Cultural Aspects of Delivery Worksheet
Instructions: Every culture, whether it is a workplace culture, regional culture, ethnic culture or age group culture, uses language differently. Groups of people, who spend time together over years or generations, develop forms of pronunciation, dialects, and vocabulary that are distinct. The purpose of the activity is to understand how cultures use language differently and determine what language use is appropriate in public speaking contexts. Consider the following questions and record your responses.
1. What words or phrases are used in your workplace that are particular to that setting? In what context, is it appropriate to use this vocabulary?
2. What words, phrases or dialects are you familiar with that are based on a specific geographic region?
3. What words, phrases or dialects do you use that are particular to your age group? In what contexts, is it appropriate to use this language?
4. What words, phrases or dialects are you familiar with that may be particular to your ethnic or racial group?
5. To accomplish your goals as an effective public speaker, when would it be appropriate to use these different forms of language?
6. What strategies can you utilize in regard to language use that will assist you in being an effective public speaker?