Occasions for Public Speaking

The Rhetorical Situation Rhetoric – The study of how messages affect people A speech takes place in a specific situation A rhetorical situation is a situation in which people’s understandings can be changed through messages

The Rhetorical Situation Factors The Audience The Occasion Different forms of speaking for different occasions The Speaker The Speech Constraints & Opportunities

Shuttle Challenger

President Ronald Reagan

Influence of the Occasion Specific speeches for specific occasions Constraints created by occasions Constraints not absolute

Decorum “A decorous speech is one that conforms to the expectations of a particular occasion.” Formality Length Intensity

Decorum Supporting material Identification Identify your purpose

Deliberative Speaking Prevalent with any formal or informal decision-making group – “What shall we do?” Answer not self evident, but a decision is required Involves informing and persuading

Deliberative Speaking Community Service Oral reports & presentations Group presentations Public hearings & debates

Ceremonial Speaking Also known as epideictic speaking Focus on values and bringing people together Impact of resonance Articulating unexpressed feelings

Ceremonial Speaking Speeches of greeting Speeches of tribute Introductions Speeches of tribute Testimonials, eulogies, toasts, roasts Speeches marking awards Presentation, acceptance

Deliberative/Ceremonial Keynote After-dinner Commencement

Discussion Discuss Jobs’s speech within the context of the rhetorical situation (audience, occasion, speaker, speech, constraints) Does the speech employ qualities of ceremonial and deliberative speaking? How so? Is Jobs’s speech memorable? Why or why not?

Chip Kidd

Discussion How does Kidd attempt to establish resonance and/or identification with audience members? What are your thoughts on the structure and “pace” of Kidd’s presentation? Is Kidd’s presentation memorable? Why or why not?