Essential Terms

Entertaining speeches that include speeches given as part of a ceremony, such as introductions, toasts, roasts, and eulogies.

This claim argues for the denotation or classification of what something is.

This claim argues the truth or falsity of an assertion being made about a past, present, or future state of affairs.

This claim argues for the nature of the problem and the specific solution to address it.

This claim argues for a judgment about something, typically whether it is good or bad, right or wrong, moral or immoral, or beautiful or ugly.

This element of language refers to using words that ensure the audience understands ideas without confusion.

This is the very last sentence of the speech, and its purpose is to provide a powerful, memorable finale.

This theory posits that cognitive dissonance is an aversive motivational state that occurs when an individual simultaneously holds two or more contradictory attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors. This inconsistency creates a sense of psychological discomfort or tension that people are naturally driven to resolve.

This is when a speaker replaces negative thoughts with positive ones.

This is a type of keynote speech given at a graduation ceremony.