Question 1

Although she prepared well in advance for her speaking assignment, Becky's high-pitched, squeaky voice became a distraction to her classmates. In this example, Becky is struggling with __________.
A) enunciation
B) vocal rate
C) intelligibility
D) vocal quality

Accepted Answer

Becky's high-pitched, squeaky voice is affecting her vocal quality.

Question 2

A common cause of communication apprehension that begins in childhood is __________.
A) physical articulation and enunciation issues
B) parental lack of education
C) cognitive deficits, either due to genetics or environment
D) negative feedback about communicating

Accepted Answer

Negative feedback about communicating can cause a child to develop anxiety about communication and undermine their confidence in their abilities to express themselves effectively.

Question 3

When learning how to give a speech, manuscript delivery is often discouraged because it __________.
A) only works for informal situations
B) invites the speaker to concentrate more on the script than on the audience
C) requires the ability to think on your feet
D) requires the ability to use correct and precise pronunciation

Accepted Answer

Manuscript delivery involves reading a pre-written script word-for-word, which can make the speaker overly reliant on the script instead of engaging with the audience.

Question 4

What term refers to a learned relaxation technique designed to help speakers manage anxiety-provoking events?
A) systematic desensitization
B) audience analysis
C) classical conditioning
D) speaker stimulation

Accepted Answer

Systematic desensitization is a learned relaxation technique used to manage anxiety-provoking events, such as public speaking. This technique involves gradually exposing the person to the anxiety-provoking situation while practicing relaxation techniques, allowing the person to become more comfortable and less anxious over time.

Question 5

Sandra has a clear and distinct voice. She uses the correct stress on syllables and words, and produces a pleasing volume. We would say that Sandra is doing a good job with __________.
A) intelligibility
B) pronunciation
C) force
D) vocal variety

Accepted Answer

Intelligibility refers to the clarity and distinctness of speech, which is what Sandra is doing well in the given context.

Question 6

Which statement is correct regarding communication apprehension?
A) It is the least severe form of speech anxiety.
B) It is rarely seen in adults.
C) It is associated with real or anticipated communication with others.
D) It is easily overcome by just ignoring it.

Accepted Answer

Communication apprehension is the fear or anxiety associated with real or anticipated communication with others, and it can range from mild to severe. Therefore, option A is incorrect. It is not rare in adults as many people may experience it to some degree in various communication contexts. Therefore, option B is incorrect. It is not easily overcome by just ignoring it, and various techniques such as relaxation exercises, cognitive restructuring, and desensitization may be needed to reduce it. Therefore, option D is incorrect.

Question 7

James was excited to run for student council president until he learned that the candidates traditionally speak during an all-school assembly. Although his friends kept urging him to run, James withdraws his name from consideration after picturing himself as a laughingstock. In this situation, James dealt with speech anxiety through __________.
A) researching the situation
B) avoidance
C) talking to others
D) mental rehearsal

Accepted Answer

James dealt with his speech anxiety by avoiding the situation altogether by withdrawing his name from consideration.

Question 8

Toasts, acceptance speeches, and introductions typically call for which type of delivery?
A) extemporaneous
B) memorized
C) impromptu
D) manuscript

Accepted Answer

The answer of Toasts, acceptance speeches, and introductions typically call...

Question 9

For her speech class, Autumn is delivering an informative speech on fashion design. She wants to come across as organized, conversational, and prepared. What method of delivery should she select?
A) impromptu
B) manuscript
C) memorized
D) extemporaneous

Accepted Answer

Extemporaneous delivery allows Autumn to have a prepared outline or notes, but still be able to speak conversationally and engage with her audience. This method allows for flexibility if she needs to adjust her speech on the spot, while still appearing organized and prepared.

Question 10

Which statement accurately describes the relationship among the speaker, the audience, and speech anxiety?
A) The audience tends to overestimate a speaker's anxiety.
B) The audience is oblivious to the speaker's anxiety.
C) Speakers who have speech anxiety often overestimate how much the audience notices their behavior.
D) Speakers who have speech anxiety often underestimate how much the audience notices their behavior.

Accepted Answer

Speakers who have speech anxiety often overestimate how much the audience notices their behavior. This is because the anxiety often causes them to hyperfocus on their own performance, making them believe that their nervousness is more noticeable than it actually is to the audience.

Question 11

What strategy for reducing speech anxiety is likely the least successful?
A) preparation and practice
B) last-minute improvising
C) positive thinking
D) visualizing success

Accepted Answer

Last-minute improvising is unlikely to reduce speech anxiety as it does not allow for adequate preparation and planning, leading to potential feelings of insecurity and unpreparedness during the speech.

Question 12

You attend a good friend's wedding reception and are asked to give a congratulatory speech to the bride and groom with no prior notice. You would be giving a(n) __________.
A) extemporaneous speech
B) memorized speech
C) impromptu speech
D) manuscript speech

Accepted Answer

An impromptu speech is delivered with little or no preparation, making it the best choice for this situation. An extemporaneous speech is one that is planned but not memorized, a memorized speech is one that is learned word-for-word, and a manuscript speech is one that is written out in full and read aloud. None of these options would be appropriate for a speech given with no prior notice.

Question 13

When giving a highly technical speech where every word needs to be stated very carefully, the best delivery method is usually __________.
A) extemporaneous
B) manuscript
C) impromptu
D) memorized

Accepted Answer

A highly technical speech requires precise wording and accuracy. The best way to achieve this is through a well-prepared manuscript where every word can be carefully crafted and rehearsed. Extemporaneous and impromptu speeches don't provide the same level of detail and precision, and memorizing a highly technical speech can lead to mistakes or awkward phrasing.

Question 14

The key to successful management of speech anxiety is __________.
A) learning to control it
B) focusing on other people's speeches
C) reading more about it
D) focusing on your visual aids

Accepted Answer

Learning to control speech anxiety is key to successful management, as other options may not address the underlying issue and may distract from delivering an effective speech.

Question 15

What technique have neuroscientists found helpful to relive all types of stress, including speech anxiety?
A) avoidance
B) meditation
C) memorization
D) positive thinking

Accepted Answer

Neuroscientists have found meditation to be helpful in relieving all types of stress, including speech anxiety. Meditation can help calm the mind and reduce the physiological symptoms of stress.

Question 16

What is the best overall strategy to help overcome your anxiety in public speaking situations?
A) Continue to give speeches and learn more about public speaking.
B) Don't over-practice your speech; once or twice is enough.
C) Keep in mind that most people are not afraid to speak publicly.
D) Avoid speaking in public whenever possible.

Accepted Answer

Continuing to give speeches and learning more about public speaking can help desensitize you to the anxiety, build skills and confidence, and identify helpful techniques and tools to use in future speeches. Consistent practice can also lead to improved performance and less anxiety over time.

Question 17

Speech anxiety is often created by __________.
A) fear of media exposure
B) misunderstanding of the communication process
C) fear of making mistakes
D) genetic predisposition

Accepted Answer

Fear of making mistakes is a common cause of speech anxiety.

Question 18

Mayor Ambrose is presenting a speech responding to a crisis that has occurred in her town. What would be the advantage(s) of selecting the manuscript method of delivery for her speech?
A) ability to adapt to the audience
B) opportunity to appear conversational and informal
C) greater freedom to concentrate on delivery
D) accuracy and preciseness

Accepted Answer

The advantage of selecting the manuscript method of delivery for Mayor Ambrose's speech responding to a crisis in her town would be accuracy and preciseness. This method would allow her to carefully choose her words and ensure that she is conveying accurate information to the public in a clear and concise manner. It would also help her avoid any miscommunications or misunderstandings that could exacerbate the crisis.

Question 19

Which delivery method appears spontaneous, but uses keyword outlines to help keep the speaker organized and on track?
A) extemporaneous
B) manuscript
C) impromptu
D) memorized

Accepted Answer

Extemporaneous delivery appears spontaneous because the speaker is not reading from a script, but rather using keyword outlines to guide their delivery. This method allows for a more natural and conversational delivery while still providing structure and organization.

Question 20

Which statement accurately portrays the relationship between the speaker's voice and the speaker's delivery?
A) Fillers and vocal pauses help appropriately pace the timing of a speech.
B) The slower the speaking rate, the better the overall delivery.
C) Vocal quality is a highly accurate indicator of the presenter's sincerity.
D) Most articulation problems result from speech impediments.

Accepted Answer

Vocal quality, including tone, pitch, and emotion, can significantly influence how an audience perceives the sincerity and conviction of the speaker. It reflects the speaker's attitude and can make the message more convincing.

Quiz 11: Managing Anxiety and Apprehension When Delivering Your Speech

Although she prepared well in advance for her speaking assignment, Becky's high-pitched, squeaky voice became a distraction to her classmates. In this example, Becky is struggling with __________.

A common cause of communication apprehension that begins in childhood is __________.

When learning how to give a speech, manuscript delivery is often discouraged because it __________.

What term refers to a learned relaxation technique designed to help speakers manage anxiety-provoking events?

Sandra has a clear and distinct voice. She uses the correct stress on syllables and words, and produces a pleasing volume. We would say that Sandra is doing a good job with __________.

Which statement is correct regarding communication apprehension?

Toasts, acceptance speeches, and introductions typically call for which type of delivery?

For her speech class, Autumn is delivering an informative speech on fashion design. She wants to come across as organized, conversational, and prepared. What method of delivery should she select?

Which statement accurately describes the relationship among the speaker, the audience, and speech anxiety?

What strategy for reducing speech anxiety is likely the least successful?

You attend a good friend's wedding reception and are asked to give a congratulatory speech to the bride and groom with no prior notice. You would be giving a(n) __________.

When giving a highly technical speech where every word needs to be stated very carefully, the best delivery method is usually __________.

The key to successful management of speech anxiety is __________.

What technique have neuroscientists found helpful to relive all types of stress, including speech anxiety?

What is the best overall strategy to help overcome your anxiety in public speaking situations?

Speech anxiety is often created by __________.

Mayor Ambrose is presenting a speech responding to a crisis that has occurred in her town. What would be the advantage(s) of selecting the manuscript method of delivery for her speech?

Which delivery method appears spontaneous, but uses keyword outlines to help keep the speaker organized and on track?

Which statement accurately portrays the relationship between the speaker's voice and the speaker's delivery?