GE1906

Speech Delivery C. Use Words Accurately

1. Denotation and Connotation
I. Using the Language To use the words accurately, a speaker should be
A. Find the Right Words sensitive in the denotative and connotative meaning of
Use the right words for the right audience. Remember, the language and should use correct grammar. The
your goal as a public speaker is to deliver the idea in the best denotation of the word refers to its dictionary definition.
way so that the audience will understand and accept it. After On the other hand, the connotation is the emotional
audience analysis, the next thing that a speaker should do is meaning attached to the word.
to use the words that are suitable for the occasion. 2. Correct Grammar
Speaking or writing in nonstandard English can hurt
Note: Read the online article titled "FDR's 'Day of Infamy' your credibility as a public speaker. People will seldom
Speech" at come right out and tell you that your grammar is
[Link] incorrect, but many associate poor grammar to
inter/[Link] as an example incompetency. Using a table, Gregory (2018), had
for this point. compiled a list of common grammar errors that he had
observed through time.
B. Use Appropriate Words
There are two (2) things that you should remember to Incorrect Correct
achieve appropriateness of words: (1) use gender-neutral He don't He doesn't
terms and (2) avoid gender-biased pronoun usage. You was You were
Example: I done it. I did it.
Biased The human-made dam helped in suppressing the Between you and I Between you and me
flood in the low-lying areas in the city. I had went. I had gone.
Better The artificial dam helped in suppressing the flood She's already went. She's already gone.
in the low-lying areas in the city. I been thinking I've been thinking.
Biased Every driver should buckle her seatbelt before she
I've already took I've already taken
starts the engine.
Algebra Algebra
Better All drivers should buckle his or her seatbelt before
he or she starts the engine. Hisself Himself
or Theirself Themselves
All drivers should buckle their seat belts before We seen it. We saw it.
they start the engine. I come to see you I came to see you
yesterday. yesterday.
She ain't here. She isn't here.

03 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [Link]@[Link] Page 1 of 8
 GE1906

She don't love me no She doesn't love me Last Saturday at noon, Denisse arrived in a red
more. anymore. Mazda. (more definite)
He be late. He is late. Last Saturday at noon, Denisse arrived in a red 2018
I had wrote it. I had written it. Mazda 3. (most definite)
Give them apples. Give them those apples. However, this does not mean that you should never
Table 1: Common Grammar Mistakes use general language. Instead, analyze the point of view
Source: Gregory, H. (2018). Public speaking for that you want to use in presenting your idea. When you
college. New York: McGraw-Hill. want to describe a concept or theory from a broad
perspective and give the audience a "big picture," the
D. Strive for Clarity general language is the way to go. However, if you want
1. Use concrete words to delve into the details of an idea, such as the how, why
Concrete words refer to the things that the listeners and when, be specific with your language.
can see, smell, hear, taste, and touch (e.g., flower, 3. Avoid doublespeak
firecrackers, adobo). In contrast, abstract words are Doublespeak refers to the language used to deceive
intangible ideas, qualities, or classes of things (e.g., love, usually through concealment or misinterpretation of
democracy, science). Concrete words help the speaker truth (n.d., [Link]). It may take the form
create the mental images that are needed to convey the of euphemism or a mild or indirect word or expression
message to the listeners precisely. substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt
Example: and inflated language or words that make the ordinary
Abstract: It was a stormy day. seem extraordinary.
Concrete: The sky was gray and gloomy, and the cold, Example:
moist wind stung my face. Type Word/Phrase Euphemized
2. Know the use of specific and general language Term
To be precise, a speaker should have good judgment Euphemism unpleasant exceeded the
about whether to use a specific or a general language in smell; a stench odor threshold
his or her talk. A specific language suggests exactly what
you mean. In contrast, a general language can be short (referring vertically
confusing and ambiguous for your audience as it may to a person) challenged
carry multiple meanings.
Example: homeless on the streets
This past week, Denisse arrived in a vehicle.
(ambiguous)
Three days ago, Denisse arrived in a car. (less
ambiguous)

03 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [Link]@[Link] Page 2 of 8
 GE1906

Word/Phrase Inflated Term Description 1 Description 2

Inflated used pre-owned, pre- I remember those Mornings were
language loved, pre- mornings at home only memorable in my house.
enjoyed too well. Mom would It was always cold in the
call us if we overslept. room I shared with my
chronologically She was downstairs brothers. With no
elderly gifted making breakfast every curtains on our
morning at eight o’clock windows, light streamed
sanitation sharp. My brothers and I in, poking us in the eyes
garbage engineers would fight to be the before Mom called us
collectors first into the bathroom. down for breakfast. The
There are inflated language that seems harmless, for smell of bacon wafting
example, using "floor manager" instead of janitor, upstairs did the rest.
especially if the term dignifies one's valuable but Routinely, we shoved
unglamorous work. The problem only starts when it one another, forming a
already causes misunderstanding and confusion. Let us line outside the
take the situation by Gregory (2018) as an example: bathroom, knowing
"One of my students once worked in a pet store as a Mom would demand to
cashier, but she was required to wear a badge that see if we had washed up
identified her as “Pet Counselor”—an inflated title before coming to the
that she resented. She told me, “It misled customers table.
into thinking I was qualified to advise them on how Lifted from Fraleigh, D. & Tuman, J. (2017). Speak up! An
to take care of their pets. All-day long they would ask illustrated guide to public speaking. Boston, MA: USA.
me questions that I couldn’t answer. It was
humiliating." Metaphors and similes are also useful in creating
4. Use vivid language mental pictures. A metaphor makes implicit comparisons
A vivid language in a speech can be achieved through of unlike objects by identifying one object with the other.
the following: imagery, metaphor, and simile. Imagery The similarities, however, are not meant to be taken
refers to descriptive words that produce mental images. literally (Fraleigh & Tuman, 2017). For example,
Compare the descriptions of a child's childhood "Education is a mighty hand that will pluck out the roots
experience. Which do you think is more vivid? of poverty." On the other hand, simile makes explicit
comparisons and contains the word like or as. For
example, "It is disheartening that instead of giving
avenues for critical thinking and practical application of

03 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [Link]@[Link] Page 3 of 8
 GE1906

knowledge, there are educators nowadays that dump a. Decide your conclusion first
too much information to their students and expect them By keeping the end in mind, you will prevent
to store it in their minds like robots accurately". long, drawn-out ending or a weak statement like
"Well, I guess that's it."
II. Methods of Speech Delivery b. Organize your speech
A. Ways of Delivering a Speech There are several organizational patterns that
1. Memorization you may use in your speech, and these are as follows:
In this method, the speaker delivers the speech  Point-Support-Conclusion
without a script or notes as she or he had already  Point (State your point of view—that is,
memorized the piece. This also allows the speaker to your key idea or objective.)
choose the exact words that she or he will use in the  Support (Give examples, stories, or
speech. However, it is not ideal for most speakers due to other support material to explain or
the following reasons: (1) enormous amount of time is prove the point.)
needed to memorize the speech; (2) if the speaker  Conclusion (End with a restatement of
forgets a line or two in the speech, he or she might not the point and/or an appeal to action.)
be able to get back on track; (3) some speakers sounds  PREP Method
more like a robot than a human being as they tend to  Position (State your position on the
speak from memory, not from their heart. topic.)
2. Manuscript  Reason (State your reason for taking the
Using a script and reading it aloud to the audience is position.)
useful in a highly emotional situation, government  Example (Give an example that helps to
hearings, and scientific conferences. This type of speech illuminate or explain your reasoning.)
can give the speaker stability and reassurance that she or  Position (Summarize and repeat your
he will not get lost on the track. Yet, even a well- position.)
rehearsed speaker might fall into racing through the  Past-Present-Future
manuscript, being monotonous, and not having enough  Point (State your key point.)
connection with the audience when using this method.  Past (Discuss what happened in the
3. Impromptu past.)
In this method, the speaker does not have  Present (Talk about what is occurring
opportunity for extensive preparation and there is an today.)
urgency to respond to the call to speak immediately.  Future (Predict what will or could
Listed below are some guidelines for impromptu happen in the future.)
speaking:  Point (Drive home your key point.)

03 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [Link]@[Link] Page 4 of 8
 GE1906

c. Do not rush can be flawed if misused. Here are some common

Speak at a steady, calm rate. scenarios:
d. Whenever possible, link your remarks to those of • In a three-point speech, Speaker A looks at his
other speakers notes, states the first point, and then elaborates
When you take a statement made by a previous on it at great length. He loses track of time—until
speaker and build upon it, you connect with your he finally notices a clock and gallops through the
audience and hold their attention. remaining points, confusing the audience.
e. Do not feign knowledge • Speaker B has notes with key points, but she
If you are asked to comment on a matter which talks on and on about all the points. This causes
you know nothing about, say, "I don’t know the her to go 20 minutes over her time limit, much
answer to that, but I’ll look into it and get back to you to the annoyance of her listeners.
as soon as I can." Admitting ignorance will not hurt • Speaker C works from carefully crafted notes,
your credibility. If you choose to hide it behind verbal but because he has not practiced the speech, his
ramblings and jargon, you will look insincere and delivery is hesitant and ragged.
foolish. To avoid such mistakes, you must spend a lot of time
f. Be brief preparing an outline and notes, and then rehearsing your
Stick to your points and do not repeat the same speech, using a clock to make sure you are not adlibbing
ideas or dwell on irrelevant matters. too much.
g. Try to foresee situations where you are likely to be
called upon to speak impromptu B. Nonverbal Aspects of Speech Communication
If you think you might be requested to deliver a Four (4) Important Areas in Nonverbal Communication
speech on an event that you will go to, plan what you (German, 2017)
will say on your way to the venue. 1. Proxemics
4. Extemporaneous This refers to the use of space and distance between
This is the most flexible and spontaneous among the the speaker and the listener. People have different
methods. Through extemporaneous speaking, the feelings about physical proximity, and it is frequently
speaker can easily make adjustments according to the influenced by one's culture. In some cultures, physical
needs of the audience as she or he is not bounded to closeness is considered offensive or invasive. In others, it
predetermined words and phrases. In this method, the is regarded as essential to positive relationships (Fraleigh
speaker only uses a note which contains the basic ideas & Tuman, 2017).
which are expressed in a few keywords and delivers the
speech using a natural, conversational tone of voice
(Gregory, 2018).
Despite its advantages, the extemporaneous method

03 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [Link]@[Link] Page 5 of 8
 GE1906

3. Facial Expressions
Facial expressions can be used to let the listeners
know how you feel about the idea that you are
discussing, it can provide cues that help them interpret
your message, and it establishes a visual bond between
you and your listeners.
4. Gestures
It refers to the purposeful and expressive
movements of the head, shoulders, arms, hands, and
other areas of the body that give performative shape to
ideas and add emotional intensity to human
expressiveness.

Three (3) Generalizations about Nonverbal Communication

(German, 2017)
1. Speakers disclose their emotional states through their
nonverbal behaviors
Source: Fraleigh, D., and Tuman, J. (2017). Speak up an illustrated guide to public With the help of your facial expressions and
speaking. (4th ed). New York: Macmillan Learning. gestures, your listeners may read your feelings toward
yourself, your topic, and your audience. It is believed that
2. Movement and Stance feelings and emotions are more accurately
Movement includes physical shifts from place to communicated through nonverbal rather than verbal
place; posture refers to the relative relaxation or rigidity means.
and vertical position of the body. If you are standing 2. Speakers' nonverbal cues enrich the message that comes
stiffly while delivering the speech could mean that you through words
are tense or even afraid of the audience. Meanwhile, Gestures and body movements can be used to
leaning forward connotes interest to the ideas of the one reinforce the ideas of your speech. To emphasize a point,
that is speaking. you may use appropriate and firm arm and hand
Movements regulate communication. As a public gestures; you may also take a few steps to one side to
speaker, you can, for instance, take a step or two to signal that you are moving from one argument to
indicate a change in topic, or you can accomplish the another.
same purpose by changing your posture. At other times, 3. Nonverbal messages form a reciprocal interaction
you can move toward your audience when making an between speakers and listeners
especially important point. Listeners frown, smile, shift nervously in their seats

03 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [Link]@[Link] Page 6 of 8
 GE1906

and engage in many types of nonverbal behavior. The from the audience. Meanwhile, drawings are effective in
physical presence of listeners and the natural tendency illustrating points that would be difficult to explain in
of human beings to mirror each other when they’re close words or that photographs cannot capture.
together mean that nonverbal behavior is a social 4. Video and Animation
bonding mechanism. Videos can give your audience a glimpse of one's
culture or tradition or transport them to beautiful
III. Using Visual Aids and Other Presentation Tools scenery located on the other side of the world.
A. Types of Visual Aids Animation refers to a sequence of drawings such as
According to German (2017) visual aids serve the following diagrams or cartoons that can be used to clarify points
functions in a speech: (1) it helps to increase the and create and/or recreate scenarios that are vital to the
comprehension about the topic discussed; (2) it increases the discussion.
likelihood of the idea to remain in the listener's mind; and (2) 5. Graphs, Charts, and Tables
it heightens the persuasive impact of the ideas. The following Graphs help audiences understand and retain
items are the visuals that you can use in your speech: statistical data, charts provide information in a compact,
1. Actual Objects or Props easily digested form, while tables arrange numbers or
Bringing actual objects or props make arguments and words systematically in rows and columns.
ideas concrete. Actual objects or props are effective if
your speech talks about the proper handling and feeding B. Using Visual Aids
of a pet as solely describing it would not be enough in 1. Make sure everyone can hear and see your audio/visual
strengthening your points. To avoid inconveniences, aids
check the regulations of the venue regarding the object Make sure that the images, words, and videos that
or props that you will bring and practice talking while you will show can be seen by the audience positioned at
handling it. the back of the venue. Also, strategize where to put the
2. Speaker's Body stereo speakers so that all listeners can hear the audio
The speaker's body adds concreteness and vitality to that you are playing.
the presentation. The speaker might demonstrate warm- 2. Control audience interaction with your aids
up exercises, dance moves, sign language, golf strokes Do not distract your audience by showing or playing
during the speech. In this case, the speaker needs to the visuals even though you are not yet ready for
dress appropriately and practice the act beforehand to listeners to see or hear it. To keep your audience's focus
create a smooth and dynamic demonstration (German, and attention, put away or shut off the aid when you are
2017). finished presenting it.
3. Photographs and Drawings You may also try to look for listeners who are
Photographs can be used for providing information distracted by the aids that you have presented or given.
and proving points and evoking an emotional response Then, adjust your delivery by increasing your volume or

03 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [Link]@[Link] Page 7 of 8
 GE1906

moving closer to those audience members to draw their

attention back to you.
3. Maintain eye contact
Do not gaze on your visuals or notes. They are only
meant to be glanced. Instead, establish eye contact to
build a connection with your audience.
4. Remember the purpose of your aids
Presentation aids are only tools that supplement
your speech. It can never replace the speaker as it cannot
serve as the main vehicle for delivering your message.
Always remember the purpose of your presentation aid.
Also, the focus of the audience should be directed to the
speaker and not to the presentation aid.

References:
Doublespeak. (n.d.). Retrieved from [Link]
[Link]/dictionary/doublespeak.
Fraleigh, D., and Tuman, J. (2017). Speak up an illustrated guide to public speaking.
(4th ed). New York: Macmillan Learning.
German, K. (2017). Principles of public speaking. (19th ed.). New York: Routledge.
Gregory, H. (2018). Public speaking for college. New York: McGraw-Hill.

03 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [Link]@[Link] Page 8 of 8