging or responding.
Testimonial: A statement from someone endorsing or supporting a message.
Impression: The effect or influence created on the audience.
Evaluative Listening: Judging the credibility and value of the message or speaker.
Reflective Listening: Repeating or paraphrasing the speaker’s message to confirm understanding.
Analytical Listening: Examining a speaker’s message for its logical coherence and evidence.
Group 7: Emotional and Psychological Factors
Credibility: The trustworthiness or reliability of the speaker.
Confidence: Belief in one’s ability to deliver a message effectively.
Self-esteem: One’s sense of self-worth or personal value.
Performance Anxiety: Nervousness or fear experienced before or during a presentation.
Stage Fright: The fear or anxiety of speaking in front of an audience.
Fear: An emotional response to a perceived threat or danger.
Phobia: An irrational and intense fear of something specific.
Self-Perception: How one views their own abilities and qualities, affecting communication confidence.
Mesmerized: Being completely captivated or absorbed by something.
Irrational: Not based on reason or logic.
Group 8: Analysis and Criticism
Criticism: The analysis and judgment of a message, often pointing out flaws.
False Comparison: Comparing two things that are not alike in a way that misleads.
Stack the Deck: Manipulating information to make a case appear stronger than it is.
Name Calling: Using derogatory or negative terms to discredit someone.
Comparative: Evaluating or comparing two or more things.
Disintegration: The process of breaking down or falling apart, often used metaphorically.
Rhetorical: Relating to the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
Bias: A preference or inclination that affects judgment and communication.
Fallacy: A flaw in reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument.
Hasty Generalization: Drawing a conclusion based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence.
Group 9: Language and Communication Styles
Slang: Informal language or expressions used by a specific group.
Stereotyping: Creating an oversimplified or distorted image of a group or individual.
Synonymous: Words or phrases that have similar meanings.
Innovation: Introducing new ideas or methods.
Allegory: A story or narrative that uses symbolic figures and actions to convey a deeper meaning.
Prioritizing: Arranging or dealing with tasks or issues in order of importance.
Excursion: A short journey or trip, often used metaphorically for a brief digression.
Dialect: A particular form of a language specific to a region or social group.
Jargon: Specialized language used by a particular profession or group.
Register: The level of formality or style of language used in a particular context.
Group 10: Social and Interpersonal Dynamics
Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Common Ground: Shared interests or beliefs that help connect people.
Reciprocal: Mutual exchange or return of favors or actions.
Vulnerable: Being open to emotional harm or criticism.
Intimacy: Close and personal interaction or connection.
Courtesy: Polite and respectful behavior in communication.
Tact: Sensitivity in dealing with others to avoid offense.
Negotiation: The process of discussing and reaching an agreement.
Assertiveness: The ability to express one's opinions and needs confidently and respectfully.
Conflict Resolution: Strategies and techniques for resolving disagreements and conflicts.
Group 11: Additional Concepts and Terms
Diverse: Including a variety of different elements or perspectives.
Distal: Far away or distant, used in communication to describe something remote.
Proximal: Near or close, used in communication to describe something nearby.
Timbre: The unique quality or tone of a speaker’s voice.
Suppress: To hold back or prevent something from being expressed.
Anthropologist: A person who studies human cultures, which can inform understanding of communication styles.
Utopia: An ideal or perfect society, often used metaphorically in discussions of ideal communication.
Interviewer: The person who asks questions and conducts an interview.
Implicit Communication: Unspoken or indirect communication that is understood through context and nonverbal cues.
Explicit Communication: Direct and clear communication with no room for misunderstanding.