Chapter 3 quiz

Articulation is speaking words correctly as indicated in any dictionary based on Standard English rules. a. True b. False

B. False. Articulation is speaking words clearly and distinctly

Choreographing your gestures in advance of your speech is excellent advice to be properly prepared. a. True b. False

B. False. Choreographing your gestures reminds one of the old, discredited elocution movement. Planning gestures, especially when speakers are novices, will likely appear stilted and artificial, calling attention to the awkward gestures and not to speakers' ideas.

A preparation outline for a speech is one in which simple words and phrases are used in outline form, and a presentation outline is a full-sentence version. a. True b. False

B. False. It is the opposite.

You should strive to eliminate vocal fillers because listeners immediately notice them and are distracted by them. a. True b. False

b. False. Vocal fillers are often unnoticed by listeners unless they become frequent. An occasional um or uh will not diminish the overall effectiveness of your presentation. Error-free speaking is an unreasonable goal, but do jettison the frequent use of "verbal hiccups" such as "like" in casual conversation that can easily surface in public speeches from habit.

By definition, you can never be prepared for an impromptu speech. a. True b. False

b. False. Your life experience, familiarity with facts and stats about a subject of interest, and any inkling you might have in advance that you might be called on to give a speech even though not notified in advance, can signal the need for preparation for any such impromptu speech.

A manuscript speech is most appropriate in which of the following circumstances? a. You are very nervous to give a speech b. You need to be precise in your phrasing to avoid offense or legal difficulties c. You find it challenging to look at audience members during a speech d. It is never appropriate

b. You need to be precise in your phrasing to avoid offense or legal difficulties. References: The President of the U.S. may need to speak from a manuscript displayed on a teleprompter to avoid any misunderstanding that could provoke an international incident. Using a manuscript, however, is not a viable solution to an unprepared speech.

Sound delivery advice includes a. look above the heads of your listeners to diminish anxiety b. look directly at your audience, typically beginning with the middle of your audience, then looking left, then right, and back again to the middle, taking in the full sweep of your listeners c. look at the floor when you begin to lose your train of thought; it allows you to retrieve your ideas d. concentrate on one or two listeners, especially anyone not paying attention

b. look directly at your audience, typically beginning with the middle of your audience, then looking left, then right, and back again to the middle, taking in the full sweep of your listeners. You want to establish direct eye contact to connect with listeners and to keep their attention, but not to the extent that it comes across as creepy staring at a single person in the audience. Looking above listeners' heads or down at the floor breaks connection with listeners and looks uncomfortable and awkward. Take in the full sweep of your audience, not just one segment.

Extemporaneous speaking a. is speaking from a prepared manuscript b. is a difficult delivery method to maintain eye contact with an audience c. more easily sounds spontaneous and connects with listeners than manuscript speaking typically does d. is the same as impromptu speaking

c. more easily sounds spontaneous and connects with listeners than manuscript speaking typically does. References: Extemporaneous speaking is delivering a speech from an outline or brief notes. Impromptu speaking is off-the-cuff speaking typically with no notes or outline.

Which of the following is sound advice about different methods of speech delivery? a. Never memorize your speech; you're likely to forget important details b. Always use an extemporaneous method of delivery c. Always have a manuscript in front of you in case you lose your train of thought d. None of the above

d. None of the above. References: Memorization, especially for short speeches (e.g., toasts at weddings) may be appropriate and effective. Extemporaneous delivery is widely applicable but may not work well in some circumstances in which precision of phrasing and accuracy of details are essential. If you bring a manuscript with you, even if you intend not to use it, you will likely use it and all the disadvantages of manuscript speaking will almost assuredly surface.

The ideal speaking rate for any speech is a. 200 words per minute b. 175 words per minute c. 150 words per minute d. none of the above

d. none of the above. References: There is no ideal, specific speaking rate. It depends on the context. A motivational speech may have a higher rate than a eulogy. An informative speech on a complex subject may have a much slower pace than a persuasive speech before a knowledgeable audience. A speaking rate between 140-180 wpm is appropriate for most speaking situations.