Page 299 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

266 Part 3 Putting Theory Into Practice

for example, people say “assure” when they mean “ensure.” Assuring your child
that she is safe is not the same as ensuring the safety of your child. Assure and
ensure mean two different things.

Usage

Incorrect usage of a word is the fi nal credibility-detracting issue we want to cau-
tion you about. We hear many students who confuse the words except and accept.
We also hear students use the terms irregardless and orientated when what they
really mean is regardless and oriented. Again, this may strike you as picky on our
part. But it’s not. When we hear people use words inaccurately, it opens the door
for us to question their credibility in areas other than language as well.

Truthfulness
Perceptions of a speaker’s credibility are not just based on audience perceptions
of the speaker’s competence. Audiences also must believe that the speaker is
trustworthy. As a result, speakers, need to make sure that the words they use to
make a point are borne out by their actions. Saying one thing and doing another
has a way of catching up with people. This is especially true in an age of You-
Tube, MySpace, and The Daily Show. More than a few college students have had
the words on their résumés contradicted by their actions on either MySpace or
YouTube. And more than a few politicians have been caught by Jon Stewart and
his staff saying one thing and doing something completely opposite.

Tips and Tactics
Credibility-Enhancing Language

1. Avoid qualifi ers such as I’m pretty sure or I’m kind of certain. Instead, assert
yourself with statements such as I’m convinced, I strongly believe, or I am of the
firm belief.
2. Avoid tag questions that make it seem as if you are uncertain. For example,
instead of saying, “I think this is a problem but you may not,” say, “This is
a problem for all of us.” Avoid saying, “I believe we have no other choice,
what do you think?” Instead, say, “Wouldn’t you agree that we have no other
choice?”
3. Don’t be afraid to interject experience or training that gives you expertise
or insight to your topic. Personal experience is a powerful form of evidence
in the eyes of the audience. Share with your audience the fact that “I’ve now
been rock climbing for over three years”; or “Proper nutrition is not only
something I try to practice, it’s a subject in which I’ve taken two courses”; or
“This past year marked my tenth year of being smoke free.”
4. Use familiar words. When we are not familiar with a word, we are more
prone to mispronounce or misuse it. If the audience is unfamiliar with the
word, they will fail to understand our meaning even when the word is used
correctly. Our best advice is to stick to words that are familiar to both the
audience and speaker.
5. Buy a dictionary so that when you do incorporate a word you do not rou-
tinely use in your speech, you can consult the dictionary to fi nd out the