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.

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.

THE DEFINITION SPEECH

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.

A definition speech/essay should do more than just define a word...

A definition speech/essay explains what a specific term means.Some terms are definite, and have concrete meanings such as book or chair.

Other terms are more abstract and their meaning may depend more upon the person’s point of view.

For example, terms such as love or bravery, may mean different things to different people at different times.

It goes without saying, then, that you need to understand the term before you can define it for others.

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.

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.

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”.

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 – doingextraordinary things.

Sometimes, as in the previous battlefield bravery example, the definition can be one that you make up yourself.

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.

As always, facts and easily understood examples will give your speech/essay an air of authority.

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.

Consider the following guidelines as you write your definition speech/essay:

•Make your speech/essay personal, amusing, vigorous, stimulating, memorable.

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

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:

•Analysis:

Divide the subject into parts and define each part separately.

•Classification:

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

•Comparison:

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

•Details:

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

•Examples and Incidents:

Narrate illustrations that can clarify a group, theory, or object.

•Negation:

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

•Origins and Causes:

Where did the subject come from? What is the background information? What is the history of the subject?

Results, Effects, and Uses:

Discuss the consequences and uses of the subject.

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:

1.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?

Confidenceby J. Ruth Gendler

Confidence ignores “No Trespassing” signs. It is asif he doesn’t 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 doesn’t understand why hestill ice skates with Doubt.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Geoduck Bopper(Giant Clam)