Question 1

One strategy that may help you identify an appropriate speech topic is brainstorming.

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming is a common strategy used to generate ideas and topics for speeches. It involves writing down any and all ideas that come to mind on a specific topic, without judging or limiting them. This can help you identify potential speech topics to explore further.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a mistake beginning speakers often make?
A) spending too little time thinking of an appropriate topic
B) searching too long for the "perfect" subject for the speech
C) finding a topic of little interest to the target audience
D) choosing a topic about which the audience knows more than the speaker

Accepted Answer

Beginning speakers often choose topics they are passionate about or interested in, even if the audience knows more, as it can still engage the audience and provide a learning opportunity for the speaker.

Question 3

Surveying your interests is a good starting point for identifying a topic appropriate for a public speech.

Accepted Answer

Surveying your interests allows you to identify a topic you are passionate about and knowledgeable on, which can make for a successful public speech.

Question 4

Being well informed about a topic will not necessarily make it a good choice for a presentation. You will make a far better presentation if you also feel some ________ the topic, meaning that you have or will invest some time and effort in a cause related to the topic.
A) interest in
B) commitment to
C) curiosity about
D) discomfort about

Accepted Answer

A sense of commitment to a topic means that you have a personal investment in it, leading to a more passionate and engaging presentation. Interest and curiosity are also helpful, but may not necessarily lead to a strong emotional investment in the topic. Discomfort about a topic would likely result in a weaker presentation.

Question 5

When narrowing your topic, you should keep in mind
A) whether the time you have for your speech is sufficient for what you will need to cover.
B) whether you know enough about the topic to begin researching it.
C) whether you can find sufficient resources about the topic on the Internet.
D) whether you can find whatever information you need on Wikipedia.

Accepted Answer

Narrowing your topic involves focusing on a specific aspect of the broader topic that you can adequately cover within the allotted time. Therefore, it is essential to consider whether the time you have for your speech is sufficient for what you will need to cover.

Question 6

You need not worry about narrowing your topic too much; better too narrow than too broad.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You need not worry about narrowing your...

Question 7

Topics for speeches never age. A good topic is a good topic over time.

Accepted Answer

Topics for speeches can age because societal values, interests, and relevant issues evolve over time, making some topics less relevant or engaging to contemporary audiences.

Question 8

Because the First Amendment to the Constitution grants us the right of free speech, it is our duty to speak boldly and frankly on any topic we choose and with any audience we choose.

Accepted Answer

The First Amendment protects the right to free speech but does not impose a duty to speak on any topic or with any audience. It protects individuals from government censorship or punishment for speech, but it does not compel speech.

Question 9

The strongest predictor of speech performance is
A) the speaker's physical appearance.
B) the audience's attention span.
C) the currency of the topic.
D) the work put into preparation.

Accepted Answer

The work put into preparation is the strongest predictor of speech performance as it determines the speaker's level of knowledge, understanding of the topic, and ability to engage the audience. Physical appearance and currency of topic may affect initial audience interest, but preparation is what ultimately determines the success of the speech. The audience's attention span is also important, but it is not a predictor of the speaker's performance.

Question 10

You can learn a great deal about your college classroom audience by observing them.

Accepted Answer

Observing the behavior, engagement level, and reactions of students in the classroom can provide insights into their interests, learning styles, and preferences. This information can be useful in tailoring instructional strategies and materials to better engage and support students.

Question 11

You should be clear on the specific purpose of your speech, and you should be able to state the outcome you desire.

Accepted Answer

It is important to have a clear purpose for your speech and a desired outcome in order to effectively convey your message and achieve your goals.

Question 12

A timely topic is
A) of interest to audiences today.
B) of enduring interest.
C) appropriate for the time allotted.
D) sufficiently focused.

Accepted Answer

A timely topic is one that is relevant and of interest to audiences today. It is important to choose a topic that will engage the audience and will be of value to them at the time of presentation. Topics of enduring interest may be valuable, but if they are not currently relevant they may not engage the audience as effectively. The appropriateness and focus of a topic are also important considerations, but being timely is a crucial factor for a successful presentation.

Question 13

As a novice public speaker, you should rely heavily on demographic information; when you are a more experienced speaker, you can ignore demographics.

Accepted Answer

Demographic information is important for any speaker, regardless of their level of experience. It helps you tailor your message to your audience and connect with them on a deeper level. However, as you become more experienced, you may be able to rely on other factors, such as audience feedback and personal style, in addition to demographics.

Question 14

The thesis statement of a speech and the central idea of a composition are similar.

Accepted Answer

Both the thesis statement of a speech and the central idea of a composition provide a clear and concise statement of the main point or argument that will be presented in the speech or written work. The thesis statement is typically used in academic and persuasive speeches, while the central idea is used in various forms of writing such as essays, articles, and reports.

Question 15

Some ways to quickly generate a list of ideas for a speech include
A) surveying your interests and brainstorming.
B) grazing Wikipedia and watching YouTube.
C) interviewing family and friends.
D) scanning the headlines of the local newspapers.

Accepted Answer

Surveying your interests and brainstorming is a good way to generate ideas because it allows you to focus on topics that you're passionate about and that you have knowledge of. Grazing Wikipedia and watching YouTube may not be the best way to generate ideas because they can be distracting and may not lead to focused or relevant ideas. Interviewing family and friends can be a useful way to generate ideas, but it may take more time and effort than simply brainstorming on your own. Scanning the headlines of local newspapers can be a good way to generate ideas, but it may not lead to topics that you're particularly interested in or knowledgeable about.

Question 16

Which scenario best illustrates the influence of commitment on topic selection?
A) Martine read an article on the Internet about DNA ancestry tests and decided they would make a good subject for her presentation.
B) Mario decided to make the topic of his presentation his experience volunteering as an English tutor for immigrants at a local community center.
C) Calista focused on homelessness as a topic for her presentation after seeing a report on television about a local homeless shelter.
D) Joaquim encountered an article about short selling in financial markets and thought a presentation on the practice would interest his classmates.

Accepted Answer

The scenario of Mario's topic selection illustrates the influence of commitment because his experience as an English tutor for immigrants shows a personal connection and dedication to the topic, indicating a strong commitment to exploring and sharing information about it. This personal commitment likely influenced his decision to choose this topic over others. The other scenarios do not provide as clear of a connection between the individual's commitment and their topic selection.

Question 17

Speech topics have a life of their own. Some topics endure for decades while others fade fast. Which topic below is likely to have a brief life span?
A) relationships among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the U.S. government
B) how to care for individuals who are poor, unhealthy, and unrepresented in our society
C) which film will win the most prizes this year for quality and popularity
D) how to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who are mentally ill

Accepted Answer

Discussions about which film will win prizes are generally relevant only within a short time frame, such as during award season. Once the awards have been given out, interest in the topic will likely fade quickly. In contrast, topics like government relationships, social issues, and gun control are more enduring and have significant ongoing relevance.

Question 18

It is best to narrow your topic for a speech
A) once you realize you have taken on more than you can handle.
B) after you have started additional research on the topic.
C) after you have fully researched the topic.
D) before you begin additional research on the topic.

Accepted Answer

It is best to narrow your topic before you begin additional research, as this will allow you to focus your research efforts and avoid wasting time on irrelevant information. Narrowing your topic also helps ensure that your speech is focused and well-organized, making it easier for your audience to follow and understand.

Question 19

When selecting a topic for a public presentation, it is best to focus on
A) what you have learned about most recently.
B) what you have had the most difficulty learning.
C) what you know or are willing to learn.
D) what makes you angry.

Accepted Answer

Selecting a topic that you know or are willing to learn about allows you to present with confidence and demonstrate your expertise or enthusiasm. It also helps to ensure that you will have accurate information to share and will be able to effectively answer any questions from the audience.

Question 20

One of your high school teachers invites you back to your high school to give a talk to the students in her economics class. Your major in econ and your excellent performance in her class are the reasons she would like to have you make some encouraging remarks to her current class. The information she has given you and your past relationship with her should help you infer how to approach the topic.

Accepted Answer

The information provided states that the teacher would like the former student to give a talk to her current econ class because of their major in econ and excellent performance in her class. This suggests that the talk should be focused on encouraging the students in their pursuit of economics, perhaps sharing personal experiences or advice for success.

Quiz 9: Topic Selection and Audience Analysis

One strategy that may help you identify an appropriate speech topic is brainstorming.

Which of the following is NOT a mistake beginning speakers often make?

Surveying your interests is a good starting point for identifying a topic appropriate for a public speech.

Being well informed about a topic will not necessarily make it a good choice for a presentation. You will make a far better presentation if you also feel some ________ the topic, meaning that you have or will invest some time and effort in a cause related to the topic.

When narrowing your topic, you should keep in mind

You need not worry about narrowing your topic too much; better too narrow than too broad.

Topics for speeches never age. A good topic is a good topic over time.

Because the First Amendment to the Constitution grants us the right of free speech, it is our duty to speak boldly and frankly on any topic we choose and with any audience we choose.

The strongest predictor of speech performance is

You can learn a great deal about your college classroom audience by observing them.

You should be clear on the specific purpose of your speech, and you should be able to state the outcome you desire.

A timely topic is

As a novice public speaker, you should rely heavily on demographic information; when you are a more experienced speaker, you can ignore demographics.

The thesis statement of a speech and the central idea of a composition are similar.

Some ways to quickly generate a list of ideas for a speech include

Which scenario best illustrates the influence of commitment on topic selection?

Speech topics have a life of their own. Some topics endure for decades while others fade fast. Which topic below is likely to have a brief life span?

It is best to narrow your topic for a speech

When selecting a topic for a public presentation, it is best to focus on