Real Communication An Introduction

Chapter 15  Informative Speaking 461

Neil deGrasse Tyson

At the beginning of this chapter, we read about astrophysicist

Neil deGrasse Tyson, who is widely respected not only as one

of the foremost researchers on space but also as one of science’s

most competent and enthusiastic communicators. Let’s consider

how his informative presentations measure up to the concepts

outlined in this chapter:

c Tyson knows his listeners. He understands that while they are not well

versed in astrophysics, they are curious about it. He makes abstract topics

tangible by using familiar metaphors and examples. When speaking to an

audience of fellow astrophysicists, he would not have to take such measures.

c Tyson uses effective nonverbal communication in his presentations. He

uses appropriate gestures, laughs heartily at his own jokes, moves around

the stage rather than gluing himself to a podium, and uses a tone of voice

that generates a casual atmosphere. His trademark vests—embroidered with

images of the cosmos—indicate his enthusiasm for the subject.

c Like everyone, Tyson has personal opinions and beliefs. But when he is

speaking informatively, he limits his discussions to facts. In his discussion

of the universe noted at the beginning of this chapter, for example, Tyson

explains, “None of this is about ‘belief.’ It’s about ‘what does the evidence

show’?” (Tyson, 2009).

Ah

BACK TO

Activities

1. LaunchPad for Real Communication offers key term videos and encourages self-
   assessment through adaptive quizzing. Go to bedfordstmartins.com/realcomm
   to get access to:

LearningCurve

Adaptive Quizzes.

A

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THINGS TO TRY

Video clips that illustrate key concepts, highlighted in

teal in the Real Reference section that follows.

2. Review Anna’s speech on social media movements in this chapter. Into what
   category does the topic of this speech fall? Which approach or approaches (de-
   scription, demonstration, definition, or explanation) did the speaker use, and
   was she successful in using those approaches? Did the speaker prove herself to be
   reliable and well informed? In what ways did she attempt to create information
   hunger and make the speech easy to listen to? Was she successful?


3. Informative speeches are everywhere—in your classroom, on the news, and in
   your community. Watch an informative speech (or read a transcript, available at
   the Web sites of many government agencies and officials). Apply the concepts
   you have learned in this chapter to these informative presentations. For ex-
   ample, is the presentation well organized and well delivered? Does the speaker or