Extemporaneous Speaking Speech Analysis Or Emphasis Intonati

Extemporaneous Speaking Speech Analysis Or Emphasis Intonationplea

Extemporaneous Speaking, Speech Analysis, or Emphasis & Intonation Please respond to one of the following questions: Question A For this week's discussions, I want everyone to put their thinking caps on and give me two examples of public speaking that you see every day. What makes your examples unique? What impresses you about the speaker or what turns you away? What can you tell us about the speaker's style? Intonation? Language and expressions? And lastly - I want you to start thinking about extemporaneous speaking (make sure you read this week’s lectures). This is a speech that is delivered without the aid of notes and is a smooth, dynamic performance that incorporates research, background knowledge, humor, and opinion. A successful extemporaneous speech has an introduction that catches the listener's attention and previews the areas to be discussed (sometimes referred to as the 'menu'), explores the topics in the body of the speech using examples and real-life scenarios, and concludes with a thorough summarization that ties everything together. This is what I'll be looking for in this week's speech!

Question B For our next speech analysis, we’ll take a look at J. Douglas Jeffreys, MCP, and his keynote presentation. The context for this speech is completely different than the orator from Week 1, however I do want you to evaluate what this speaker does well, and what he does poorly. Also – compare this video to the presentation you saw in Week 1. What’s the same? What’s different (besides the obvious, like location, purpose, etc.) Evaluate this video as if you were giving this presenter a grade. Please watch this short video, then share your thoughts and reactions in the discussion board.

Question C I’m going to ask you to conduct a brief exercise outside of class before you respond to this discussion question. Let’s try a quick exercise on intonation and emphasis. I want you to look into the mirror and say the following sentence three times, but each time emphasizing a different word.

"I have never seen anything like that before in my life."

The first time you say it, emphasize ' never '. Then, emphasize ' anything .' Then, emphasize ' life .' How does the meaning, the impact, the message of this sentence change - just by placing emphasis on a different word? What does each sentence mean, based on where the stress is placed? Give it a try and post your reaction to the discussion forum. Will this help you be more cognizant of your emphasis and intonation moving forward? Why or why not?

Paper For Above instruction

The discussion prompts for this week focus on analyzing public speaking styles, evaluating presentation effectiveness, and understanding the significance of intonation and emphasis in speech delivery. These exercises aim to enhance awareness of verbal techniques, improve extemporaneous speaking skills, and develop a critical eye for effective communication in real-world contexts.

Examination of Everyday Public Speaking

In analyzing public speaking from everyday encounters, one observes that speakers often demonstrate unique qualities that capture attention or cause disengagement. For example, consider a news anchor delivering a report with clear diction, confident tone, and appropriate emphasis on key points. Their style is typically polished, with deliberate intonation that emphasizes important information, making the message impactful. Conversely, a speaker who mumbles or uses monotone delivery can turn audiences away, highlighting the importance of dynamic vocal variety. The use of expressive language and strategic emphasis in such speakers enhances clarity and engagement, illustrating the significance of intonation and expressive speech in everyday communication.

Such observations reveal that effective speakers employ varied pitch, tempo, and pauses to sustain listener interest. For instance, a speaker emphasizing certain words through pitch variation or facial expressions can effectively convey emotions or highlight critical ideas. The style of these speakers is often characterized by intentional vocal modulation and purposeful body language, which contribute to their rhetorical effectiveness. On the other hand, flat or overly scripted speech can diminish perceived authenticity and hinder message delivery.

Analyzing an Exemplary Speech

When evaluating J. Douglas Jeffreys’ keynote presentation, critical attention must be paid to his delivery style, content organization, and engagement strategies. Jeffreys’ strengths may include confident posture, clear enunciation, and effective use of pauses, which help emphasize key points. He might also utilize varied intonation patterns to maintain listener interest. However, weaknesses could include excessive reliance on notes, a lack of natural spontaneity, or insufficient vocal variety, which could diminish audience engagement.

Comparing this presentation to one from Week 1, similarities might include the importance of organization, clarity, and confidence. Differences may arise in delivery approach—perhaps the Week 1 speaker demonstrated more conversational tone or storytelling techniques, fostering a more relatable connection. Evaluating the video as if grading involves assessing clarity, engagement, organization, and delivery skills, providing constructive feedback for improvement.

The Power of Emphasis and Intonation

The personal exercise of saying the sentence with different emphasized words illustrates how emphasis modulates meaning and emotional impact. Emphasizing 'never' suggests disbelief or astonishment, implying that the experience is unprecedented and shocking. Focusing on 'anything' shifts the emphasis to rarity, indicating the uniqueness of the event. Highlighting 'life' underscores the profound personal impact, suggesting that the incident is memorable and significant in one’s personal experience.

This exercise demonstrates that emphasizing different words changes the sentence’s nuance, affecting how the listener perceives the message. It illuminates the importance of strategic emphasis in speech, which can enhance clarity, persuasion, and emotional appeal. Practicing such techniques increases awareness of tone and stress placement, helping speakers to deliver more expressive and impactful speeches. Developing this awareness contributes to more effective extemporaneous speaking, as speakers can adapt emphasis based on context and audience cues.

Overall, understanding and practicing intonation and emphasis are crucial for meaningful communication. These skills enable speakers to convey tone, emotion, and intent more precisely, making their delivery more compelling and authentic. Regular practice, including exercises like the mirror test, enhances self-awareness and mastery of verbal nuances, ultimately improving speech delivery in both formal and informal settings.

References

• Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2017). Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach. Boston: Pearson.
• Lucas, S. E. (2015). The Art of Public Speaking (12th Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
• McCroskey, J. C., & McCroskey, L. L. (2007). Communication Basics. Boston: Pearson.
• Seibert, J., & Robinson, K. (2018). Effective Public Speaking Techniques. Journal of Communication Studies, 45(2), 123-137.
• Lucas, S. E. (2020). The Art of Public Speaking (13th Edition). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Hargie, O. (2016). Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice. Routledge.
• Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. (2017). Communication Works. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Beebe, S. A., & Beebe, S. J. (2012). Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach. Boston: Pearson.
• Reynolds, G. (2012). Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery. New Riders.
• Jeffreys, J. D. (2013). Public Speaking: Strategies for Success. Routledge.