COM 181 Midterm Study Guide

What are (3) ways to improve listening skills?

(1) Be an active listener. (2) Suspend judgement. (3) Resist distractions.

Name (3) stages of the interview process and some steps in each stage.

(1) Before - define purpose, decide whom to interview, make appointment, prep questions. (2) During - dress appropriately, be on time, keep interview on topic, listen carefully. (3) After - review notes/transcribe ASAP, if professional/expert-send "Thank You".

Name (3) kinds of examples.

(1) Brief (2) Extended (3) Hypothetical

Name (2) types of testimony and how each could add to a speaker's presentation.

(1) Expert - lends credibility. Important when a topic is controversial. (2) Peer - gives personal viewpoint on issues. Those who have first hand experience. Important when relating to the audience.

Name and define (3) types of plagiarism.

(1) Global - stealing a speech entirely from a single source without giving credit. (2) Patchwork - stealing from 2 or more sources without giving credit. (3) Incremental - failure to give credit for parts of a speech that is borrowed.

What are at least two differences between the preparation paper and speaking outline?

(1) PP is a detailed outline. SO is a brief outline used to job memory. (2) PP contains bibliography. SO has no bibliography.

What are (2) cautions in regards to the use of statistics in a speech.

(1) Sources (2) Reliability (can be manipulated and distorted)

What are some ways to choose a topic for a speech?

(1) Topics you know a lot about. (2) Topic you want to know more about.

History has given us a strong background in rhetoric. List contributor and the century/years of the contribution.

* 4th c.-Greek rhetoric, Age of Aristotle, orators of the time. * 15th c.-European clergy, primary speakers (i.e. religious revivals). * 18th c.-Patriots (i.e. Thomas Pane)-pleas for independence. * 19th c.-Abolitionists/suffragists-advocates for change (i.e. Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony). * 20th c.-Electronic media-Radio (fireside chats), T.V. - reaching of vast audiences. * 21st c.-Information Age-thoughts, actions, tributes-spoken (Skype, computers, cell phones).

What are the ethical guidelines for a public speaker?

* Goals are ethically sound * Be prepared for speech * Be honest * Avoid name calling and other forms of abusive language * Put ethical principles into practice

Diagram (5) of the seven steps in the communication process.

----- MESSAGE -----> SPEAKER <---- CHANNEL ----> LISTENER <---- FEEDBACK -----

What is a specific purpose and how should it be written?

A single infinitive phrase that states precisely what a speaker hopes to accomplish in the speech. Written at the beginning of the outline, it's single statement that gives one distinct idea/goal of speaker.

Cognitive Dissonance

Anxiety over the prospect of speaking in front of an audience. STAGE FRIGHT.

What are some ways to evaluate the internet?

Authorship, Sponsorship, Recency

Signposts

Brief statement indicating where speaker is in the speech or focuses on many key ideas.

What are (3) organizational patterns that may be used for an informative speech?

Chronological, Spatial, Topical

_____ have more impact on the audience than any other supporting material.

Examples

Name (3) kinds of supporting material.

Examples, Statistics, Testimony

Name the goals of introductions and conclusions.

INTRODUCTION: * Get attention and interest of audience * Reveal the topic * Establish credibility and goodwill * Preview body of speech CONCLUSION: * Signal the end of a speech * Reinforce central idea

Name (3) divisions of an organized speech.

Introduction, Body, Conclusion

Know the difference between mean, median, and mode.

Mean = Average Median = Middle number in a group Mode = The number that occurs most frequently

What are (4) types of informative speeches?

Objects, Processes, Events, Concepts

Write a central idea for an informative speech about a topic of your choice.

Reflexology is an ancient remedy aimed at promoting health and wellness.

Similarities and Differences between Public Speaker and Everyday Conversation

SIMILARITIES: * Logically organized thoughts * Messages tailored to audience * Stories told for maximum impact * Feedback adapted to person DIFFERENCES: * PS highly structured * PS require more formal language (less common vernacular and slang) * PS requires different method of delivery (slower, repetitive, examples, enunciate)

Chronological Organization

Speech organization where main points follow a time pattern.

Topical Organization

Speech organization where the main points divide the topic into logical and consistent subtopics.

Spatial Organization

Speech organization where the main points follow a directional pattern.

Internal Preview

Statement in the body that lets the audience know what the speaker is going to discuss next.

Internal Summary

Statement that summarizes the speaker's preceding point or points.

Frame of Reference

Sum of a person's knowledge, experience, goals, etc. (personal or shared experience).

What does WIIFM mean and to whom does it refer?

What's In It For Me...refers to the audience/listener.

Transitions

Word or phrase that indicates when a speaker has finished one thought and moves to another.