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.
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 might
want to limit your term
before 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 that
are 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 must
identify the term being
defined and provide a
brief, general definition.
Example:
Bravery on the battlefield
has been declared to be
ordinary men - in extraordinary
circumstances – doing
extraordinary 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 the
term to other members of
its 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?
Confidence
by J. Ruth Gendler
Confidence ignores “No Trespassing” signs. It is as
if he doesn’t see them. He is an explorer, committed
to following his own direction. He studied mathematics in France and still views his life as a series of
experiments. The only limits he respects are his
own. He is honest and humble and very funny. After
all these years, his sister doesn’t understand why he
still ice skates with Doubt.
Defeat
by J. Ruth Gendler
Defeat sits in his chair staring at the grey doves on
the porch. He holds his hand underneath his heart,
fingers curled tightly into themselves, glued together
in a paralyzed rage. He is unwilling to go forward
and 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. In
response to questions he answers yes or no interchangeably. 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.
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.
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)