Explain the difference between exposition and interpretation.

Activity 1: Informative Speech

First, you want to write a short informative speech, just two pages long, using any one of the following speech types: (1) explanation, (2) report, (3) description, or (4) demonstration. You want to draw on the concepts in Chapter 13 (Attached) to guide your efforts. Post your speech text in the discussion thread area. Then develop and record a brief summary of your speech ideas. The system allows for 1 minute audio files so plan accordingly.

Activity 2: Persuasive Speech

First, you want to write a short persuasive speech, just two pages long, using any one of the following five speech types: (1) stimulate, (2) convince, (3) call to action, (4) increase consideration, or (5) develop tolerance of alternate perspectives. Use the Principles of Persuasion in Chapter 14 (Attached) to develop your speech. Post your speech text in the discussion thread area. Then develop and record a brief summary of your speech ideas. The system allows for 1 minute audio files so plan accordingly.

To Create An Audio Response:

Once you’ve posted AND SAVED your speech text in the discussion thread area, click on the Add Attachments link on the bottom of the screen.   Click on the Record Audio option. A prompt asking if you agree to allow Flash to run on your computer. Click the ALLOW radial button. Once you’re ready to record, simply click the RED square button and the system begins to record. Hit the same RED square button to stop recording.

To listen to your speech, press the GREEN play button. Once you are satisfied with your speech, click on the Save button and the system will post your .wav file. To listen to a wav file, simply click on the file.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Describe the functions of the speech to inform.

2. Explain the difference between exposition and interpretation.

Informative presentations focus on helping the audience to understand a topic, issue, or technique more clearly. You might say, “Is that all?” and the answer is both yes and no. An affirmative response underscores the idea that informative speeches do not seek to motivate the audience to change their minds, adopt a new idea, start a new habit, or get out there and vote. They may, however, inform audiences on issues that may be under consideration in an election or referendum. On the other hand, a negative response reaffirms the idea that to communicate a topic, issue, or subject clearly is a challenge in itself and shouldn’t be viewed as a simplistic process. There are distinct functions inherent in a speech to inform, and you may choose to use one or more of these functions in your speech. Let’s take a look at the functions and see how they relate to the central objective of facilitating audience understanding.