Unit 1: Why Public Speaking Matters Today
You probably remember the public protests from 2011 which rocked the world. In northern Africa, in the United States, in Russia and in many other countries, people protesting their governments' decision-making dominated the news sections of many media outlets. These protests – literally "mass" communication from people to people – represent just one of many reasons why public speaking matters today. Although it can now take on many forms and formats, from standing in front of a crowd to tweeting, emailing, posting on a social media site, or commenting in the discussion area after a news article, communicating in public matters today for the same reason has always mattered, because it can be one of the most effective ways for the voices of the people to be heard. Recognize, however, that due to the primary textbook this course utilizes, the material in this unit approaches public speaking with an inevitably American cultural bias. Moreover, it is unethical to force one's cultural biases onto others and expect them to conform. The content which ends this unit covers the topic of ethics in public speaking, completing this introductory examination of the subject in a manner that should encourage you to become more aware of and sensitive about such issues, which also illustrate why public speaking matters today.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 8 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- identify the three most common types of public speaking;
- list some benefits of learning about and participating in public speaking;
- describe ways to get a message across to others effectively and efficiently;
- contrast the interactional models of communication with the transactional model of communication;
- apply the dialogical theory of public speaking; and
- use the ethics pyramid to evaluate the ethical choices of a public speaker or listener.
1.1: Why Is Public Speaking Important?
Read the Chapter 1 introduction and Section 1.1 for an overview of the role of public speaking in society. While you read, consider how public speaking plays a part in your own life, not only as a speaker but also as an audience member. Consider the qualities that make public speaking different than conversation and the formal and informal situations that center on public speaking.
1.2: The Process of Public Speaking
Read Section 1.2, which will help you identify the three most important elements that influence the process of public speaking. The section also provides a brief introduction to several important public speaking models, including the Shannon and Weaver model of communication. Models attempt to diagram how the elements of a process interact and to explain outcomes. Like checklists, models are useful reminders of the elements you should consider, anticipate, adjust, and, if possible, adapt to if you are planning a speech. Attempt the exercises at the end of the reading (think of question 2 hypothetically, keeping in mind what speech you may want to deliver).
Read this chapter, which reinforces the importance of public speaking skills and identifies core public speaking competencies.
Listen carefully to how this podcast corresponds to the material presented in the materials we've read earlier. Here, the presenters explain describe the benefits of public speaking, and discuss ways to make your messages memorable and meaningful to your listeners.
1.3: Public Speaking and Ethics
Read this brief summary of public speaking.
Watch this video about ethics and public speaking. Listen carefully to how it corresponds to the materials you saw earlier. Being diligent about this process will enable you to succeed in this course.
Read this chapter, which gives an overview of ethics and explains the importance of being an ethical speaker. Our credibility and reputation are built on trust and honesty with our audience members. Think about the language we use and how it affects the audience's perception of our message.
1.3.1: The Ethics Pyramid
Read the Chapter 2 introduction and Section 2.1, which introduces the ethical challenges facing a speaker or audience. It also demonstrates another model that should be considered when planning a speech, the "ethics pyramid". This illustrates the ethical choices both speakers and listeners may face. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.
1.3.2: Ethics in Public Speaking
Read Section 2.2, which discusses the code of ethics established by the National Communication Association and how it guides professional speakers. This section also covers how you can use the code to plan your own speech. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.
1.4: Unit 1 Exercises
After you have completed this unit, do these exercises. If you get any of the questions incorrect, review that material from the chapter.