The Use of Words in Context

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xi

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2. Some Milestones in Tallies of American English Vocabularies

   • John W. Black, Cleavonne S. Stratton, Alan C. Nichols, Marian Ausherman Chavez

   Pages 1-27

3. The Present Sample

   • John W. Black, Cleavonne S. Stratton, Alan C. Nichols, Marian Ausherman Chavez

   Pages 29-45

4. Further Clues Held by Samples of Vocabularies

   • John W. Black, Cleavonne S. Stratton, Alan C. Nichols, Marian Ausherman Chavez

   Pages 47-61

5. Samples of the Vocabularies of Black and White Students in Classroom Speaking

   • John W. Black, Cleavonne S. Stratton, Alan C. Nichols, Marian Ausherman Chavez

   Pages 63-72

6. An Application of a Vocabulary Tally

   • John W. Black, Cleavonne S. Stratton, Alan C. Nichols, Marian Ausherman Chavez

   Pages 73-78

7. Back Matter

   Pages 79-263

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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.

• communication
• emotion
• memory
• literary diction

• The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA

  John W. Black

• West Chester University, West Chester, USA

  Cleavonne S. Stratton

• SanDiego State University, San Diego, USA

  Alan C. Nichols

• Vista United School District, Vista, USA

  Marian Ausherman Chavez

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