Chapter 4: Listening and Evaluating Public Speaking Coach Robbins

Effective Listening Effective listening means getting meaning from sounds that are heard, being attentive, and being receptive. Effective listening means getting meaning from sounds that are heard, being attentive, and being receptive. A critical listener usually comprehends and tests the strength of ideas A critical listener usually comprehends and tests the strength of ideas

Factors that affect your ability to listen: energy level energy level traits, attitudes, and habits of the speaker traits, attitudes, and habits of the speaker physical setting physical setting

A speaker’s main ideas are the most important points in a speech A speaker’s main ideas are the most important points in a speech Technical words that may be unfamiliar to an audience can be defined by context, or surrounding words and sentences. Technical words that may be unfamiliar to an audience can be defined by context, or surrounding words and sentences. A speaker’s nonverbal clues, such as facial expressions, should be watched closely. A speaker’s nonverbal clues, such as facial expressions, should be watched closely. Changing volume, stressing certain words, and using gestures emphasize key meanings Changing volume, stressing certain words, and using gestures emphasize key meanings

5 Types of Faulty Reasoning Hasty Generalization – a type of faulty reasoning occurring when the speaker does not have adequate evidence to support the broad conclusion drawn. Hasty Generalization – a type of faulty reasoning occurring when the speaker does not have adequate evidence to support the broad conclusion drawn. Begging the Question – the logical fallacy of stating an idea is true without providing proof. Begging the Question – the logical fallacy of stating an idea is true without providing proof.

5 Types of Faulty Reasoning False Premise - an incorrect proposition that forms the basis of a logical syllogism. Since the premise (proposition, or assumption) is not correct, the conclusion drawn may be in error. False Premise - an incorrect proposition that forms the basis of a logical syllogism. Since the premise (proposition, or assumption) is not correct, the conclusion drawn may be in error. False Analogy - A fallacy in which an argument is based on misleading, superficial, or implausible comparisons False Analogy - A fallacy in which an argument is based on misleading, superficial, or implausible comparisons

5 Types of Faulty Reasoning Irrelevant Evidence – evidence is cited that does not relate to topic at hand. Irrelevant Evidence – evidence is cited that does not relate to topic at hand.

Propaganda Propaganda - stating of opinions as if they are proven facts. Propaganda - stating of opinions as if they are proven facts.

7 Types of Propaganda Transfer – linking of two items together in a subject’s mind. Transfer – linking of two items together in a subject’s mind. Bandwagon – asks people to become part of the supposedly overwhelming majority Bandwagon – asks people to become part of the supposedly overwhelming majority Name-Calling - the use of derogatory language or words that carry a negative connotation when describing an enemy Name-Calling - the use of derogatory language or words that carry a negative connotation when describing an enemy

7 Types of Propaganda Card-Stacking - only presenting information that is positive to an idea or proposal and omitting information contrary to it. Card-Stacking - only presenting information that is positive to an idea or proposal and omitting information contrary to it. Stereotype - reduces a complex situation to a clear-cut choice involving good and evil. Stereotype - reduces a complex situation to a clear-cut choice involving good and evil.

7 Types of Propaganda Loaded Word - has a secondary, evaluative meaning in addition to its primary, descriptive meaning. When language is "loaded", it is loaded with its evaluative meaning. Loaded Word - has a secondary, evaluative meaning in addition to its primary, descriptive meaning. When language is "loaded", it is loaded with its evaluative meaning. Emotional Appeal - designed to stimulate one's emotions, rather than one's sense of the practical Emotional Appeal - designed to stimulate one's emotions, rather than one's sense of the practical

Critique A written critique takes a detailed look at a speech and works well with a checklist of questions. A written critique takes a detailed look at a speech and works well with a checklist of questions.