Ethnocentrism=a no-no in public speaking....

This week's Oral Communication chapter focuses on the art of public speaking, and how we can practice and become effective public speakers. For instance, the chapter lists ways in which we can use nervousness to our advantage, rather than our disadvantage. It also talked about ways that we can trim a lengthy presentation and still get the message across that we want conveyed. There was other important information, such as how to let our verbal cues and non-verbal cues mirror each other; tailoring our message to fit our audience; and acting as a sounding board for others to practice their speeches (and inviting them to do the same).

On the other hand, we're taught how to avoid ethnocentrism (or holding one's own cultural values as superior to those of other cultures) in public speaking. For instance, we would do well to be familiar with local customs and what certain gestures mean to certain cultures. In many parts of Europe, a rapping of the knuckles on a desk would signal that a presentation was well-received. However, other gestures that we perceive as harmless in the U.S. would be considered offensive or confusing in line with the message being given. So it is necessary to be effective in communication of any kind.