Effective Use of Language in Public Speaking
By Sarah Burger
Effective speaking involves many things, including
stage presence, articulation, eye contact, poise
and volume. The content of the speech is also
important, and a way to make the content
memorable is to use effective language. Good
public speakers use language correctly and with
style.
Word Choice
Speakers should use words with which they are
comfortable; easy everyday words are fine. A
common mistake is relying heavily on a
thesaurus, searching for bigger, more impressive
words. The most effective language is clear and
easy to understand, because if the speaker
doesn't know the word, the audience may not
either. This can affect delivery, as speakers are
more likely to stumble over unfamiliar words.
Repetition
The most effective speech is one the audience
remembers. Stylistically, there are many things a
speaker can do to add emphasis to their spoken
language. Repetition is common, especially in
persuasive speaking. Repetition shouldn't be
redundant or boring, but instead add a sense of
importance to the repeated phrase, word, or
idea. Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream,"
speech repeats the rhetorical effect "I have a
dream." President Obama also used repetition in
his victory speech in November 2008. The line
"but tonight, because of what we did on this day,
in this election, at this defining moment, change
has come to America." illustrates how repetition
of a single word ("this") can work well in a
speech.
Metaphor
Metaphor is another stylistic device that uses
language in effective ways. Metaphors enliven
language by making a comparison between two
items to make a point. Franklin D. Roosevelt used
metaphors in his Inaugural Address in 1933 when
he said "the withered leaves of industrial
enterprise lie on every side." Roosevelt's
metaphor compared industry to leaves, an
uncommon comparison. Speakers can link
unfamiliar topics with something the audience
may understand, which will help the audience
remember the material.
Conciseness
In speaking, just as in writing, it is best to get to
the point. Speakers should use language that is
beautiful and meaningful, but their point should
still be clear. Good speakers avoid trite
expressions and clichés. ECG, a Communications
Strategy Company, suggests speakers avoid
"weasel words" like "in my opinion," or "it seems
to me," as well as steering clear from the
"groping expressions" such as "what I want to say
is" or "what I'm getting at is." If words aren't
adding any meaning to the speech, they should
be cut.