Deck 14: Rehearsing and Delivering Successful Presentations

Question 1

Valerie was walking through the lobby when a friend from another company that shares the same building asked her to step into their meeting and explain how her company had been addressing employee absenteeism. What type of speech did Valerie give them?

A) impromptu
B) extemporaneous
C) scripted
D) memorized
E) recorded

Answer 1

impromptu

Question 2

An impromptu speech

A) requires extensive research.
B) usually happens with little notice.
C) entails elaborate props.
D) eliminates the likelihood of unclear language.
E) is usually very formalized.

Answer 2

usually happens with little notice.

Question 3

How many points should be covered in an impromptu speech?

A) one
B) two
C) three
D) four
E) five

Answer 3

three

Question 4

What type of speech is rehearsed to sound spontaneous?

A) virtual
B) memorized
C) scripted
D) impromptu
E) extemporaneous

Question 5

Myrtle is a CEO who must speak to the press about a sensitive legal issue involving her company. Which type of speech should she use?

A) impromptu
B) scripted
C) extemporaneous
D) memorized
E) transpositioned

Question 6

What type of speech is composed word for word in a manuscript and then read aloud exactly as written?

A) scripted
B) impromptu
C) extemporaneous
D) recorded
E) memorized

Question 7

One disadvantage of a scripted speech delivery is the

A) inability to use any nonverbal communication techniques.
B) tendency to forget to include important information.
C) lack of formality associated with it.
D) extensive preparation required.
E) inability to finish it in a predictable time frame.

Question 8

Which of the following people might want to use a memorized speech?

A) Tony, who likes to have notes to hold and feels uncomfortable gesturing
B) Keith, who wants to come across with a casual, conversational tone
C) Kaleb, who wants to use precise words, but is uncomfortable reading a script
D) Lexus, who likes to read from a page so she does not have to look at her audience
E) Portia, who prefers a give-and-take with her audience as she explores multiple sides of issues

Question 9

Chloe is going to record a speech where she will tell her employees about an exciting new incentive program that will increase their wages. Which format would best serve her purpose?

A) transpositional
B) impromptu
C) memorized
D) scripted
E) extemporaneous

Question 10

Vaughn is the production supervisor in a casting plant where an aluminum melting furnace recently exploded, injuring several employees. In response to this incident, which type of speech would be most appropriate for him to record and present on the company's social media pages?

A) impromptu
B) scripted
C) extemporaneous
D) memorized
E) articulated

Question 11

During a speech, your facial expressions should

A) match your tone.
B) be positive.
C) stay the same.
D) be serious.
E) be unnoticeable.

Question 12

Which of the following is an appropriate approach to eye contact during a business speech?

A) Choose one friendly face and maintain eye contact with them during the entire presentation.
B) Briefly glance at the audience but spend most of your speech looking over their heads.
C) Make eye contact with each person in the room at some point during the presentation
D) Avoid making direct eye contact with any audience member.
E) Choose an individual on each side of the audience and alternate making eye contact with them.

Question 13

Which of the following uses of movement is recommended for a business presentation?

A) Rotate among three preselected "stations" where you can stand.
B) Pace back and forth across the front of the room.
C) When presenting a slideshow, face the screen, not the audience.
D) Remain in one spot throughout the speech unless props are involved.
E) Change positions during transitions in the speech.

Question 14

Movements of the hands, arms, or head that express meaning are known as

A) visual aids.
B) gestures.
C) expressions.
D) articulations.

Question 15

A business presenter should use large gestures in which of the following situations?

A) in a small conference room
B) on a webcam
C) during an informal, small-group gathering around a picnic table
D) during a very formal, televised broadcast
E) while speaking to a large group in an open parking lot

Question 16

During a business presentation, jewelry should

A) draw the audience's attention.
B) complement the speaker's wardrobe.
C) be removed.
D) be clearly visible from far away.
E) make sounds to complement the speaker's gestures.

Question 17

Which statement about speaking rate is true?

A) Speaking more slowly makes a person seem more credible.
B) It is condescending to adjust your rate to accommodate the audience.
C) Speaking quickly makes a speaker sound uncertain.
D) It is possible for a speaker to speak too quickly.
E) Most U.S. adults speak approximately 250 words per minute.

Question 18

In which of the following situations is a speaker most likely to speak at a loud volume?

A) Janice is speaking to a group of ten in a conference room.
B) Trung is using a microphone to speak to an audience in an auditorium.
C) Juana is speaking to a customer in the car dealership.
D) Malik is speaking at a union meeting in a large room without a microphone.
E) Beatta is speaking to her boss in his office.

Question 19

Maureen's company has implemented a program where employees go speak to people in the community. Maureen is chosen to speak at a preschool class. How should she adjust her speech delivery?

A) She should decrease her pace.
B) She should increase her pace.
C) She should speak at a normal pace.
D) She should use larger words at a slower pace.
E) She should use smaller words at a faster pace.

Question 20

A speech disorder that disrupts the flow of words with repeated or prolonged sounds and involuntary pauses is known as

A) articulation.
B) stuttering.
C) fluency.
D) fight-or-flight response.
E) public speaking anxiety.

Question 21

Whenever Akshay speaks in front of an audience, his heart races, he sweats uncontrollably, and his voice quivers. Akshay is demonstrating signs of

A) anticipatory anxiety.
B) irrational fear.
C) public speaking anxiety.
D) desensitization.
E) extemporaneous fear.

Question 22

Public speaking anxiety affects roughly ________ adults.

A) 1 in 5
B) 1 in 2
C) 3 in 5
D) 4 in 5
E) 9 in 10

Question 23

The body's reaction to any type of perceived threat is referred to as

A) desensitization.
B) articulation.
C) stressor.
D) stress.
E) anticipatory anxiety.

Question 24

Events that cause the body to experience stress are known as

A) stressors.
B) anxieties.
C) articulations.
D) transpositions.
E) slurs.

Question 25

Anxiety is defined as

A) a reaction that helps prepare the body either to confront the stressor or to avoid it.
B) a feeling of worry and unease.
C) the body's reaction to any type of perceived threat.
D) events that cause the body to experience stress.
E) a speech disorder that disrupts the flow of words.

Question 26

Anticipatory anxiety occurs

A) before someone gives a speech.
B) after someone gives a speech.
C) while someone gives a speech.
D) as a reaction to someone giving a speech.
E) if someone makes a mistake in a speech.

Question 27

Who is likely to feel the highest level of anticipatory anxiety?

A) Stan, who has been rehearsing for a month for a presentation to his fellow sales representatives
B) Linda, who was just told she will be making an impromptu speech to the board of directors after lunch
C) Karl, who has just finished typing a statement he will read about his investment returns last quarter
D) Gail, who has just memorized a speech she will give introducing the employees of the month
E) Gary, who just started researching for an extemporaneous speech on insurance he will give next month

Question 28

Studies have found relatively high levels of anticipatory anxiety

A) among intellectually sophisticated people.
B) in uninhibited individuals.
C) among people who are outgoing.
D) in men.
E) in women.

Question 29

Men who are giving a speech have ________ on average than women who are giving a speech.

A) lower levels of stress hormones
B) lower blood pressure
C) less overall physical stress
D) lower heart rates
E) lower tolerance for psychological stress

Question 30

Sal has a fairly high level of public speaking anxiety, but he has rarely spoken to groups before. Now, in his new job as representative of his department, he will be speaking publicly quite often. Over the next few years, Sal's anxiety during presentations will most likely

A) remain unchanged.
B) increase to the point of being debilitating.
C) decrease considerably.
D) disappear completely.
E) cost him his position.

Question 31

The best way to deal with the physical changes caused by delivering a speech is to

A) use them as a source of focused energy.
B) ignore them.
C) stop them before the speech starts.
D) delay them until the speech is over.
E) focus on suppressing them throughout the speech.

Question 32

Amber told Terrance he will become a better speaker if he practices visualization before he presents at the next meeting. What does this mean Terrance should do?

A) create vivid graphics to project during his speech
B) make exaggerated eye contact with audience members
C) imagine himself making a great presentation
D) read the speech repeatedly until he knows every word
E) use flamboyant gestures to describe what he is taking about

Question 33

The purpose of visualization is to

A) reduce speaker anxiety.
B) help the audience imagine something.
C) provide something to keep the audience focused.
D) build a personal connection with the audience.
E) make the speaker seem similar to the audience members.

Question 34

Angus was hired to take the lead on a new product line. He was told he would have to make weekly presentations, which he dreaded more than anything. After two or three months, he found that the speeches were no longer as stressful as they once were. Angus has likely been through the process of

A) visualization.
B) desensitization.
C) virtual realization.
D) memorization.
E) articulation.

Question 35

Whenever Raine hires new employees for positions involving public speaking, she makes them practice speaking before a virtual audience on a computer. This is a technique for using ________ to combat public speaking anxiety.

A) visualization
B) desensitization
C) articulation
D) fluency
E) stage fright

Question 36

Antonio is about to give a speech on a new technique to forecast sales and is a little anxious. Which of his friends gives him the best advice about what to do?

A) Steve, who says to approach it with a positive attitude
B) Lloyd, who says showing a little nervousness will make Antonio appear humble
C) Jodi, who says to avoid practicing because it creates overconfidence
D) Annalee, who says he should cancel the speech if anticipating it makes Antonio anxious
E) Juwan, who says to speak loudly at the beginning of the speech until Antonio's tension is released

Question 37

Making yourself think positive thoughts before an upcoming speech leads to

A) a false sense of security.
B) increased anxiety.
C) decreased physical stress.
D) stage fright.
E) an error-free speech.

Question 38

Timothy was very anxious about giving the keynote address at an upcoming sales expo. This was the most important speech of his career, and he kept worrying that he would forget his lines or stutter, even though that had never happened to him before. When Timothy gave the speech, he forgot some of his lines and stuttered several times, just as he had feared. Timothy experienced

A) impromptu speaking anxiety.
B) desensitization.
C) a self-fulfilling prophecy.
D) failed transposition.
E) visualization.

Question 39

The best approach to preparing for a speech is to tell yourself that you

A) will fail.
B) deserve to succeed.
C) might succeed.
D) might fail.
E) will succeed.

Question 40

Greg arrived early at the location where he is scheduled to give a presentation about his company's new document disposal system. Which of the following is the best approach for him to take?

A) walk around and interact with some of his audience members
B) leave for the time being and come back at the proper time
C) show the audience his notes and visuals and ask what they think
D) set up his materials and wait quietly by himself
E) do a test run of his speech in front of the audience members already there

Question 41

For the majority of professional presentations, the speaker should ________ the audience.

A) make jokes about
B) totally ignore
C) avoid speaking to
D) become comfortable with
E) try to intimidate

Question 42

Janelle is presenting at a business conference, and she is a bit nervous. Which of the following people should she look at as she begins her speech, in order to help her focus and relax?

A) Mr. Greene, the president of her company
B) Mrs. Bowers, the manager who feels Janelle is not ready to make the presentation
C) Susan, her office partner and close friend
D) Doug, her ex-boyfriend who is bitter about the break-up
E) Mr. Ruiz, a friendly-looking man Janelle has never spoken to

Question 43

Don was giving a presentation on new production guidelines when he noticed Mr. Osaka, a hearing impaired audience member, looking at his phone. Don became distracted and was upset about Mr. Osaka using his phone during his presentation. What is most likely the reason Don should not be upset by this behavior?

A) What Mr. Osaka was doing was probably more important than Don's speech.
B) It is now acceptable etiquette to use phones while people are talking.
C) Mr. Osaka was probably adjusting the volume of his hearing aid.
D) Mr. Osaka had trouble hearing the speech so he was checking his work email instead.
E) Mr. Osaka's behavior was a good signal of when Don needed to talk louder.

Question 44

During a technical presentation, using people as the subjects of your sentences will

A) take away from the facts you are presenting.
B) make you appear technically incompetent.
C) increase listener interest.
D) disguise inadequate preparation.
E) make your statistics easier to interpret.

Question 45

Miguel is explaining the work he did with Tyson to develop a new process in their company. When Miguel gets to the part of his presentation where he mentions Tyson's contribution, how should he refer to Tyson?

A) He should refer to him as "one of my coworkers."
B) He should point at him and refer to him as "this guy."
C) He should say "various team members" instead of acknowledging it was an individual.
D) He should have him stand up and introduce him by name.
E) He should just provide the audience with the information they need instead of wasting time acknowledging Tyson.

Question 46

Daryn spoke with three audience members before her presentation, Luke, Alicia, and Bart. They worked together to come up with a great idea to combine two processes into one. What should Daryn say to introduce this idea in her presentation?

A) "One idea I recently heard about is combining these two processes into one."
B) "I just came up with a great idea. I think we should combine the two processes into one."
C) "Some coworkers and I generated a plan to combine these processes."
D) "One approach would be to combine these processes into one."
E) "I spoke with Luke, Alicia, and Bart before the presentation, and we have a great plan that combines the two processes into one."

Question 47

If you have to give a presentation in a place you have never been before, it is best to arrive

A) at least one day in advance.
B) at least an hour early.
C) about ten minutes ahead of time.
D) exactly at the start time of your speech.
E) just a few minutes late.

Question 48

Augustus has lost his place during a marketing presentation. The best strategy for him to use is to

A) pause briefly to regain his thoughts.
B) tell the audience he has lost his place.
C) restart the speech from the beginning.
D) tell a funny story until he remembers where he was.
E) end the speech.

Question 49

When you are asked questions by audience members at a presentation, the best way to respond is

A) to answer as thoroughly as possible.
B) to keep your responses brief.
C) by answering the question with a question.
D) by telling them you have no time to answer questions.
E) to have an assistant to answer their questions privately.

Question 50

Impromptu speeches should last longer than most speeches.

Question 51

Memorized speeches allow for freer gesturing.

Question 52

Scripted speeches are read aloud from a manuscript.

Question 53

Recorded business speeches frequently have more online viewers than live audience members.

Question 54

Speakers' facial expressions need not match the tone of their words.

Question 55

Most experienced speakers look at the ground or above audience members' heads while presenting.

Question 56

A good speaker should gesture as much as possible.

Question 57

Your attire during any work-related presentation should be a suit and tie.

Question 58

Transposition and slurring are articulation problems.

Question 59

Good speech delivery elements are the same across cultures.

Question 60

Public speaking anxiety is also known as desensitization.

Question 61

Stressors are actions that block the body from feeling stress.

Question 62

Public speaking anxiety can cause the face to twitch.

Question 63

Public speaking anxiety can be advantageous.

Question 64

Fluency is the term used to describe developing a specific mental image of winning or giving a successful performance.

Question 65

Practicing a speech in virtual reality can lower anxiety.

Question 66

It is a good idea to engage with audience members before a speech begins.

Question 67

You should lean on a podium to appear relaxed during a speech.

Question 68

You should pause before answering questions.

Question 69

You should talk to the audience after your speech is over.

Question 70

Briefly explain the advantages and disadvantages of extemporaneous speaking and give examples of situations where it would, and would not, be appropriate.

Question 71

Briefly explain which delivery formats are well-suited for use as recorded speeches, which are not, and why.

Question 72

Briefly explain what the two most important qualities of facial expression are when delivering a speech and how they influence audience impressions.

Question 73

Briefly explain the proper way to incorporate movement into a speech.

Question 74

Larissa is scheduled to give a presentation in front of a large group next week. She is prone to stage fright. Give examples of a psychological, a physiological, and a behavioral effect that Larissa is likely to experience before or during her speech as a result of her stage fright.

Question 75

Give an example of someone who is relatively likely to experience physical stress when speaking publicly. Detail at least two research-based factors that contribute to that individual's high physical stress response to public speaking.

Question 76

Briefly describe how the process known as desensitization can be applied to public speaking anxiety and provide an example.

Question 77

Your friend, Wilma, is very nervous about her upcoming presentation. She keeps thinking about everything that could go wrong. Advise her on how changing her attitude can help her public speaking and offer at least one specific suggestion on how to go about changing her attitude.

Question 78

Briefly explain how to properly use podiums and tables during a presentation.

Question 79

Saga tends to get sidetracked or flustered when she takes questions from her audiences. Provide Saga with at least two specific suggestions on how to handle audience questions in a way that will strengthen her presentations.