Deck 3: Preparing and Presenting a Public Speech Steps 110, in Brief

Question 1

A speaker is working on her introduction and realizes that if she doesn't meet its very first goal, she won't get very far. What is the first goal of the introduction?

A) Cover the main point.
B) Introduce yourself and give a brief bio.
C) Gain the attention of the listeners
D) Motivate the audience toward a specific response.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Amelia feels that a few people aren't paying attention when she notices their slouched postures and distant facial expressions. These audience members have failed to use

A) supporting materials.
B) listening cues.
C) display rules.
D) time limits.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

A student is using an online dictionary and thesaurus because she's unsure about which words to select in her speech. She should remember that when wording a speech, it is best to use language that is

A) formal and complex.
B) simple and concrete.
C) broad and abstract.
D) advanced and technical.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

When thinking about what can be said or not said in a speech, it is important to remember that in the United States, freedom of speech

A) does not cover emotionally charged statements.
B) means that even plagiarism is allowed.
C) limits expression to that which is appropriate and polite.
D) does not legalize slander or libel.

Question 5

In concluding the speech, the text indicates that the speaker can (not necessarily should) do three things:

A) summarize the ideas, motivate the audience, and wrap up.
B) say thank you, say thank you again, and stop talking.
C) share a final anecdote, establish a personal connection, and ask for support.
D) bring up the main point, explain its importance, and convince the audience it is right.

Question 6

When you present your speech, you should

A) draw attention to your body movements.
B) pause briefly to look at the audience before beginning.
C) select two people and maintain eye contact with them.
D) either confess that you are nervous or hide your nervousness.

Question 7

Which statement is generally true in the world of public speaking?

A) Very few speeches can be relevant and interesting to all people at all times.
B) Giving more speeches will not necessarily improve your public speaking skills.
C) Good public speakers are born, not made.
D) Speakers can say absolutely anything because they are protected by the First Amendment.

Question 8

A speech about "The Implications of Genetic Engineering" would be inappropriate in a time limit of six minutes because the topic is

A) not very worthwhile.
B) not culturally sensitive.
C) not limited in scope.
D) not concrete enough.

Question 9

In her persuasive speech, the speaker includes material that offers evidence, argument, and motivational appeal so listeners will agree with her. In public speaking, what term is used to describe this added element?

A) analysis
B) proof
C) purpose
D) orientation

Question 10

In just about all cases, the most effective public speeches are constructed

A) based on a tiered or pyramid style.
B) for a specific time, audience, and occasion.
C) so they can be cut or condensed on short notice.
D) for the benefit of the speaker rather than the listener.

Question 11

What advice does the text give for handling tasks related to public speaking?

A) Work in small units.
B) Avoid the pitfall of over thinking the tasks.
C) Make a commitment to quit worrying.
D) Admit that most people do better under pressure.

Question 12

A woman interested in real estate is working on a speech describing "The Five Steps to Buying Your Dream House." She is planning a(n)

A) ceremonial speech.
B) persuasive speech.
C) informative speech.
D) special occasion speech.

Question 13

The speaker says, "Before we identify a solution to this problem in America, let's see what other countries have done about it." This statement is an example of a(n)

A) introduction.
B) conclusion.
C) transition.
D) proof.

Question 14

A student has come to the point where he is wording his first speech. Perhaps the best advice for him to remember is that he should not

A) write out the speech word for word.
B) worry about the time limits of the speech.
C) attempt to outline the speech.
D) spend time thinking of a title for the speech.

Question 15

In rehearsing your speech, the text recommends that you

A) plan on reading the speech aloud.
B) use the impromptu style to sound relaxed and casual.
C) write it out word for word for better recall and retrieval.
D) memorize the main points and possibly the introduction and conclusion.

Question 16

A student is preparing a speech on nutrition in fast food restaurants. After examining what he thinks he already knows about the subject, what should he do next to research his topic?

A) Write down the main research questions and the key terms.
B) Visit several fast food restaurants to allow for personal observations and staff interviews.
C) Get a general overview from an authoritative source like a book chapter or encyclopedia article.
D) Jot down the names of people who might know something about nutrition.

Question 17

Your success in convincing or informing an audience will depend largely on _____, that is, how well you know your listeners and how well you have adapted to them.

A) analysis
B) motivation
C) persuasion
D) delivery

Question 18

A lecturer has now zeroed in on the one idea that he wants his listeners to remember after his presentation. This means he has decided on his

A) specific purpose.
B) general purpose.
C) thesis.
D) topic.

Question 19

In public speaking, _____ causes more problems than it solves.

A) rehearsing
B) outlining
C) researching
D) memorizing

Question 20

Thoroughly researching your topic will benefit your final speech in several specific ways, including

A) establishing your credibility.
B) generalizing your message.
C) selecting your subject.
D) understanding your audience.

Question 21

The text advises that you should rehearse your speech from start to finish, out loud, at least twice.

Question 22

What are some of the benefits of starting early when you are going to present a speech? List two or three, and give a simple example of each.

Question 23

What is meant by the general purpose of a speech? Name and briefly define the three primary types.

Question 24

When you get to the front of the room, you should begin speaking immediately, because even a few seconds of silence will give the audience the impression that you aren't prepared.

Question 25

A common problem in public speaking is the tendency to procrastinate, so the best advice on preparation is to start early.

Question 26

_____ plays an extremely important role in determining what people consider appropriate or worthwhile in many aspects of communication, including public speaking.

Question 27

One method the text suggests for overcoming the tendency to delay your preparation is to think ________ about the task by recognizing that delaying will only make it harder.

Question 28

In Step 3 "Research Your Topic," the text offers five principles or suggestions for researching a speech topic. Name and briefly discuss three of them.

Question 29

What are three of the rules of politeness that are commonly seen in public speaking classes? Discuss and explain briefly.

Question 30

It has been found that if you're a good writer, you'll be a good public speaker, and if you're a poor writer, you'll be a poor speaker.

Question 31

The ________ speech seeks to create understanding.

Question 32

Words, phrases, and sentences that help the parts of the speech flow into one another and create smooth movement throughout the presentation are called _____.

Question 33

During the rehearsal phase it's a good idea to use the _____ method of public speaking, that is, you rehearse your speech thoroughly but don't memorize it.

Question 34

The specific purpose of a speech refers to whether it is designed to inform, persuade, or serve a ceremonial or special occasion function. The general purpose of a speech includes this category, then adds information about the topic.

Question 35

You orient the audience in the introduction, but you motivate the audience in the conclusion.

Question 36

Public speaking is almost always _____, meaning that it is conducted at a certain time and place for a particular audience.

Question 37

You should create a title for your speech that is relatively thorough and comprehensive, highlighting the main idea―eight to ten words is usually best.

Question 38

Identify and give an example of two ways to make the words in your speech more understandable, personal, and informal.

Question 39

The text discusses three suggested goals of the speech introduction and of the speech conclusion in order to make them more effective. Choose either introduction or conclusion, and discuss the elements that can be included.

Question 40

Memorizing your speech is one of the worst things you can do when preparing for public speaking.