ABSTRACT
Definitions One of the most helpful and readily accessible forms of supporting material is the simple definition . The novice speaker often overlooks the dictionary on her desk as she begins the process of gathering material for her presentation. Yet a definition is not only a powerful tool in clarifying terms for the audience’s understanding; it also helps focus the speaker in her research and preparation for the speech itself. A practical use of a definition might be seen in a husband’s attempt to convince his wife they should take a one-week vacation to Hawaii: “You know, Janet, Webster’s Dictionary says a vacation should be ‘a period of suspension of regular work or study.’ I would define a vacation as eight days and seven nights in Hawaii. How would you like to vacate for a while?”
