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