Chapter 13

True or false: The world's most famous orators have all been blessed with golden voices that were naturally pleasing to their listeners.

False

True or false: Reading verbatim from a manuscript is an acceptable method for delivering a speech.

True

Before beginning a presentation, a speaker should do which of the following? a. Appear calm b. Lean on the lectern in order to appear relaxed c. Take time to get set d. Stand quietly while waiting for the audience's attention

a. Appear calm c. Take time to get set d. Stand quietly while waiting for the audience's attention

Michelle would like to add more vocal variety to her speeches. Which aspects of delivery should she work on? a. Changes in rate b. Changes in volume c. Adding vocalized pauses d. Pitch fluctuation

a. Changes in rate b. Changes in volume d. Pitch fluctuation

In which of the following ways does conversational quality enhance an extemporaneous speech? A. It makes the speech sound spontaneous, which is appealing to the audience. B. It eliminates the need to use gestures and eye contact to attract the interest of the audience. C. It gives the impression that the speaker has memorized the speech word for word. D. It does not require any practice or rehearsal on the speaker's part and is more like a conversation with the audience.

A. It makes the speech sound spontaneous, which is appealing to the audience.

A manuscript delivery of a speech would be most appropriate in which of the following situations? A. A report to a class about a completed research project B. A governor's address to the legislature C. An acceptance award at the Oscars D. A farewell speech to a colleague

B. A governor's address to the legislature

If a speaker sees listeners leaning forward with strained looks on their faces and their hands cupping their ears, the speaker's first reaction should be to increase which aspect of his or her voice? A. Pauses B. Volume C. Rate D. Pitch

B. Volume

When can public speakers wear unusual or very casual outfits without undermining the effectiveness of a speech? A. When they are younger than the audience. B. When they are widely regarded as an eccentric genius. C. When they are reading a speech from a manuscript. D. When they are in positions of high authority.

B. When they are widely regarded as an eccentric genius.

The type of vocal variation that gives a speaker vitality and helps indicate meaning and emotion is referred to as A. vocalized pause. B. inflection. C. monotone. D. volume.

B. inflection.

Brianne is giving a speech on how explosions are created in movies. She states everything in a similar manner, with little inflection. Eventually, despite the topic of the speech, she notices that many in her audience are looking bored, and one is actually taking a nap. Which of the following would be the most effective way to make the delivery of her speech more engaging? A. Adopt a monotone B. Increase volume C. Alter her pitch D. Insert more pauses

C. Alter her pitch

While listening to Garth give his speech, some audience members were unsure whether he said "share" or "chair." What area of delivery does Garth need to work on? A. Rate B. Inflection C. Articulation D. Vocal variety

C. Articulation

Which of the following movements should be avoided when giving a speech? A. Maintaining eye contact after the speech is over B. Taking time to arrange notes before starting to speak C. Gathering notes before finishing the speech D. Standing quietly before starting to speak

C. Gathering notes before finishing the speech

Which of the following is not one of the four basic methods of speech delivery? A. Impromptu B. Reading from a manuscript C. Playing a recording D. Reciting from memory

C. Playing a recording

A sense of conviction and a desire to communicate is likely to make your voice A. quiet and timid. B. droning and monotonous. C. lively and conversational. D. loud and authoritative.

C. lively and conversational.

In which of the following scenarios would you be least likely to use a microphone and therefore need to pay extra attention to the volume of your voice? A. A commencement address B. An awards ceremony C. A speech at a professional conference D. A classroom speech

D. A classroom speech

Which of the following is true of memorized speeches? A. Memorized speeches are delivered with little or no preparation. B. Memorized speeches are the most interesting of all speeches. C. Memorized speeches are only appropriate for acceptance speeches. D. Memorized speeches are generally short speeches.

D. Memorized speeches are generally short speeches.

Mark Twain once said, "The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause." Which of the following was Twain likely referring to? A. How a well-timed pause can buy you time if you forget your speech. B. How a pause can help you determine whether or not your audience is paying attention. C. How pauses can give listeners time to ask questions. D. The ability of a well-timed pause to provide dramatic impact.

D. The ability of a well-timed pause to provide dramatic impact.

When delivering a speech from memory, speakers must remember to A. read from the outline they have prepared. B. look at a point above the audience to aid concentration. C. look out the window to show thoughtfulness. D. concentrate on communicating with the audience.

D. concentrate on communicating with the audience.

Rank from first to last the recommended steps for improving delivery, putting the first step at the top. A. Create a key word speaking outline B. Do a dress rehearsal that attempts to replicate the speaking situation C. Polish and refine delivery in front of a mirror D. Practice the speech aloud several times using only the key word speaking outline E. Review your full-sentence preparation outline aloud and revise as needed.

E. Review your full-sentence preparation outline aloud and revise as needed. A. Create a key word speaking outline D. Practice the speech aloud several times using only the key word speaking outline C. Polish and refine delivery in front of a mirror B. Do a dress rehearsal that attempts to replicate the speaking situation

Speakers can help ensure proper pronunciation by doing which of the following? a. Consulting a dictionary for any words about which they are unsure b. Striving for vocal variety and conversational quality c. Adding gestures for emphasis d. Practicing in front of friends who can give gentle correction

a. Consulting a dictionary for any words about which they are unsure d. Practicing in front of friends who can give gentle correction

Drew showed up for his classroom speech with his normal torn jeans and a sweatshirt with the word "crazy" written across the front in giant letters. If this was not a costume illustrating his topic, which of the following statements apply to Drew's situation? a. He should have chosen a different shirt. b. There was nothing wrong with what he wore to the classroom speech. c. He should not have worn torn jeans. d. Classroom speakers should strive for a distinctive look.

a. He should have chosen a different shirt. c. He should not have worn torn jeans.

Which of the following are advantages of extemporaneous speaking? a. It encourages the speaker to adopt a conversational tone. b. It does not require rehearsal. c. It is more precise than impromptu speaking. d. It does not require developing an outline.

a. It encourages the speaker to adopt a conversational tone. c. It is more precise than impromptu speaking.

Which of the following statements are true about the rate at which a person delivers a speech? a. It varies with the occasion. b. It needs to be 120 to 150 words per minute. c. It should be as fast as possible. d. It depends on mood the speaker is trying to create.

a. It varies with the occasion. d. It depends on mood the speaker is trying to create.

Which of the following are techniques for improving the rate of your speaking? a. Record and listen to yourself practicing. b. Alternate the speed at which you speak after every sentence. c. Take long pauses every two or three words. d. Include notes on pacing in your speaking outline.

a. Record and listen to yourself practicing. d. Include notes on pacing in your speaking outline.

Which of the following should you consider when deciding how loudly to speak? a. The acoustics of the room b. The size of the audience c. Your delivery method d. Whether you will have a microphone

a. The acoustics of the room b. The size of the audience d. Whether you will have a microphone

How can pauses contribute to effective speech delivery? a. They can signal the end of a thought. b. They can distract the audience. c. They can make a statement more dramatic. d. They can give time for an idea to sink in.

a. They can signal the end of a thought. c. They can make a statement more dramatic. d. They can give time for an idea to sink in.

When responding to a previous speaker in an impromptu speech, you can prepare by doing which of the following? a. Thinking of your points while listening b. Researching the question on your phone as soon as it is asked c. Letting the audience know you were not expecting to speak d. Taking notes

a. Thinking of your points while listening d. Taking notes

When called upon suddenly to give an impromptu speech, which of the following strategies should you employ? a. Don't use notes. b. Act calm. c. Avoid eye contact with the audience. d. Use signposts.

b. Act calm. d. Use signposts.

Having good command over extemporaneous speeches is signified by which of the following? a. Ability to remember exact wording b. Control over ideas c. A conversational quality d. Ease of establishing eye contact

b. Control over ideas c. A conversational quality d. Ease of establishing eye contact

Concerning movement, a speaker should remember which of the following? a. Movements during a speech are more important than movements right before the speech. b. Distracting motions will negatively affect listeners. c. Fidgety movement makes the speaker appear nervous. d. Nervousness makes distracting mannerisms impossible to control.

b. Distracting motions will negatively affect listeners. c. Fidgety movement makes the speaker appear nervous.

Which of the following are basic guidelines for good delivery that should be implemented by a beginning public speaker? a. Use large gestures for emphasis. b. Make eye contact. c. Stick to informal language. d. Speak intelligibly.

b. Make eye contact. d. Speak intelligibly.

Which of the following are elements of the speaker's voice that should be controlled to make a speech more effective? a. Resonance b. Pronunciation c. Pitch d. Volume e. Attractiveness

b. Pronunciation c. Pitch d. Volume

Ellen is preparing to give an important speech at a company conference in which several senior managers will be present. To make sure she avoids embarrassing mistakes or oversights, Ellen had decided to read her script from a manuscript. Which of the following are methods Ellen should use to prepare for her speech? a. Print the speech in small font so it is easy to handle. b. Choose eye-catching attire and accessories to maintain the audience's attention. c. Practice aloud to make sure the speech sounds natural. d. Work on establishing eye contact with the audience.

c. Practice aloud to make sure the speech sounds natural. d. Work on establishing eye contact with the audience.

What is the primary purpose of practicing and improving your style of speech delivery? a. To make the audience aware of your skills b. To learn how to properly organize ideas c. To allow the audience to clearly understand your ideas d. To enhance the impact of your ideas

c. To allow the audience to clearly understand your ideas d. To enhance the impact of your ideas

Which of the following are aspects of conversational speaking that audiences tend to prefer in formal speeches? a. Loose organization of ideas b. Use of slang c. Vocal and facial expressiveness d. Directness

c. Vocal and facial expressiveness d. Directness