As a communication Specialist in the Ministry of Health, you have been asked to speak to a

group of high school students about the negative effects that the abuse of alcohol and drugs can

have on their lives.

In an essay of no more than 500 words, discuss how you would go about

a) Sourcing information for your speech

b) Using language techniques to make the speech effective

c) Using nonverbal forms of communication to enhance the delivery of the speech

d) Using digital technology to enhance the delivery of the speech

Drug abuse represents a more serious social problem than drug dependence, as it involves

a greater variety of substances and because it can occur in the absence of dependence. For

the preparation of this speech, both primary and secondary sources of information would

be used to gather information. These primary sources include interviews and case studies.

The interviews would be used to obtain detailed information about personal feelings and

perceptions on drug abuse, while a case study would add value to the information as it

exposes the audience to real life situations on drug abuse. The secondary sources on the

other hand would be incorporated to enhance the primary data. To illustrate, secondary

sources that would be used are websites and newspaper articles which would give

additional information on drug abuse.

 Following this, the use of rhetorical questions would be used to enhance

the message. Rhetorical questions would be incorporated in instill self-reflection and self-

though upon the audience. This would capture the audience attention and encourage

participation on the topic. Another technique that would be used is the use of a persuasive

tone as the audience targeted would be students. In addition to, persuasive tone would

gain influence on the audience emotions causing them to adhere to the message.

Furthermore, contrasts would be used to describe the two entities which are life without

drugs and life abusing drugs.

Afterwards, simple communicative behaviors would applied to engage

with the audience. These are eye contact, moving towards the crowd and pointing at

persons within the audience. Eye contact will help convey the objectives on a personal

level. Pointing at persons within the audience and walking towards the crowd would be

incorporated to keep the audience responsive. This also helps in building a connection

with the audience and keep them awake. Paralanguage would also be incorporated as it

helps strengthen the message. This would be in the form of pitch and speed of speaking.

The pitch used would be one of sternness as students would take the message seriously.

The rate of speaking on the other hand would be would be slow so that students can

understand and closely gather information the topic.

Finally, technology would be incorporated to enhance the delivery of the

speech. This would be in the form of before and after pictures and a video testimony.

The before and after pictures would be shown to emphasize the seriousness of the matter

and to motivate the students to take action. It would also show the progress made by

victims to change their lifestyle. Meanwhile, the video testimony would give the students
a reality check instilling fear in them, forcing them to adhere to the message. Also,

unbelievers in the audience would have a hard time doubting the information as the

testimony would be factual evidence.

In essence, the message would be carried out effectively as the techniques

used would ensure that students gain knowledge on the topic.