COMS 100 Midterm Review Questions
What is a preview statement? Why should you nearly always include a preview statement in the introduction of your speech?
Preview Statement: A statement in the introduction of a speech that identifies the main points to be discussed in the body. Because they usually come at the very end of the introduction, they provide a smooth lead-in to the body of the speech. They signal that the body of the speech is about to begin.
What is nonverbal communication? Why is it important to effective public speaking?
Speech delivery is a matter of *nonverbal communication*. It is based on how you use your voice and body to convey the message expressed by your words. There is a great deal of research showing that the impact of a speaker's words is powerfully influenced by his or her nonverbal communication.
What is a preparation outline?
The preparation outline is just what its name implies—an outline that helps you prepare the speech. Writing a preparation outline means putting your speech together—deciding what you will say in the introduction, how you will organize the main points and supporting materials in the body, and what you will say in the conclusion.
What are four aspects of bodily action you should concentrate on in your speeches?
(1) personal appearance (2) movement (3) gestures (4) eye contact
What are the four methods of speech delivery?
(1) reading verbatim from a manuscript (2) reciting a memorized text (3) speaking impromptu (4) speaking extemporaneously.
How many main points will your speeches usually contain? Why is it important to limit the number of main points in your speeches?
2-5, most speeches only contain 2-3. Regardless of how long a speech might run, if you have too many main points, the audience will have trouble sorting them out. If, when you list your main points, you find that you have too many, you may be able to condense them into categories.
Why is it important to establish your credibility at the beginning of your speech?
Credibility is mostly a matter of being qualified to speak on a given topic—and of being perceived as qualified by your listeners.
Why is it important to develop strong listening skills?
Listening is important to you as a speaker. It is probably the way you get most of your ideas and information—from television, radio, conversation, and lectures. If you do not listen well, you will not understand what you hear and may pass along your misunderstanding to others.
What method of delivery does this chapter recommend for your introductory speech?
Most experts recommend *speaking extemporaneously*, which combines the careful preparation and structure of a manuscript presentation with the spontaneity and enthusiasm of an unrehearsed talk. Your aim in an extemporaneous speech is to plan your major points and supporting material without trying to memorize the precise language you will use on the day of the speech.
How is listening connected with critical thinking?
One of the ways listening can serve you is by enhancing your skills as a critical thinker. When you engage in comprehensive listening or critical listening, you must use your mind as well as your ears. When your mind is not actively involved, you may be hearing, but you are not listening. In fact, listening and critical thinking are so closely allied that training in listening is also training in how to think.
How can you control your nervousness and make it work for you in your speeches?
Rather than trying to eliminate every trace of stage fright, you should aim at transforming it from a negative force into what one expert calls positive nervousness. Don't think of yourself as having stage fright. Instead, think of it as "stage excitement" or "stage enthusiasm.". It can help you get focused and energized in the same way that it helps athletes, musicians, and others get primed for a game or a concert.
Why is it important for a public speaker to use inclusive language? What four usages of inclusive language have become so widely accepted that no speaker can afford to ignore them?
Regardless of the situation, audiences expect public speakers to use inclusive language that is respectful of the different groups that make up American society. They also expect speakers to avoid stereotypes based on age, race, gender, disability, and other factors. -Avoid the Generic "He" -Avoid the Use of "Man" When -Referring to Both Men and Women -Avoid Stereotyping Jobs and Social ---Roles by Gender -Use Names That Groups Use to -Identify Themselves
What steps should you take when preparing for a question-and-answer session? What should you concentrate on when responding to questions during the session?
The first step to doing well in a Q&A session is to take it as seriously as the speech itself. The two major steps in preparing are working out answers to possible questions and practicing the delivery of those answers. -During the Q&A session: -Approach Questions with a Positive Attitude -Listen Carefully -Direct Answers to the Entire Audience -Be Honest and Straightforward -Stay on Track
Why do public speakers need to avoid ethnocentrism when addressing audiences with diverse cultural, racial, or ethnic backgrounds?
To be an effective public speaker in a multicultural world, you need to keep in mind that all people have their special beliefs and customs. You could offend someone.
Why is it normal—even desirable—to be nervous at the start of a speech?
it is perfectly normal—even desirable—to be nervous at the start of a speech. Your body is responding as it would to any stressful situation—by producing extra adrenaline. Every public speaker experiences all these reactions to some extent.
What is the most important thing to remember when organizing supporting materials in the body of your speech?
the importance of organizing your supporting materials so they are directly relevant to the main points they are supposed to support. Misplaced supporting materials are confusing.
What are the eight aspects of voice usage you should concentrate on in your speeches?
(1) volume (2) pitch (3) rate (4) pauses (vocalized) (5) vocal variety (6) pronunciation (7) articulation (8) dialect
What methods can you use to adapt your speech to your audience before the speech? During the speech?
*Audience Adaption Before the Speech:* As we have seen, you must keep your audience in mind at every stage of speech preparation. This involves more than simply remembering who your listeners will be. Above all, it means two things: (1) assessing how your audience is likely to respond to what you say in your speech, and (2) adjusting what you say to make it as clear, appropriate, and convincing as possible. *Audience Adaption During the Speech:* If another student has the same topic as you/ similar visual aids. Find another way to present your visual aids. Modify your introduction to mention the other student's speech on your topic. Adjust your delivery to the changed audience size. If you find that you have less time than you had planned, condense your speech to its most essential points and present them in the time available.
What are the five basic patterns of organizing main points in a speech? Which are appropriate for informative speeches? Which is most appropriate for persuasive speeches? Which is used most often?
*Chronological Order:* A method of speech organization in which the main points follow a time pattern. Used in informative speeches *Spatial Order:* A method of speech organization in which the main points follow a directional pattern. Used in informative speeches *Casual Order:* Speeches arranged in causal order organize main points so as to show a cause-effect relationship. When you put your speech in causal order, you have two main points—one dealing with the causes of an event, the other dealing with its effects. Can be used for both persuasive and informative speeches. *Problem Solution Order:* Speeches arranged in problem-solution order are divided into two main parts. The first shows the existence and seriousness of a problem. The second presents a workable solution to the problem. *Topical Order:* A method of speech organization in which the main points divide the topic into logical and consistent subtopics. *Topical order is used more often than any other speech method.*
What is the difference between denotative and connotative meaning? How might you use each to convey your message most effectively?
*Denotative meaning* is precise, literal, and objective. It describes the object, person, place, idea, or event to which the word refers. One way to think of a word's denotative meaning is as its dictionary definition. For example, denotatively, the noun "school" means "a place, institution, or building where instruction is given." *Connotative meaning* is more variable, figurative, and subjective. The connotative meaning of a word is what the word suggests or implies. Connotative meaning gives words their intensity and emotional power. It arouses in listeners feelings of anger, pity, love, fear, friendship, nostalgia, greed, guilt, and the like.
What are the three kinds of questions used in questionnaires? Why is it a good idea to use all three in audience analysis?
*Fixed-Alternative Questions:* Questions that offer a fixed choice between two or more alternatives. (Yes, No, Not sure) *Scale Questions:* Questions that require responses at fixed intervals along a scale of answers. (Completely Agree ... .... .... ... .... ... Completely Disagree) *Open-ended Questions:* Questions that allow respondents to answer however they want.
What is the difference between hearing and listening?
*Hearing* is a physiological process, *listening* involves paying close attention to, and making sense of what we hear
What is situational audience analysis? What factors do you need to consider in situational audience analysis?
*Situational Audience Analysis*: It identifies traits of the audience unique to the speaking situation at hand. These traits include the size of the audience, the physical setting, and the disposition of the audience toward the subject, the speaker, and the occasion. -Size of the audience/ location -Physical Setting -Deposition Towards the Topic: you should keep your audience in mind when choosing a topic. Ideally, you will pick a topic that suits them as well as it suits you -Deposition Towards the Speaker: The more competent listeners believe a speaker to be, the more likely they are to accept what he or she says -Deposition Towards the Occasion: No matter what the situation, listeners have fairly definite ideas about the speeches they consider appropriate, the occasion may dictate how long a speech should be
What are the four kinds of speech connectives? What role does each play in a speech?
*Transitions:* words or phrases that indicate when a speaker has just completed one thought and is moving on to another. Technically, the transitions state both the idea the speaker is leaving and the idea she or he is coming up to. *Internal Previews* : A statement in the body of the speech that lets the audience know what the speaker is going to discuss next. *Internal Summary*: remind listeners of what they have just heard. Such summaries are usually used when a speaker finishes a complicated or particularly important main point or set of main points. *Signpost* very brief statements that indicate exactly where you are in the speech. Frequently they are just numbers. (first, second, third).
What is a speaking outline? What are four guidelines for your speaking outline?
*speaking outline*—the most widely recommended form of notes for extemporaneous speeches. The aim of a speaking outline is to help you remember what you want to say. In some ways, it is a condensed version of your preparation outline. It should contain key words or phrases to jog your memory, as well as essential statistics and quotations that you don't want to risk forgetting. But it should also include material not in your preparation outline—especially cues to direct and sharpen your delivery.
What are the six demographic traits of audiences discussed in this chapter? Why is each important to audience analysis?
-*Age:* a person's outlook more than his or her age. Of course, no age group is monolithic. There is no generation in which everyone thinks alike, buys the same products, or votes for the same political candidates. Yet each generation has more or less common values and experiences that set it apart from other generations -*Gender:*Speakers who fail to take account of current gender attitudes and practices are almost certain to provoke negative reactions among some listeners, male and female alike. At the same time, it is important to recognize that men and women are not alike in all their values and beliefs -*Religion:* Whenever you speak on a topic with religious dimensions, be sure to consider the religious orientations of your listeners. Doing so can help you avoid potentially embarrassing pitfalls. In some cases, it may make the difference between an unsuccessful speech and a successful one. -*Sexual Orientation:* When you work on your speeches, keep an eye out for language, examples, and other elements that may unintentionally exclude listeners with same-sex partners. -*Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Background*: be aware that some of your listeners may have racial, ethnic, or cultural perspectives that will affect their attitudes toward your speech topic -*Group Membership*
What are the elements of good speech delivery?
-Directness -Spontaneity -Animation -Vocal and facial expressiveness -A lively sense of communication
What two major steps are discussed in this chapter for developing your introductory speech?
-Focusing Your Topic: One of the most common mistakes students make on their first speech is trying to cover too much. It would be impossible, for example, to tell your audience everything about your life in a two- or three-minute speech. A better approach would be to focus on one or two events that have helped define who you are— -Developing Your Topic: Once you have a topic for your speech, be creative in developing it. Think of ways to structure the speech so it will be interesting and meaningful to your audience.
What are the four objectives of a speech introduction?
-Get Attention and Interest -Reveal the Topic -Establish Credibility and Goodwill -Preview the Body of the Speech
What are three tips for preparing your main points?
-Keep Main Points Separate -Try to Use the Same Pattern of Wording for Main Points -Balance the Amount of Time Devoted to Main Point
How is public speaking similar to everyday conversation?
-Organizing your thoughts logically. -Tailoring your message to your audience. -Telling a story for maximum impact. -Adapting to listener feedback.
How is public speaking different from everyday conversation?
-Public speaking is more highly structured. -Public speaking requires more formal language. -Public speaking requires a different method of delivery.
What steps should you take when rehearsing your first speech?
-Rehearse your speech out loud- will help you master the content of your talk -Ask friends or family members to listen and to give constructive feedback -Time your speech
What are seven methods you can use in the introduction to get the attention and interest of your audience?
-Relate the topic to the audience -State the Importance of Your topic -Startle the audience -Arouse the curiosity of the audience -question the audience -begin with a question -tell a story
What five elements of speech delivery are discussed in this chapter with regard to presenting your first speech?
-Starting your speech: take a moment to look over your audience and to smile. This will help you establish rapport with your classmates from the start. -Gestures -Eye Contact -Voice -Dealing With Nerves
What are the major functions of a speech conclusion?
-To let the audience know you are ending the speech. -To reinforce the audience's understanding of, or commitment to, the central idea.
What are three things you should do to use language clearly in your speeches?
-Use Familiar Words -Choose Concrete Words -Eliminate Clutter
What are seven ways to become a better listener?
1) Take Listening Seriously. 2) Be an Active Listener. 3) Resist Distractions. 4) Don't be diverted by Appearance or Delivery. 5) Suspend Judgement. 6) Focus your listening. 7) Develop note-taking skills
What are the four main causes of poor listening?
1. Not concentrating 2. Listening too hard 3. Jumping to conclusions 4. Focusing on delivery and personal appearance
What are the seven elements of the speech communication process? How do they interact to determine the success or failure of a speech?
1. Speaker: Your success as a speaker depends on you—on your personal credibility, your knowledge of the subject, your preparation of the speech, your manner of speaking, your sensitivity to the audience and the occasion. But successful speaking also requires enthusiasm. 2. Message:Your goal in public speaking is to have your intended message be the message that is actually communicated. Achieving this depends both on what you say (the verbal message) and on how you say it (the nonverbal message). 3. Channel: Public speakers may use one or more of several channels, each of which will affect the message received by the audience. 4. Listener: Everything a speaker says is filtered through a listener's frame of reference 5. Feedback: Like any kind of communication, feedback is affected by one's frame of reference. You must understand the feedback in order to deal with it. 6. Interference: External (loud train, traffic noises, etc) and Internal (comes from within the audience) 7. Situation: Public speakers must also be alert to the situation. Certain occasions— funerals, church services, graduation ceremonies—require certain kinds of speeches
How can you get information about an audience?
Distributing an audience analysis questionnaire
Why must a public speaker be audience-centered?
Good public speakers are audience-centered. They know the primary purpose of speechmaking is not to browbeat the audience or to blow off steam. Rather, it is to gain a desired response from listeners.
What does it mean to say you should use language appropriately in your speeches?
In addition to being accurate, clear and vivid language should be appropriate—to the occasion, to the audience, to the topic, and to the speaker
When organizing your introductory speech, you should divide it into what three sections?
Introduction Body Conclusion
What are two ways to bring your speeches to life with vivid, animated language?
Simile Metaphor
Why is it important that speeches be organized clearly and coherently?
Speaker must be sure listeners can follow the progression of ideas in a speech from beginning to end. This requires that speeches be organized strategically. They should be put together in particular ways to achieve particular results with particular audiences.
