Deck 9: Introductions Matter: How to Begin a Speech Effectively

Question 1

Your specific purpose guides the organization and development of your main points.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

_________ is the degree to which an audience member perceives a speaker as honest.

Answer 2

Trustworthiness

Question 3

Trustworthiness is the:

A) accuracy and depth of evidence used in the speech.
B) audience's perception that the speaker is honest.
C) reassurance that the speaker wants nothing from you.
D) reputation of the speaker as forthright and sincere.
E) speaker's commitment to accuracy and honesty.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Competence is the:

A) ability of the audience to understand the speaker.
B) ability of the audience to follow the speaker's reasoning.
C) ability of a speaker to establish and maintain audience attention.
D) degree to which a speaker is perceived to be knowledgeable.
E) speaker's eloquence and emotional impact on the audience.

Question 5

The _________ of your speech tells the audience what the speech is about.

Question 6

In providing reasons for your audience to listen, you may:

A) directly tell them how the information is useful to them.
B) explain the consequences of ignoring the information.
C) frame your topic as exciting, important, or innovative.
D) insinuate that the information will be important someday.
E) tell the audience how the information changed your life.

Question 7

The purpose of the introduction is to get the audience to settle down.

Question 8

Generally, audiences will automatically listen once you begin talking.

Question 9

You need to explain to the audience why you are competent to speak on your topic.

Question 10

Including a preview in the introduction to a speech:

A) increases the length of a speech to fill the time slot.
B) prepares the audience for what they will be hearing.
C) provides information about your expert sources.
D) reduces the need for people to listen to fine details.
E) undermines the impact of surprising information.

Question 11

Caring/Goodwill refers to the:

A) attitude toward the speaker before the introduction of the speech.
B) benevolent attitude of the speaker toward people in the audience.
C) character of the speaker, as revealed by his or her topic choice.
D) perception of the speaker as caring about people in the audience.
E) reputation of the speaker as someone who serves the community.

Question 12

Aristotle's concept of ethos is related to:

A) analysis.
B) charisma.
C) credibility.
D) expertise.
E) interest.

Question 13

Credibility is the audience's perception of a speaker as _________, trustworthy, and caring.

Question 14

Providing a preview in your introduction means:

A) the audience can decide whether or not to pay attention.
B) it will be substantially easier for you to memorize the speech.
C) your audience will perceive you as organized and credible.
D) you will give listeners time to change their expectations.
E) you will pique the interest of some people and lose others.

Question 15

A _________ establishes the main ideas and direction of the speech.

Question 16

In the introduction to your speech, your purpose:

A) clarifies what your speech will be about.
B) must be paraphrased into simple language.
C) should be supported by an expert source.
D) takes about one third of your speech time.
E) will identify listeners by level of interest.

Question 17

Providing a preview contributes to credibility.

Question 18

A very important step to be taken in the introduction of a speech is to:

A) clearly explain the purpose of the speech.
B) do something dramatic to get attention.
C) exhibit the speaker's animated personality.
D) relax the audience by making them laugh.
E) use abstract language to elicit a response.

Question 19

Credibility is:

A) the accuracy of evidence and the logic in reasoning.
B) audience perception that the speaker is trustworthy.
C) audience recognition of the expert sources used.
D) the fulfillment of the audience's expectations.
E) the speaker's expertise, authority, and reputation.

Question 20

Your expertise and passion for your topic will not matter unless the audience perceives you as _________.

Question 21

When you use a startling statement to gain audience attention:

A) the audience will be focused, receptive, calm, and attentive.
B) the most challenging statements will be the most effective.
C) you should shock the audience in order to get them to listen.
D) you are ethically compelled to be sure it's factual and relevant.
E) it should be controversial enough to stir up audience emotions.

Question 22

Used as an attention-getting device, an anecdote:

A) is a brief but interesting or humorous story.
B) challenges the audience to think in new ways.
C) emphasizes the experiences of the speaker.
D) offers a solution to a problem the speaker presents.
E) sets the tone for a serious treatment of the topic.

Question 23

The most direct method of getting audience attention is to:

A) adjust the placement of the microphone.
B) announce your readiness to get started.
C) greet and compliment the audience.
D) make a vivid reference to the topic.
E) read aloud the full title of your speech.

Question 24

Why is a preview an important part of an introduction?

Question 25

Referring to a historic event related to your topic:

A) is effective for a speech on a historical topic.
B) gains attention by evoking past memories.
C) reflects well on the credibility of the speaker.
D) is safe if the event had a positive outcome.
E) shows the speaker to be knowledgeable.

Question 26

A rhetorical question:

A) calls for listeners to inwardly contemplate the answer.
B) elicits an immediate verbal and/or nonverbal response.
C) is opposed to the topic and is therefore inappropriate.
D) should be used when audiences aren't paying attention.
E) usually has a political motivation and should be avoided.

Question 27

The use of humor in a speech introduction:

A) appeals to almost every kind of American audience.
B) challenges the audience to listen analytically.
C) disrupts the audience and keeps them from listening.
D) is risky; what some find funny, others find offensive.
E) should be avoided if the speech topic is religious.

Question 28

A reference to the audience should thank them for listening to the speech.

Question 29

A parable or fable can be used when:

A) audiences are likely to be familiar with it prior to the speech.
B) the audience is likely to be highly educated and knowledgeable.
C) the speaker articulates the true meaning of the fable or parable.
D) the speech itself is about the social use of fables and parables.
E) there is a clear and evident connection with the speech topic.

Question 30

Any dramatic and famous quotation is an appropriate attention-getting device.

Question 31

An attention-getting device at the start of a speech should:

A) ask a question of controversial nature that will astonish the audience.
B) be unexpected, challenging, cutting-edge, titillating, or recognizable
C) take into account appropriateness to the audience, topic, purpose, and occasion.
D) explain to the audience why they have an obligation to show respect.
E) tell the audience why the speaker feels compelled to choose the topic.

Question 32

When you use a startling statement to get the audience's attention, that statement must be relevant and true.

Question 33

Differentiate among the three categories of credibility and explain why each is important to a speaker in the context of public speaking.

Question 34

Using a developed example, explain the components and functions of an introduction.

Question 35

When using an attention-getting device, you should consider its appropriateness to the topic, purpose, audience, and occasion.

Question 36

When gaining attention through a reference to the audience, you should:

A) emphasize that every one of them is a unique and special person.
B) express your appreciation and enthusiasm for their warm hospitality.
C) provide a clear link between the audience and the purpose of the speech.
D) remind them of the reasons why their work is important in the world.
E) thank them for giving you their full, undivided attention.

Question 37

What steps should you take to keep listeners from "tuning out" during your speech?

Question 38

An anecdote is used in order to emphasize the expertise of the speaker.

Question 39

Name and explain three components of credibility.

Question 40

Referring to a current news event:

A) allows the speaker to gradually ease into the purpose.
B) convinces the audience that the speaker is well informed.
C) elicits audience responses that reveal how interested they are.
D) quickly makes the audience aware of how relevant the topic is.
E) reminds the audience of events that took place in the past.

Question 41

What is a reference to occasion? Give an example.

Question 42

A(n) _________ is a brief account or story of an interesting or humorous event.

Question 43

A(n) _________ statement surprises your audience into listening.

Question 44

If you are a recognized expert on your topic, you can:

A) ask for a show of hands indicating past experience.
B) clearly explain why you are competent about your topic.
C) present an abbreviated version of your work experience.
D) refer to various important people who will back you up.
E) simply insist that you are an expert in your own right.

Question 45

If you're quoting Dr. John Smith:

A) ask the audience if they already know who Dr. John Smith is.
B) explaining who he is will help you be perceived as trustworthy.
C) prepare your audience by emphasizing that he is trustworthy.
D) tell the audience whether you fully agree with Dr. John Smith.
E) you should quote a paragraph rather than extracting a sentence.

Question 46

A(n) _________reference refers to the firsthand experience of the speaker.

Question 47

When writing a thesis statement, you should narrow your topic:

A) and then express it as a question.
B) in a vivid and memorable way.
C) so you can influence listeners.
D) to one, and only one, clear topic.
E) to a topic that is easy to research.

Question 48

Once you have linked an attention-getter to your topic:

A) the audience will remain attentive throughout your speech.
B) make sure the audience is giving the attention you require.
C) you can immediately begin presenting your first main point.
D) you must explain why your topic is important to the audience.
E) wait for audience response to subside before speaking again.

Question 49

To demonstrate caring and goodwill to a hostile audience, you can:

A) acknowledge disagreement from the start of your speech.
B) insist that you would never mislead or deceive listeners.
C) mention your connection to a known philanthropic project.
D) show willingness to answer questions about your background.
E) smile throughout your speech, even if the topic is serious.

Question 50

Why should a speaker be very careful in using humor?

Question 51

One of the basic functions of a thesis statement is:

A) defining the specific meanings of the terms you will use.
B) getting attention so you won't have to repeat anything.
C) identifying hostile and disruptive members of the audience.
D) letting the audience know what you will be talking about.
E) making sure the audience will be receptive to your message.

Question 52

A(n) _________ question calls for a show of hands.

Question 53

What is a personal reference?

Question 54

A good thesis statement:

A) avoids stating opinions or judgments.
B) challenges conventional knowledge.
C) clearly reflects the topic of the speech.
D) develops an idea in thorough detail.
E) is the one thing you should not edit.

Question 55

What are your ethical obligations when you use a startling statement?

Question 56

A thesis statement is a(n):

A) analytical response to a newly developed theory about a topic.
B) declarative statement stating the purpose or main idea of a speech.
C) hypothetical statement that presents a range of academic thought.
D) statement that summarizes your experience studying a topic.
E) tentative statement intended to gauge the reaction of an audience.

Question 57

If you are NOT a recognized expert, you can:

A) admit that you're no expert, but say that you are very curious.
B) appeal to the audience's need to follow up on their own.
C) demonstrate your competence by using appropriate references.
D) emphasize your life-long interest and opportunities for study.
E) tell the audience you are passionate about the speech topic.

Question 58

The device a speaker uses to capture audience attention and get them interested is called a(n) _________-_________.

Question 59

Why would a speaker use a rhetorical question to begin a speech?

Question 60

Name and explain each of the four factors that must be considered in choosing a specific attention-getting device.

Question 61

A strong, clear ________ will prepare your audience effectively for the points of your speech.

Question 62

Why does your thesis statement need to be clear and focused?

Question 63

When you quote Dr. John Smith, what else should you do? Give an example of how you might do it.

Question 64

To appear credible, you must appear ____________, trustworthy, and caring.

Question 65

One way of demonstrating competence is to include relevant references.

Question 66

You should not attempt to write a thesis statement until you have done a substantial amount of research.

Question 67

As a speaker, you must give the audience a reason to ____________.

Question 68

In a situation where some audience members may be hostile to your message, what step might you take in order to show regard for their best interests? Give an example.

Question 69

The thesis statement itself can suggest that you should define certain terms you will use in your speech.

Question 70

Explain what credibility is. What are its components? Explain each, and provide examples.

Question 71

Credibility is the audience's perception of a speaker as competent, trustworthy, and caring/having goodwill.

Question 72

Why should a speaker care whether she or he is perceived as a credible source on the topic?

Question 73

An introduction concludes with a ____________ of the major points to be covered in the speech.

Question 74

If your audience tends to be hostile toward your point of view, you can show you care about their interests by acknowledging the disagreement from the start.

Question 75

What is a preview, and what does it do?

Question 76

How does a strong thesis statement make research more effective?

Question 77

The preview at the beginning of a speech:

A) compares and evaluates two opposite things or ideas.
B) entices even a disinterested audience to pay attention.
C) is a formality that serves to put the audience at ease.
D) prepares listeners to hear the main points in the body of the speech.
E) restricts the freedom of the speaker to say what he/she wants.