Chapter 4

Evaluation of Texts and Images

To successfully evaluate a text, one must need to:

 Identify the writer’s intentions;

 Identify where in the text the writer has attempted to achieve the intention(s);
 Select detailed references to the text which support the ideas; and
 Explore the writer’s choices closely, focusing on how the writer has achieved the intention, the impact to the reader, and how
successfully the writer has achieved these.

   Images should be evaluated on several levels.

   Visual analysis is an important step in evaluating an image and understanding its meaning. It is also important to consider textual
information provided with the image, the image source and original context of the image, and the technical quality of the image.
  
   The following questions can help guide your analysis and evaluation.

 What do you see?

 What is the image about?
 Are there people in the image? What are they doing? How are they presented?
 Can the image be looked at different ways?
 How effective is the image as a visual message?
 How is the image composed? What is in the background, and what is in the foreground?
 What are the most important visual elements in the image? How can you tell?
 How is color used?
 Can the image be looked at different ways?
 What meanings are conveyed by design choices?
 What information accompanies the image?
 Does the text change how you see the image? How?
 Is the textual information intended to be factual and informative, or is it intended to influence what and how you see?
 What kind of context does the information provide? Does it answer the questions Where, How, Why, and To whom was the
image made?
 Where did you find the image?
 What information does the source provide about the origins of the image?
 Is the source reliable and trustworthy?
 Was the image found in an image database, or was it being used in another context to convey meaning
 Is the image large enough to suit your purposes?
 Are the colors, light, and balance true?
 Is the image a quality digital image, without pixels or distortion?
 Is the image in a file format you can use?
 Are there copyrights or other use restrictions you need to consider? 
 Chapter 5
Communication and Technology

         The exposure of many audiences to YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms resulted for many not to simply rely
on what they can read. But in order to get their attention, visuals are needed.
          Today whether in school, workplace, church and other place where audiences are encouraged to pay attention, the need for
projector and laptop is a must because many are already using PowerPoint presentation and videos in order to present and discuss a
topic.
           However, in using PowerPoint presentation and videos, there are ways to consider.
           From the number of slides to font size, color and number of paragraphs per slides. Why?
          Because audience has limitations when it comes to what they can only absorb and also there are too many distractions now that
when visuals are not interesting, audience may automatically use their gadgets and will not pay attention to the presenter. So, when
paragraphs are lengthy it would make them uninterested to read. If the font size is too small, some may not read it and if wrong color
is used it may affect the entire slides.
        Today, with the rapid rise and spread of internet connectivity, the old forms of communication have given way to new forms that
make communication easier and faster.
        Filipinos are known to be top users of social media, which could mean that Filipinos are very active in communicating or
expressing their thoughts and opinions; however, it is also an observation that some are not careful with what they post online which
usually creates conflict with others. That’s why everyone must be a responsible netizen, by thinking first before posting.
 Chapter 6
Principles and Types of Speeches

A. ARTICULATION
   This refers to the speaker’s skill in pronouncing the words of the speech since clear diction effectively transmits the message. This
also mean the act of vocal expression; utterance or enunciation.
 
B. MODULATION
    This refers to the speaker’s ability to adjust or manipulate the resonance and timbre of one’s
     voice.

 This also means the fine-tuning of the pitch or tone of voice that helps the audience clearly hear and understand the lecture,
presentation, and speech delivered by a speaker. 
 Proper modulation gives life to a talk, stirs emotions, and motivates to action.
 Lack of modulation may give the impression that you have no real interest in your subject.

 
C. STAGE PRESENCE
   This refers to the speaker’s ability to “own” the stage, filling it with one’s personality and projecting it to the audience or group of
listeners. This also means the sum total of all the qualities that keep the audience engaged while delivering a speech.
Spheres of Stage Presence

 Appearance and comfort - You must be dressed to the occasion.

 Body posture and attitude - Right from the moment you step on that stage your body language matters. The way you stand,
your speaking posture, use of hand gestures etc. everything counts and hence must be well noted and taken care of
 Tone of the speech - You can play with different styles, as is suitable to the topic of your speech. Voice modulation, use of
examples, a peck of humor, etc. all this is important in engaging the audience.
 Use of stage space - It is a smart move on the part of a speaker to choreograph his speech, that is, he must plan a speech to be
delivered using different parts of the stage at different levels

 
D. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS, GESTURES and MOVEMENT
   FACIAL EXPRESSIONS are meaningful visible symbols of speech. This reflects the speaker’s thinking and emotional attitudes.
MOVEMENTS / BODILY ACTIONS are supplements to good speech with its being transformed into actual replacement for the
audible code.
    Its uses include:
     (a) adjusting to the speaking situation;
     (b) securing and maintaining interest and   attention;
     (c) clarifying meaning and
     (d) attaining emphasis in speech.
 GESTURES are purposive movements of some parts of the body, but not the entire body.
   These include movements of heads, shoulders, arms and occasionally feet. These are all physical movements that represent
concretely the ideas and emotions of the speaker. These are also the products of the inner impulses and forces of thoughts of a speaker.
What are the types of Speeches?
Manuscript Speech - The speech has been polished by a staff of speechwriters and has been practiced many times.
Memorized Speech-Often, delivery is too rapid. Concentration is on the words, not the ideas. Sometimes the speech sounds too
formal, like a written essay. There is minimal feedback or other contact with the audience.
Impromptu Speech -It is the most common type of public speaking. You’re in class and suddenly the professor wants to hear how
group projects are going. You, as the leader of your group, are asked to stand and briefly discuss what the group is doing and how
much you’ve completed so far. That’s an impromptu speech. 
Extemporaneous Speech-is one where you will have time for preparation and practice but will not be expected to read from a
manuscript or to have the speech memorized. This is the type of speech used most in business, education, preaching, and political
affairs.

Chapter 7
Non- Verbal in Oral Communication
Importance of Non- verbal in Oral Communication

“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” – Peter F. Drucker

Nonverbal communication describes the process of shared cues between people, which goes hand-in-hand with public speaking. This
can include eye contact, frequency of glances, blink rate, gestures, facial expressions, postures, and more.

The presentation is, perhaps, the one mode of communication that has proved relevant through every technological
innovation.Nonverbal signals can increase trust, clarity, and add interest to your presentation when yielded properly. Learning
how to become more sensitive to body language and nonverbal cues will make you the best presenter you can be.

Aspects of Non- Verbal Communication

Facial Expressions
Without a doubt, the most common—and telling—nonverbal means of communication is through facial expressions. Human faces are
able to make more than 10,000 different expressions, and each one articulates volumes of information with ease.

     Smiling, frowning, blinking, and every teenager’s favorite, eye-rolling, are the strongest and most relatable expressions.

    The most surefire way to establish a connection with a stranger, client, or even long-time acquaintance: Smile! A smile is
welcoming, warm, and establishes a relationship with others.

Body Movements
Also known as kinesics, include common practices like hand gestures or nodding. Very often, body movements convey enthusiasm or
excitement.

     For instance, we all know someone who “talks with his hands.” However, other aspects of kinesics include actions that we
commonly perceive with nervousness or anxiety like involuntary tremors, frequent clearing of the throat, or a shaking leg.

Posture

   It is critical in making a strong impression. How you stand or sit is one of the important elements in how you are perceived by
others.

    Someone who stands with their back straight and head held high exudes confidence, assurance, and strength, while, conversely,
someone who is slouched or facing the floor demonstrates uncertainty, indifference, or even weakness.

     To express friendliness and positivity, maintain an open posture. Stand with your legs hip-distance apart and keep your torso
exposed as opposed to covered with your crossed arms. Keep your head raised and relax your facial expression.

      A closed posture, especially crossed arms across the chest, gives the impression of boredom or hostility.

Eye Contact
Perhaps the best way to build rapport with a stranger is by maintaining eye contact.

     Eyes can indicate interest, attention, and involvement, while failing to make eye contact may be interpreted as disinterested,
inattentive, or rude.

    However, this doesn’t mean you have to stare directly into the face of another person—quite the opposite, in fact. There is nothing
more aggressive than staring intensely into someone’s eyes. Experts suggest that healthy eye contact consists of looking semi-
randomly at the area around the eyes, which includes the eyelids and eyebrows.

Paralanguage
Any parent with small children is familiar with the phrase “don’t use that tone of voice with me.” This is a perfect example of
how paralanguage—the aspects of the voice that differ from the words—affects the message. The most obvious example is
sarcasm, in which the tone of what’s being said conveys the opposite of the message.

      Be conscious of how quickly you talk, and be sure to speak clearly and loud enough to be heard. But be sure to take care not to be
too loud, as this comes off as belligerent and off-putting

Proxemics
     The notion of a “close talker” has become part of our consciousness.

     People are very protective of their personal space, particularly the area that Mehrabian calls the “intimate space” (i.e., 6 to 18
inches). This is a zone generally reserved for family, close friends, or romantic partners.

    When engaging in business conversation, you always want to be far enough that the other person is comfortable, but you do not
want to be too far, suggesting that you are distancing yourself.

Physiological Changes

With nonverbal communication closely related to emotion, the physiological reactions are often the most associated with anxiety and
discomfort.
    Sweating, blushing (or flushing), and teary eyes are all dead giveaways that someone is ill-at-ease.

     When you recognize that an associate you’re speaking to has a case of the nerves, it’s important that you make them feel
comfortable.
 Chapter 8
Connecting with Audience
Audience Expectations
When people become audience in a speech situation, they bring with them expectations about the occasion, topic, and
speaker. Violating audience expectations can have a negative impact on the effectiveness of the speech.
Knowledge of Topic
    Audience knowledge of a topic can vary widely on any given occasion, therefore, communicators should find out what their
audience already knows about the topic.
      Never overestimate the audience’s knowledge of a topic. If a speaker launches into a technical discussion but the listeners are
not familiar with basics, they will be unable to follow your speech and quickly lose interest.
     On the other hand, drastically underestimating the audience’s knowledge may result in a speech that sounds condescending.
Tips

 Try to do some research to find out what the audience already knows about the topic.
 Giving a brief review of important terms and concepts is almost always appropriate, and can sometimes be done by
acknowledging the heterogeneous audience and the importance of ‘putting everyone on the same page.

Attitude Toward Topic

    Knowing the audience’s attitudes about a topic will help a speaker determine the best way to reach their goals.
Audience Size
     Many elements of speech-making change in accordance with audience size.
     In general, the larger the audience the more formal the presentation should be.
      Sitting down and using common language when speaking to a group of 10 people is often quite appropriate. However, that
style of presentation would probably be inappropriate or ineffective if you were speaking to 1,000 people.
     Large audiences often require that you use a microphone and speak from an elevated platform.
Demographics
     The demographic factors of an audience include age, gender, religion, ethnic background, class, sexual orientation,
occupation, education, group membership, and countless other categories.
    Since these categories often organize individual’s identities and experiences, a wise speaker attends to them.
Setting
     The setting of a presentation can influence the ability to give a speech and the audience’s ability and desire to listen.
     Some of these factors are: the set-up of the room (both size and how the audience is arranged), time of day, temperature,
external noises (lawn mowers, traffic), internal noises (babies crying, hacking coughs), and type of space (church, schoolroom,
outside).
     Finding out ahead of time the different factors going into the setting will allow a speaker to adapt their speech appropriately. Will
there be a stage? Will there be a podium or lectern? What technology aids will be available? How are the seats arranged? What is the
order of speakers?
Voluntariness
     Audiences are either voluntary, in which case they are genuinely interested in what a presenter has to say, or involuntary, in
which case they are not inherently interested in the presentation.
     Knowing the difference will assist in establishing how hard a speaker needs to work to spark the interest of the audience.
Involuntary audiences are notoriously hard to generate and maintain interest in a topic (think about most people’s attitudes
toward classes or mandatory meetings they would prefer to not attend.)
Egocentrism
     Most audience members are egocentric: they are generally most interested in things that directly affect them or their
community.
    An effective speaker must be able to show their audience why the topic they are speaking on should be important to them.