Real Communication An Introduction

376 Part 4  Public Speaking

Respect Your Audience

As noted earlier, communication involves not only what we say but also how

others perceive what we say. Most audiences are composed of both men and

women from many different cultures, races, religious backgrounds, lifestyles, and

educational levels. Therefore, it is important to use unbiased and appropriate

language that makes the entire audience feel included and respected.

Keep It Simple

Albert Einstein once advised, “Make everything as simple as possible, but no

simpler.” This applies to language: speakers and writers who use unfamiliar

CONNECT

Part of using language
your audience understands
involves a careful consider-
ation of jargon—technical
language specific to a
particular industry, orga-
nization, or group (see
Chapter 3). Jargon might
be useful among a very
homogenous group, but
it can alienate audience
members in other settings.
A doctor might use medical
jargon when addressing
colleagues but needs to
use everyday terms when
addressing other groups.

Function Example

To show comparison Similarly

In the same way

In comparison

To contrast ideas, facts, or data On the other hand

Alternatively

In spite of

To illustrate cause and effect It follows, then, that

Consequently

Therefore

Thus

To indicate explanation For example

In other words

To clarify

To introduce additional examples Another way in which

Just as

Likewise

In a similar fashion

To emphasize significance It’s important to remember that

Above all

Bear in mind

To indicate sequence of time or events First, Second, Third

Finally

First and foremost

Once

Now, Then

Until now

Before, After

Earlier, Later

Primarily

To summarize As we’ve seen

Altogether

Finally

In conclusion

Source: O’Hair, Stewart, & Rubenstein (2012), p. 189. Adapted with permission.

TABLE 13.1

USEFUL SIGNPOSTS