Public Speaking

Glossary 293

subjective norms our perceptions of what significant

people think we should do

subordination placement of supporting points under

major points

systematic desensitization process designed to lessen

physical reactions to stress; teaches how to relax while

thinking about frightening speech events

T

taboo topics a culture considers inappropriate

tag question short question tagged onto the end of a

sentence; some can be helpful but others are annoying

terminal credibility final impression listeners have of a

speaker

tertiary source condenses primary and secondary

materials into collections such as encyclopedias

text-based visual carries meaning in the written words

rather than in visual images

theory of reasoned action (TRA) links behavioral

intentions with attitudes, subjective norms, and

perceived behavioral control; assumes we rationally

weigh costs and benefits of our actions

thesis statement a single sentence that names the subject

and establishes its significance

topical pattern divides a subject into subtopics, each of

which is part of the whole

Toulmin’s Model of Reasoning a linear model designed

to show six elements of reasoning common in the

United States

trade book book aimed at a general audience

trade journal journal that pertains to a specific occupation

transactional model of communication represents

communication as a process in which speakers and

listeners work together to create mutual meanings

transition summarizes where you’ve been and where

you’re going in your speech

U

unfilled pause silent pause

unmotivated audience listeners who lack a listening

purpose or goal

unsupported assertion unsupported claim

V

vague word imprecise term that has indefinite

boundaries

value claim argument about right or wrong, moral or

immoral, beautiful or ugly

values standards used to make evaluative judgments such

as good or bad

verbiage nonessential language

visualization rehearsing by using your imagination to

envision your speech from start to finish

vocal variations changes in volume, rate, and pitch that

combine to create impressions of the speaker

vocalics or paralinguistics all aspects of spoken

language except the words

W

warmth using behaviors that signal positive interest

and engagement, especially through pleasant facial

expressions

warrant assumption that justifies or logically links the

evidence to the claim

wave pattern repetitive pattern that presents variations

of themes and ideas, with major points presented at the

crests

word verbal symbol that stands for or represents an idea

Copyright 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.