The Definition Speech

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The Definition Speech
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THE DEFINITION SPEECH

• A definition speech
• Is not a dictionary definition.
• Seeks to define concepts or processes in ways
  that make them relevant to the situation or
  problem that an audience faces.
• Offers the audience an orientation, a way of
  thinking about a phenomenon.

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The definition of definition def-i-ni-tion
(def' e-nish' en) n. 1. The act of defining a
word, phrase, or term. 2. The act of making clear
and distinct. 3. A determining of outline,
extent, or limits.
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A definition speech/essay should do more than
just define a word...
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A definition speech/essay explains what a
specific term means. Some terms are definite, and
have concrete meanings such as book or chair.
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Other terms are more abstract and their meaning
may depend more upon the persons point of view.

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For example, terms such as love or bravery, may
mean different things to different people at
different times.
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It goes without saying, then, that you need to
understand the term before you can define it for
others.
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Reading the dictionary helps - but don't just
copy the definition word for word. You should
explain the term in your own words. Also, you
mightwant to limit your termbefore defining it.
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• Essential Steps to an Effective Speech/Essay of
  Definition
• Specify what term is being defined.
• Give clear and basic information.
• Use facts or examples that are clearly
  understood.
• Use facts or examples thatare not controversial.

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Example You could write for days about
bravery. To limit your definition, you should
be more specific and write about either
extraordinary bravery, everyday bravery, or
bravery on the battle field.
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Your Definition Speech/Essay Thesis Statement
The thesis statement mustidentify the term
beingdefined and provide abrief, general
definition. Example Bravery on the
battlefieldhas been declared to beordinary men
- in extraordinarycircumstances
doing extraordinary things.
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Sometimes, as in the previous battlefield bravery
example, the definition can be one that you make
up yourself.
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• The simplest way to do this is to define a term
  by
• Function - Explain what something does or how
  something works.
• Structure - Tell how something is organized.
• Analysis - Compare theterm to other members
  ofits class.

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As always, facts and easily understood examples
will give your speech/essay an air of authority.
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When writing a definition speech/essay, remember
to tell audience members/readers what term is
being defined and to use facts and examples that
audience members/readers will clearly understand.
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• Consider the following guidelines as you write
  your definition speech/essay
• Make your speech/essay personal, amusing,
  vigorous, stimulating, memorable.

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• Choose a generic topic rather than a specific
  topic. For example, write about churches but not
  Westminster Abbey.

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Types of Definitions Traditionally Used in
Definition Speeches/Essays Any combination of
the following traditional types of definitions
can help clarify meaning for the audience/reader
of your definition speech/essay
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• Analysis
• Divide the subject into parts and define each
  part separately.

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• Classification
• According to dictionary definitions, what classes
  does the subject belong to?

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• Comparison
• The unfamiliar may be defined by showing its
  likeness to the familiar or its difference from
  it.

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• Details
• What are the physical characteristics,
  traditional thoughts, and other distinguishing
  attributes that describe the subject of the
  speech/paper?

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• Examples and Incidents
• Narrate illustrations that can clarify a group,
  theory, or object.

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• Negation
• Mention what it is not in order to clear the
  ground for what it is.

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• Origins and Causes
• Where did the subject come from?
• What is the background information?
• What is the history of the subject?

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Results, Effects, and Uses Discuss the
consequences and uses of the subject.
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• To write a strong definition speech/essay, answer
  the following questions and be as specific as you
  can, use interesting definitions, and vivid and
  accurate details
• What is the essential nature or purpose of the
  thing I am defining?
• 2. What are its qualities?
• 3. How does it work?
• 4. How is it different from others like it?
• 5. Why does my audience need to know about it?

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Confidenceby J. Ruth Gendler Confidence ignores
No Trespassing signs. It is asif he doesnt
see them. He is an explorer, committedto
following his own direction. He studied
mathe-matics in France and still views his life
as a series ofexperiments. The only limits he
respects are hisown. He is honest and humble
and very funny. Afterall these years, his
sister doesnt understand why hestill ice skates
with Doubt.
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Defeatby J. Ruth Gendler Defeat sits in his
chair staring at the grey doves onthe porch. He
holds his hand underneath his heart,fingers
curled tightly into themselves, glued togetherin
a paralyzed rage. He is unwilling to go
forwardand unable to let go. He is not blind or
deaf, but it is unclear who he sees or what he
hears. He had a stroke six years ago and sleeps
most of the day. Inresponse to questions he
answers yes or no inter-changeably. Speech has
lost its meaning.
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DRAMA To be on stage, or to be backstage, that is
what drama is about. Drama wears an
interchangeable mask. He appears everyday in the
most unlikely places. He impatiently waits in
line for groceries, or he sweats while wondering
whether his test grade will be passing or
failing. Butterflies feed on the sweat of his
opening night nerves. Politicians and clergyman
are famous for cooking overdone theatrical
speeches and sermons, all in the name of Drama.
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The very name of Shakespeare sends shivers down
the spines of both his fans and foes. A verb, an
adjective, and a noun, Drama wears many hats. He
can add excitement to a movie or a play, and he
can bring tears to your eyes from his brilliant
usage of words and feelings or from his feeble
attempts to entertain. Those who associate with
Drama may be considered outright odd.
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Many stand out in a crowd like gum sticks to your
shoe, while others blend in like chameleons,
ready to pounce when least expected or accepted.
His sister is comedy, and the two together
create memorable moments and talented thespians
alike. His wife is the stage, and they have
hundreds, even thousands, of children who are
plays and musicals. His enemies are M-TV,
sitcoms, and poorly crafted remakes of stage
classics and films.
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Drama is more than happy to be your friend, and
even your enemy. All you have to do is emote,
and he will appear. Janet DeJean Newton 2003
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TRUST is my Geoduck Bopper (Giant Clam)
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