Question 1

Just as totally relaxed actors or musicians aren't likely to perform at the top of their potential, speakers think more rapidly and express themselves more energetically when they experience
A) facilitative speech anxiety.
B) debilitative speech anxiety.
C) irrational thinking.
D) the fallacy of perfection.

Accepted Answer

Facilitative speech anxiety is a type of nervousness that enhances the speaker's performance by making them more alert and energetic, unlike debilitative speech anxiety, which hinders performance.

Question 2

An intense level of apprehension about speaking before an audience, resulting in poor performance, is referred to as
A) facilitative speech anxiety.
B) debilitative speech anxiety.
C) irrational thinking.
D) the fallacy of catastrophic failure.

Accepted Answer

Debilitative speech anxiety refers to an intense level of fear or apprehension about speaking in front of an audience that negatively affects performance. This contrasts with facilitative speech anxiety, which can enhance a speaker's performance by providing a healthy level of nervousness.

Question 3

The fallacy of _______ might also be labeled the fallacy of exaggeration, because it occurs when a person blows one poor experience out of proportion, or when a speaker treats occasional lapses as if they were the rule rather than the exception.
A) approval
B) overgeneralization
C) irrational thinking
D) catastrophic failure

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is overgeneralization. This fallacy involves making broad generalizations based on limited evidence. In this context, it refers to the act of exaggerating a single or few instances to make them seem like a common occurrence, which is not logically justified.

Question 4

People who succumb to the fallacy of _______ operate on the assumption that, if something bad can happen, it probably will.
A) approval
B) overgeneralization
C) irrational thinking
D) catastrophic failure

Accepted Answer

The fallacy of catastrophic failure involves assuming the worst possible outcome will occur, which aligns with the description given.

Question 5

Speakers who succumb to the fallacy of _______ expect to deliver a flawless presentation.
A) approval
B) overgeneralization
C) irrational thinking
D) perfection

Accepted Answer

The fallacy of perfection involves the unrealistic expectation of delivering a flawless presentation, where the speaker believes they must not make any mistakes or face negative judgment.

Question 6

A technique for behavioral rehearsal (e.g., for a speech) that involves imagining the successful completion of the task is called
A) memorization.
B) substitution.
C) visualization.
D) projection.

Accepted Answer

Visualization is a mental technique that involves creating a mental image of successfully performing a task, such as giving a speech, to enhance actual performance.

Question 7

Beliefs that are illogical and leave people feeling unnecessarily apprehensive are called
A) impromptu ideas.
B) deletions.
C) irrational thinking.
D) extemporaneous ideas.

Accepted Answer

Irrational thinking refers to beliefs that are not based on reason or logical thinking, often leading to unnecessary anxiety or apprehension.

Question 8

Researchers have found that speech anxiety tends to be at its lowest
A) just before speaking.
B) at the midpoint of the speech.
C) when the speech-assignment is announced and explained.
D) during the preparation stage.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Researchers have found that speech anxiety tends...

Question 9

Carmen is uneasy about speaking because she had a negative experience when giving a speech in the past. This has contributed to her
A) facilitative speech anxiety.
B) debilitative speech anxiety.
C) fallacy of approval.
D) fallacy of catastrophic failure.

Accepted Answer

Debilitative speech anxiety is characterized by intense nervousness and fear about speaking in public, often stemming from past negative experiences, which matches Carmen's situation.

Question 10

Brian has never given a speech to the audience he is speaking to, yet he is afraid they will think he's stupid. What is occurring?
A) The fallacy of imperfection
B) The fallacy of overgeneralization
C) Irrational thinking
D) The fallacy of disapproval

Accepted Answer

Brian's fear that the audience will think he's stupid, despite having no evidence to support this belief, is an example of irrational thinking. It's a cognitive distortion where he's assuming a negative outcome without any rational basis.

Question 11

Barbara gives a controversial speech about tax reform. She does an excellent job making her points but is surprised by the negative responses coming from a few members of the audience. What best accounts for her surprise?
A) The fallacy of catastrophic failure
B) The fallacy of overgeneralization
C) Debilitative thinking
D) The fallacy of approval

Accepted Answer

The fallacy of approval explains Barbara's surprise because it involves the mistaken belief that one must have the approval of all people, leading her to be unexpectedly affected by the negative responses despite doing an excellent job.

Question 12

Randall realizes he needs to pay less attention to his own feelings and concentrate on the audience. Which tip for overcoming unhelpful speech anxiety is he using?
A) Use nervousness to your advantage.
B) Understand the differences between rational and irrational fears.
C) Maintain a receiver orientation.
D) Keep a positive attitude.

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a receiver orientation means focusing on the audience's needs, interests, and reactions rather than on one's own feelings or anxieties. By shifting his focus to the audience, Randall is employing this strategy to manage his speech anxiety.

Question 13

Patricia knows that being completely calm can take away the passion that is one element of a good speech. What unstated assumption can we make about Patricia?
A) She keeps a positive attitude.
B) She is never engaged in irrational thinking.
C) She has fallen into the fallacy of perfection.
D) She understands one of the ways to overcome unhelpful speech anxiety.

Accepted Answer

Patricia's knowledge suggests she understands that a certain level of excitement or passion, which can be inversely related to being completely calm, can enhance a speech. This indicates she recognizes managing rather than eliminating anxiety can improve speech performance, pointing to an understanding of strategies to overcome unhelpful speech anxiety.

Question 14

Janet says before her speech, "I always screw up in situations like this." What unstated assumption can we make about Janet?
A) She has fallen into the fallacy of approval.
B) She is engaged in irrational thinking.
C) She has fallen into the fallacy of perfection.
D) She is engaged in facilitative speech anxiety.

Accepted Answer

Janet's statement reflects irrational thinking because she is predicting a negative outcome without reasonable evidence, which is a form of cognitive distortion.

Question 15

Eva imagines herself giving and completing her speech successfully. What unstated assumption can we make about Eva?
A) She has fallen into the fallacy of approval.
B) She is engaged in irrational thinking.
C) She has fallen into the fallacy of perfection.
D) She understands visualization can be helpful.

Accepted Answer

Eva's act of imagining herself successfully giving and completing her speech suggests she believes in the power of positive visualization as a technique to prepare and improve performance, rather than engaging in fallacious or irrational thinking.

Question 16

A(n) _______ speech is given spontaneously, without preparation.
A) extemporaneous
B) impromptu
C) manuscript
D) memorized

Accepted Answer

Impromptu speeches are delivered without any preparation, unlike extemporaneous, manuscript, or memorized speeches, which involve some level of prior preparation or memorization.

Question 17

This type of speech is read word for word from a prepared text.
A) An extemporaneous speech
B) An impromptu speech
C) A manuscript speech
D) A memorized speech

Accepted Answer

A manuscript speech is read word for word from a prepared text, ensuring the speaker follows the exact wording and structure planned in advance.

Question 18

A(n) _______ speech is planned in advance but presented naturally in a direct, spontaneous manner.
A) extemporaneous
B) impromptu
C) manuscript
D) memorized

Accepted Answer

Extemporaneous speeches are prepared and planned in advance but are delivered without notes in a natural and spontaneous manner. This contrasts with impromptu speeches, which are made without prior preparation; manuscript speeches, which are read from a full text; and memorized speeches, which are recited from memory.

Question 19

Audiences tend to know immediately when speakers forget their lines while delivering _______ speeches.
A) extemporaneous
B) impromptu
C) manuscript
D) memorized

Accepted Answer

In memorized speeches, speakers recite their speech from memory, so any lapse or hesitation is immediately noticeable to the audience.

Question 20

The ability to think on your feet and organize your thoughts quickly will best serve a speaker giving which kind of speech?
A) Extemporaneous speech
B) Impromptu speech
C) Manuscript speech
D) Memorized speech

Accepted Answer

Impromptu speeches require speakers to think quickly and organize their thoughts on the spot, as they are given without prior preparation or notes.

Quiz 13: Presenting Speeches

Just as totally relaxed actors or musicians aren't likely to perform at the top of their potential, speakers think more rapidly and express themselves more energetically when they experience

An intense level of apprehension about speaking before an audience, resulting in poor performance, is referred to as

The fallacy of _______ might also be labeled the fallacy of exaggeration, because it occurs when a person blows one poor experience out of proportion, or when a speaker treats occasional lapses as if they were the rule rather than the exception.

People who succumb to the fallacy of _______ operate on the assumption that, if something bad can happen, it probably will.

Speakers who succumb to the fallacy of _______ expect to deliver a flawless presentation.

A technique for behavioral rehearsal (e.g., for a speech) that involves imagining the successful completion of the task is called

Beliefs that are illogical and leave people feeling unnecessarily apprehensive are called

Researchers have found that speech anxiety tends to be at its lowest

Carmen is uneasy about speaking because she had a negative experience when giving a speech in the past. This has contributed to her

Brian has never given a speech to the audience he is speaking to, yet he is afraid they will think he's stupid. What is occurring?

Barbara gives a controversial speech about tax reform. She does an excellent job making her points but is surprised by the negative responses coming from a few members of the audience. What best accounts for her surprise?

Randall realizes he needs to pay less attention to his own feelings and concentrate on the audience. Which tip for overcoming unhelpful speech anxiety is he using?

Patricia knows that being completely calm can take away the passion that is one element of a good speech. What unstated assumption can we make about Patricia?

Janet says before her speech, "I always screw up in situations like this." What unstated assumption can we make about Janet?

Eva imagines herself giving and completing her speech successfully. What unstated assumption can we make about Eva?

A(n) _______ speech is given spontaneously, without preparation.

This type of speech is read word for word from a prepared text.

A(n) _______ speech is planned in advance but presented naturally in a direct, spontaneous manner.

Audiences tend to know immediately when speakers forget their lines while delivering _______ speeches.

The ability to think on your feet and organize your thoughts quickly will best serve a speaker giving which kind of speech?