Question 1

Which of the following is true of informative speaking (as opposed to persuasive speaking)?

Accepted Answer

Informative speaking is focused on providing the audience with information and knowledge without trying to persuade them to take a particular action or adopt a particular stance. Therefore, the speaker expects the audience to grasp the full content of the presentation without any added bias or influence. Choices A, B, and C relate more to persuasive speaking.

Question 2

Which of these appears in a formal outline but not in a rough draft outline?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

A speaker discusses the life cycle of a butterfly, moving from the egg to the caterpillar, pupa, and finally, the adult. This speech would most likely follow which organizational pattern?

Accepted Answer

The speaker is describing the life cycle of a butterfly in order, from the egg to the adult stage, making it a chronological pattern of organization.

Question 4

A speaker informs the audience about the planets in the solar system, beginning with those closest to the sun. This speech would most likely follow which organizational pattern?

Accepted Answer

The spatial organizational pattern is used because the speaker is organizing the information based on the location of the planets in relation to the sun, moving through space from those closest to the sun to those farther away.

Question 5

A speaker discusses four types of wine produced in France. This speech would most likely follow which organizational pattern?

Accepted Answer

The speaker is discussing four different types of wine produced in France, which suggests that a topical organizational pattern would be most effective in organizing the information.

Question 6

A speaker describes the conditions under which a tornado forms and then describes the damage that a tornado can produce. This speech would most likely follow which organizational pattern?

Accepted Answer

The speech follows a causal organizational pattern because it first explains the conditions (causes) that lead to the formation of a tornado and then describes the effects (damage) produced by a tornado.

Question 7

A speaker describes the stress that college students experience and notes that stress can be reduced if students exercise, get adequate sleep, and avoid procrastination. This speech would most likely follow which organizational pattern?

Accepted Answer

The speech follows the problem-solution organizational pattern as it identifies a problem (college students experiencing stress) and provides solutions (exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding procrastination) to alleviate it.

Question 8

In the United States, audiences expect that speakers will use which approach to organizing speeches?

Accepted Answer

The linear approach to organizing speeches is the most commonly used and expected approach in the United States. This approach involves organizing the speech in a clear and logical manner, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The main points of the speech are presented in a logical order, often in a chronological or cause-and-effect sequence. This approach helps the audience to follow the speaker's thought process and understand the main points of the speech in a clear and organized manner.

Question 9

Which of the following is true of speech introductions?

Accepted Answer

Speech introductions can serve multiple functions simultaneously, such as capturing attention and establishing credibility at the same time.

Question 10

Which of the following is not an effective way to catch audience attention?

Accepted Answer

Announcing the topic is typically a straightforward approach that might not actively engage or catch the audience's attention compared to the other methods listed, which are designed to provoke thought, curiosity, or emotional engagement.

Question 11

Which of the following is not a recommendation from the textbook about using humor effectively in a speech introduction?

Accepted Answer

The textbook recommends telling a joke that relates to your topic, as it will set the tone for your speech and create a connection with your audience. Telling a joke that is unrelated may not be seen as relevant or engaging, and may even detract from your overall message.

Question 12

A politician opens her speech in your hometown by saying, "I'm thrilled to be here. This is one of the prettiest, friendliest towns I visit along the campaign trail." You recognize this as

Accepted Answer

The politician is trying to build rapport with the audience by complimenting their hometown. Building rapport involves establishing a connection and a level of trust with the audience.

Question 13

In a speech about steps to growing a healthier lawn, you hear this statement in the introduction: "I have owned a landscaping business for 5 years, and I am studying agriculture here at the college." You recognize this as

Accepted Answer

The statement is an example of establishing credibility by sharing the speaker's relevant background and experience in the field.

Question 14

Brittany plans to give a speech about reasons why women under 50 should get mammograms. Realizing that more than half of her listeners will be men, she must take special care to

Accepted Answer

Pointing out the benefits to the audience is the best choice because it directly addresses the potential resistance or disinterest that the male listeners may have towards the topic. By highlighting the benefits, Brittany can appeal to their self-interest and show why the topic is relevant to them. Establishing credibility and clarifying the central idea are also important, but they may not be as effective in engaging a potentially skeptical audience. Sharing a personal anecdote may not be as relevant to the topic and may not resonate with all listeners.

Question 15

Which of the following is true about providing a thesis and previewing main points?

Accepted Answer

Thesis statements are essential in both informative and persuasive speeches. However, in persuasive speeches, it is recommended to avoid stating the thesis statement upfront if the audience is likely to oppose the position. Instead, it is better to preview the main points first to ease the audience into the argument before stating the thesis.

Question 16

All introductions should include

Accepted Answer

An introduction should include an attention-getter to capture the audience's interest right from the start.

Question 17

Which of the following should be accomplished by a summary of main points?

Accepted Answer

A summary of main points should signal to the audience that the speech is coming to an end and recap the main ideas presented in the body of the speech, not introduce new information or take up a significant amount of additional speaking time. It is not necessary to call attention to the mechanics of the speech as this should be apparent throughout the delivery.

Question 18

Which of these qualities makes a speech conclusion memorable?

Accepted Answer

A conclusion that is poignant or insightful leaves a lasting impression on the audience and makes the speech memorable. Abrupt endings may leave the audience confused, while adding new information or restating points may not necessarily be memorable.

Question 19

What recommendation does the textbook make for a speech that will contain questions and answers (Q &A)?

Accepted Answer

The textbook recommends putting the memorable parting thought after the Q&A. This ensures that the audience remembers the key point of the speech even after the Q&A session. Option A is irrelevant as it pertains to the conclusion, whereas this question is specifically about a Q&A session. Option B is incorrect as it suggests placing the parting thought before the Q&A, which may reduce the impact of the Q&A itself. Option D is also incorrect as the summary usually comes after the Q&A session.

Question 20

In his speech, Arturo says, "Now that you know some of the causes of homelessness, let's look at some of the solutions." This statement serves to

Accepted Answer

The statement serves as a transition between discussing the causes of homelessness and outlining possible solutions, indicating a shift in focus and providing direction for the audience.

Quiz 12: Informative Speaking

Which of the following is true of informative speaking (as opposed to persuasive speaking) ?