Speech Ch. 10-19 Review Questions

What are the disadvantages of using a full sheet of paper for speaking notes?

(1) A speaker might be tempted to write down too many notes, causing him or her to look extensively at the sheet rather than at the audience. (2) A full sheet makes it easy for the speaker's eyes to glide over key points. (3) If the sheet is brought to the speech rolled up, it can curl up on the lectern. (4) If no lectern is available, and the sheet is hand-held, it can shake and rustle. (5) It is harder to make last-minute changes on a full sheet than on note cards because the entire sheet has to be rewritten.

What are the seven steps of the reflective-thinking method?

1. Define the problem. 2. Analyze the problem. 3. Establish criteria for evaluating a solution. 4. Generate possible solutions 5. Choose the best solution 6. Implement the solution 7. Evaluate the solution

In what situation is self-deprecating humor inadvisable?

1. Don't poke fun at your nervousness because then your audience will focus on it. 2. Don't use self-deprecating humor if your expertise or authority has not been established.

What are the risks that a speaker takes when telling a joke?

1. Jokes usually don't tie in smoothly with the rest of the speech. 2. A joke that is successful with your friends might bomb with a large audience. 3. Listeners may not be in a receptive mood. 4. A joke that isn't received will can damage a speaker's morale and lessen the impact of the speech.

What are the duties of panelists in a panel discussion?

1. Prepare for the discussion in the same way you prepare for a speech 2. Prepare notes for the panel, but not a written statement 3. Respect the time limits set by the moderator 4. In the give-and-take of the discussion, be brief. 5. Stay on the subject 6. Be respectful and considerate of your fellow panelists 7. Listen carefully to the comments of other panelists and members of the audience 8. Be willing to alter your position

List three guidelines for the speech of acceptance.

1. Thank those who played a part in your achieving the honor. 2. Thank the organization giving you the award and recognize the work it is doing. 3. Be brief.

What elements should a meeting's minutes include?

1. agenda item 2. decision reached 3. action required 4. person(s) responsible for taking action 5. target date for completion of action

What are the duties of the moderator in a panel discussion?

1. arrange the setting 2. Brief panel members in advance 3. Before the meeting, prepare a list of item that you think should be discussed 4. Prepare and deliver an introduction 5. Moderate the discussion 6. Maintain a friendly, but firm, control 7. Be respectful of all panelists, including those with whom you disagree 8. Ask open-ended questions 9. End the program at the agreed-upon time

What is the "straw man" fallacy?

A "straw man" is a weak opponent or dubious argument set up so that it can be easily defeated. The speaker can knock it down, smash it, and make himself look like a victor.

Describe the transitional device called bridge

A bridge links what went before with what will now come in the speech

What is a clincher?

A clincher is a memorable finale, such as a quotation or a story, which reinforces the central idea of the speech

What should be the focus of a eulogy?

A eulogy should focus on the significance of the person's life and deeds, rather than a mere recital of biographical facts.

Which organizational pattern would be most appropriate for a speech aimed at dispelling misconceptions about wolves?

A fallacy-fact pattern would be most appropriate for this topic.

In what way does a preview of main points reassure the audience?

A preview lets the audience know that you are well-organized and focused - you are not going to ramble off the subject

Which organizational pattern is useful when listeners don't know how serious a problem is?

A problem-solution pattern is useful when listeners don't know how serious a problem is.

What is a "red herring" argument?

A red herring argument distracts listeners from the real issue and leads them toward an irrelevant issue.

What is a rhetorical question?

A rhetorical question is used to stimulate audience interest, not to solicit actual answers.

How many times should a speaker practice going through the entire speech?

A speaker should practice going through the entire speech at least four times over a course of several days.

Why should a speech be learned and practiced point by point, instead of word for word?

A speech should be learned and practiced point by point to avoid memorization and ensure that the wording is a bit different every time they are said.

Describe the transitional device called spotlight

A spotlight alerts listeners to important points

What is a symposium, and how does it differ from a team presentation?

A symposium is a series of brief speeches on a common topic, each usually discussing a different aspect of the topic. Unlike the team presentation, the speakers in a symposium do not necessarily agree with one another.

In what ways does a team presentation resemble an individual speech?

A team presentation is like a speech given by an individual except that the content is divided, with each member delivering a different section.

What is a topic outline?

A topic outline is a systematic arrangement of ideas, using words and phrases—rather than complete sentences—for headings and subheadings.

"Rhythm Helps You Two Hips Move." By recalling this sentence and noting the first letter of each word, you can know the correct spelling for the word rhythm. This is an example of what kind of device?

Acronym

"Louise languished in the land of lilies and lilacs." Which rhetorical device is used in this sentence?

Alliteration is used in this sentence with the letter "L".

Why is it a mistake to end a speech abruptly?

An abrupt ending jars the listeners and deprives them of a sense of finality

What is a euphemism? Give and example.

An euphemism is a type of doublespeak which uses a mild, indirect, or vague word in place of one that is harsh, blunt, or offensive. An example of this would be replacing the words "I'm sorry your father is dead" with "I'm sorry for your loss".

What is an extended definition? Why is it preferable in a speech to a dictionary definition?

An extended definition is a rich, full elaboration of the meaning of a term, which is better in a speech than a dictionary definition because they are more meaningful and give the listener a full, richly detailed picture of its meaning; it will stick in the listener's mind.

In terms of speech organization, what is an internal summary?

An internal summary—given during a speech—reviews material that has been covered up to that point.

Why is an outline recommended for all speeches?

An outline helps the speaker organize thoughts into a logical sequence and include all necessary information

What is an overt-response question?

An overt-response question is asked to elicit a direct response, such as raising hands.

When introducing a speaker, some introducers use the speaker's first name, others use the last name. What advice does the text give on this issue?

Ask the speaker beforehand what they want to be called. Do not just assume.

If you are asked to introduce a speaker, why should you coordinate your remarks beforehand with those of the speaker?

Because you do not want to be saying the same thing.

What are the best and worst colors for clothes worn in a video?

Best: medium hues - pink, green, tan, and gray Worst: extremely bright colors like red, and extremely dark colors like black

What should you do if some members of an audience know the meaning of a term but others do not?

By using an indirect approach, you can sneak in a lot of background information without outright stating the facts you are trying to get across. Some speeches, on the other hand, will require a direct definition or explanation.

What are the advantages of using cards for speaking notes?

Cards are compact, inconspicuous, and easy to hold. Their small size forces the speaker to use just a few key words.

Which two organizational patterns would be most appropriate for a speech on the life and achievements of astronaut Sally Ride?

Chronological pattern Descriptive pattern

What is credibility?

Credibility is an audience's perception of a speaker as believable, trustworthy, and competent

What is the difference between deduction and induction?

Deduction moves from the general to the specific, induction proceeds from the specific to the general

What is the difference between the denotation and the connotation of a word?

Denotation refers to the thing or idea that it is referring to, while connotation refers to the emotional overtones of a word that goes beyond a dictionary definition.

How should you handle a listener who casts doubt on some of your facts and figures?

Don't be defensive. Use an approach that gains respect from listeners and is honest.

What are the characteristics of good eye contact?

Good eye contact allows you to create an important bond of communication and rapport between you and your listeners, it shows your sincerity, and it enables you to get audience feedback.

Give three examples of immediate, on-the-spot audience action

Have them sign a petition on their way out of the room Urge them to take out their phones and call a hotline to offer help/funds Take a poll/show of hands Sign-up sheet

Change the following metaphor to a simile. "Her life was a whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and last minute decisions."

Her life is like a whirlwind because of all her meetings, deadlines, and last minute decisions.

Why is it necessary to have attention material at the beginning of a speech?

If you do not grab your listeners' attention and interest at the beginning of a speech, they might slip into their private world of daydreams and personal concerns

What are the disadvantages of impromptu, manuscript, and memorized speeches?

Impromptu You cannot prepare your speech Manuscript Most speakers lack spontaneity and enthusiasm Memorized You are forced to spend an enormous amount of time in committing the speech to memory

Why did Mr. Martin Luther King Jr. use different words with different audiences?

In order to determine the most persuasive words for each audience, he looked at factors such as education to determine how technologically he could speak. He also worked to use words based on the occasion of his speech with his tone.

The text says that the title of an outline should not be spoken in the speech. Why, then, should you have one?

In some situations, a title might be needed to publicize a speech in advance.

What is inflated language? Give an example.

Inflated language are words designed to puff up the importance of the person or thing being described. An example of this would be replacing the phrase "used car" with "pre-owned car".

What is the function of the speech of tribute?

It praises or celebrates a person, a group, an institution, or an event. It conveys gratitude, respect, or admiration.

Why should each subdivision of an outline have at least two parts?

Logically, an item cannot be subdivided into just one piece (just as an orange cannot be cut into one piece; there must be at least two subdivisions).

List at least five motivations that listeners have.

Love and esteem, success, recreational pleasure, social acceptance, health

Why are sarcastic remarks inappropriate when directed toward listeners who are hostile towards your view?

Makes people defensive and all the more committed to their opinion.

Why is incorrect grammar a handicap for a speaker?

Many people associate poor grammar with lack of education and low intelligence. This would be a reason why an audience wouldn't give credit to the speaker.

How many main points should you have in a speech?

Most speeches should have no more than two or three (or occasionally four) main points

Change the following simile by poet Robert Burns to a metaphor. "My love is like a red, red, rose."

My love is a red, red, rose.

Why is nonverbal behavior important in a group meeting?

Nonverbal behaviors, such as facial expressions and posture, speak more powerfully than words.

How many ideas should be represented in each main point?

Only one idea should be expressed in each main point

In what way should oral language be treated differently from written language?

Oral language requires much more elaboration and repetition than written language.

What does a group do when it brainstorms?

People in the group express their ideas, which are captured --preferably on a visible board -- and later discussed and analyzed.

Why would an informative speech on a difficult, highly technical subject usually be inappropriate for an after dinner audience?

People who have just eaten want to sit back, relax, and enjoy a talk. They don't want to work hard mentally. They don't want to hear anything heavy and negative.

You are advised to "revise for continuity." What does this mean?

Practice your speech and listen for a smooth, even flow. When parts of the speech seem clunky and rough, revise until you achieve smoothness

Which pattern of organization would be ideal for a speech on food contamination and how the problem can be corrected?

Problem-solution pattern

Why should you restate your main points in the conclusion?

Research shows that restating your main points increases the likelihood that listeners will remember them.

How can you give listeners an incentive to listen to a speech?

Show listeners that they will personally benefit from the speech

What can speakers do with their hands to make sure that they are free for gesturing?

Speakers can make sure that they are free for gesturing by ensuring they don't grip the lectern with their hands, don't clutch their notes with both hands, and don't stuff both hands into their pockets.

Why is the issue of generalities versus specifics an important matter in informative speaking?

Specifics make a speech more interesting and provide more information for the listeners to grasp the meaning.

In which kind of special occasion speech does the speaker often withhold an honoree's name until the last sentence?

Speech of presentation

What are the two kinds of process speeches?

Speech on how to perform a process so that they can use the skills later To provide information on "how something is done" or "how something works"

What is meant by the advice to "customize points for each audience"?

Tailor a speech to the needs and interests of each audience. Main points that work with one audience might not work with another.

What is the goal of the action step of the motivated sequence?

The action step of the motivated sequence requests the actions from the listeners and tells them exactly what you hope they will do/take from your speech.

If there is a discrepancy between your words and your nonverbal behavior, which will the audience believe?

The audience will believe the nonverbal behavior in a speech.

When is the comparative advantages pattern most effective?

The comparative-advantages pattern is most effective when listeners agree with the problem you are addressing and the fact that it exists, but they aren't sure which solution is best on how to fix the problem.

Why should a speaker never use the logical fallacy called "attack on a person"?

The ethical speaker never uses it, not only because it is dishonest and unfair, but also because it can backfire and cause careful listeners to lose respect for the speaker.

What is the main difference between an inspirational speech and a persuasive speech?

The main difference is that in the inspirational speech, you devote yourself solely to stirring emotions, while in the persuasive speech, you use emotional appeals as just one of many techniques.

What is the goal for a speech of refutation?

The main goal in this type of speech would be to knock down arguments or ideas that you believe are false.

What is the goal of the need step of the motivated sequence?

The need step of the motivated sequence shows your audience that there is a serious problem that needs action.

What is the purpose of the orienting material in the speech introduction?

The orienting material gives the listeners a clear sense of what the speech is about and any other information that they might need in order to understand the ideas in the speech

What is the goal of the satisfaction step of the motivated sequence?

The satisfaction step of the motivated sequence satisfies the need by presenting a solution and showing how your solution works.

Which pattern of organization would be best suited for a speech on the solar system?

The spatial pattern would be ideal, such as Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, etc

A speaker says, "The lungs of a heavy smoker look like charred meat." What principle of informative speaking is the speaker using?

The speaker is using comparative principles to describe something unfamiliar to the audience with something that they are familiar with.

When is the statement-of-reasons pattern especially effective?

The statement-of-reasons pattern is especially effective when an audience leans toward your position but needs justification for that very learning.

What is the goal of the visualization step of the motivated sequence?

The visualization step of the motivated sequence paints a picture of results and allows listeners to visualize good things that can happen if they take action like you're asking them to.

Why is it a good idea in many cases to tell the audience why you are competent to speak on your particular subject?

This enhances your credibility because it shows that you are speaking from personal experience.

This sentence commits a mistake: "Learning is a spark in a person's mind that must be watered constantly." What is the term used in this error?

This sentence is a mixed metaphor which is combination of two metaphors that don't logically go together. The speaker is comparing a spark to a plant that needs water, two ideas that don't connect.

What are the parts of an outline?

Title, general purpose, specific purpose, central idea, introduction, body, conclusion, transitions, bibliography, and visual aids

Which pattern of organization would be best suited for a speech on the three major reasons why businesses declare bankruptcy?

Topical

Why are transitions important in a speech?

Transitions help the listeners stay with you as you move from one part of your speech to another.

How is an audience likely to react if you are careless with your facts and ideas?

When listeners believe you are wrong on one point, even when it's a small matter, they tend to distrust everything else you say.

Why is an agenda necessary for a meeting?

When there is no agenda, groups are unfocused -- they spend time and energy on minor items and never get to the major issues

What are the advantages of using complete sentences in an outline?

Writing complete sentences forces you to sharpen your thinking, and if another person helps you with your outline, complete sentences will be easier for him or her to understand than mere phrases

What are the advantages of using visual aids as prompts?

You can focus on the audience and walk around the room, projecting confidence.

Why should emotional appeals always be accompanied by rational appeals?

You do not want it to appeal only to the heart. The listeners need to have justification for the feelings and passions they embrace in their hearts. Using both together makes for a more powerful speech.

Why is it a serious mistake to speak too rapidly at the beginning of a speech?

You have to give your audience a chance to "tune in" and understand the story or information you are giving to them and get accustomed to your voice.

In a speech to motivate action, why should you try to get listeners to take action immediately?

You should get listeners to take action immediately because people have good intentions, but life is busy and due to personal actions, the vows are forgotten and never followed through.

In a process speech, at what point should you give listeners a warning?

You should give listeners a warning when you are about to give difficult instructions.

Why is it important to relate a speech, if possible, to the listeners' self-interest?

Your listeners need to understand that the information you are about to give them will have an impact on their own lives and provide them with a reason to listen.

symposium

a meeting featuring short addresses by different people on the same topic

reflective-thinking method

a structured system for solving problems

team presentation

a well-coordinated presentation made by members of a group who focus on a common goal

What is a hidden agenda?

an ulterior motive

hidden agenda

an ulterior motive

panel discussion

consideration of a topic by a small group in the presence of an audience

What tone is essential for the success of an extemporaneous speech?

conversational tone

agenda

document listing what is to be accomplished during a meeting

brainstorming

generating many ideas quickly and uncritically

Which is more persuasive with the typical audience: one vivid personal narrative or a series of statistical data?

vivid personal narrative

minutes

written record of what occurred at a meeting