Public Speaking

12 CHAPTER^1 Introduction to Public Speaking and Culture

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KEy tERmS

The terms below are defined in the margins throughout this chapter.

Review your Flashcards.

bicultural 6

civic engagement 9

co-cultures 3

collectivist cultures 5

communication style 6

core cultural resources 3

critical thinking 8

culture 2

digital oratory 6

expressive cultures 6

individualistic cultures 5

nonexpressive cultures 6

oral culture 4

public speaking 2

rhetoric 8

rhetorical sensitivity 3

taboo 6

transactional model of

communication 9

CRItICal    thInKInG    ExERCISES

1. If people define the word public too narrowly, they may think of public speakers as poli-
   ticians speaking at conventions but not as teachers making an announcement at a PTA
   meeting. Write your definition of “public.” Then, make a list of specific publics you have
   already addressed and those you may address someday.


2. Many online speeches can help you see the relationship between public speaking and
   culture. One such example is Barack Obama’s speech on race, “A More Perfect Union,”
   given in response to widely disseminated video clips of controversial statements by his
   pastor. It’s available online. Watch it outside of class and then come to class prepared
   to discuss how it might function to transmit, reinforce, restore, and/or transform culture.


3. The Internet has many sources of information on the topic of rhetoric. Visit the
   American Rhetoric website and do some of the “Cool Exercises.” Then watch at least
   two speeches you find there. Identify whether each speech functions to transmit,
   reinforce, repair, or transform culture.


4. Elaborate on the transactional model of communication by selecting a communication
   event from your own life and analyze it by identifying and explaining each element of
   the model.

applICatIon ExERCISES

1. To gain experience in speaking publicly, look for upcoming campus or community
   events that would interest your audience. Then prepare an announcement using the
   guidelines in Chapter 18, and deliver it to your classmates.


2. Work with a group to evaluate the role of public speaking in creating and maintaining
   your college or university.
   • What role did public speaking play during the founding years?
   • How does your school currently use public speaking to recruit new students and
   donors?
   • What role does ceremonial speaking, such as a convocation or commencement
   speech, have in maintaining the vision and the values of your institution?
   • When issues threaten to divide your campus, how do groups and individuals use
   public speaking to negotiate differences?


3. To understand the importance of critical thinking skills, work with a group to select a
   short video on YouTube, a news report, or an ad to analyze. Begin by giving your first

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