Communication 101 - Public Speaking

A. Problem-Solving : used in both informative and persuasion settings

In the persuasion setting, the speaker's objective is to communicate to the audience that there is a problem and to propose a plan of action or advocate a change in policy.

B. Monroe's Motivated Sequence : a five-step process to prompt (motivate) people to respond/act

• Attention - draw audience's attention to the topic/issue
• Need - state the problem, provide examples, provide a relationship between the audience and the problem
• Satisfaction - show effects of problem on the audience, provide a solution
• Visualization - encourage audience to consider the future -- e.g., "This is what will happen if we don't act."; "This is will happen if we do act."
• Action - provide reasons for action, steps for action, and call to act

C. Direct Method or, Statement of Reasons : make a claim, and provide several points of support for claim

Used most often in cases in which the audience is viewed as either apathetic or neutral.

D. Comparative Advantages : arguing pros/cons (advantages/disadvantages) of one idea (policy) over another.

E. Criteria Satisfaction : establishes the standard (criteria) by which the speaker, solution, product is being judged, and whether the speaker, solution, or product meets or exceeds the standards

F. Negative Method : concentrate on failings of other proposals before revealing how your proposal is the better option