Public Speaking Handbook

84 5.5 Listening to speeches

logic or structure of the arguments that are presented. Is the speaker trying to

convince you to do something by offering one or two specific examples? Or is

the speaker reaching a conclusion based on a fundamental principle such as “All

herbal diet medicine will cause you to lose weight”? The critical listener appro-

priately reviews the logic and reasoning used to reach a conclusion. When we

discuss reasoning fallacies in Chapter 17, we will elaborate on different types of

reasoning and identify several ways in which speakers misuse logic, reasoning,

and evidence.

You might reasonably suspect that a primary goal of a public-speaking

class would be to enhance your speaking skill, and you would be right. But in

addition to helping you to become a better speaker, a study of communication

principles and skills should also help you to become a better consumer of mes-

sages. Becoming a critical listener and thinker is an important benefit that you

will enjoy by learning about how messages are constructed. Researchers have

found that students who complete any communication course—debate, argu-

mentation, or public speaking—are likely to show improved critical thinking

ability. The introduction to critical listening and thinking skills presented here is

reinforced throughout the rest of the book by discussions of how to become an

audience-centered public speaker.

Quick check

Critical Thinking and Listening

separate facts from inferences:

• Facts can be proven.


• inferences are based on partial or unobserved evidence.
  evaluate evidence:


• Facts


• examples


• opinions


• statistics
  evaluate the logic and reasoning of conclusions.

Analyzing and Evaluating Speeches

5.5 Use criteria to effectively and appropriately evaluate speeches.

Your critical thinking and listening skills will help you to evaluate not only the

speeches of others but also your own speeches. When you evaluate something,

you judge its value and appropriateness. To make a judgment about the value

5.5

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