The Speech Situation is a term worn with age in the teaching of public
speaking in America. That it is comprised of occasion, speaker, and
topic is a gross oversimplification. It also includes challenge,
anxiety, emotion, fear, responsibility, faults of memory, and instants
of pride. Out of the circumstances arise an increase in heart rate, a
change in blood pressure, an abnormal pattern of breathing, a noticeable
build- up in perspiration, and an ongoing evaluation. For students this
may be merely a grade or perhaps a series of evaluative remarks,
possibly addressed both to the speaker and the other participants, the
audience. It may entail a replaying of a record of the speech, indeed a
videotape. Most important is the lasting impression that remains with
all of the participants. What of the vocabulary of the speaker under the
circumstances of the speech situation? This speaker - in the major
portions of this work we may say, "this young man" - has spent time
seeking an appropriate topic. He has outlined a composition around a
central idea or thesis. He has marshaled evidence, details. He has
framed an opening paragraph. He has been admonished not to give an
essay, but to strive for audience contact, interpersonal communication.
He makes his audible approach through his vocabulary and accompanying
phonology. Under the tension, the speaker repeats; he adds meaningless
vocalizations in periods that might logically be pauses. There are slips
of the tongue. At worst, failing, he withdraws to await another day.