PUBLIC SPEAKING

DISFLUENCY Assignment

Topic: To Self-Monitor my disfluency usage on a daily basis, and hopefully reduce them in my everyday speech.

“Um,” “Like,” “You know?” “Uh,” “right?” have seemingly become staples of the English language. Everyone uses them, including me, on a daily basis. But, is that for BETTER or for WORSE? Do we like the way they sound? Can I sound more professional?

The truth is, there are MUCH BETTER alternatives. So, to hopefully cut down on our use of these fillers, this paper will introduce the concept of self-monitoring and how that will help us be aware and stop using disfluencies.

Content:                     For TWO consecutive days, carry an index card with writing utensil everywhere you go. When you notice yourself using a disfluency (um, like, uh, etc.), give yourself a check. This will seem hard to catch in the beginning, but it will get easier as you continue to self-monitor (you can even involve others to help you keep track).

                                    Then, prepare an outline/notes for a two minute speech on your findings. The following should be included:

                                    ∙  How often did I catch myself using them each day (count your checks)

                                    ∙  In what situations did I use them MOST often (with my friends, at work, etc.)

Answer: at work when I deal with customers

                                    ∙  Did I notice any improvement/change in my disfluency usage over the two days?

                                    ∙  What are some ways I plan to improve in the future?

SPEECH OUTLINE FORMAT

NAME-

GENERAL PURPOSE- “to inform……”

SPECIFIC PURPOSE STATEMENT- “By the end of my speech, my audience will …”

CENTRAL IDEA STATEMENT- one sentence summary of your speech; the “essence”

ATTENTION GETTER- What will I start my introduction with?

MAIN POINT I

1. subpoint
2. subpoint

MAIN POINT II

1. subpoint
2. subpoint

MAIN POINT III

1. subpoint
2. subpoint