ComparisonDefinition of Comparison in Public SpeakingComparison, in grammar, is a property of adjectives and adverbs in most languages; it describes systems that distinguish the degree to which the modifier modifies its complement. English, due to the complex etymology of its lexicon, has two parallel systems of comparison. One involves the suffixes -er (the "comparative") and -est (the "superlative"). These inflections are of Germanic origin, and are cognate with the Latin suffix -ior. To use these inflections requires adding them to shorter words, words of Anglo-Saxon origin, and borrowed words that have been fully assimilated into the English vocabulary. Usually the words that take these inflections have fewer than three syllables. This system contains a number of irregular forms, some of which, like good, better, best.
These irregular forms include:
Note...This is an excellent tool to create word pictures and to enhance your ability to reach the listening style of the audience. Some words do not lend them selves to clear speech like worst. Better to avoid those words in public speaking. As with all parts of speech, do not over use or they will lose their value. It will be like eating too much wedding cake. After a while it will make you sick. Do not to make the audience sick or the choice of words we make into a speech. Better yet, avoid making them the cake. Think of these as a small edible decoration on your cake which is your speech. They need to be tasteful but not over done or they will ruin the taste of the speech. Take it as step farther and incorporate gestures as you use these and have a one two punch in your public speaking. This will make your speech come to life. Can you use these to improve your speaking ability? Give it a try. Return to top of Comparison / Return to Home Page
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