Page 307 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

274 Part 3 Putting Theory Into Practice

is no substitute for jargon, we must defi ne the jargon in concrete terms for our
audience.

Use Transitional Words and Phrases

Still another technique to manage a speech is to make effective use of transi-
tions, which we explained in Chapter 9. We’ve repeatedly emphasized how im-
portant it is to let our audience know where we are going with our speech. You
know from your own experience in taking lecture notes that it’s much easier
to follow an instructor who uses verbal transitions that alert you to changes in
direction or clearly link one thought to another. You need to do the same for the
members of your audience.
Transitional words and phrases tell our audience we are about to make or
already have made a shift in direction. They also serve to verbally link our
thoughts as we speak. It’s always a good idea to let the audience know that there
is a sequence to our message—“Let’s consider three important issues”—and then
to remind the audience where we are in that sequence—“Having covered the fi rst
issue, let’s now look at the second.”
It’s also a good idea to let the audience know that the speech is about to end
by using transitional words and phrases such as lastly, to summarize, to conclude,
and in closing. Audiences are likely to grow impatient if they think a speech will
never end.

Be Consistent

Because we are more accustomed to using informal language, making the switch
to the oral language required in a speech can be diffi cult. One behavior we have
observed with our own students when they speak is a form of code switching. This
simply means that they sometimes switch back and forth between the language
of public speaking and the language of informal conversation. For example, in
the beginning of their speech they avoid colloquialisms and carefully enunci-
ate their words. As they move further into their speech and feel more relaxed,
though, they sometimes fall back into an informal style full of clipped words, id-
ioms, and slang. Simply put, the language we use should be consistent through-
out our speech. It’s okay to be conversational in tone; it’s not okay to treat our
audience to language more appropriate to the street.

Slang Words and Perceived Obscenities

We subscribe to the adage, “when in doubt . . . leave it out.” Slang words such
as “dude” or “dawg” have their place. Normally, that place is not the classroom
where you are learning and mastering the art and science of public speak-
ing. If you are unsure about a word and whether it qualifi es as slang, ask your
instructor!
Also try and avoid words that may be perceived as obscene. We are not
prudes in this respect. But we have learned personally over the years that ob-
scenities are truly in the eye of the beholder. Words we regard as mild at worse
have proven highly offensive to some of our students. How do we know? Be-