Question 1

A relevant and interesting anecdote will introduce your subject and almost invariably gain an audience's attention.

Accepted Answer

Anecdotes are known to be effective attention-grabbers when used to introduce a subject. They help to create a connection between the speaker and the audience while setting the stage for the topic to be discussed.

Question 2

The main purpose of a speech introduction is to get the audience's attention,regardless of whether it is favorable or unfavorable.

Accepted Answer

The main purpose of a speech introduction is to get the audience's attention in a favorable manner, establish the speaker's credibility, and preview the main points of the speech.

Question 3

What do personal references do best in all speech introductions?
A)create separation between speaker and audience.
B)enhance a speaker's charisma
C)establish a bond between speaker and audience
D)make a speaker appear more intelligent

Accepted Answer

Personal references, such as mentioning a shared experience or common interest, can help establish a bond between the speaker and the audience. This can create a more receptive and engaged audience, leading to a more successful speech.

Question 4

A rhetorical question is intended to provoke thought,rather than elicit an answer.

Accepted Answer

A rhetorical question is a question asked not to get an answer, but instead to make a point, to invoke a thought, or to persuade the listener.

Question 5

The statement,"This is a great day,because so many people from so many walks of life have gathered in this place to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King,Jr." is an example of an introductory device called reference to
A)the occasion.
B)something personal.
C)a recent event.
D)a historical event.

Accepted Answer

The statement refers to a specific occasion, which is the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. Therefore, it is an example of a reference to the occasion.

Question 6

In the speech just before Jerome's,the speaker covered some of the same material that Jerome was going to use in his speech on golf.Instead of letting this throw him,Jerome acknowledged the overlap in his introduction.Was this a wise thing to do?
A)No; drawing attention to the similarities in the two speeches was unnecessary and hurt Jerome's credibility.
B)Yes; but only because Jerome made the point much more clearly and succinctly than the speaker before him.
C)No; Jerome should not have mentioned the overlap because chances are the audience would not catch it.
D)Yes; Jerome used an attention-getting,credibility-building device known as a reference to a preceding speech.

Accepted Answer

Jerome's acknowledgment of the overlap in his introduction was a wise thing to do because it used a well-established technique known as reference to a preceding speech. This device can be used to build credibility with the audience by showing that the speaker is paying attention to what has been said before and incorporating it into their own speech. By doing this, Jerome not only acknowledges the overlap but also demonstrates his respect for the previous speaker and shows the audience that he is well-prepared and knowledgeable about the topic.

Question 7

Perhaps the most obvious purpose of an introduction is to introduce the subject of a speech.

Accepted Answer

The introduction is a crucial part of any speech or presentation and one of its main purposes is to introduce the subject or topic that will be discussed.

Question 8

Often a past writer or speaker has expressed an opinion on your topic that is more authoritative,comprehensive,or memorable than what you can say.

Accepted Answer

It is true that a past writer or speaker may have more expertise, knowledge, or influence on a topic, and their opinion can carry more weight or be more memorable than what a current writer or speaker can offer. It is important to acknowledge and cite their work appropriately when using their ideas or arguments in your own writing or speech.

Question 9

As a speaker,your task is to ensure that your introduction convinces your audience to listen to you.

Accepted Answer

The main purpose of an introduction in a speech is to capture the audience's attention, establish credibility, and persuade them to listen to what the speaker has to say. Therefore, it is crucial for the speaker to make a strong and convincing introduction to engage and motivate the audience to pay attention to the rest of the speech.

Question 10

Your introduction provides your listeners with an important first impression of both you and your speech.

Accepted Answer

A good introduction sets the tone for your presentation and helps establish credibility with your audience from the beginning. It can make the difference between engaging your listeners and losing their attention.

Question 11

One way to build credibility in the introduction is to be prepared and appear confident.

Accepted Answer

Being prepared and appearing confident in the introduction can help build credibility as it shows that the speaker is knowledgeable and believes in their message.

Question 12

Startling an audience with the extent of a situation or problem invariably catches its members' attention but discourages them to listen further.

Accepted Answer

While startling an audience can indeed catch their attention, it does not necessarily discourage them from listening further. Instead, it can engage them and make them more interested in hearing about solutions or further information regarding the situation or problem.

Question 13

An illustration or anecdote is the most inherently interesting type of supporting material.

Accepted Answer

An illustration or anecdote is often considered the most inherently interesting type of supporting material because it adds a human element to the information being presented and engages the audience's emotions and imagination. However, the level of interest can also depend on the topic, the audience, and the way the material is presented.

Question 14

In her speech on the pet food industry,Keisha says,"I have always loved animals.In fact,I have two dogs and two cats at home right now.As a pet owner,I am very conscientious about what I feed my pets because I want them to live long,healthy lives." What method for creating effective introductions is Keisha using?
A)a personal reference
B)a rhetorical question
C)humor
D)references to the occasion

Accepted Answer

Keisha is using a personal reference as the method for creating an effective introduction by sharing her love for animals and her personal experience as a pet owner, which makes the audience connect with her and pay attention to what she has to say.

Question 15

When you thank someone for inviting you to speak in your introduction you are using a
A)rhetorical device.
B)reference to a recent event.
C)personal illustration.
D)personal reference.

Accepted Answer

Using a personal reference, in this case thanking someone for inviting you to speak, is a way to establish a personal connection with the audience and create a more engaging introduction.

Question 16

You can help establish listening motivation by showing the members of your audience how the topic affects them directly.

Accepted Answer

By demonstrating how the topic is relevant to the audience's personal interests, experiences, or aspirations, they are more likely to listen and engage with the message. Making a connection between the topic and the listeners' lives can increase their motivation to pay attention and retain the information presented.

Question 17

A credibility statement is an organizational strategy called a signpost.

Accepted Answer

A credibility statement is specifically designed to establish the speaker's authority and trustworthiness on the subject matter, not an organizational strategy or signpost. Signposts are used to guide the audience through the structure of the speech.

Question 18

A way to establish proximity is to tell the audience of your personal experience with your topic.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A way to establish proximity is to...

Question 19

Humor,handled well,can be a wonderful attention getter.

Accepted Answer

Humor can be an effective way to capture and retain someone's attention if used appropriately. It can help to break the ice, create a positive association, and make information more memorable. However, it's important to be mindful of the audience and to avoid using humor that is inappropriate, offensive, or distracting.

Question 20

Referring to a recent event decreases your credibility by showing that you are only knowledgeable about current events and not historical ones.

Accepted Answer

Referring to a recent event does not necessarily decrease one's credibility. It is important to stay informed about current events while also being knowledgeable about historical ones. However, if someone only relies on current events for their knowledge and does not have a solid foundation in history, then their credibility may be hindered.

Quiz 10: Introducing Your Speech