Principles

and Characteristics of Good Speech

Principles and Characteristics of Good Speech Definition The definition of speech are as varied and as numerous as found in the dictionaries and books one can get hold of. Some of these are: Speech is the faculty or act or manner of speaking. It is also the thing or remark said. It is also a brief statement on foreign and domestic affairs and on the chief measures prepared by government and read by sovereign in person or commission at opening of parliament. It is also meant to be the language of a group, region or nation. James H. McBurney and Ernest J. Wrage define speech as the communication of ideas and feelings by means of visible and audible symbols originating in the speaker. Whether speech be private or public, original and interpretative, it is all oral communication, dealing with thoughts and ideas, employing symbols sounds, words inflections, gestures. The principal source of the symbols is the speaker since they are the products of his nerves, muscles, and glands. Therefore, he must use all visible and audible symbols, which serve as his stimuli so that he can stir the up the meaningful reactions in his listener. When Is Speech Good? Generally, the criteria used by some people in judging when speech is good are: 1. The nature of the response by the results of speech on the listener; 2. The soundness of the speakers position by the truth of the speech; 3. The motives and the intentions of the speaker; 4. The principles of the art of good speech. Principles of Good Speech McBurney and Wrage give ten principles of good speech. 1. Good speech is socially responsible. The socially responsible speaker must constantly respects facts, and be aware of sound reasoning and judgments. He should see to it that his speech is in context with his social milieu, guided by intelligence and prudence, for he is answerable for the ends of his speech. 2. Good speech reveals a speaker with good personal qualifications. Almost always the speaker with strong personal qualifications is in the best position to win the respect of the listeners. The listeners attitudes towards the speaker are influenced by the personal qualifications of the speaker. 3. Good speech is directed to serve a specific purpose.

A purposeless speech meanders aimlessly. But the purposiveness of a speech forces the speaker to follow a course to attain his aim. 4. Good speech deals with worthwhile subjects. The best resources of both speaker and audience are to be tapped. What the speaker communicates events, experiences, projects, proposals, even aspirations, joys, sorrows, problems affect the level and quality of speech. 5. Good speech is based on the best available materials. A substantial speech is inclined to attract and hold the attention of the listener. Research and interviews are helpful adjuncts in the preparation of a speech. 6. Good speech is analytical. Analytical speech gives full weight to the setting which comprises the subject, the audience, the occasion, and the speaker. Outlining the speech lends to lucid analysis which comes to perfection as the speaker delivers his piece. 7. Good speech is based on sound method. The speakers method, his approaches and plan are prescribed by the purpose and by his analysis of the situation. Planning a speech improves the delivery and leads to effective communication. 8. Good speech claims the attention and interest of the listener. When a speaker is inspired and motivated to give his best, and out of what the speaker says, there is interest, there is attention, and rapport between speaker and listener is said to exist. Thus, the speaker analyzes and adapts to his audience; listener analyzes and adapts to the speaker. 9. Good speech makes effective use of voice and bodily action. Voice and bodily action produce symbols which convey the speech and to which the audience reacts. A well-modulated voice, devoid of harshness, hoarseness, and shrill qualities, and spontaneous but controlled bodily movement convey meanings and lend to effective, even sensitive, communication. 10. Good speech uses good diction, language, and style. The language one uses, revelatory of a speakers personality, is an essential element in effective oral discourse.