Topic Test Topic Review Activity

What is a manipulative aid? Describe a situation in which the speaker would want to use a manipulative aid?

A manipulative aid is any presentation aid that the speaker actively changes during the course of the speech. Writing notes on a chalkboard during a classroom lecture is an example of when a speaker may want to use a manipulative aid. Other examples include: writing ideas from audience participation, or changing an aid during a demonstration speech.

What is a presentation aid?

A presentation aid is a visual method of clarifying ideas and illustrating the message.

Victor has been given the assignment to deliver a 5-7 minute speech on the topic of "The Right to Vote" to his ninth grade US Government class. Give him 3 or 4 pointers on how to narrow his topic and decide on a purpose (whether to persuade or inform).

Answers will vary but should include several of the following pointers: - Be sure your topic is important and appropriate - Narrow your topic by conducting a survey, viewing news items, brainstorming, or searching encyclopedias, dictionaries, websites, etc. - Limit your topic by asking questions about it, drawing a tree diagram, or searching library directories - decide on a purpose by asking whether he wants to influence what the class believes or does (persuasive) or whether he wants to inform or teach the class something (informative) - decide on a specific purpose by relating it back to the narrow topic

Your teacher has given you the assignment to deliver a 7-10 minute speech about gun control laws to your classmates. Begin your preparation by narrowing your topic and deciding on a purpose (i.e. to persuade or to inform), then write a specific thesis statement for your speech.

Answers will vary, but should be a full sentence in the form of a declarative statement, should be narrow enough to cover in a 7-10 minute speech, should present one clear central idea or stance, and should state or imply a specific purpose (i.e.. persuasive or informative). Example persuasive thesis: Gun laws are the cause of much violent crime in America, and should be changed to require all gun purchasers to undergo a psychological exam, an FBI background check, and an extensive training course prior to obtaining a permit. Example informative thesis: How gun control laws affect the crime rate has been the subject of much debate in America, with one side claiming it should be easier for Americans to purchase handguns, while the other side claims laws should be much stricter.

Victor has been given the assignment to deliver a 5-7 minute speech on the topic of "The Right to Vote" to his ninth grade US Government class. Help Victor decide on a specific purpose by giving him 1 or 2 suggestions for a narrow persuasive speech topic, and 1 or 2 suggestions for a narrow informative speech topic.

Answers will vary, but should be narrow and should consist of at least one persuasive and one informative speech topic. Answers should be similar to the following examples: Narrow persuasive topic: WHY THE LEGAL VOTING AGE SHOULD BE LOWERED TO 16 IN THE U.S. Narrow informative topic: THE CONTRIBUTION OF ELIZABETH CADY STANTON AND LUCRETIA MOTT TO WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE IN THE U.S.

Read the speech, "Should Children Be Allowed to Own and Use Cell phones?" Give three or four examples of supporting materials that this student could use to improve the effectiveness of his speech and explain how and when they could be used.

Answers will vary, but should provide at least 3 examples of supporting materials with explanations of how they could be used in the speech. For example: This student could begin his speech with a narrative in order to engage the audience in the introduction. Statistics and testimony from experts could give credibility to his arguments.

Why is it important to use color when preparing a presentation aid?

Color adds visual interest to your aid. Most members of an audience are used to colored media; black and white is considered "boring". Color also communicates that you have spent time and put careful consideration into your presentation aid, which can build credibility. People tend to associate color with professionalism, which can also build credibility.

Which of the following is the most effective example of a thesis statement?

a. All nations must unite to address the 4 main causes of global warming: natural causes, pollution, increase in population, and deforestation.

_______________ should be used when you want to make abstract ideas more concrete, and can be both real and hypothetical. Be sure they are credible and relevant to your topic

a. Examples

Jordan has just stepped up to the podium and is about to begin her speech. What is the most effective way for her to begin?

a. Open with an attention getting question, story, or anecdote, then quote her thesis statement.

All of the following describe the purpose of informative speeches except:

a. to impact what the audience believes or does

__________ are printed materials that can be distributed to the audience.

b. Handouts

______________ lend expert support to your arguments and provide additional witnesses to give credibility to your speech.

c. Testimonies

It is best to limit your topic for all of the following reasons except:

c. it allows you to give a more superficial overview

Please select the best answer from the choices provided

how to prepare for college or job interviews