1.4. Выступление, содержащее определение

(Definition Speech)

<(§>YOUR FOURTH PRESENTATION

In your field of studies you use many important terms. When you are giving an oral presentation, you may need to define one or more of those terms for different reasons.

One reason is to make it easier for others to follow you. Another reason is to contrast one term with another. Or. you might want your audience to know that you are using the term to mean one thing, whereas others may use the same term to mean some­thing else.

Introduction

Some speakers make their definition speech more interesting by open­ing their speech with a question or personal experience, such as "Have you ever experienced a strange sensation...?" or "Yesterday I read in the paper that..." This technique helps convey to the average person the meaning of the term by relating it to an everyday occurrence.

ORGANIZING YOUR SPEECH

1. Before you define a term, place it in a setting. A setting is a general idea of

studies in which the term is used or a general category in which the term is located.

2. After that, give an explanation or definition of the term.

3. Follow the definition with an extended definition. You can expand your definition by using an analogy, giving examples or contrasting the con­cept you are defining with another concept. If you are defining an object, you can analyze its parts or discuss its applications.

MAXIMUM LENGTH: 10-12 sentences

Remember, keep it short. Think of definition as only part of a longer speech you are giving.

STEPS ТО FOLLOW

1. In preparing your speech, first ask yourself if the term you want to define is relevant and interesting to your audience.

2. Think of an introduction that will capture the audience's attention and at he same time relate the term you will define to the audience's experi­ence.

3. Ask yourself what general setting or category the term you have chosen belongs in.

4. Think about how you can convey the meaning of the term by using one or more of the following: an example, an illustration, an analogy, a per­sonal experience, or a comparison with another term.

5. If you contrast your term with another term, be sure that the audience also understands the meaning of both terms.

6. Record your presentation two times on an audio cassette. If it is more than 12 sentences long, you will have to shorten it by removing repeti­tive or less information.

7. When you present your speech, remember to check for understanding. Think about when you should do this. Where might the audience have trouble following you? Be prepared to give further examples or explana­tions when necessary.

8. Prepare an outline of your speech.

EXTENDED DEFINITIONS

(See: John Swales and Christine Feak, 1994:45-47)

So far we have dealt only with sentence definitions. In some cases one sentence may be enough before continuing with your General-Specific pas­sage. however, in others, it may be useful to expand your definition. In this way you can demonstrate your knowledge of a concept more fully. An ex­tended definition usually begins with a general, one-sentence definition and then becomes more specific as additional details are provided.

There may be a need to display one or more of the following. ■ an analysis of components (if you are defining an object)

A microscope is an optical instrument with which the apparent size of an object can be enhanced. A simple microscope consists of a double convex lens and a magnifying glass.

A discussion of major and minor components may also be useful.

• examples

Pollution is a form of environmental contamination resulting from human activity. Some common forms of pollution are wastes from the burn­ing of fossil fuels and sewage running into rivers.

• a knowledge of applications

An acrylic plastic is a polymer which can take a high polish, is clear and transparent and can be shaped while hot. Because of these and other characteristics, acrylic plastic is ideally suited for airplane windshield.

• future predictions

A compact disc (CD) is an optical storage medium onto which infor­mation has been recorded digitally. In CD recording of sound, sound waves are converted into digital numbers and inscribed on the disc. The digital data on the disc is read by a laser beam, thus eliminating any form of mechanical friction that could distort sound quality. CDs can also be used to store images as well as information. As optical data storage techniques improve, CD tech­nology will become more widespread and may someday entirely replace magnetic storage.