Chapter 9: Wording Your Speech 9.1 Multiple Choice 1. When things are labeled as "cat," "cake," or "arm" you are using __________ language. a. relational b. referential c. symbolic d. powerful Answer: b. referential Rationale: Referential language refers to words that directly point to or refer to specific objects or concepts, such as "cat," "cake," or "arm." This contrasts with relational language, which would focus more on the relationships between these objects or concepts. 2. Language that can be disconnected from the concrete world is called __________. a. referential b. relational c. symbolic d. familiar Answer: c. symbolic Rationale: Symbolic language refers to language that represents abstract ideas or concepts, allowing communication about things that are not physically present or directly observable in the concrete world. 3. Putting ideas into words and actions is a. encoding. b. decoding. c. referencing. d. feedback. Answer: a. encoding. Rationale: Encoding is the process of converting thoughts or ideas into a language that can be understood by others, often through words or actions. 4. Choosing words that express the exact shade of meaning you wish to communicate is an example of a. accuracy. b. simplicity. c. language intensity. d. coherence. Answer: a. accuracy. Rationale: Accuracy in language refers to using words that precisely convey the intended meaning, ensuring that there is no ambiguity or misunderstanding. 5. The repetition of words, phrases, and ideas so as to clarify and reinforce them is an example of a. accuracy. b. simplicity. c. restatement. d. coherence. Answer: c. restatement. Rationale: Restatement involves repeating words, phrases, or ideas to reinforce their meaning and ensure clarity for the audience. 6. If a speaker follows Abraham Lincoln's advice to "Speak so that the most lowly can understand you, and the rest will have no difficulty," which principle of effective word choice is applied? a. accuracy b. simplicity c. coherence d. language intensity Answer: b. simplicity Rationale: Lincoln's advice emphasizes the importance of using simple and clear language that can be understood by everyone, highlighting the principle of simplicity in effective word choice. 7. Repetition of words, phrases, or ideas is called a. accuracy. b. restatement. c. simplicity. d. imagery. Answer: b. restatement. Rationale: Restatement involves repeating words, phrases, or ideas for the purpose of clarity and reinforcement in communication. 8. "An apple is a fruit that is round and can be red, green, or yellow in color" is an example of a(n) __________. a. stipulative definition b. dictionary definition c. negative definition d. operational definition Answer: b. dictionary definition Rationale: This statement provides a dictionary definition of an apple, describing its characteristics and categorizing it as a type of fruit. 9. The way that a word will be used in a certain context is called a(n) a. contextual definition. b. stipulative definition. c. etymological definition. d. analogical definition. Answer: b. stipulative definition. Rationale: A stipulative definition is one that assigns a specific meaning to a word for the purpose of a particular discussion or context, regardless of its standard or dictionary definition. 10. A(n) __________ definition should be used when a word has so many meanings that you have to choose one. a. contextual b. stipulative c. etymological d. analogical Answer: b. stipulative Rationale: When a word has multiple meanings, a stipulative definition can be used to select one specific meaning for clarity in communication. 11. "By multiple choice I am referring to the menu at the new restaurant" is an example of a(n) a. stipulative definition. b. exemplar definition. c. operational definition. d. analogic definition. Answer: a. stipulative definition. Rationale: In this statement, the speaker is stipulating a specific meaning for "multiple choice" in the context of the menu at a restaurant, even though the term typically refers to a type of test question format. 12. If a speaker defines a term by saying, "By speech I do not mean the production of correct sounds, but rather . . . " which strategic choice has been made? a. dictionary definition b. negative definition c. etymological definition d. contextual definition Answer: b. negative definition Rationale: The speaker is defining "speech" by stating what it is not (the production of correct sounds), which is an example of a negative definition. 13. How a word is used in a specific situation is called a(n) a. contextual definition. b. stipulative definition. c. etymological definition. d. analogical definition. Answer: a. contextual definition. Rationale: A contextual definition considers how a word is used in a particular context or situation to understand its meaning. 14. The derivation of a single word is called a(n) a. negative definition. b. etymological definition. c. analogical definition. d. exemplar definition. Answer: b. etymological definition. Rationale: The derivation of a single word is its etymology, which is the study of the origin and history of words. 15. Familiar examples describe what type of definition? a. etymological b. exemplar c. analogical d. contextual Answer: b. exemplar Rationale: Familiar examples are used in exemplar definitions to illustrate the meaning of a term by providing specific instances or examples. 16. __________ imagery comes from physical contact with external objects. a. Visual b. Gustatory c. Kinesthetic d. Tactile Answer: d. Tactile Rationale: Tactile imagery refers to imagery that is related to the sense of touch and physical contact with external objects. 17. When a speaker describes pungent breath or freshly mown grass, which kind of imagery is being used? a. visual b. auditory c. gustatory d. olfactory Answer: d. olfactory Rationale: The speaker is using olfactory imagery, which relates to the sense of smell, in this description. 18. When a speaker describes screeching brakes, church bells, or a melodious voice, which type of imagery is being used? a. visual b. auditory c. gustatory d. olfactory Answer: b. auditory Rationale: The speaker is using auditory imagery, which relates to the sense of hearing, in this description. 19. When a person describes the pinch of tight shoes or a blast of wind in the face, the person is using what type of imagery? a. organic b. olfactory c. tactile d. auditory Answer: c. tactile Rationale: The person is using tactile imagery, which relates to the sense of touch, in these descriptions. 20. Which of the following is an example of an auditory image? a. a story about how an auditor examined the business' records b. an account of the cold temperatures in northern Minnesota c. a recording of a fire alarm d. a story about the pain resulting from surgery Answer: c. a recording of a fire alarm Rationale: An auditory image is something that can be heard, such as a recording of a fire alarm, as opposed to visual or tactile images. 21. Which of the following is an example of a kinesthetic imagery? a. sensations associated with muscle strain b. grittiness of salt c. saltiness d. smell of popcorn Answer: a. sensations associated with muscle strain Rationale: Kinesthetic imagery relates to the sense of movement or tension in muscles, such as the sensations associated with muscle strain. 22. If a speaker uses words to convey sensations of heat or cold, which type of imagery is being used? a. olfactory b. kinesthetic c. tactile d. organic Answer: c. tactile Rationale: Tactile imagery involves sensations related to touch, such as feelings of heat or cold. 23. Which of the following is an example of tactile imagery? a. a polite greeting b. an account of the cold temperatures in northern Minnesota c. the nausea accompanying the flu d. describing the salty taste of canned soups Answer: b. an account of the cold temperatures in northern Minnesota Rationale: The description of cold temperatures invokes a tactile sensation of feeling cold, which is an example of tactile imagery. 24. If a person describes sensations of hunger, dizziness, and nausea, what type of imagery is being used? a. gustatory b. kinesthetic c. organic d. olfactory Answer: c. organic Rationale: Organic imagery relates to internal sensations and feelings, such as hunger, dizziness, and nausea. 25. A language device that compares two dissimilar things is called a(n) a. imagery. b. analogy. c. metaphor. d. definition. Answer: c. metaphor. Rationale: A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another. It draws a comparison between two dissimilar things to suggest a resemblance or convey a particular meaning. For example, saying "The world is a stage" is a metaphor comparing the world to a stage, implying that life is like a theatrical performance. This differs from imagery (a), which refers to vivid descriptive language that appeals to the senses; analogy (b), which compares two similar things to explain or clarify a concept; and definition (d), which provides the meaning of a word or term. 26. The comparison of two dissimilar things is a(n) a. atmosphere. b. hierarchy. c. metaphor. d. subordinate. Answer: c. metaphor. Rationale: A metaphor is a literary device used to compare two dissimilar things by stating that one thing is another, typically for the purpose of conveying a particular meaning or creating imagery. In this case, the comparison of two dissimilar things aligns with the definition of a metaphor. For example, saying "Time is a thief" compares time to a thief, implying that time takes things away stealthily. It's important to note that atmosphere (a) refers to the mood or feeling in a particular environment, hierarchy (b) refers to a system of ranking or organizing things according to levels of importance or authority, and subordinate (d) refers to something of lesser importance or rank within a hierarchy. These options do not specifically relate to the comparison of dissimilar things as described in the question, making metaphor (c) the correct choice. 27. The depth of a speaker's feeling about the object being described is reflected in which principle of creating an atmosphere? a. accuracy b. simplicity c. intensity d. coherence Answer: c. intensity Rationale: Intensity refers to the depth of feeling or emotion conveyed by the speaker, which can contribute to the atmosphere created by the communication. 28. __________ words directly and indirectly identify males and females. a. Gender-linked b. Gender-neutral c. Gender-specific d. Gender-inflected Answer: a. Gender-linked Rationale: Gender-linked words directly or indirectly identify males or females, such as "actor" or "actress." 29. Words that do NOT directly or indirectly identify males or females are called a. equivocal words. b. gender-linked words. c. gender-neutral words. d. emotive words. Answer: c. gender-neutral words. Rationale: Gender-neutral words are those that do not specify or imply gender, such as "person" instead of "man" or "woman." 30. Chairperson, police officer, and firefighter are what type of words? a. gender-neutral b. equivocal c. gender-linked d. emotive Answer: a. gender-neutral Rationale: These words are examples of gender-neutral language that can be used to refer to individuals regardless of gender. 9.2 True/False 1. Language is relational when it suggests associations between people. Answer: True Rationale: Relational language emphasizes relationships between people, such as using words that describe connections, interactions, or emotions within social contexts. 2. Referential language is naming things like remote control, television, and cake. Answer: True Rationale: Referential language refers to words that directly point to or name specific objects, concepts, or entities, such as "remote control," "television," and "cake." 3. Language is NOT symbolic. Answer: False Rationale: Language is symbolic in nature, as words and symbols represent ideas, objects, and concepts. This allows for communication about abstract or non-physical entities. 4. Oral style is language that is complicated and formal. Answer: False Rationale: Oral style refers to the way language is used in spoken communication, which is often less formal and more conversational compared to written language. 5. Oral style is similar to a conversation. Answer: True Rationale: Oral style often resembles a conversation, as it is typically more informal and interactive compared to written language. 6. A person uses fewer different words when they speak. Answer: True Rationale: In general, people tend to use a smaller vocabulary when speaking compared to writing, as spoken language is often more immediate and spontaneous. 7. There is no difference between oral and written language. Answer: False Rationale: Oral and written language differ in terms of their structure, formality, and use of non-verbal cues. Written language tends to be more formal and structured, while oral language is often more informal and interactive. 8. Misinterpretations become less likely as your words become more abstract. Answer: False Rationale: Misinterpretations can occur with both concrete and abstract language. While abstract language can sometimes be more open to interpretation, clarity and precision in communication are essential regardless of the level of abstraction. 9. When you speak, you should be precise and leave no doubt as to your meaning. Answer: True Rationale: Precision in speaking helps to ensure that your message is clear and easily understood by others, minimizing the potential for misinterpretation. 10. If I were to say that "Joe isn't just smart, he's brilliant," I would probably be addressing the issue of accuracy. Answer: True Rationale: In this statement, the speaker is using language to emphasize Joe's intelligence, suggesting that he is not just smart but exceptionally so. This relates to the principle of accuracy in choosing words that precisely convey the intended meaning. 11. If I were to substitute the word "stubborn" for "contrary" in a speech, I would most likely be addressing the issue of simplicity. Answer: True Rationale: In this context, replacing a more complex word ("contrary") with a simpler synonym ("stubborn") can contribute to the principle of simplicity by using language that is easier for the audience to understand. 12. Skillful restatement will NOT clarify a message. Answer: False Rationale: Skillful restatement can clarify a message by presenting the same idea in different words or phrases, helping to reinforce understanding and retention. 13. Restatement can help your listeners remember your ideas more readily. Answer: True Rationale: Restating key points or ideas can enhance retention by reinforcing the information and making it more memorable for the audience. 14. "A pear is a fruit" is an example of a stipulative definition. Answer: False Rationale: This statement is a dictionary definition, not a stipulative definition. A stipulative definition assigns a specific meaning to a term for a particular context or discussion. 15. Negative definitions are comparisons of the unknown to the known. Answer: False Rationale: Negative definitions define a term by stating what it is not, rather than comparing it to something known. 16. An analogical definition compares a process or event that is unknown with known ones. Answer: True Rationale: An analogical definition explains a new or unfamiliar concept by comparing it to something more familiar or well-known. 17. The statement, "The riptide grabbed me and pulled me under. The board bashed against my ribs, emptying my lungs. I could feel the sand and grit in the water rushing by me. I struggled to rise as the water dragged me down," is an example of kinesthetic imagery. Answer: False Rationale: This statement contains imagery related to the sense of touch (tactile imagery) and the sense of sight, but not kinesthetic imagery, which would involve describing the sensation of movement or physical activity. 18. The statement, "The bright light exploded through my eyes, sending a searing pain to the base of my skull," is an example of organic imagery. Answer: True Rationale: Organic imagery relates to internal sensations or feelings, such as pain, which is described in this statement. 19. A metaphor suggests a comparison between two similar things. Answer: False Rationale: A metaphor suggests a comparison between two dissimilar things, often using "is" to imply a similarity or relationship between them. 20. To say, "That's about as funny as a screen door on a submarine" is to make use of a metaphor to clarify one's feeling. Answer: True Rationale: This statement uses a metaphor to make a humorous comparison, clarifying the speaker's feeling that something is not funny by likening it to a screen door on a submarine, which would be ineffective and out of place. 21. Generating an atmosphere or mood for your audience depends on the speaking situation, the speech purpose, and the content of the speech. Answer: False Rationale: Generating an atmosphere or mood for your audience does depend on these factors, as well as on factors such as your delivery style and the audience's expectations and reactions. 22. The speaking atmosphere is the mind-set or mental attitude that you attempt to create in your audience. Answer: True Rationale: The speaking atmosphere refers to the overall mood or mental attitude that you aim to establish in your audience through your speech. 23. The language that you use must be appropriate to the audience. Answer: True Rationale: Adapting your language to be appropriate for your audience is essential for effective communication, as it ensures that your message is understood and well-received. 24. The intensity of the words you use can communicate your attitude to the audience. Answer: True Rationale: The intensity of your words, along with your tone and delivery, can convey your attitude, emotions, and emphasis on certain points to the audience. 25. Awesome, homeboy, dog, and word are examples of formal language. Answer: False Rationale: These words are examples of informal language or slang, which is less formal and often used in casual or familiar contexts. 26. Gender-linked words do NOT directly denote male or female. Answer: False Rationale: Gender-linked words directly denote male or female, such as "he" and "she," or "actor" and "actress." 27. It is acceptable to use gendered language when the object of your talk is a gendered process, person, or activity. Answer: True Rationale: In some cases, using gendered language may be appropriate or necessary when referring to gender-specific processes, persons, or activities. 28. The atmosphere created by the occasion will sometimes affect the speaker's speaking style. Answer: True Rationale: The atmosphere or mood of the speaking occasion can influence how a speaker delivers their speech, such as their tone, pace, and choice of words. 29. Gender inflections can usually be removed without affecting your speech. Answer: True Rationale: Gender inflections, such as using "firefighter" instead of "fireman," can often be removed without significantly affecting the clarity or meaning of your speech, while also promoting gender neutrality. 9.3 Short Answer 1. What does it mean that language is symbolic? Answer: This means that language reflects human relationships and shared senses of reality— your culture and thinking. Language is symbolic means that it can be disconnected from the concrete world. 2. What is encoding? Answer: Encoding occurs when you put ideas into words or actions. 3. What are the three qualities that help to develop a clear and effective oral style? Answer: (1) accuracy, (2) simplicity, and (3) restatement. 4. What are some alternatives to the word "wealth" that could be used to increase accuracy in your word choice? Answer: The answer should develop some synonyms for the word wealth, such as rich, affluent, money, means, etc. 5. Why might it be better to say "The food was excellent," as opposed to "The repast was excellent"? Answer: The word food is simpler and more easily understood. Repast might not be familiar to some listeners and may sound a little pretentious. 6. What is the purpose or goal of restatement? Answer: The purpose of restatement is to advance the listener's understanding or acceptance of an idea. 7. What is an analogical definition? Answer: An analogical definition is a definition that compares a process or event that is unknown with known ones. 8. What is imagery? Answer: Imagery consists of sets of sensory impressions evoked in the imagination and memory through language. 9. When the speaker attempts to create a familiar sensation in the audience by describing an object with a unique odor, the speaker is using __________. Answer: olfactory imagery 10. How do you create an atmosphere for a speaking situation? Answer: Atmosphere is created through the way in which you communicate your feelings about the topic through your word choice and the appropriateness of your language given the purpose, occasion, and audience being addressed. 11. What is the atmosphere in a speaking situation? Answer: The speaking atmosphere refers to the mind-set or mental attitude that you attempt to create in your audience. 12. What are the steps a speaker can take to avoid sexist language? Answer: (1) Speak in the plural. (2) Say "he/she" when you must use a singular subject. (3) Remove gender inflections by saying things like "firefighter" instead of "fireman." (4) Use gender-specific pronouns for gender-specific processes, people, or activities. It is acceptable to talk about "mother" as "she." 13. Change the following statement so that it is gender-neutral. "The administrator schedules a weekly meeting with his employees, but the secretary schedules lunch with her co-workers every day." Answer: The answer should apply the guidelines for avoiding sexist language. For example, "The administrator schedules a weekly meeting with his/her employees, but the secretary schedules lunch with his/her co-workers every day." 14. Change the following statement so that it is gender-neutral. "A nurse sees her patients eight hours a day, but a doctor sees his patients for only 10 minutes." Answer: The answer should apply the guidelines for avoiding sexist language. For example, "Nurses see their patients eight hours a day, but doctors see them for only 10 minutes." 9.4 Essay Questions 1. What are some ways in which oral style differs from written styles? Answer: (1) The average sentence is shorter in oral communication; (2) You use fewer different words when you speak; (3) You also use a larger number of short words such as it and the. In fact, fifty simple words constitute almost half of your speaking vocabulary. (4) You refer to people more often with words like I, you, me, our, and us. (5) You use more qualifying words such as much, many, a lot, and most. (6) Your language choices are more informal, and you use more contractions. 2. Explain restatement and provide an example of how restatement can be used. Answer: Restatement is the repetition of words, phrases, or ideas so as to clarify and reinforce them. The key is not to simply repeat yourself, but to rephrase in order for the audience to understand and accept the idea being presented. The answers will vary in terms of examples, however, there are a number of television commercials that advertise a product and use jingles to rephrase the merits of the product. 3. Define imagery. Identify and explain three types of imagery. Answer: Imagery consists of sets of sensory pictures evoked in the imagination through language. The answers may vary, however, the student should select three of the following types as described in the text. (1) Visual imagery describes optical stimuli such as size, shape, color, and movement. (2) Auditory imagery creates impressions of sounds through description. (3) Gustatory imagery creates the sensation of taste. (4) Olfactory imagery helps the audience smell the odors connected with the situation you describe. (5) Tactile imagery is the use of words or ideas to give sensations of texture, shape, pressure, and heat or cold. (6) Kinesthetic imagery describes sensations associated with muscle strain and neuromuscular movement. (7) Organic imagery focuses on internal feelings or sensations like hunger, dizziness, and nausea. 4. Explain why appropriateness of language is important to the speech topic and situation. Give two examples where the speech situation would require appropriate language. Answer: Language should be appropriate to the topic and situation because it creates the atmosphere for the audience. The speaker should develop a relationship with the audience during the speech. When the speaker has a specific purpose and has performed an adequate analysis, then he/she is better able to choose the appropriate language for the given audience. The speaker must be aware of the use of gender-linked, gender-specific, and gender-neutral language. The examples may vary, but the student should mention different types of speeches and the appropriate language. The student should refer to the textbook with regard to the purposes of specific types of speeches as well as audience analysis. 5. Explain the ethical considerations in answering the following question: "Should a speaker ever use racy, obscene, or questionable language in speech?" Answer: The answer may vary. However, the answer should revolve around adapting to diverse audiences in which the speaker must cultivate a speaking style that supercedes the gender, class, and culture of the audience. Regardless of the audience's composition, negative language will disconnect the speaker from the audience and the speaker will lose credibility. It is unethical to use language that will deliberately offend the audience. Test Bank for Principles of Public Speaking Kathleen M. German, Bruce E. Gronbeck, Douglas Ehninger, Alan H. Monroe 9780205857548, 9780205843893
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