COMS 130 Midterm
1. Following the guidelines for using statistical information and evaluating evidence, which of the following is the best use of statistics in Brett's speech on gun control? "According to the U. S. Department of Justice, guns were the weapon used in 15,456 murders in 1992." "According to the latest U. S. Department of Justice figures, ten children are killed by gunfire every day. That is the equivalent of everyone in this classroom being killed over just three days." "According to a poll sponsored by controlhandguns.org, 72% of Americans favor stricter limitations on handgun sales." "According to the U. S. Department of Justice, guns were the weapon used in 70 percent of the reported murders in 1995. This proves the need for gun control."
"According to the latest U. S. Department of Justice figures, ten children are killed by gunfire every day. That is the equivalent of everyone in this classroom being killed over just three days."
Irina is presenting a problem-solution speech where she has just noted the problem NASA is facing with funding, and she is moving into an area discussing viable solutions. Which sentence(s) best fulfill the requirements of an effective transition for that speech? a. "Now that I have established the problem, I will look at possible solutions." b. "Let us now look at possible solutions that will keep us going 'where no man has gone before.'" c. "As I have just said, NASA needs approximately $60 million to continue the construction of the space station because we are so far behind schedule. NASA also is working with less money than ever before due to competition with other government agencies and programs. But we can find money in any number of places, and specifically through taxes, cuts in military funding, and from our partners in the project." d. "The point is simple-NASA is strapped for cash and the space station project is in jeopardy. This need not be the case. As I will suggest, there are three funding alternatives that will allow us to continue our quest in space."
"The point is simple-NASA is strapped for cash and the space station project is in jeopardy. This need not be the case. As I will suggest, there are three funding alternatives that will allow us to continue our quest in space."
Which of the following is the most accurate statement regarding audience adaptation? a. Audience adaptation occurs during the planning phases, while you are preparing your speech. b. Audience adaptation mostly occurs during the opening moments of your speech as you recast your introductory remarks. c. Audience adaptation primarily involves altering your delivery style, rather than your content. d. Audience adaptation is an ongoing process, involving strategy, style, and responses.
Audience adaptation is an ongoing process, involving strategy, style, and responses
__________ is an organizational pattern where several distinct yet interrelated ideas are used to advance a larger idea. a. Spatial b. Causal c. Categorical d. Chronological
Categorical
When paraphrasing, what is one's ethical responsibility with regard to citing sources? a. Cite the source only if doing so would bolster your own credibility. b. There is no need to cite a source since you are using your own words. c. Cite the source only if the audience would be familiar with the source. d. Cite a source any time you have used another person's ideas or insights.
Cite a source any time you have used another person's ideas or insights.
1. What is the relationship between communication apprehension and one's personal and professional success? Communication apprehension can be a significant barrier to personal success, but it has no significant impact on professional success. Communication apprehension can be a significant barrier to professional success, but it has no significant impact on personal success. Communication apprehension can be a significant barrier to personal success, as well as a significant barrier to professional success. Researchers have yet to examine these contexts and instead focus on the impact of communication apprehension in the academic setting.
Communication apprehension can be a significant barrier to personal success, as well as a significant barrier to professional success.
1. If you aspire to be an effective public speaker, how should you regard keeping up with local, national, and world news? Doing so constitutes a good source for generating topic ideas, but little else. Doing so allows you to identify potential speech topics and begin forming opinions and arguments. Doing so can be useful for acquiring good examples if you are addressing a hot-button issue. Doing so is of minimal value since so much of today's news is presented from a biased point of view.
Doing so allows you to identify potential speech topics and begin forming opinions and arguments.
__________ are especially good for making general principles or abstract notions interesting and meaningful to an audience. They interject life and meaning into the ideas you are communicating, making them vivid and memorable. a. Statistics b. Examples c. Definitions d. Expert opinions
Examples
1. Riley has chosen a speech topic that she cares little for. As a result, what might transpire during her speech? Her speaking anxiety will subside while she speaks because she will realize she has no genuine concern with the topic. She will have virtually no anxiety, even at the beginning of her speech, since she feels no concern with her topic. Her speaking anxiety will increase since she has not chosen a topic that diverts her attention to a desire to share her message. Her speaking anxiety will increase at first but then will subside once she remembers that a speaker must be able to speak about insignificant matters.
Her speaking anxiety will increase since she has not chosen a topic that diverts her attention to a desire to share her message.
Joe is trying to finish his speech about gun control. He reads on a blog that death rate due to gun violence has risen 12% in the last year but cannot figure out how the blogger arrived at the number. What is the best choice Joe can make? a. Cite the blogger, but not mention that she is a blogger and not an expert. b. Paraphrase the statistic in his own words instead of citing it directly. c. Keep searching for a better source on gun violence, rather than cite the blogger. d. Cite the blogger, but mention that she is a blogger and not an expert.
Keep searching for a better source on gun violence, rather than cite the blogger
1. If you decide to administer an audience survey during class, which of the following is sound advice? Limit your survey to a few good questions that can be answered in the time available. Make your survey as comprehensive as possible. Avoid asking open-ended questions. Avoid having your classmates to select a response from a list of options.
Limit your survey to a few good questions that can be answered in the time available.
__________ allows you to record early thoughts, experiment with different organizational strategies, consider whether evidence "fits" by visualizing the relationship between ideas and supporting material, and endeavor to improve the delivery of your speech. a. Mental rehearsal b. Mind-mapping c. Brainstorming d. Outlining
Mind-mapping
1. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding communication apprehension? Scholars do not study communication apprehension, believing it to be too rare to study. Few speakers experience what can be referred to as communication apprehension. Most of us experience only occasional or moderate communication apprehension. Most of us frequently experience what is known as high communication apprehension.
Most of us experience only occasional or moderate communication apprehension.
1. Which of the following are good pointers for using note cards for one's delivery? Use both sides of the card, to lessen the total number needed, and use a larger font size than you would if using sheets of paper for notes. Use both sides of the card, to lessen the total number needed, and number the cards, so you can quickly reassemble them if dropped. Use a larger font size than you would if using sheets of paper for notes, and number the cards, so you can quickly reassemble them if dropped. Number the cards, so you can quickly reassemble them if dropped, and avoid cramming too much material onto any one card.
Number the cards, so you can quickly reassemble them if dropped, and avoid cramming too much material onto any one card.
1. Jayson Blair is no longer a New York Times reporter. His blatant use of stolen and fabricated stories led not only to his own forced resignation, but also to the resignations of two high-ranking editors at the Times. What can we learn from this incident? We can no longer trust the mainstream news media to tell the truth. "If it bleeds, it leads" is what even reputable papers do to increase readership. Our society has become increasingly obsessed with punishing white collar crime. Penalties for plagiarism are severe and the consequences can be devastating.
Penalties for plagiarism are severe and the consequences can be devastating.
1. Rick wonders whether he should place her keyword outline on note cards for his delivery or to print it out on full sheets. How should you advise him? Avoid note cards as there is insufficient space for delivery hints. Practice with each method to see which of the two you prefer. Full sheets make no sense as there is too much wasted space. Use note cards! They are superior because you can use both sides.
Practice with each method to see which of the two you prefer.
__________ denies the essential humanity of those who are different, casts them as inferior, and thus severely limits the potential for communicating successfully. a. Role expectations b. Stereotyping c. Ethnicity d. Racism
Racism
1. Rumi has identified her topic and now is at the library, ready to research. How should she proceed? Skim through titles, abstracts, and readings to determine which are most valuable. Carefully read every article that seems promising, taking comprehensive notes. Photocopy or print out every article that seems promising, pausing to read the best. Begin by reading books, then locate and read articles and encyclopedia entries.
Skim through titles, abstracts, and readings to determine which are most valuable.
Which of the following is sound advice to follow when you develop the conclusion of any speech? a. The conclusion is an excellent place to mention any information that you neglected to provide earlier. b. The conclusion can be short or fairly long, depending on what you need to cover. c. The conclusion should be relatively brief. d. Some speeches do not need formal conclusions; rather, it might be best to just stop speaking and go directly to questions.
The conclusion should be relatively brief.
1. Whenever Jozef hears a speaker use the word "holocaust," he becomes visibly shaken and sometimes begins to weep. His response suggests which of the following? Jozef considers the word "holocaust" to be an oxymoron. The word "holocaust" has strong denotative meaning for Jozef. The word "holocaust" has strong connotative meaning for Jozef. Jozef considers the word "holocaust" to be heavily ironic.
The word "holocaust" has strong connotative meaning for Jozef.
1. __________ escort the listener through the speech, connecting ideas while simultaneously reinforcing those ideas. Supporting materials Preview statements Main points Transitions
Transitions
1. Desari is uncertain whether she should cite a source regarding how survival rates have dramatically improved the past few decades for several types of cancer. She thinks the progress should be common knowledge and, hence, require no use of source material, but she is not sure. What would you advise her to do for her speech? Trust your instincts that such progress is, indeed, common knowledge. Know such progress is common knowledge and your classmates should know so. Ask for a show of hands during your speech to discern whether to cite a source. Verify what you believe in one or more reputable sources and cite one of them.
Verify what you believe in one or more reputable sources and cite one of them.
1. What is one of the greatest advantages of including some open questions on your audience survey? Audience members prefer responding to open questions. Responses to open questions tend to be the most valid. You can avoid the inclusion of irrelevant information. You can gain insights into why audience members hold their beliefs.
You can gain insights into why audience members hold their beliefs.
If you address a topic that really matters to you personally, what physical symptoms of anxiety will likely transpire as you present a speech? a. Your physical symptoms will soon intensify. b. Your physical symptoms will remain constant throughout. c. Your physical symptoms will soon subside. d. Your physical symptoms will aggravate you and your listeners.
Your physical symptoms will soon subside.
1. Jerome took classes in public speaking and history, and he reads widely about current events from reputable news agencies. As a result, he honed his ability to evaluate claims, weigh all the evidence, and come to reasoned conclusions based on a careful examination of the arguments on all sides of an issue. Jerome has become __________. a citizen-critic a consumer watchdog a proponent of competing claims an advocate skilled in manipulation
a citizen-critic
Using __________ helps the audience take "mental notes" so they can remember what is said. It also makes clear to them how everything in the speech fits together, it points to a desired response, and it contributes to the speaker's ethos. a. suitable language b. a logical pattern c. temporal context d. a process perspective
a logical pattern
1. The speaker said "I believe CPR should be taught in our high schools but only if taught by a certified instructor and certification standards are rigorously employed." In her statement, "CPR" constitutes a/an __________. acronym connotation concrete word technical word
acronym
The phrase "March Madness," which refers to college basketball's national championship tournament, uses which type of language device? a. simile b. antithesis c. alliteration d. personification
alliteration
1. Joel recognizes the distinctions between people of different races. As a result, he is __________. more likely to offend and alienate various members of a diverse audience clearly racist in his views which may become apparent when he talks better equipped to talk effectively with members of a diverse audience a clear instance of someone undergoing the process of America's melting pot
better equipped to talk effectively with members of a diverse audience
As ethical speakers, we a. can be more persuasive if we omit information that does not support our argument b. can expect to achieve an ideal degree of objectivity if we research properly c. must eliminate our personal feelings when we speak about issues d. cannot be completely neutral toward ideas we know or care about
cannot be completely neutral toward ideas we know or care about
During the televised debate, one candidate said, "My opponent's plan to improve the economy is focused on short-term growth. It is unlike our plan, which may seem less robust in the short term, but will provide us a solid, healthy recovery and long-term growth and prosperity." With this statement, the candidate has employed the use of __________. a. contrast b. comparison c. an actual example d. a hypothetical example
contrast
1. Yukiko's instructor is allowing students to administer an audience survey in the class as they prepare themselves for their next speech. How should Yukiko proceed? pose as many questions as she can think of, to yield more information craft a few good questions that can be answered in class craft questions that supply responses and do not require elaboration avoid inquiring about their age, political affiliation, or religion
craft a few good questions that can be answered in class
1. The press secretary stated, "The survey revealed widespread support for the policy." In this statement, the word "widespread" constitutes a __________ modifier. commenting dangling defining active
defining
1. When you think of making a speech as a burden or something you "have to do" for a class or for your job, you are more likely to __________. experience a severe level of communication apprehension experience a moderate level of communication apprehension experience a low level of communication apprehension experience no detectable level of communication apprehension
experience a severe level of communication apprehension
In U.S. culture, __________ make(s) a speaker come across as more truthful, candid, open, and trustworthy. a. eye contact b. gestures c. movement d. facial expressions
eye contact
Of the following words, which is MOST likely to evoke strong connotative meaning? a. cathedral b. exit ramp c. fundamentalist d. prevailing winds
fundamentalist
1. Public speaking in a democratic society must be __________. grounded in a strong code of ethics and a commitment to the public good careful to avoid tough political issues that some might find offensive loyal to the views of an established political party, even when controversial effective in discouraging dissent and criticism in an attempt to achieve consensus
grounded in a strong code of ethics and a commitment to the public good
1. Although the various types of informative speeches are not always distinct, they all share a common goal, which is to __________. increase audience understanding foster audience belief and specific attitude lay preliminary groundwork for persuasion to occur motivate listeners to alter their belief and take specific action
increase audience understanding
In her informative speech, Radharani discussed Colin Powell's popularity by citing a recent poll that concluded that 63% of Americans wanted Powell to run for president. What type of supporting material is Radharani using? a. expert testimony b. lay testimony c. inferential statistics d. descriptive statistics
inferential statistics
1. Scholars report that as you give more speeches, you will __________. undoubtedly find that you no longer need to employ strategies for managing communication apprehension no doubt find strategies for managing communication apprehension that work especially well for you find that fewer and fewer strategies for managing communication apprehension continue to work for you discover the absurdity of feeling any communication apprehension since today's listeners rarely listen constructively and carefully
no doubt find strategies for managing communication apprehension that work especially well for you
1. Jason has gathered information about the audience he will address in an upcoming speech, as well as information about the speaking situation. As a result, he will likely __________. noticeably lessen his communication apprehension noticeably intensify his communication apprehension have no discernible effect on his communication apprehension diminish his listeners' desire to listen carefully and constructively
noticeably lessen his communication apprehension
During a recent political campaign, two candidates debated Medicare. Each candidate suggested that the other would significantly diminish medical benefits for the elderly and promised to fight to preserve Medicare for generations to come. In terms of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the candidates were appealing to the audience's need for __________. a. self-actualization b. love and belonging c. worth and importance d. personal safety
personal safety
1. When using statistics, it is important to __________. use a surplus to make your speech more impressive use the mean as an average, as it is more reliable than the median or mode avoid inferential statistics, since they do not represent observable facts present statistical information in clear, meaningful terms
present statistical information in clear, meaningful terms
1. In his speech, Keenan underscored how AIDS was a widespread problem, offering the following points. Which organizational pattern has he used? I. AIDS is a problem in our urban areas. II. AIDS is a problem in our suburbs. III. AIDS is a problem in our small towns. spatial categorical transitional chronological
spatial
The director discussed the inner workings of the Teen Challenge program by escorting listeners on a virtual tour of the typical buildings in a Teen Challenge community, explaining what transpires in each of the facilities-from the woodshop to the maintenance garage to the educational building. The director employed a __________ pattern of organization. a. causal b. spatial c. categorical d. chronological
spatial
1. American history is, in large measure, a history of people who made a difference by ____. speaking out silencing their opponents following, without question, elected officials outspending their opponents during campaigns
speaking out
1. Charly can fire up her team at half-time in the locker room with inspiring remarks, and she can lead a pep rally at the high school assembly with great enthusiasm and no discomfort. When she is to address boosters at the end-of-the-semester banquet, however, she experiences significant communication apprehension. Charly exhibits what scholars of Communication Studies refer to as __________. trait anxiety state anxiety stage fright shyness
state anxiety
1. Antwaan is trying to draft his speech but his thinking seems "stuck." What might cognitive psychologists recommend that he do? abandon the topic for another continue on task, forging ahead take a brief rest, a "time out" return to the library to research
take a brief rest, a "time out"
1. Information literacy involves __________. the ability to locate information using traditional means such as foot searches and the use of LOC subject headings the ability to locate information using electronic means, and send findings to oneself via e-mail the ability to paraphrase information from sensational sources so that it is credible enough to be used in a speech the ability to recognize when information is needed and how to locate it, evaluate it, and use it effectively
the ability to recognize when information is needed and how to locate it, evaluate it, and use it effectively
If your school's library features a printed version and an electronic version of the same index, which should you use? a. the printed version, since it allows you to thumb through the pages physically b. the electronic version, since it likely is more efficient in speed and expanse c. either one, because neither offers any substantive advantages over the other d. either one, because both are produced by the same source
the electronic version, since it likely is more efficient in speed and expanse
1. During college, Jo avoided speaking in public due to the extreme dread she felt. Even now, several years into her career, she remains generally apprehensive whenever called upon to speak-no matter what the context, topic, or audience. Scholars would say Jo suffers from __________. trait anxiety state anxiety stage fright shyness
trait anxiety
Speakers with __________ do all they can to avoid speaking in public, even if the "public" is a group of people they know from their church or neighborhood. Even informal speeches to small groups make these people nervous. a. trait anxiety b. state anxiety c. stage fright d. shyness
trait anxiety
1. When we view the speaker and listener as exchanging messages and negotiating meanings, we have adopted a view of communication that is known as a __________. transactional model linear model passive model nonverbal model
transactional model
1. To support assertions made in a speech adequately, a speaker should __________. provide numerous examples and statistics and very little testimony provide abundant expert testimony and minimal statistical support concentrate, principally, on providing solid statistical data use a variety of good evidence, making clear its credibility
use a variety of good evidence, making clear its credibility
QUESTION 45 1. Students who are good listeners __________. are often less willing to change their minds once they are made up habitually irritate classmates by being too inquisitive frequently irritate classmates by being too talkative usually perform better in their classes
usually perform better in their classes
1. Americans tend to admire individualism as a trait, while also placing great stress on the need for teamwork. This example illustrates that __________. we all share basic human needs, each of which must be satisfied American culture is inherently flawed; we have lost a sense of good and bad audience adaptation is essentially impossible in contemporary American society we possess a network of interlocking values, some of which conflict with others
we possess a network of interlocking values, some of which conflict with others
1. As a normal part of the writing process while preparing a speech, you will sketch out several versions of this while you continue to read, learn, and think critically about your topic and specific purpose for speaking. working outline keyword outline diagnostic tool formal outline
working outline
Professional speechwriters, such as former presidential speechwriter Peggy Noonan, typically compose a speech by __________. a. producing a draft that is pretty much ready as written b. producing an introduction that makes possible the need for minimal drafts c. working through multiple drafts, likely a dozen or more d. working through a draft, conducting some research, and then finalizing
working through multiple drafts, likely a dozen or more
1. When contemplating what would make a good topic for your next speech, you should consider what you already care about and know. You should do so because __________. you likely have a speech, ready-made in your head, that you can write up you should choose a topic about which you are already an expert the most effective speeches are those you could give "off the top of your head" you will be motivated to learn more about a topic if it is truly meaningful to you
you will be motivated to learn more about a topic if it is truly meaningful to you
