CHAPTER II KINDS AND STANDARDS OF SPEECH SPEECH is successful when it accomplishes two things: (1) fits the audience, and (2) brings about what the speaker intends. The term "Speech" is used throughout here to include both speaking and reading. The kinds of Speaking are: 1. Conversation. 2. Informal Speaking. 3. Formal Public Address. The kinds of Reading are: 1. Common Reading. 2. Interpretation. 3. Impersonation. 4. Acting. Each of these is a form of communication, and communicativeness is always the ultimate test of success or failure in speaking and reading. But objectives differ, and it is the difference in objectives that brings forth these different kinds of speech. With the objectives decided upon, then method of speaking, reading, and performance enters to determine success. The intention of the speaker plus the way it is carried out decides whether speaking, reading, or acting accomplishes its desired purpose. Let us consider the various objectives and their accompanying methods. KINDS OF SPEAKING 1. Conversation: Conference a. Objectives: People interchange ideas and attitudes. Speaker and listener interchange places, first one then the other. No set line of thought is prepared. Each tries to influence the other. b. Method: Give and take prevails: everybody is equal. Simplicity and directness are necessary. 2. Informal Speaking a. Objectives: One person aims to lead others. A trend of thinking is prepared beforehand. Yet much of the atmosphere of conversation is to be b. Method: The speaker adheres closely to the manners of a con- The speaker plans a purpose and adheres to it. Voice should be free and varied. Action is that of controlled freedom: the free man of good manners. The speaker should be vigorous enough to be heard and easy enough to be convincing. 3. Formal Public Address a. Objectives: The occasion is to be kept on a level of dignity. The speaker is unmistakably appointed to lead and assumes the responsibility seriously. The audience is to be led and definitely so understands. The speaker may well show learning, breadth of experience, loftiness of sentiment, and may even attempt prophecy and seership. b. Method: Dignity and self-confidence on the part of the Action should be vigorous and free, but under control. Language reveals careful foresight and preparation. Yet conversational contact must be manifest beneath 4. Oratory a. Objectives: The speaker aims to lift men from common purposes to high aspirations and great endeavor. A crisis is to be met: a crisis of events, thoughts, feelings. Passions are to be aroused, steered, or allayed. b. Method: Thought may comprehend all life and soar to all heights. Feelings are given much liberty. Language is as rich and varied as the genius of the speaker permits. Voice knows no limitations; any vocal device will be permitted that helps the sense and the emotional expression of the speaker. Uniqueness of personal conduct is expected of the speaker; he even makes his own rules for platform manners. The orator may indulge heavily in histrionics and exhibition. KINDS OF READING Reading differs from speaking in essential details: The reader finds words and language ready prepared for him. The thought is in part to be had without the necessity for original, creative effort. The reader must ask himself to be in part the author as well as to be merely himself. The reader can if he will read with much less effort than the speaker uses when he talks. The reader must make a special effort if he is to have direct communicative contact with his audiHe must overcome the handicap of the indirect go-between furnished by the book in his hand or by his memory. ence. Reading is at base exhibition, and in some forms it allows for exhibition in unlimited degree. 1. Common Reading a. Objectives: Certain matters of fact are to be read aloud for all to hear. Stories or descriptions are to be read aloud, for whatever pleasure the reader permits. It is not always sensible communication or interesting exhibition. It is deemed good enough if the words are but understood. b. Method: Words and sentences are pronounced with distinct- In many cases personality and evidence of personal 2. Interpretation a. Objectives: One person is to take the words of another and show what he thinks they mean. The interpreter turns printed symbols into vital human thought and feeling. He aims to enlighten, charm, and stimulate his auditors by his version of the author's intentions. He employs communication and exhibition in about even degrees. He makes a new amalgam out of the printed-page meanings and his own ideas, feelings, and sense. He studies the possible meanings the words might have and then casts his lot with some one of these meanings. He draws a picture of action, but stays out of the picture himself. b. Method: The interpreter ascertains the balance between conversation and exhibition as demanded by the sense he finds on the page. He remains himself, even though as narrator and recounter he may suggest the vocal manners and mannerisms of others. He uses any device of voice called for by his notion of what the author means. He indulges in a minimum of action. He adapts himself to words and phrases that are unusual to his own daily speech. He recognizes that the meaning, after all, is not on the page, but in himself; that the printed symbols merely stir meanings in him and his function is to express these in the language offered. 3. Impersonation a. Objectives: The impersonator makes out to be some one other than himself. He imitates odd and unique characters: actions, voice, and manners. He is willing to run the gamut of all emotions fully. and freely expressed. He represents other people to the full in their complexities and oddities. |