Oral style: The use of language that is simpler, more repetitious, more rhythmic, and more interactive than written language
The textbook talks about using language that is simple and free of jargon, concise, and concrete. Explain, and give examples of, each of these terms.
Simplicity: Speakers say what they mean in short, clear sentences. They can translate jargon—the specialized language of a given group or profession—into commonly understood terms.
Conciseness: As a rule, speakers should strive to use as few words as possible to express their thoughts. Being concise means eliminating unnecessary conjunctions between sentences, as well as ridding remarks of “vocal fillers.”
Concreteness: Concrete language consists of words that are specific, tangible, and definite. Speeches that contain a majority of concrete words and phrases have a better chance of succeeding in getting a message across than do speeches that rely solely on abstract language.
Define figure of speech. Define three types of figures of speech, and give an example of each.
Figure of speech: Form of expression that creates a striking comparison to help the listener visualize, identify with, and understand the speaker’s ideas
Simile: An explicit comparison of one thing to another, using like or as
Metaphor: A direct comparison of two things in which one thing is described as actually being the other
Analogy: An extended metaphor or simile that compares an unfamiliar concept or process to a more familiar one to help the listener understand the unfamiliar one
Personification: Endowing abstract ideas or inanimate objects with human qualities
Understatement: Drawing attention to an idea by minimizing, or lowering, its importance
Irony: Using humor, satire, or sarcasm to suggest a meaning other than the one that is actually being expressed
Allusion: Making vague or indirect reference to people, historical events, or concepts to give deeper meaning to the message
Hyperbole: Using obvious exaggeration to drive home a point
Onomatopoeia: The imitation of natural sounds in word form; it adds vividness to the speech