Glossary

Last updated
Save as PDF

Page ID: 130904

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

Example and Directions
Words (or words that have the same definition)	The definition is case sensitive	(Optional) Image to display with the definition [Not displayed in Glossary, only in pop-up on pages]	(Optional) Caption for Image	(Optional) External or Internal Link	(Optional) Source for Definition
(Eg. "Genetic, Hereditary, DNA ...")	(Eg. "Relating to genes or heredity")		The infamous double helix	https://bio.libretexts.org/	CC-BY-SA; Delmar Larsen

Glossary Entries
Word(s)	Definition	Image	Caption	Link	Source
abstract	A term that is imprecise, leaving the meaning open to interpretation.
Academic books	Books that are primarily written for other academics for informational and research purposes.
action step	Fifth step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker asks for an audience to approve the speaker’s proposal.
Action-oriented listeners	Listening focused on what is expected of the listener. The action-oriented listener is less interested in the underlying rationale than in learning what action to take.
additions	Common articulation problem in which a speaker adds consonants or vowels to words.
Advice	A speaker’s opinion about what should or should not be done.
aesthetics	The beauty or good taste of a presentation aid.
After-dinner speaking	Speech that is informative or persuasive but also designed to elicit laughter from one’s audience.
alliteration	The repeating of two or more words in a series with the same consonant.
analysis	Step in the oral presentation of support process in which the speaker explains to the audience how they should interpret the support provided.
anecdote	A brief account or story of an interesting or humorous event.
appeal for action	When a speaker asks her or his audience to engage in a specific behavior or change in thinking.
argot	Specialized vocabulary or jargon of a particular profession or social group.
argument	A set of logical premises leading to a clear conclusion.
Assonance	Form of rhyming pattern where the same vowel sounds are used with different consonants in the stressed syllables.
Assumptions	Assumptions are inferences we form in the absence of factual information. Some assumptions turn out to be accurate, but many are incomplete or just plain wrong.
attention span	The length of time a listener can maintain focused attention to a message.
attention step	First step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker attempts to get his or her audience’s attention.
attention-getter	The device a speaker uses at the beginning of a speech to capture an audience’s interest and make them interested in the speech’s topic.
attitude	An individual’s general predisposition toward something as being good or bad, right or wrong, negative or positive, and so on.
Audience analysis	The process of gathering certain kinds of information about the people in your audience and using that information to understand the beliefs, values, needs, attitudes, and opinions they hold.
Audience anxiety	The communication apprehension prompted by specific types of audiences.
audience-centered	The emphasis of a speaker on the importance of the audience’s characteristics and needs.
authoritative sources	Sources that use factually verifiable observations and data to provide rigorous conclusions that will not collapse under scrutiny.
backtracking	The process where a researcher uses a printed bibliography or reference page to find other useful research materials and then finds those cited materials and reads them for herself or himself.
best example	Form of example used to explain the best way someone should behave within a specific context.
Bias	A predisposition or preconception of a topic that prevents impartiality.
biographical speech pattern	Speech format generally used when a speaker wants to describe a person’s life.
Captive audiences	An audience that perceives little or no choice about attendance.
Caring/goodwill	The degree to which an audience member believes that a speaker has the audience member’s best interests at heart.
categorical/topical speech pattern	Speech format in which a speaker organizes the information into categories, which helps an audience understand a single topic.
causal speech pattern	Speech format that is built upon two main points: cause and effect.
Ceremonial speeches	Speeches given during a ceremony or a ritual marked by observance of formality or etiquette.
challenge	Call to engage in some kind of activity that requires a contest or special effort.
chart	A graphical representation of data (often numerical) or a sketch representing an ordered process.
chronological order	Time order; the order in which events take place.
chronological speech pattern	Speech format in which a speaker presents information in the order in which it occurred in time—whether backward or forward.
chunking	The process of taking smaller chunks of information and putting them together with like chunks to create more fully developed, larger chunks of information.
claim	A statement that warrants the support of facts from authoritative sources.
clarify	To make clear so that the audience understands your meanings the way you intend.
clarity	The use of language to make sure a speaker’s ideas are understood by an audience, mirroring a speaker’s intent.
Cognitive dissonance	An aversive motivational state that occurs when an individual entertains two or more contradictory attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors simultaneously.
cognitive restructuring	A technique of deliberately replacing negative cognitions with positive ones.
comic timing	The verbal and nonverbal delivery that someone uses to enhance the comedic value of a message.
common sense	Common sense in listening is an approach to considering the ideas in a speech. If the ideas seem to be consistent with each other and with daily reality, they might have merit. However, common sense in public speaking is not a substitute for factual evidence.
communication apprehension	The fear or anxiety associated with either real or perceived communication with another person or persons.
comparison/contrast speech pattern	Speech format in which a speaker selects two objects or ideas and demonstrates how they are similar or how they are different.
Competence	The degree to which an audience member perceives a speaker as being knowledgeable or expert on a given topic.
concluding device	The device a speaker uses at the end of a speech to ensure that the audience is left with a mental picture predetermined by the speaker.
conclusion	Part of an argument represented that can be clearly or logically drawn from the provided premises.
concrete	Language that helps an audience see specific realities or actual instances instead of abstract theories and ideas.
Connotative meaning	An individual’s perception suggested by or associated with a word.
Content-oriented listeners	Listening focused on the information and meanings in the message. This listener gives less attention to the speaker than to the message, its meanings, and its credibility.
Context anxiety	The anxiety prompted by specific communication contexts such as group discussions, interpersonal interactions, or public speaking.
controversial topics	Topics surrounded by diverse and deeply felt feelings and opinions.
Conversational style	A speaker’s ability to sound expressive and be perceived by the audience as natural.
Conversational style	A speaker’s ability to sound expressive and be perceived by the audience as natural.
credibility	The perception that the speaker is honest, knowledgeable, and rightly motivated.
credibility	The perception that the speaker is honest, knowledgeable, and rightly motivated.
credo	A formal statement of core beliefs and principles.
credo	A formal statement of core beliefs and principles.
Critical listening	The process of examining claims made in a speech in order to assess their relevance and credibility.
Critical listening	The process of examining claims made in a speech in order to assess their relevance and credibility.
decoding	Sensing a source’s message (through the five senses), interpreting the source’s message, and evaluating the source’s message.
decoding	Sensing a source’s message (through the five senses), interpreting the source’s message, and evaluating the source’s message.
Deep breathing	A relaxation technique that involves expanding the diaphragm to increase air flow.
Deep breathing	A relaxation technique that involves expanding the diaphragm to increase air flow.
Definitional claims	Persuasive claim about the denotation or classification of what something is.
Definitional claims	Persuasive claim about the denotation or classification of what something is.
demographic information	Information about the audience’s gender, age range, marital status, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other variables that can influence their frame of reference.
demographic information	Information about the audience’s gender, age range, marital status, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other variables that can influence their frame of reference.
Denotative meaning	The common agreed-upon meaning of a word that is often found in dictionaries.
Denotative meaning	The common agreed-upon meaning of a word that is often found in dictionaries.
Diagrams	Drawing that outlines and explains the parts of an object, process, or phenomenon that cannot be readily seen.
Diagrams	Drawing that outlines and explains the parts of an object, process, or phenomenon that cannot be readily seen.
dialogic theory	Theory of public speaking that views public speaking as a dialogue between the speaker and her or his audience.
dialogic theory	Theory of public speaking that views public speaking as a dialogue between the speaker and her or his audience.
Direct quotations	Repeating the exact wording of another speaker or writer within a speech.
Direct quotations	Repeating the exact wording of another speaker or writer within a speech.
Dispositional beliefs	Beliefs that people have not actively engaged in; judgments based on related subjects, which people make when they encounter a proposition.
Dispositional beliefs	Beliefs that people have not actively engaged in; judgments based on related subjects, which people make when they encounter a proposition.
Dispositional beliefs	Beliefs that people have not actively engaged in; judgments based on related subjects, which people make when they encounter a proposition.
Dispositional beliefs	Beliefs that people have not actively engaged in; judgments based on related subjects, which people make when they encounter a proposition.
Distortion	Purposefully twisting information in a way that detracts from its original meaning.
Distortion	Purposefully twisting information in a way that detracts from its original meaning.
distractions	Internal or external factors that interfere with a listener’s ability to give full attention to a message.
distractions	Internal or external factors that interfere with a listener’s ability to give full attention to a message.
economy	The use of only those words necessary to accurately express your idea.
economy	The use of only those words necessary to accurately express your idea.
elitism	The practice of thinking the best of those with the highest status and prestige and treating them preferentially.
elitism	The practice of thinking the best of those with the highest status and prestige and treating them preferentially.
emphasis	To impress the importance or to repeat the verbal message in visual form.
emphasis	To impress the importance or to repeat the verbal message in visual form.
Encoding	The process a source goes through when creating a message, adapting it to the receiver, and transmitting it across some source-selected channel.
Encoding	The process a source goes through when creating a message, adapting it to the receiver, and transmitting it across some source-selected channel.
Encyclopedias	Information sources that provide short, very general information about a topic.
Encyclopedias	Information sources that provide short, very general information about a topic.
ends	The outcomes that one desires to achieve.
ends	The outcomes that one desires to achieve.
Entertaining narratives	Type of narrative designed purely to delight an audience and transport them from their daily concerns.
Entertaining narratives	Type of narrative designed purely to delight an audience and transport them from their daily concerns.
Entertaining speaking	Speech designed to captivate an audience’s attention and regale or amuse them while delivering a clear message.
Entertaining speaking	Speech designed to captivate an audience’s attention and regale or amuse them while delivering a clear message.
entertaining speech	Speech designed to captivate an audience’s attention and regale or amuse them while delivering a clear message.
entertaining speech	Speech designed to captivate an audience’s attention and regale or amuse them while delivering a clear message.
Ethical listening	Courteous attention to a speaker and thoughtful consideration of the message.
Ethical listening	Courteous attention to a speaker and thoughtful consideration of the message.
Ethnic identity	A group an individual identifies with based on a common culture that is real or assumed.
Ethnic identity	A group an individual identifies with based on a common culture that is real or assumed.
eulogy	Speech given in honor of someone who has died.
eulogy	Speech given in honor of someone who has died.
evaluating	The listener’s process of judging the value of a message or a speaker.
evaluating	The listener’s process of judging the value of a message or a speaker.
evidence	Information from an expert source, which is relevant to a main point.
evidence	Information from an expert source, which is relevant to a main point.
execution	Step in the oral presentation of support process in which the speaker delivers a quotation, paraphrase, or summary; provides numerical support; or shows pictographic support.
execution	Step in the oral presentation of support process in which the speaker delivers a quotation, paraphrase, or summary; provides numerical support; or shows pictographic support.
expert testimony	Account relating the attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors of someone who is recognized as an expert on a given topic.
expert testimony	Account relating the attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors of someone who is recognized as an expert on a given topic.
expertise	Knowledge in or about a particular field or domains of demonstrable skills.
expertise	Knowledge in or about a particular field or domains of demonstrable skills.
Extemporaneous speaking	The presentation of a carefully planned and rehearsed speech using brief notes, spoken in a conversational manner.
Extemporaneous speaking	The presentation of a carefully planned and rehearsed speech using brief notes, spoken in a conversational manner.
Eye contact	A speaker’s ability to have visual contact with everyone in his or her audience.
Eye contact	A speaker’s ability to have visual contact with everyone in his or her audience.
Eyewitness testimony	Account given by someone who has direct contact with the phenomenon of your speech topic.
Eyewitness testimony	Account given by someone who has direct contact with the phenomenon of your speech topic.
fact	A truth that is arrived at through the scientific process.
fact	A truth that is arrived at through the scientific process.
Factual claims	Persuasive claim arguing the truth or falsity of an assertion.
Factual claims	Persuasive claim arguing the truth or falsity of an assertion.
feedback	A receiver’s observable verbal and nonverbal responses to a source’s message.
feedback	A receiver’s observable verbal and nonverbal responses to a source’s message.
Figurative analogies	Comparison between two ideas or objects from two different classes.
Figurative analogies	Comparison between two ideas or objects from two different classes.
finding aid	A tool that will help you find lists of possible topics.
finding aid	A tool that will help you find lists of possible topics.
focus group	A group of three to eight people who meet together to respond to questions asked by the researcher. A focus group is usually an anonymous group and their responses can be freewheeling. With permission, their discussion can be recorded.
focus group	A group of three to eight people who meet together to respond to questions asked by the researcher. A focus group is usually an anonymous group and their responses can be freewheeling. With permission, their discussion can be recorded.
frame of reference	An individual’s unique set of perspectives, experience, knowledge, and values.
frame of reference	An individual’s unique set of perspectives, experience, knowledge, and values.
free speech	The right to express information, ideas, and opinions free of government restrictions based on content and subject only to reasonable limitations.
free speech	The right to express information, ideas, and opinions free of government restrictions based on content and subject only to reasonable limitations.
general purpose	The broad goal that someone has for creating and delivering a speech.
general purpose	The broad goal that someone has for creating and delivering a speech.
general-interest periodicals	Magazines and newsletters that are published on a fairly systematic basis that appeal to a broad range of readers (e.g., The New Yorker, People, Reader’s Digest, Parade, and The Saturday Evening Post).
general-interest periodicals	Magazines and newsletters that are published on a fairly systematic basis that appeal to a broad range of readers (e.g., The New Yorker, People, Reader’s Digest, Parade, and The Saturday Evening Post).
Generalizability	Surveying a small sample with the intent of it representing a larger population.
Generalizability	Surveying a small sample with the intent of it representing a larger population.
graph	A pictorial representation of the relationships of quantitative data using dots, lines, bars, pie slices, and the like.
graph	A pictorial representation of the relationships of quantitative data using dots, lines, bars, pie slices, and the like.
Hearing	An accidental and automatic brain response to sound.
Hearing	An accidental and automatic brain response to sound.
hero speech	Type of motivational speech given by someone who is considered a hero in society (e.g., military leader, political figure, professional athlete).
hero speech	Type of motivational speech given by someone who is considered a hero in society (e.g., military leader, political figure, professional athlete).
Heterosexism	The presumption that everyone in an audience is heterosexual or that opposite-sex relationships are the only norm.
Heterosexism	The presumption that everyone in an audience is heterosexual or that opposite-sex relationships are the only norm.
idiom	A word or phrase where the meaning cannot be predicted from normal, dictionary definitions.
idiom	A word or phrase where the meaning cannot be predicted from normal, dictionary definitions.
Imagery	The use of language to represent objects, actions, or ideas.
Imagery	The use of language to represent objects, actions, or ideas.
immediate call to action	When a speaker asks the audience to engage in a specific behavior immediately following the conclusion of a speech.
immediate call to action	When a speaker asks the audience to engage in a specific behavior immediately following the conclusion of a speech.
Impromptu speaking	The presentation of a short message without advance preparation.
Impromptu speaking	The presentation of a short message without advance preparation.
Inclusive language	Language that avoids placing any one group of people above or below other groups while speaking.
Inclusive language	Language that avoids placing any one group of people above or below other groups while speaking.
inflections	Changes in the pitch of a speaker’s voice.
inflections	Changes in the pitch of a speaker’s voice.
inform	A general purpose designed to help audience members acquire information that they currently do not possess.
inform	A general purpose designed to help audience members acquire information that they currently do not possess.
informative narratives	Type of narrative used to provide information or explanations about a speaker’s topic.
informative narratives	Type of narrative used to provide information or explanations about a speaker’s topic.
informative speaking	Speaking with the purpose of sharing knowledge or information with an audience.
informative speaking	Speaking with the purpose of sharing knowledge or information with an audience.
inspirational speech	Speech designed to elicit or arouse an emotional state within an audience.
inspirational speech	Speech designed to elicit or arouse an emotional state within an audience.
inspire	To affect or arouse someone.
inspire	To affect or arouse someone.
intent	The degree to which an individual is cognitively aware of her or his behavior, the means one uses, and the ends one achieves.
intent	The degree to which an individual is cognitively aware of her or his behavior, the means one uses, and the ends one achieves.
interlibrary loan	The process where librarians are able to search other libraries in an attempt to see if they possess the book a researcher is trying to find and then have the external library loan the book to the researcher’s library.
interlibrary loan	The process where librarians are able to search other libraries in an attempt to see if they possess the book a researcher is trying to find and then have the external library loan the book to the researcher’s library.
Internal justification	The process of reducing cognitive dissonance by voluntarily changing a behavior, belief, or attitude.
Internal justification	The process of reducing cognitive dissonance by voluntarily changing a behavior, belief, or attitude.
internal preview	A phrase or sentence that gives an audience an idea of what is to come within a section of a speech.
internal preview	A phrase or sentence that gives an audience an idea of what is to come within a section of a speech.
internal summary	A phrase or sentence that reaffirms to an audience the information that was just delivered within the speech.
internal summary	A phrase or sentence that reaffirms to an audience the information that was just delivered within the speech.
Isometric exercises	A form of exercise in which you systematically tense and then relax certain muscle groups.
Isometric exercises	A form of exercise in which you systematically tense and then relax certain muscle groups.
Jargon	Language that is commonly used by a highly specialized group, trade, or profession.
Jargon	Language that is commonly used by a highly specialized group, trade, or profession.
Knowledge sharing	The process an individual goes through when information, skills, or expertise is delivered in some form to other person’s who could benefit from having that information, those skills, or the expertise.
Knowledge sharing	The process an individual goes through when information, skills, or expertise is delivered in some form to other person’s who could benefit from having that information, those skills, or the expertise.
Language	Any formal system of gestures, signs, sounds, or symbols, used or conceived as a means of communicating thought.
Language	Any formal system of gestures, signs, sounds, or symbols, used or conceived as a means of communicating thought.
latitude of acceptance	Range of acceptable behaviors or thoughts individuals will accept as discussed by Muzafer Sherif and Carl Hovland’s (1961) social judgment theories.
latitude of acceptance	Range of acceptable behaviors or thoughts individuals will accept as discussed by Muzafer Sherif and Carl Hovland’s (1961) social judgment theories.
lectern	A small raised surface, usually with a slanted top, where a speaker can place his or her notes during a speech.
lectern	A small raised surface, usually with a slanted top, where a speaker can place his or her notes during a speech.
lexical definition	“Dictionary” definition that specifically states how a word is used within a specific language.
lexical definition	“Dictionary” definition that specifically states how a word is used within a specific language.
Listening	Focused, concentrated attention for the purpose of understanding the meanings expressed by a speaker.
Listening	Focused, concentrated attention for the purpose of understanding the meanings expressed by a speaker.
Listening or receiver apprehension	The listener’s anxiety about his or her ability to understand the information, concepts, or vocabulary in a message.
Listening or receiver apprehension	The listener’s anxiety about his or her ability to understand the information, concepts, or vocabulary in a message.
listening style	The preferred focus of a listener’s attention in a given situation. An effective listener is able to adapt his or her listening style to the context.
listening style	The preferred focus of a listener’s attention in a given situation. An effective listener is able to adapt his or her listening style to the context.
Literal analogies	Comparison between two objects or ideas that clearly belong to the same class.
Literal analogies	Comparison between two objects or ideas that clearly belong to the same class.
logical integrity	A characteristic of reasoning in which each claim is carefully supported by an orderly sequence of the right kind of evidence and by the right amount of evidence.
logical integrity	A characteristic of reasoning in which each claim is carefully supported by an orderly sequence of the right kind of evidence and by the right amount of evidence.
Main points	The series of key ideas that you develop to help your audience understand your specific purpose.
Main points	The series of key ideas that you develop to help your audience understand your specific purpose.
Manipulative persuasion	Occurs when a speaker urges listeners to engage in a specific behavior or change a point of view by misleading them, often to fulfill an ulterior motive beyond the face value of the persuasive attempt.
Manipulative persuasion	Occurs when a speaker urges listeners to engage in a specific behavior or change a point of view by misleading them, often to fulfill an ulterior motive beyond the face value of the persuasive attempt.
Manuscript speaking	The word-for-word iteration of a written message.
Manuscript speaking	The word-for-word iteration of a written message.
means	The tools or behaviors that one employs to achieve a desired outcome.
means	The tools or behaviors that one employs to achieve a desired outcome.
Memorized speaking	The rote recitation of a memorized written message.
Memorized speaking	The rote recitation of a memorized written message.
message	Any verbal or nonverbal stimulus that is meaningful to a receiver.
message	Any verbal or nonverbal stimulus that is meaningful to a receiver.
message	Any verbal or nonverbal stimulus that is meaningful to a receiver.
message	Any verbal or nonverbal stimulus that is meaningful to a receiver.
metaphor	Figure of speech where a term or phrase is applied to something in a nonliteral way to suggest a resemblance.
metaphor	Figure of speech where a term or phrase is applied to something in a nonliteral way to suggest a resemblance.
MLA style	Form of style agreed upon by the Modern Language Association and is commonly used by scholars in the humanities.
MLA style	Form of style agreed upon by the Modern Language Association and is commonly used by scholars in the humanities.
Models	A three-dimensional re-creation of a physical object.
Models	A three-dimensional re-creation of a physical object.
monotone	The vocal quality of staying at a constant pitch level without inflections.
monotone	The vocal quality of staying at a constant pitch level without inflections.
motivational speech	Speech designed not only to make an audience experience an emotional arousal (fear, sadness, joy, excitement) but also to motivate the audience to do something with that arousal.
motivational speech	Speech designed not only to make an audience experience an emotional arousal (fear, sadness, joy, excitement) but also to motivate the audience to do something with that arousal.
multiple identities	In communication studies, the idea that everyone has identities connected to family, religion, occupation, cultural origin, gender, and other characteristics.
multiple identities	In communication studies, the idea that everyone has identities connected to family, religion, occupation, cultural origin, gender, and other characteristics.
narratives	An illustrative story or extended example with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
narratives	An illustrative story or extended example with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Need for cognition	A personality trait characterized by an internal drive or need to engage in critical thinking and information processing.
Need for cognition	A personality trait characterized by an internal drive or need to engage in critical thinking and information processing.
need step	Second step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker establishes that there is a specific need or problem.
need step	Second step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker establishes that there is a specific need or problem.
needs analysis	A set of activities designed to determine your audience’s needs, wants, wishes, and desires.
needs analysis	A set of activities designed to determine your audience’s needs, wants, wishes, and desires.
Negative examples	Form of example used to illustrate how people should not behave.
Negative examples	Form of example used to illustrate how people should not behave.
negative self-talk	A habit of thinking in negative terms about your skills and abilities.
negative self-talk	A habit of thinking in negative terms about your skills and abilities.
noise	Any internal or environmental factor that interferes with the ability to listen effectively. Some of these factors are physical, psychological, physiological, and semantic.
noise	Any internal or environmental factor that interferes with the ability to listen effectively. Some of these factors are physical, psychological, physiological, and semantic.
Noise	Any internal or environmental factor that interferes with the ability to listen effectively. Some of these factors are physical, psychological, physiological, and semantic.
Noise	Any internal or environmental factor that interferes with the ability to listen effectively. Some of these factors are physical, psychological, physiological, and semantic.
nonexample	Form of example used to explain what something is not.
nonexample	Form of example used to explain what something is not.
numerical support	The use of numbers, data, or statistics within a speech to support a point.
numerical support	The use of numbers, data, or statistics within a speech to support a point.
Objects	A tangible, physical item a speaker could hold up and talk about during a speech.
Objects	A tangible, physical item a speaker could hold up and talk about during a speech.
Obscenity	Language that contains curse words or pornographic references.
Obscenity	Language that contains curse words or pornographic references.
Obscure language	Language choices that are not typically understood or known by most of your audience.
Obscure language	Language choices that are not typically understood or known by most of your audience.
opinions	Opinions are beliefs we have about the worth of things we know or believe we know.
opinions	Opinions are beliefs we have about the worth of things we know or believe we know.
parable or fable	An allegorical anecdote designed to teach general life lessons.
parable or fable	An allegorical anecdote designed to teach general life lessons.
parallelism	Presenting ideas in a grammatically parallel fashion.
parallelism	Presenting ideas in a grammatically parallel fashion.
paraphrase	Taking the central idea or theme from another speaker or author and adapting it in one’s own words.
paraphrase	Taking the central idea or theme from another speaker or author and adapting it in one’s own words.
Paraphrasing	Taking the central idea or theme from another speaker or author and adapting it in one’s own words.
Paraphrasing	Taking the central idea or theme from another speaker or author and adapting it in one’s own words.
Pauses	Brief breaks in a speaker’s deliver designed to show emphasis.
Pauses	Brief breaks in a speaker’s deliver designed to show emphasis.
people-oriented listener	Listening that is focused on the speaker. The listener is most interested in the personality or experience of the speaker and the parts of the message related to those interests.
people-oriented listener	Listening that is focused on the speaker. The listener is most interested in the personality or experience of the speaker and the parts of the message related to those interests.
peripheral route	Activity of attending to messages but not analyzing them or using cognitive energy to ascertain the arguments set forth in a message.
peripheral route	Activity of attending to messages but not analyzing them or using cognitive energy to ascertain the arguments set forth in a message.
personal inventory	A detailed and descriptive list about an individual.
personal inventory	A detailed and descriptive list about an individual.
persuade	The intentional attempt to get another person or persons to change or reinforce specific beliefs, values, and/or behaviors.
persuade	The intentional attempt to get another person or persons to change or reinforce specific beliefs, values, and/or behaviors.
persuade	The process an individual goes through attempting to get another person to behave in a manner or embrace a point of view related to values, attitudes, or beliefs that he or she would not have done otherwise.
persuade	The process an individual goes through attempting to get another person to behave in a manner or embrace a point of view related to values, attitudes, or beliefs that he or she would not have done otherwise.
persuasion	The process an individual goes through attempting to get another person to behave in a manner or embrace a point of view related to values, attitudes, or beliefs that he or she would not have done otherwise.
persuasion	The process an individual goes through attempting to get another person to behave in a manner or embrace a point of view related to values, attitudes, or beliefs that he or she would not have done otherwise.
Persuasive definitions	Definition designed to persuade an audience into thinking in a specific manner about the word or term.
Persuasive definitions	Definition designed to persuade an audience into thinking in a specific manner about the word or term.
Persuasive narratives	Type of narrative used to persuade people to accept or reject a specific attitude, value, belief, or behavior.
Persuasive narratives	Type of narrative used to persuade people to accept or reject a specific attitude, value, belief, or behavior.
physical manipulation	The use of the body to emphasize meanings or convey meanings during a speech.
physical manipulation	The use of the body to emphasize meanings or convey meanings during a speech.
Physical noise	Various sounds in an environment that interfere with a source’s ability to hear.
Physical noise	Various sounds in an environment that interfere with a source’s ability to hear.
Physiological noise	Distractions to a speaker’s message caused by a listener’s own body.
Physiological noise	Distractions to a speaker’s message caused by a listener’s own body.
Pictographic support	Photographic, diagrammatic, or other visual representation of an object or process.
Pictographic support	Photographic, diagrammatic, or other visual representation of an object or process.
Pitch	The highness or lowness of a speaker’s voice.
Pitch	The highness or lowness of a speaker’s voice.
plagiarism	Using someone else’s words or ideas without giving credit.
plagiarism	Using someone else’s words or ideas without giving credit.
policy claim	Persuasive claim that describes the nature of a problem and advocates a solution.
policy claim	Persuasive claim that describes the nature of a problem and advocates a solution.
positive example	Form of example used to clarify or clearly illustrate a principle, method, or phenomenon.
positive example	Form of example used to clarify or clearly illustrate a principle, method, or phenomenon.
positive visualization	Using the imagination to control stress and create images of success.
positive visualization	Using the imagination to control stress and create images of success.
Power	An individual’s ability to get another person to think or behave in a manner the other person would not have done otherwise.
Power	An individual’s ability to get another person to think or behave in a manner the other person would not have done otherwise.
prepared presentation aid	A presentation aid designed and created ahead of time to be used as a coherent part of a speech.
prepared presentation aid	A presentation aid designed and created ahead of time to be used as a coherent part of a speech.
Presentation aids	The resources beyond the speech itself that a speaker uses to enhance the message conveyed to the audience.
presentation software	Software packages that enable a speaker to visually show material through the use of a computer and projector.
presentation software	Software packages that enable a speaker to visually show material through the use of a computer and projector.
Primary research	Research carried out to discover or revise facts, theories, and applications that is reported by the person(s) conducting the research.
Primary research	Research carried out to discover or revise facts, theories, and applications that is reported by the person(s) conducting the research.
problem-cause-solution speech pattern	Speech format in which a speaker discusses what a problem is, what the speaker believes is causing the problem, and then what the solution should be to correct the problem.
problem-cause-solution speech pattern	Speech format in which a speaker discusses what a problem is, what the speaker believes is causing the problem, and then what the solution should be to correct the problem.
project life cycle	The phases that connect the beginning of a project to its end.
project life cycle	The phases that connect the beginning of a project to its end.
pronunciation	The conventional patterns of speech used to form a word.
pronunciation	The conventional patterns of speech used to form a word.
psychographic information	The audience’s set of beliefs, values, religions, and life experiences.
psychographic information	The audience’s set of beliefs, values, religions, and life experiences.
Psychological noise	Distractions to a speaker’s message caused by a receiver’s internal thoughts.
Psychological noise	Distractions to a speaker’s message caused by a receiver’s internal thoughts.
psychological speech pattern	Speech format built on basic logic in which “a” leads to “b” and “b” leads to “c.”
psychological speech pattern	Speech format built on basic logic in which “a” leads to “b” and “b” leads to “c.”
Pure persuasion	Occurs when a speaker urges listeners to engage in a specific behavior or change a point of view because the speaker truly believes that the change is in the best interest of the audience members.
Pure persuasion	Occurs when a speaker urges listeners to engage in a specific behavior or change a point of view because the speaker truly believes that the change is in the best interest of the audience members.
Rate	The fastness or slowness of a person’s speech delivery.
Rate	The fastness or slowness of a person’s speech delivery.
receiver	The person(s) who takes delivery of a message.
receiver	The person(s) who takes delivery of a message.
Receiving	The process of hearing and giving focused attention to a speaker’s message.
Receiving	The process of hearing and giving focused attention to a speaker’s message.
recency	Information that is presented last.
recency	Information that is presented last.
religious speech	Type of motivational speech designed to incorporate religious ideals into a motivational package to inspire an audience into thinking about or changing aspects of their religious lives.
religious speech	Type of motivational speech designed to incorporate religious ideals into a motivational package to inspire an audience into thinking about or changing aspects of their religious lives.
Remembering	The ability to recall accurately the content of a message.
Remembering	The ability to recall accurately the content of a message.
repetition	The oral linguistic device where key words or phrases are repeated in an attempt to help audience members recall the words or phrases after the speech.
repetition	The oral linguistic device where key words or phrases are repeated in an attempt to help audience members recall the words or phrases after the speech.
representations	A presentation aid designed to represent a real process or object.
representations	A presentation aid designed to represent a real process or object.
research	The scholarly investigation into a topic in order to discover, revise, or report facts, theories, and applications.
research	The scholarly investigation into a topic in order to discover, revise, or report facts, theories, and applications.
research log	A step-by-step account of the process of identifying, obtaining, and evaluating sources for a specific project.
research log	A step-by-step account of the process of identifying, obtaining, and evaluating sources for a specific project.
Responding	The verbal and nonverbal feedback given by listeners during and after the presentation of a message.
Responding	The verbal and nonverbal feedback given by listeners during and after the presentation of a message.
reverse outline	Tool used to determine the adequacy of support by starting with a speaker’s conclusion and logically working backward through the speech to determine if the support provided is appropriate and comprehensive.
reverse outline	Tool used to determine the adequacy of support by starting with a speaker’s conclusion and logically working backward through the speech to determine if the support provided is appropriate and comprehensive.
rhetorical question	A question for which no actual response is expected.
rhetorical question	A question for which no actual response is expected.
rhetorical situation	The set of circumstances surrounding your speech (e.g., speaker, audience, text, and context).
rhetorical situation	The set of circumstances surrounding your speech (e.g., speaker, audience, text, and context).
Rhythm	The patterned, recurring variance of elements of sound or speech.
Rhythm	The patterned, recurring variance of elements of sound or speech.
roast	Speech designed to both praise and good-naturedly insult a person being honored.
roast	Speech designed to both praise and good-naturedly insult a person being honored.
satisfaction step	Third step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker sets out to satisfy the need or solve the problem.
satisfaction step	Third step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker sets out to satisfy the need or solve the problem.
Secondary research	Research carried out to discover or revise facts, theories, and applications that is reported by someone not involved in conducting the actual research.
Secondary research	Research carried out to discover or revise facts, theories, and applications that is reported by someone not involved in conducting the actual research.
Semantic noise	When a receiver experiences confusion over the meaning of a source’s word choice.
Semantic noise	When a receiver experiences confusion over the meaning of a source’s word choice.
setup	Step in the oral presentation of support process in which the speaker explains to the audience where the information being used came from.
setup	Step in the oral presentation of support process in which the speaker explains to the audience where the information being used came from.
sexist	Language that demeans or excludes one of the biological sexes.
sexist	Language that demeans or excludes one of the biological sexes.
signpost	A guide a speaker gives her or his audience to help the audience keep up with the content of a speech.
signpost	A guide a speaker gives her or his audience to help the audience keep up with the content of a speech.
simile	Figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared using “like” or “as.”
simile	Figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared using “like” or “as.”
Situational anxiety	Communication apprehension created by the specific combination of audience, time, and setting.
Situational anxiety	Communication apprehension created by the specific combination of audience, time, and setting.
situational audience analysis	Audience analysis that focuses on situational factors such as the size of the audience, the physical setting, and the disposition of the audience toward the topic, the speaker, and the occasion.
situational audience analysis	Audience analysis that focuses on situational factors such as the size of the audience, the physical setting, and the disposition of the audience toward the topic, the speaker, and the occasion.
spatial speech pattern	Speech format in which a speaker organizes information according to how things fit together in physical space.
spatial speech pattern	Speech format in which a speaker organizes information according to how things fit together in physical space.
speakers bureau	Agency that represents celebrity and professional speakers.
speakers bureau	Agency that represents celebrity and professional speakers.
Special-interest periodicals	Magazines and newsletters that are published on a fairly systematic basis that appeal to a narrow range of readers (e.g., Sports Illustrated, Bloomberg’s Business Week, Gentleman’s Quarterly, Vogue, Popular Science, and Home and Garden).
Special-interest periodicals	Magazines and newsletters that are published on a fairly systematic basis that appeal to a narrow range of readers (e.g., Sports Illustrated, Bloomberg’s Business Week, Gentleman’s Quarterly, Vogue, Popular Science, and Home and Garden).
specific purpose	A statement starting with one of the three general purposes (to inform, to persuade, or to entertain), but is then followed by a specification of one’s audience, the actual topic a speaker has chosen, and the basic objective the speaker hopes to accomplish with the speech.
specific purpose	A statement starting with one of the three general purposes (to inform, to persuade, or to entertain), but is then followed by a specification of one’s audience, the actual topic a speaker has chosen, and the basic objective the speaker hopes to accomplish with the speech.
specific purpose	A concrete, narrow purpose. For instance, a general purpose might be to inform the audience about airport security in general. The specific purpose might be to explain the specific reasons for the watch list.
specific purpose	A concrete, narrow purpose. For instance, a general purpose might be to inform the audience about airport security in general. The specific purpose might be to explain the specific reasons for the watch list.
speech of acceptance	Speech given by the recipient of a prize or honor.
speech of acceptance	Speech given by the recipient of a prize or honor.
speech of commencement	Speech designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a group of people.
speech of commencement	Speech designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a group of people.
speech of dedication	Speech delivered when a new store opens, a building is named after someone, a plaque is placed on a wall, when a new library is completed, and so on.
speech of dedication	Speech delivered when a new store opens, a building is named after someone, a plaque is placed on a wall, when a new library is completed, and so on.
speech of farewell	Speech designed to allow someone to say good-bye to one part of his or her life as he or she is moving on to the next part of life.
speech of farewell	Speech designed to allow someone to say good-bye to one part of his or her life as he or she is moving on to the next part of life.
speech of introduction	Speech given by the host of a ceremony that introduces another speaker and his or her speech.
speech of introduction	Speech given by the host of a ceremony that introduces another speaker and his or her speech.
speech of presentation	Speech given by the awarder of a prize or honor.
speech of presentation	Speech given by the awarder of a prize or honor.
Speeches of goodwill	Speech given in an attempt to get audience members to view the person or organization more favorably.
Speeches of goodwill	Speech given in an attempt to get audience members to view the person or organization more favorably.
Statistics	The mathematical subfield that gathers, analyzes, and makes inferences about collected data.
Statistics	The mathematical subfield that gathers, analyzes, and makes inferences about collected data.
stipulative definition	Definition given to a word or term the first time that word or term is coined by someone.
stipulative definition	Definition given to a word or term the first time that word or term is coined by someone.
subject area	A broad area of knowledge (e.g., art, business, history, physical sciences, social sciences, humanities, education).
subject area	A broad area of knowledge (e.g., art, business, history, physical sciences, social sciences, humanities, education).
success speech	Type of motivational speech given by someone who has succeeded in some aspect of life and is giving back by telling others how they can be successful too.
success speech	Type of motivational speech given by someone who has succeeded in some aspect of life and is giving back by telling others how they can be successful too.
summary	An encapsulation or condensation of the entire text from another speaker or author.
summary	An encapsulation or condensation of the entire text from another speaker or author.
support	The range of strategies a public speaker can use to develop the central idea and specific purpose by providing corroborating evidence.
support	The range of strategies a public speaker can use to develop the central idea and specific purpose by providing corroborating evidence.
support-manipulation	The unethical practice of finding and using support designed to enhance one’s argument in a devious manner.
support-manipulation	The unethical practice of finding and using support designed to enhance one’s argument in a devious manner.
survey	A set of written questions with multiple-choice questions and/or open-ended questions.
survey	A set of written questions with multiple-choice questions and/or open-ended questions.
survivor speech	Type of motivational speech given by someone who has survived a personal tragedy or has faced and overcome serious adversity.
survivor speech	Type of motivational speech given by someone who has survived a personal tragedy or has faced and overcome serious adversity.
Systematic desensitization	A behavioral modification technique that reduces anxiety by gradually exposing the individual to the object or situation they fear while teaching them basic relaxation techniques.
Systematic desensitization	A behavioral modification technique that reduces anxiety by gradually exposing the individual to the object or situation they fear while teaching them basic relaxation techniques.
tangential	Information that is somewhat related to the topic and thesis but is, nonetheless, a digression.
tangential	Information that is somewhat related to the topic and thesis but is, nonetheless, a digression.
Textbooks	Books that are written about a segment of content within a field of academics study and are written for specific academic levels (i.e., K–12, undergraduate, graduate, etc.).
Textbooks	Books that are written about a segment of content within a field of academics study and are written for specific academic levels (i.e., K–12, undergraduate, graduate, etc.).
Theoretical definitions	Definition used to describe all parts related to a particular type idea or object.
Theoretical definitions	Definition used to describe all parts related to a particular type idea or object.
theory	A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be scientifically tested.
theory	A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be scientifically tested.
thesis statement	A short, declarative sentence that states the purpose, intent, or main idea of a speech.
thesis statement	A short, declarative sentence that states the purpose, intent, or main idea of a speech.
thesis statement	A short, declarative sentence that states the purpose, intent, or main idea.
thesis statement	A short, declarative sentence that states the purpose, intent, or main idea.
thought leader	An individual who contributes new ideas that help various aspects of society.
thought leader	An individual who contributes new ideas that help various aspects of society.
time-oriented listening	Listening focused on reaching the end of the message.
time-oriented listening	Listening focused on reaching the end of the message.
toast	Speech designed to congratulate, appreciate, or remember.
toast	Speech designed to congratulate, appreciate, or remember.
Trait anxiety	Anxiety prompted by a personality trait that describes how people generally feel about communication across situations and time periods.
Trait anxiety	Anxiety prompted by a personality trait that describes how people generally feel about communication across situations and time periods.
transition	A phrase or sentence that indicates that a speaker is moving from one main point to another main point in a speech.
transition	A phrase or sentence that indicates that a speaker is moving from one main point to another main point in a speech.
trustworthiness	The degree to which an audience member perceives a speaker as being honest.
trustworthiness	The degree to which an audience member perceives a speaker as being honest.
understanding	The effort to learn the speaker’s meanings.
understanding	The effort to learn the speaker’s meanings.
Value	An individual’s perception of the usefulness, importance, or worth of something.
Value	An individual’s perception of the usefulness, importance, or worth of something.
Value	An individual’s perception of the usefulness, importance, or worth of something.
Value	An individual’s perception of the usefulness, importance, or worth of something.
value claim	Persuasive claim advocating a judgment about something (e.g., it’s good or bad, it’s right or wrong, it’s beautiful or ugly, it’s moral or immoral).
value claim	Persuasive claim advocating a judgment about something (e.g., it’s good or bad, it’s right or wrong, it’s beautiful or ugly, it’s moral or immoral).
variety	A speaker’s ability to use and implement a range of different language choices.
variety	A speaker’s ability to use and implement a range of different language choices.
verbal surrogates	“Filler” words used as placeholders for actual words (like, er, um, uh, etc.).
verbal surrogates	“Filler” words used as placeholders for actual words (like, er, um, uh, etc.).
visualization step	Fourth step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker asks his or her audience to visualize a future where the need has been met or the problem solved.
visualization step	Fourth step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker asks his or her audience to visualize a future where the need has been met or the problem solved.
Vivid language	Language that helps a listener create strong, distinct, or clearly perceptible mental images.
Vivid language	Language that helps a listener create strong, distinct, or clearly perceptible mental images.
Vividness	A speaker’s ability to present information in a striking, exciting manner.
Vividness	A speaker’s ability to present information in a striking, exciting manner.
vocal cue	The subtle but meaningful variations in speech delivery, which can include the use of pitch, tone, volume, and pace.
vocal cue	The subtle but meaningful variations in speech delivery, which can include the use of pitch, tone, volume, and pace.
Vocal variety	Changes in volume, pitch, rate, and pauses.
Vocal variety	Changes in volume, pitch, rate, and pauses.
Vocalics	Subfield of nonverbal communication that examines how we use our voices to communicate orally; also known as paralanguage.
Vocalics	Subfield of nonverbal communication that examines how we use our voices to communicate orally; also known as paralanguage.
Volume	The loudness or softness of a speaker’s voice.
Volume	The loudness or softness of a speaker’s voice.