000 02216nam a22002177a 4500
003 OSt
005 20240613153430.0
008 240521b |||||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
020 _a9789460933776
040 _cTBS
100 _aWackers, Martijn
_d1984-
_edissertant
245 _a Making messages memorable
_b: the influence of rhetorical techniques on information retention
260 _a Amsterdam
_bLandelijke Onderzoekschool Taalwetenschap LOT
_c2021
300 _axii, 305 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.
500 _aIn English; with summary in Dutch.
520 _aAncient rhetoricians such as Cicero and Quintilian advised orators to apply memoria strategies to memorize their speech. Modern public-speaking textbooks recommend various rhetorical techniques to make messages memorable for audiences. However, the effect of these techniques on information retention has been sparsely studied.This dissertation investigates how rhetorical techniques in speeches can enhance information retention by the audience. Using a three-way approach, it connects rhetorical theory, advice and practice to insights from memory psychology.First, an analysis of influential English-language and Dutch-language public-speaking textbooks showed that frequently advised retention techniques are related to organization, elaboration and visualization—three encoding principles that contribute to information storage. Authors prefer the conclusion of a speech for influencing retention.Secondly, the study describes how scholars, politicians and TED speakers use organization and elaboration techniques (e.g. summaries and anecdotes) in public-speaking practice. Results indicate discrepancies with textbook advice and context-dependent technique variants.Thirdly, two experiments were performed that focused on three organization techniques applied in conclusions of informative presentations. Results show that announcing the conclusion and providing an informative summary can enhance information retention by the audience. We are one step closer to knowing what makes messages memorable.
650 0 _aRhetoric
_911701
650 0 _aPublic speaking
_95681
942 _2lcc
999 _c4098
_d4098
655 _aCOMMUNICATION SKILLS IN ENGLISH