Deck 15: C: Informative Speaking

Question 1

In your own words, define a quasi-scientific explanation.

Answer 1

A quasi-scientific explanation models or illustrates the key dimensions of difficult phenomena in a way that is understandable to a typical lay audience.

Question 2

Give an example of an object or a phenomenon that could serve as the topic of an informative speech.

Answer 2

Answers will vary but should represent a real or imaginary living (nonhuman) or inanimate thing.

Question 3

Provide an example of a phrase that would be helpful in drawing the audience's attention to an important piece of information just before you state it.

Answer 3

Answers will vary, but the authors of the text provide several examples, including "The key issue here is," and "I have three main points." The phrase should indicate to the audience that an important piece of information is about to be stated.

Question 4

"People" is just one category of informative speech topics. List four of the remaining categories of informative speeches discussed in your text.

Question 5

In your own words, what does it mean to be an objective rather than a subjective speaker?

Question 6

What do we mean when we say that a good informative speaker will keep a speech simple for his or her audience by building on their prior knowledge?
Answer Key

Question 7

Define issue as a category of informative speech topics.

Question 8

_____________ explanations illuminate a concept's meaning and use by providing a list of a concept's critical features, contrasting examples of the concept, and then offering an audience an opportunity to distinguish between contrasting examples by comparing them to the concept's critical features.

Question 9

What is the difference between a definition by example and a definition by synonym?

Question 10

In your own words, what do the authors of your text mean when they say you should create information hunger?