Question 1

For fear appeals to be effective, the speaker needs to convince the audience that the threat is real.

Accepted Answer

Fear appeals rely on creating a sense of threat or danger in the audience, and for this to be effective, the audience must believe that the threat is real. Otherwise, they are likely to dismiss the appeal as exaggerated or irrelevant. Therefore, it is important for the speaker to provide evidence or examples that support the existence and severity of the threat.

Question 2

Coercion is exactly the same as persuasion.

Accepted Answer

Coercion involves using force, threats, or intimidation to make someone do something they do not want to do. Persuasion, on the other hand, involves presenting arguments or reasons to convince someone to do something, but ultimately it is up to the individual to decide. Coercion is not the same as persuasion.

Question 3

Aristotle used the word logos when referring to emotional appeals used to move an audience.

Accepted Answer

Aristotle used the word pathos to refer to emotional appeals used to move an audience, not logos. Logos refers to logical appeals.

Question 4

A health club ad showing sleek, well-toned bodies on exercise machines is attempting to motivate with positive appeals.

Accepted Answer

The ad is using positive appeals by showing sleek, well-toned bodies as a reflection of the potential results of working out at the health club.

Question 5

An attitude is a predisposition to respond favorably or unfavorably to something.

Accepted Answer

An attitude is a person's tendency to evaluate or react to a particular thing, idea, or event in a positive or negative way. So, it can predispose a person to react favorably or unfavorably to something.

Question 6

The idea that public inoculation programs for polio eradicated the disease is an example of reasoning by analogy.

Accepted Answer

Reasoning by analogy involves comparing two different things to highlight similarities. The statement about public inoculation programs eradicating polio is a factual claim, not an analogy.

Question 7

The idea underlying Maslow's hierarchy of needs is that the needs at the top of the pyramid must be satisfied before one can concentrate on the needs at the bottom of the pyramid.

Accepted Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that lower-level needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs, not the other way around.

Question 8

The perception the audience has of you after you have concluded your speech, answered any questions, and left the area is your derived credibility.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The perception the audience has of you...

Question 9

"Drinking too much caffeine is harmful to your health" is a proposition of policy.

Accepted Answer

"Drinking too much caffeine is harmful to your health" is a proposition of fact, not a proposition of policy. A proposition of policy would make a statement about what action should be taken regarding the issue (e.g. "People should drink less caffeine for the sake of their health").

Question 10

"Maine is the most beautiful state in the country" is an example of a proposition of policy.

Accepted Answer

"Maine is the most beautiful state in the country" is a statement of opinion or value, not a proposal for specific action or change, which is what a proposition of policy is. A proposition of policy would be something like "Maine should increase funding for state parks to preserve their natural beauty."

Question 11

Trustworthiness refers to an aspect of the speaker's credibility that reflects whether the speaker is perceived as informed and skilled.

Accepted Answer

Trustworthiness refers to the perception of the speaker's honesty and integrity, not their level of being informed and skilled, which relates to competence.

Question 12

Reasoning is the process of drawing conclusions from evidence.

Accepted Answer

Reasoning involves using evidence to come to a logical conclusion.

Question 13

In a speech about improved public safety, Stewart called for his audience to sign a petition to support current legislation that he felt would improve the situation. What type of audience is best suited for this kind of appeal?

Accepted Answer

The receptive audience is best suited for this kind of appeal because they are already inclined to support the speaker's message and are more likely to be willing to sign the petition. They are already interested in the topic, and the speaker can use their existing support to build momentum for their cause. The uninformed audience may not have enough knowledge about the topic to make an informed decision, the neutral or apathetic audience may not care enough to sign the petition, while the unreceptive or hostile audience is unlikely to be persuaded by the speaker's message.

Question 14

When you are presented with information that is NOT consistent with your current thinking or feelings, you experience coercion.

Accepted Answer

Coercion refers to the use of force or threats to make someone do something against their will. It is not related to information that is inconsistent with one's current thinking or feelings. In fact, exposure to diverse perspectives and information can lead to growth and expanded understanding.

Question 15

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, basic physiological needs must be satisfied before we tend to others.

Accepted Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs states that basic physiological needs, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep, must be met before a person can focus on fulfilling other needs such as safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization.

Question 16

"I saw smoke coming from behind the mountain and when I arrived at that side of the mountain, I noticed a fire in a wooded area. The smoke must have come from the fire." This is an example of reasoning by analogy.

Accepted Answer

This is not an example of reasoning by analogy. Rather, it is an example of observing cause and effect. The smoke is observed, and the logical conclusion is made that the fire caused it. Reasoning by analogy involves comparing two things that are similar in some way and using that similarity to draw conclusions about one of them.

Question 17

Creating dissonance and then offering listeners a way to restore balance can be an effective persuasive strategy.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The persuasive strategy of creating dissonance involves presenting the listener with contradictory beliefs or actions, which can cause an uncomfortable feeling or imbalance. By then offering a solution or way to restore balance, the persuader can effectively influence the listener's beliefs or actions. This strategy is often used in advertising and marketing.

Question 18

Which of the following is a recommended strategy for an unreceptive audience?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging opposing points of view can show that you respect and understand the audience's perspective, which can increase their receptiveness to your message.

Question 19

Letting the audience know about your personal experiences with your topic is a good way to develop your credibility.

Accepted Answer

Sharing personal experiences helps to establish a connection with the audience and shows that you have first-hand knowledge about the topic at hand. This can boost your credibility as a speaker.

Question 20

The need to be loved is an example of a self-esteem need.

Accepted Answer

The need to be loved is an example of a social or belongingness need, not a self-esteem need. Self-esteem needs relate to personal worth and accomplishment.

Quiz 15: Speaking to Persuade