Part 6: Introductions, Conclusions, and Language
Donna is giving a presentation about airline safety and begins her speech by stating that 43 percent of pilots admit to falling asleep during their flight. Donna is employing which type of mechanism in her introduction? An anecdote A question A joke Unusual information
Unusual information
Which of the following is most likely an example of jargon? "When sailing around the world, it is important that a sailboat has all necessary equipment, including life jackets and safety harnesses for each crew member." "When in the hands of a master, the guitar can be played to sound like almost anything." "Apprehensive about the QC on the bridge project, the ABFJV took another look at the anchor bolts to ensure that they met the ANSI standards." "When transporting goods from one place to another, tractor-trailer truck drivers operate trucks whose gross vehicle weight—the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—exceeds 26,000 pounds."
"Apprehensive about the QC on the bridge project, the ABFJV took another look at the anchor bolts to ensure that they met the ANSI standards."
Which of the following would be considered a mundane verb? "Hurl" "Amble" "Inhale" "Look"
"Look"
Which of the following statements is the best example of finding common ground with an audience? "Today we will dive into the topic of great white sharks, so pay close attention to my presentation." "Thank you for attending my speech today; I know that your time is valuable and I will do my best to ensure that you learn everything you need to know about taking the GMAT exam." "You all are lucky to have earned a spot in this audience." "Today we are going to have to cover a lot of content in a short amount of time and I will impart my expert knowledge during this time."
"Thank you for attending my speech today; I know that your time is valuable and I will do my best to ensure that you learn everything you need to know about taking the GMAT exam."
Which of the following is the best example of a persuasive speech? Jessica is telling her mother about a news story she read. Juan is explaining a new process for entering sales into a database to his coworkers. Amanda has prepared a speech to try to convince her boss that she deserves a raise. Thomas is explaining to his friends the steps in an exercise regimen he attempted last summer.
Amanda has prepared a speech to try to convince her boss that she deserves a raise.
Which of the following statements about introductions is NOT true? An introduction is essential to the overall success of the speech. An introduction engages the audience in the topic. An introduction is the most important element in a speech. An introduction sets the tone for the rest of the speech
An introduction is the most important element in a speech.
To conclude her presentation on quality customer service, Noelle includes a humorous story about her own experience with a nasty customer service representative. Which of the following elements is Noelle including in her conclusion? Call to action Anecdote Transitional word Rhetorical question
Anecdote
Which of the following is the term used for brief stories of meaningful and entertaining incidents based on real life? Transition Anecdote Coordination Subordination
Anecdote
Phillip is practicing his speech, and when he gets to his conclusion he practices slowing down. He hopes that by slowing down he will create emphasis and ensure that the audience feels encouraged by his speech. How is Phillip signaling the end of his speech? By leaving the stage briskly By changing his tone and pitch By adjusting the rhythm of his speech By beginning his conclusion with the phrase "Looking back"
By adjusting the rhythm of his speech
Phoebe is writing out a full-sentence outline for her conclusion. She carefully selects her words in order to create the maximum impact and decides to insert the phrase "As my speech comes to a close." How is Phoebe signaling the end of her speech? By changing her tone and pitch By adjusting the rate of her speech By using a transitional word or phrase By skipping a long conclusion so that the audience is not bored
By using a transitional word or phrase
Which of the following elements of persuasive speech challenges audiences to act in response? Transitional words Calls to action Anecdotes Rhetorical questions
Calls to action
Which of the following allows your speech to go out with a bang? Introduction Conclusion Opening Body
Conclusion
Which of the following statements about conclusions is FALSE? Conclusions introduce the central idea of your speech. Conclusions provide closure to the speech. Conclusions challenge the audience to respond. Conclusions summarize key points.
Conclusions introduce the central idea of your speech.
While giving a presentation about cuisine in Philadelphia, Linda says, "The Philadelphia cheesesteak was prepared with perfectly cooked steak, overflowing cheese, chopped mushrooms, and fried onions." Which of the following best describes Linda's language in this sentence? Personal pronouns Concrete language Abstract language Repetition
Concrete language
When previewing the purpose and topic in an introduction, which of the following should you avoid? Declaring what your speech is about and what you hope to accomplish. Declaring the purpose of a persuasive speech when your audience does NOT know that your intent is to persuade them. Declaring the purpose of a persuasive speech when your audience knows that your intent is to persuade them. Declaring the purpose of an informational speech.
Declaring the purpose of a persuasive speech when your audience does NOT know that your intent is to persuade them.
Which of the following situations demonstrates how one should go about constructing an introduction? Hendrick begins his speech by explaining his credentials surrounding the topic. Samantha shares a quick joke with her audience and then jumps right into the body of the speech to make sure that she can cover all that she needs to. Ian wants to be sure that his audience will be able to follow along so he covers each of his main points and includes glimpses of the supporting material in his introduction. With only a limited amount of time to present a lot of information, Edward writes a short introduction and doesn't include any information to engage the audience because he doesn't feel he has time.
Hendrick begins his speech by explaining his credentials surrounding the topic.
Rosie is speaking to a group of high school students about the variety of careers they can pursue. At one point, she describes the typical day of an ER doctor. Without defining these medical terms, she discusses aneurysms, anaphylactic shock, and angina pectoris. Which of the following describes the type of language Rosie is using? Jargon Abstract language Oral style Rhetorical devices
Jargon
Which of the following is NOT an example of a figure of speech? Irony Allusion Personification Jargon
Jargon
Which of the following does NOT occur during the first few minutes of an introduction? Audience members will choose whether they believe you or not. Listeners will decide if they agree with you. Audience members decide if they are interested in your topic. Listeners will decide whether they will give you their full attention.
Listeners will decide if they agree with you.
When preparing your speech for the ear, you should do which of the following? Avoid contractions Use jargon Make frequent use of repetition Avoid personal pronouns
Make frequent use of repetition
Which of the following is NOT a way to gain audience attention in the introduction? Use humor Pose questions Preview the supporting material Use a quotation
Preview the supporting material
Nicole is giving a presentation about clothing brands that use consumer loyalty points to attract customers. She informs the audience that she will touch on the brands that are most successful at this practice, the benefits the company receives from consumer loyalty programs, and the benefits shoppers receive from them. Which of the following describes Nicole's approach? Establishing credibility Referring to the audience Previewing the main points Previewing the purpose and topic
Previewing the main points
Which of the following is a gender-neutral language term? Salesman Himself Supervisor Mailman
Supervisor
Which of the following statements is FALSE? It's important to emphasize your key points three times. The summary should only be a quick, rote recounting of your main points. Summarizing the key points in the conclusion will give the audience a sense of completion. Reflecting on your main points in the conclusion is the last step of "telling them what you've told them."
The summary should only be a quick, rote recounting of your main points.
Which of the following statements regarding adapting your language to diverse audiences is FALSE? Using language based on misconceptions helps the audience feel connected to the speaker. Audience members want to be addressed as individuals. It's important to use language that is respectful and inclusive. Using language that is appropriate to each of your listeners is one of the biggest challenges as a public speaker.
Using language based on misconceptions helps the audience feel connected to the speaker.
Which of the following is NOT a tool that can be used to create a memorable conclusion? Using passive voice Posing a rhetorical question Using quotations Telling a story
Using passive voice
Which of the following statements regarding using words accurately in a speech is FALSE? Non-native English speakers may struggle with connotative meanings of words. Connotative words affect the audience's response to a message. Audiences lose confidence in speakers who misuse words. Words should only be chosen based on their denotative meaning.
Words should only be chosen based on their denotative meaning.
Sarah is preparing an introduction for her cooking class speech. She decides to share a quick story about the time she botched a recipe, resulting in a mess in the kitchen. Sarah is most likely sharing which of the following in her introduction?
anecdote
Which of the following is a personal pronoun? "Those" "You" "Each" "Who"
"You"
Following massive floods in Australia, a reporter stated, "It was only a minor storm." The reporter's statement is an example of which of the following? Understatement Personification Hyperbole Onomatopoeia
Understatement
Which of the following is NOT a best practice for preparing your introduction? Keep the introduction brief. Use a key word as the introduction. Prepare the introduction after you have completed the body of the speech. Practice delivering the introduction.
Use a key word as the introduction.
All of the following suggestions are appropriate for both an introduction and a conclusion EXCEPT summarize the key points. use stories to engage with the audience. use quotations to create a lasting impression. keep it brief, lasting only 10-15 percent of the speech.
summarize the key points.
