Question 1

A speaker is working on her introduction and realizes that if she doesn't meet its very first goal, she won't get very far. What is the first goal of the introduction?
A) Cover the main point.
B) Introduce yourself and give a brief bio.
C) Gain the attention of the listeners
D) Motivate the audience toward a specific response.

Accepted Answer

The first goal of the introduction is to gain the attention of the listeners. Without their attention, the speaker won't be able to effectively communicate their message or motivate the audience toward a specific response. While it is important to cover the main point of the speech and introduce yourself, these goals come after gaining the attention of the audience.

Question 2

Amelia feels that a few people aren't paying attention when she notices their slouched postures and distant facial expressions. These audience members have failed to use
A) supporting materials.
B) listening cues.
C) display rules.
D) time limits.

Accepted Answer

Listening cues are actions or behaviors that show the speaker that the listener is paying attention and actively engaged in the conversation. By noticing the audience's slouched postures and distant facial expressions, Amelia is observing that they are not using effective listening cues.

Question 3

A student is using an online dictionary and thesaurus because she's unsure about which words to select in her speech. She should remember that when wording a speech, it is best to use language that is
A) formal and complex.
B) simple and concrete.
C) broad and abstract.
D) advanced and technical.

Accepted Answer

It is best to use language that is simple and concrete in a speech. This helps the audience to easily understand the message and retain it. Using formal, abstract, advanced, or technical language may confuse the audience or make the speech seem inaccessible.

Question 4

When thinking about what can be said or not said in a speech, it is important to remember that in the United States, freedom of speech
A) does not cover emotionally charged statements.
B) means that even plagiarism is allowed.
C) limits expression to that which is appropriate and polite.
D) does not legalize slander or libel.

Accepted Answer

Freedom of speech in the United States does not legalize slander or libel. While individuals are free to express their opinions and beliefs, they cannot make false or defamatory statements about another person or entity. This restriction on speech is in place to protect individuals and their reputations.

Question 5

In concluding the speech, the text indicates that the speaker can (not necessarily should) do three things:
A) summarize the ideas, motivate the audience, and wrap up.
B) say thank you, say thank you again, and stop talking.
C) share a final anecdote, establish a personal connection, and ask for support.
D) bring up the main point, explain its importance, and convince the audience it is right.

Accepted Answer

Summarizing the main ideas, motivating the audience, and wrapping up are all important elements of a good concluding speech. Option B is too repetitive and does not effectively summarize or motivate the audience. Option C is not necessary and may not be relevant to the content of the speech. Option D does not necessarily include motivating the audience or wrapping up the speech.

Question 6

When you present your speech, you should
A) draw attention to your body movements.
B) pause briefly to look at the audience before beginning.
C) select two people and maintain eye contact with them.
D) either confess that you are nervous or hide your nervousness.

Accepted Answer

Pausing briefly before beginning your speech is a great way to grab the audience's attention and establish a connection. This moment of silence will let them know that you are well-prepared and confident. It will also give you a moment to take a deep breath and relax. Drawing attention to your body movements, selecting only two people to maintain eye contact with or confessing/ hiding nervousness are not effective ways to start delivering a speech.

Question 7

Which statement is generally true in the world of public speaking?
A) Very few speeches can be relevant and interesting to all people at all times.
B) Giving more speeches will not necessarily improve your public speaking skills.
C) Good public speakers are born, not made.
D) Speakers can say absolutely anything because they are protected by the First Amendment.

Accepted Answer

As audiences are diverse, it is impossible to make a speech that will be relevant and interesting to everyone all the time. It is important to identify the audience and tailor the speech to their interests and needs.

Answer: B
 Simply giving more speeches without reflection, assessment, and feedback will not necessarily improve public speaking skills. It is important to work actively on improving one's skills through deliberate practice, seeking feedback, and learning from mistakes.

Answer: None of the above 
 Good public speakers are not necessarily born, but they can be made through deliberate practice, learning, and experience. Additionally, while the First Amendment protects free speech, public speakers also have a responsibility to consider ethical and professional standards when crafting speeches.

Question 8

A speech about "The Implications of Genetic Engineering" would be inappropriate in a time limit of six minutes because the topic is
A) not very worthwhile.
B) not culturally sensitive.
C) not limited in scope.
D) not concrete enough.

Accepted Answer

The implications of genetic engineering are a complex and wide-ranging topic that cannot be fully explored or adequately explained in just six minutes. The topic includes ethical, social, and scientific considerations, and encompasses a broad range of possibilities and potential consequences. Therefore, it is not limited in scope, and a six-minute time limit would not allow for sufficient coverage or discussion.

Question 9

In her persuasive speech, the speaker includes material that offers evidence, argument, and motivational appeal so listeners will agree with her. In public speaking, what term is used to describe this added element?
A) analysis
B) proof
C) purpose
D) orientation

Accepted Answer

The added element described in the question is known as proof, which includes evidence, argument, and motivational appeal to persuade the listeners.

Question 10

In just about all cases, the most effective public speeches are constructed
A) based on a tiered or pyramid style.
B) for a specific time, audience, and occasion.
C) so they can be cut or condensed on short notice.
D) for the benefit of the speaker rather than the listener.

Accepted Answer

Effective public speeches are tailored to the specific time, audience, and occasion. This requires careful consideration of the language, topics, and tone to be used in the speech which ultimately engages the listeners and achieves the speaker's objectives.

Question 11

What advice does the text give for handling tasks related to public speaking?
A) Work in small units.
B) Avoid the pitfall of over thinking the tasks.
C) Make a commitment to quit worrying.
D) Admit that most people do better under pressure.

Accepted Answer

Breaking tasks into small units can make them more manageable and less overwhelming, which is helpful for public speaking preparation.

Question 12

A woman interested in real estate is working on a speech describing "The Five Steps to Buying Your Dream House." She is planning a(n)
A) ceremonial speech.
B) persuasive speech.
C) informative speech.
D) special occasion speech.

Accepted Answer

The woman is providing information on the steps involved in buying a dream house, so she is delivering an informative speech.

Question 13

The speaker says, "Before we identify a solution to this problem in America, let's see what other countries have done about it." This statement is an example of a(n)
A) introduction.
B) conclusion.
C) transition.
D) proof.

Accepted Answer

The statement serves as a transition, as it indicates a shift from discussing the problem in America to considering what other countries have done about it.

Question 14

A student has come to the point where he is wording his first speech. Perhaps the best advice for him to remember is that he should not
A) write out the speech word for word.
B) worry about the time limits of the speech.
C) attempt to outline the speech.
D) spend time thinking of a title for the speech.

Accepted Answer

Writing out a speech word for word can lead to the student sounding robotic and unnatural when delivering it. It is better to have a general outline and talking points to ensure a more authentic and engaging delivery.

Question 15

In rehearsing your speech, the text recommends that you
A) plan on reading the speech aloud.
B) use the impromptu style to sound relaxed and casual.
C) write it out word for word for better recall and retrieval.
D) memorize the main points and possibly the introduction and conclusion.

Accepted Answer

Memorizing the main points and possibly the introduction and conclusion allows for a more natural and conversational delivery while still ensuring that important information is included. Reading the speech aloud can be helpful to identify potential areas of improvement, but relying solely on reading can come across as rigid and disengaged from the audience. Using the impromptu style may also come across as unprepared or lacking in organization. Writing out the speech word for word can hinder a natural delivery and increase the likelihood of stumbling over memorized lines.

Question 16

A student is preparing a speech on nutrition in fast food restaurants. After examining what he thinks he already knows about the subject, what should he do next to research his topic?
A) Write down the main research questions and the key terms.
B) Visit several fast food restaurants to allow for personal observations and staff interviews.
C) Get a general overview from an authoritative source like a book chapter or encyclopedia article.
D) Jot down the names of people who might know something about nutrition.

Accepted Answer

An authoritative source like a book chapter or encyclopedia article can provide a general overview of the topic, helping the student understand the key concepts and issues related to nutrition in fast food restaurants.

Question 17

Your success in convincing or informing an audience will depend largely on _____, that is, how well you know your listeners and how well you have adapted to them.
A) analysis
B) motivation
C) persuasion
D) delivery

Accepted Answer

Analysis is crucial for understanding your audience and adapting your message to them, which directly impacts the effectiveness of your communication.

Question 18

A lecturer has now zeroed in on the one idea that he wants his listeners to remember after his presentation. This means he has decided on his
A) specific purpose.
B) general purpose.
C) thesis.
D) topic.

Accepted Answer

The thesis is the central idea or main point that the lecturer wants the audience to remember after the presentation.

Question 19

In public speaking, _____ causes more problems than it solves.
A) rehearsing
B) outlining
C) researching
D) memorizing

Accepted Answer

Memorizing can cause more problems than it solves because if the speaker forgets a word or phrase, they may get flustered and lose their place in the speech. Additionally, if they memorize the speech word for word, it may come across as robotic or rehearsed to the audience. It is better to have a general outline or key points memorized and speak naturally around those points.

Question 20

Thoroughly researching your topic will benefit your final speech in several specific ways, including
A) establishing your credibility.
B) generalizing your message.
C) selecting your subject.
D) understanding your audience.

Accepted Answer

Researching your topic thoroughly helps establish your credibility by demonstrating your knowledge and expertise on the subject.

Quiz 3: Preparing and Presenting a Public Speech Steps 110, in Brief

A speaker is working on her introduction and realizes that if she doesn't meet its very first goal, she won't get very far. What is the first goal of the introduction?

Amelia feels that a few people aren't paying attention when she notices their slouched postures and distant facial expressions. These audience members have failed to use

A student is using an online dictionary and thesaurus because she's unsure about which words to select in her speech. She should remember that when wording a speech, it is best to use language that is

When thinking about what can be said or not said in a speech, it is important to remember that in the United States, freedom of speech

In concluding the speech, the text indicates that the speaker can (not necessarily should) do three things:

When you present your speech, you should

Which statement is generally true in the world of public speaking?

A speech about "The Implications of Genetic Engineering" would be inappropriate in a time limit of six minutes because the topic is

In her persuasive speech, the speaker includes material that offers evidence, argument, and motivational appeal so listeners will agree with her. In public speaking, what term is used to describe this added element?

In just about all cases, the most effective public speeches are constructed

What advice does the text give for handling tasks related to public speaking?

A woman interested in real estate is working on a speech describing "The Five Steps to Buying Your Dream House." She is planning a(n)

The speaker says, "Before we identify a solution to this problem in America, let's see what other countries have done about it." This statement is an example of a(n)

A student has come to the point where he is wording his first speech. Perhaps the best advice for him to remember is that he should not

In rehearsing your speech, the text recommends that you

A student is preparing a speech on nutrition in fast food restaurants. After examining what he thinks he already knows about the subject, what should he do next to research his topic?

Your success in convincing or informing an audience will depend largely on _____, that is, how well you know your listeners and how well you have adapted to them.

A lecturer has now zeroed in on the one idea that he wants his listeners to remember after his presentation. This means he has decided on his

In public speaking, _____ causes more problems than it solves.

Thoroughly researching your topic will benefit your final speech in several specific ways, including