The Art of Public Speaking - Vocab Chapter 12

the literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase

Connotative meaning

the meaning suggested by the associations or emotions triggered by a word or phrase

Thesaurus

a book of synonyms

Concrete words

words that refer to tangible objects

Abstract words

words that refer to ideas or concepts

Clutter

discourse that takes many more words than are necessary to express an idea

Imagery

the use of vivid language to create mental images of objects, actions, or ideas

Simile

an explicit comparison, introduced with the word "like" or "as," between things that are essentially different yet have something in common

Cliche

a trite or overused expression

Metaphor

an implicit comparison, not introduced with the word "like" or "as," between two things that are essentially different yet have something in common

Rhythm

the pattern of sound in a speech created by the choice and arrangement of words

Parallelism

the similar arrangement of a pair or series of related words, phrases, or sentences

Repetition

reiteration of the same word or set of words at the beginning or end of successive clauses or sentences

Alliteration

repetition of the initial consonant sound of close or adjoining words

Antithesis

the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, usually in parallel structure

Inclusive language

language that does not stereotype, demean, or patronize people on the basis of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other factors

Generic "he

the use of "he" to refer to both women and men