Question 1

Which action subgoal asks listeners to demonstrate their acceptance of an attitude, belief, or value by performing the behavior suggested by the speaker?
A) adoption
B) discontinuance
C) deterrence
D) continuance

Accepted Answer

The action subgoal that asks listeners to demonstrate their acceptance of an attitude, belief, or value by performing the behavior suggested by the speaker is adoption. This involves persuading the listener to not just agree with the message but to also act on it.

Question 2

In his persuasive speech, Hakim wants his classmates to boycott a particular restaurant in town. Which action subgoal of persuasion is Hakim attempting to meet?
A) adoption
B) discontinuance
C) deterrence
D) continuance

Accepted Answer

Hakim is attempting to convince his classmates to discontinue patronizing a particular restaurant, which fulfills the action subgoal of persuasion known as discontinuance.

Question 3

Speeches that deal with abstract topics such as beliefs, theories, ideas, and principles are speeches about __________.
A) processes
B) objects
C) concepts
D) events

Accepted Answer

Abstract topics such as beliefs, theories, ideas, and principles are not physical objects (B), nor are they typically related to specific processes (A) or events (D). Instead, they are concepts, which can be discussed and explored through speech.

Question 4

The specific purpose of Taylor's speech is "To persuade the audience that Facebook should be banned from providing personal information to third party advertisers." This speech centers on a question of __________.
A) fact
B) value
C) morality
D) policy

Accepted Answer

The specific purpose statement of Taylor's speech includes the word "should," which indicates that the speech is about proposing a change in policy. Therefore, the question at the center of the speech is a question of policy: whether or not Facebook should be banned from providing personal information to third party advertisers.

Question 5

The general goal of persuasion can be summarized as __________.
A) coercion
B) gaining knowledge
C) action or change
D) acceptance or rejection

Accepted Answer

The general goal of persuasion is to bring about action or change in the target audience's behavior, attitude, or belief. Coercion implies force or threat, which is not a desirable method of persuasion. Gaining knowledge is a specific goal of persuasion, but not the general goal. Acceptance or rejection may be a specific goal, but not the general goal, as persuasion can also aim to modify or reinforce existing beliefs or attitudes.

Question 6

Luna develops her persuasive speech around the topic, "Did Thomas Jefferson truly believe that all men are created equal?" Luna is examining a question of __________.
A) fact
B) value
C) policy
D) continuance

Accepted Answer

Luna's question is one of fact, as it relates to the beliefs and intentions of a historical figure.

Question 7

An informative speaker who provides a fresh perspective is able to __________.
A) gain and maintain audience attention
B) deliver a speech successfully
C) increase his or her credibility
D) change the minds of the audience

Accepted Answer

A speaker who provides a fresh perspective is able to gain and maintain audience attention by offering new information or a unique way of looking at a topic. This keeps the audience engaged and interested in what the speaker has to say, making it more likely that they will remember the key points of the speech. While increasing credibility and changing minds are certainly possible outcomes of a successful speech, the ability to capture and hold the audience's attention is a key factor in achieving these outcomes.

Question 8

Some difference must especially exist between the speaker's view and that of the audience when the speaker's goal is __________.
A) deterrence or avoidance
B) to inform
C) adoption or discontinuance
D) to entertain

Accepted Answer

When the speaker's goal is adoption or discontinuance, their view is likely to be in favor of the change they are advocating for, while the audience may have reservations or even be completely opposed to the idea. This creates a significant difference in perspectives between the speaker and the audience. In contrast, when the goal is deterrence or avoidance, informing, or entertaining, there may be some differences in perspectives, but they are not as strongly opposing as in the case of adoption or discontinuance.

Question 9

In his speech, Keegan wants to signal what is coming and warn that what is about to be said is significant. What organizational technique should he use?
A) Incorporate definitions.
B) Use concrete words.
C) Plan for repetition.
D) Use advance organizers.

Accepted Answer

Using advance organizers would be the most effective technique for Keegan to signal what is coming and warn that what is about to be said is significant. Advance organizers provide a clear structure and overview of the speech, which helps the audience prepare for what is to come. This technique also creates a sense of anticipation and helps maintain the audience's attention.

Question 10

A speech that asks whether something is good or bad, desirable or undesirable, centers around a question of __________.
A) fact
B) value
C) policy
D) continuance

Accepted Answer

A speech that asks whether something is good or bad, desirable or undesirable is centered around a question of value. The speaker is asking the audience to evaluate the worth or importance of a particular topic or issue, which is subjective and depends on personal beliefs and opinions.

Question 11

Presentations about __________ are especially appropriate for persuasive speeches.
A) current and controversial subjects
B) noteworthy people
C) objects
D) how something is done

Accepted Answer

Current and controversial subjects are suitable for persuasive speeches because they can spark emotion and motivate the audience to take action or reconsider their opinions on the topic. Noteworthy people and objects are more suitable for informative speeches, while explaining how something is done is better suited for demonstrative speeches.

Question 12

When selecting an appropriate topic for either informative or persuasive speeches, what element is most important?
A) The information is meaningful and interesting to the speaker.
B) The information is meaningful and interesting to the audience.
C) The speaker already knows a great deal about the topic.
D) The audience already knows a great deal about the topic.

Accepted Answer

The most important element when selecting a topic for informative or persuasive speeches is that the information should be meaningful and interesting to the audience. It is essential to consider the audience's interests, demographics, and prior knowledge to engage them effectively. The speaker's interest and knowledge about the topic also matter, but they should not be the sole determining factor. The ultimate goal of any speech is to communicate effectively with the audience, and an irrelevant or uninteresting topic can hinder that objective.

Question 13

Which statement accurately reflects the distinction between informative and persuasive speaking?
A) Persuasion can be accomplished without attempting to inform.
B) The goal of the speaker distinguishes the two forms of speaking.
C) Information cannot be presented without attempting to persuade.
D) There is no difference between the two forms of speaking.

Accepted Answer

The main difference between informative and persuasive speaking lies in the goal of the speaker. In informative speaking, the primary goal is to provide information, whereas in persuasive speaking, the goal is to influence or convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint, behavior or action. However, it is important to note that persuasive speaking may still involve providing information, but the primary focus is on the persuasion aspect, whereas informative speaking may involve some persuasion, but it is not the main focus. Option A is false because persuasion is always trying to influence and convince the audience. Option C is false because information can be presented for the sake of knowledge and understanding alone. Option D is false because as explained above, the two forms of speaking differ in terms of goals and focus.

Question 14

Zach has been asked to speak about financial planning to an audience filled with college students and their parents. His central focus will be on graduating with little or no debt. By selecting this topic area, Zach will gain audience attention by __________.
A) creating information relevance
B) focusing on the unusual
C) providing a fresh perspective
D) generating a need for information

Accepted Answer

By focusing on financial planning and graduating with little or no debt, Zach is creating information relevance for his audience. Many college students and their parents are concerned about the potential financial burden of student loans, so this topic is likely to be of interest to them. Zach's central focus on this topic will generate a need for information among his audience.

Question 15

Gregson has been assigned an informative speech for his public speaking class. The general goal of this speech should be __________.
A) to alter the attitudes or beliefs of the audience
B) to speak on a topic the audience knows nothing about
C) to increase the knowledge of the audience
D) to change the behavior of the audience

Accepted Answer

An informative speech is designed to increase or enhance the knowledge of the audience on a particular topic, without necessarily persuading them to adopt a particular belief, attitude or behavior. Thus, option C is the most appropriate choice.

Question 16

When discussing questions of policy, persuasive speakers usually focus on what three considerations?
A) plan, resources and sustainability
B) need, plan and suitability
C) emotional appeals, attitudes and ethics
D) assertion, warrants and proof

Accepted Answer

Need focuses on establishing why the policy is necessary or desirable, plan outlines how the policy will work and be implemented, and suitability considers if the policy is appropriate for the given situation or context. These three considerations help to persuade an audience that the policy is a good idea. Option A is too specific and Option C and D are not encompassing enough.

Question 17

All forms of persuasion must __________.
A) provide information
B) include syllogisms
C) use emotional appeals
D) manipulate the audience

Accepted Answer

While emotional appeals and manipulating the audience are sometimes used in persuasion, they are not requirements for all forms of persuasion. Providing information, however, is essential in order to persuade someone. Syllogisms (deductive reasoning) may be used in some forms of persuasion, but they are also not required for all forms.

Question 18

Chanita is urging all residents at her dorm council meeting to maintain the current university policy of dorm segregation by sex. Chanita's persuasive goal is __________.
A) adoption
B) discontinuance
C) deterrence
D) continuance

Accepted Answer

Chanita wants to maintain the current university policy of dorm segregation by sex, therefore her persuasive goal is continuance.

Question 19

As a beginning persuasive speaker, success would mean __________.
A) your audience refutes all other viewpoints
B) you've compelled listeners to listen to and consider your point of view
C) you've provided listeners with interesting information
D) your audience undergoes immediate and drastic behavior change

Accepted Answer

Success for a beginning persuasive speaker should be measured by whether or not they're able to convince their audience to listen to and consider their point of view. It's unrealistic to expect an immediate and drastic behavior change or for the audience to refute all other viewpoints. Providing interesting information is important, but it's not the only measure of success for a persuasive speaker.

Question 20

Sheree wants to explain how to bake an apple pie in her informative speech. This speech is about a(n) __________.
A) process
B) object
C) concept
D) event

Accepted Answer

Sheree is explaining the step-by-step process of baking an apple pie, making it a speech about a process.

Quiz 12: Informative and Persuasive Speaking

Which action subgoal asks listeners to demonstrate their acceptance of an attitude, belief, or value by performing the behavior suggested by the speaker?

In his persuasive speech, Hakim wants his classmates to boycott a particular restaurant in town. Which action subgoal of persuasion is Hakim attempting to meet?

Speeches that deal with abstract topics such as beliefs, theories, ideas, and principles are speeches about __________.

The specific purpose of Taylor's speech is "To persuade the audience that Facebook should be banned from providing personal information to third party advertisers." This speech centers on a question of __________.

The general goal of persuasion can be summarized as __________.

Luna develops her persuasive speech around the topic, "Did Thomas Jefferson truly believe that all men are created equal?" Luna is examining a question of __________.

An informative speaker who provides a fresh perspective is able to __________.

Some difference must especially exist between the speaker's view and that of the audience when the speaker's goal is __________.

In his speech, Keegan wants to signal what is coming and warn that what is about to be said is significant. What organizational technique should he use?

A speech that asks whether something is good or bad, desirable or undesirable, centers around a question of __________.

Presentations about __________ are especially appropriate for persuasive speeches.

When selecting an appropriate topic for either informative or persuasive speeches, what element is most important?

Which statement accurately reflects the distinction between informative and persuasive speaking?

Zach has been asked to speak about financial planning to an audience filled with college students and their parents. His central focus will be on graduating with little or no debt. By selecting this topic area, Zach will gain audience attention by __________.

Gregson has been assigned an informative speech for his public speaking class. The general goal of this speech should be __________.

When discussing questions of policy, persuasive speakers usually focus on what three considerations?

All forms of persuasion must __________.

Chanita is urging all residents at her dorm council meeting to maintain the current university policy of dorm segregation by sex. Chanita's persuasive goal is __________.

As a beginning persuasive speaker, success would mean __________.

Sheree wants to explain how to bake an apple pie in her informative speech. This speech is about a(n) __________.