Question 1

What is the BEST way to ensure that your introduction introduces the subject of your speech?

Accepted Answer

Including a statement of the central idea in the introduction is the best way to ensure that the subject of the speech is introduced. This helps to set the tone for the rest of the speech and gives the audience a clear idea of what to expect. It is important for the central idea to be concise and memorable so that the audience can easily follow the speech.

Question 2

In an introduction,you may ask a question that doesn't require a response but makes the audience think about your topic.This is a(n)______ question.

Accepted Answer

A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect or to make a point and does not require an answer. It is a commonly used technique in public speaking and writing to engage the audience's attention and provoke thought on the topic.

Question 3

It is important in an introduction to build trust with the audience,to have them believe you and like you.This is known as developing speaker

Accepted Answer

Building credibility is important in establishing trust with the audience. Charisma and popularity may enhance the speaker's appeal, but credibility is the most important factor in having the audience believe and trust the speaker. Proximity is not relevant in this context.

Question 4

What is an anecdote?

Accepted Answer

An anecdote is an entertaining short story, usually personal or biographical, that illustrates a point or argument. It is often used in speeches or essays to engage the audience and make a point more memorable. An anecdote is not a persuasive argument used to counteract the thesis statement, a way of including expert testimony into the introduction, or a fictional statement used to add humor to the speech introduction.

Question 5

What is one benefit of using humor in your introduction?

Accepted Answer

Using humor in the introduction can help the audience relax and feel more at ease with the speaker, which in turn can help the speaker establish a connection with the audience and win their goodwill for the rest of the speech.

Question 6

Dana opens her speech against abortion by putting up a transparency that shows a graphic image of an aborted fetus.Is this an effective opening?

Accepted Answer

Showing a graphic image of an aborted fetus may disgust and repel the audience, making them less likely to listen to the speaker's arguments. It can also be seen as insensitive and disrespectful to those who have experienced an abortion. A verbal attention getter or a different type of visual aid may have been more effective in engaging the audience without resorting to shock value.

Question 7

Janet's introduction contained the following remarks: "How many of you know someone who has tried to quit smoking,successfully or unsuccessfully? Have any of the smokers in this audience tried to quit? Well,if you have tried to quit and failed,you are among the 20 percent of Americans who have tried to quit multiple times.A few months ago I tried to quit,for the umpteenth time,but this time I made it.I'd like to tell you exactly how I made it." Which of the following statements is accurate about this introduction?

Accepted Answer

Janet effectively uses three introductory devices - questions to the audience, statistical information, and a personal reference - to capture the audience's attention and establish her credibility on the topic of quitting smoking. This introduction is likely to engage the audience and make them curious about how Janet succeeded this time.

Question 8

In developing her speech on scuba diving,Rachael is trying to decide whether or not to tell the audience in her introduction that she has been a diver since she was a freshman in high school.She wonders if this will help or hurt her credibility.What textbook advice applies here?

Accepted Answer

According to textbook advice, it is important to establish credibility with the audience before delivering the main points of the speech. Sharing a brief, credibility-building explanation of her experience with scuba diving in the introduction will help Rachael establish her expertise on the topic and increase her credibility with the audience. However, she should be careful not to spend too much time on her personal experience or come across as boastful.

Question 9

A signpost that enumerates the ideas and points that will be presented in a speech is known as

Accepted Answer

A preview is a signpost that outlines the main ideas and points that will be covered in a speech, giving the audience a brief overview of what to expect. A summary is a recapitulation of what has been said at the end of a speech. A specific purpose is a concise statement of the goal or objective of the speech. An emphasis statement is a phrase or sentence that emphasizes the importance or relevance of a particular point in the speech.

Question 10

Leonard walked to the podium,made direct eye contact with the audience,then asked the audience: "Have you ever wondered what a hot dog is made of? Do you really want to know?" What introductory device was Leonard using?

Accepted Answer

Leonard is using a rhetorical question as an introductory device to engage the audience and make them curious about the topic he will be discussing.

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE of making a reference to a recent event in your introduction?

Accepted Answer

Referencing a recent event in your introduction can enhance your credibility by demonstrating that you are knowledgeable about current affairs. It can help to establish your expertise on the topic you are speaking about.

Question 12

A speaker who describes his/her main points as part of the introduction is utilizing what device?

Accepted Answer

A preview statement is a device used in the introduction of a speech where the speaker outlines the main points that they will be discussing in the body of the speech. This helps to prepare the audience for what is to come and gives them an idea of the structure of the speech.

Question 13

The first priority in an introduction is to

Accepted Answer

Getting the audience's attention is crucial as it ensures they are engaged and ready to listen to the message being presented.

Question 14

A credible speaker is someone who

Accepted Answer

A credible speaker is someone who audience members see as trustworthy and dependable. Building a connection with the audience is key to gaining their trust, which leads to better engagement and understanding of the topic being presented. The other options may be useful in certain situations, but they do not necessarily guarantee credibility.

Question 15

Quotations should be used

Accepted Answer

Quotations should be used when they add value to the speech and make a strong impact on the audience. They should be relevant, interesting, and to the point. Using a quote simply for the sake of including one is not recommended.

Question 16

In the introduction to your speech,a good way to establish your credibility is to

Accepted Answer

Being well-prepared and confident in your delivery can establish credibility by demonstrating that you have knowledge and expertise on the topic you are speaking about. This can help to capture the audience's attention and make them more receptive to your message. Starting with a quotation, summarizing main ideas, and stating your purpose can also be effective introduction strategies, but they may not necessarily establish credibility on their own.

Question 17

"98 percent of the 2012 graduates of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego,California,graduated with an average of $168,800 in student debt." This is an example of a(n)

Accepted Answer

The statement is a startling statistic as it presents a shocking and concerning fact about the high level of student debt that graduates of this law school have accumulated.

Question 18

According to the text,the most obvious purpose of a speech introduction is to

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the text,the most obvious purpose...

Question 19

What does the text state is the most inherently interesting type of supporting material?

Accepted Answer

The text states that "anecdotes are the most inherently interesting type of supporting material" because they "add an element of human interest to your presentation by personalizing it for your listeners."

Question 20

In an introduction,proximity refers to

Accepted Answer

Proximity in an introduction refers to the degree to which the information directly affects the audience. It pertains to how relevant and important the topic is to the listeners, and how closely it relates to their lives and experiences. The closer the topic is to the audience's interests, concerns, or needs, the more likely they are to engage with the speaker and be receptive to the message. Therefore, proximity is a key factor in creating a meaningful and impactful introduction.

Quiz 9: Introducing and Concluding Your Speech