Language in Use 257-258
This unit considers the social function of speech-making. By focusing
upon the relationship between a speech and the audience for which it is intended,
it demonstrates that what may be judged insincere or pointless by an outsider
may well be performing a vital social function for those to whom it is addressed.
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[1] This session begins the examination of the relationship between the speech and the audience to which it is given. Ask the class, working in small groups, to prepare a speech for a particular occasion. Before they begin, there needs to be a discussion about the occasions when, traditionally, people arc involved in speech-making such as weddings, funerals, presentations, Open Days and other school functions, formal dinners, club functions and political meetings.
[2] One member from each group should be asked to deliver the speech
prepared by his group, so that the class may discuss how well they judge it
to fit the occasion in question. For this reason, they should not be told beforehand
for what occasion the speech has been prepared. The discussion should begin
with their reasons for assigning it to one occasion rather than another. Points
which should come up include:
(a) the relationship to the audience
(b) its appropriateness for the chosen audience
(c) content, style and delivery.
[3] While this has been outlined as one session, the work could well
spread over a number of sessions. The previous session, or sessions, will have
shown the class that speeches are closely related to the context in which they
are made. In this session, the discussion should explore how the speech performs
an important social function. Points to consider would include:
(a) whether or not what is said matters as much as how it is said
(b) what kind of focus for an occasion a speech provides
(c) whether or not it can be used merely to give people a sense of togetherness
(d) how often a speech operates like a public form of social talk (see J4)
(e) to what extent it is possible to be 'sincere', and on what occasions
(f) why the 'sincerity' of a speech may be irrelevant to its performing the
job it is intended to do.
The work of the unit may be extended to consider speeches as they occur in drama and the novel.