Chapter 14 Delivering Your Speech 14.1 Multiple Choice Questions 1) Bhupinder is an international student who is aware that his accent sometimes prevents others from truly understanding the ideas he is trying to communicate. During his speech on cable-stayed bridges, Bhupinder takes the time to pronounce his words clearly. This clear and distinct pronunciation of words is called a) rate. b) articulation. c) inflection. d) volume. Answer: b Rationale: Articulation refers to the clarity and precision with which words are pronounced. It is important for effective communication, especially for individuals who may have accents or speech patterns that could hinder understanding. 2) While giving her speech on the pros and cons of online banking, Laila noticed two students texting and one student using her laptop computer. Worried that she lost her audience’s attention, Laila remembered that she sometimes speaks in a monotone voice. Using this feedback, which vocal quality should Laila change in order to improve her delivery skills? a) Inflection b) Articulation c) Speech rate d) Volume Answer: a Rationale: Inflection refers to the variation in pitch or tone of the voice while speaking. Using inflection can help maintain the audience's interest and convey the speaker's emotions and emphasis on certain points. 3) A thoughtful and well-placed _____ helps a speaker shift from one idea to the next, as well as when the speaker is striving to really emphasize the importance of a point. a) pause b) articulation c) inflection d) rate Answer: a Rationale: A pause is a strategic silence used by a speaker to enhance the delivery of a speech. It can help transition between ideas and emphasize important points. 4) Martina knows that her classmates are basically kind. She knows it will soon be their turn to stand at the front of the room to deliver their own speeches. What is this part of understanding speech anxiety called? a) Focusing on the topic b) Developing a positive attitude c) Remembering you are not alone d) Controlling excess tension Answer: c Rationale: Remembering that you are not alone, and that others may experience similar anxiety when speaking in public, can help alleviate some of the stress associated with speech anxiety. 5) Remembering that you have prepared something worthwhile to say, and that no one will know your topic as well as you, is part of a) developing a positive attitude. b) the parts of speech. c) organizing your outline. d) speech preparation. Answer: a Rationale: Developing a positive attitude involves believing in the value of your message and your ability to deliver it effectively, which can help reduce anxiety and improve confidence. 6) Because clearly explaining how to use the defibrillator is so important, what is the best delivery style for this kind of speech? a) Extemporaneous b) Impromptu c) Memorized d) Manuscript Answer: d Rationale: A memorized delivery style is best for speeches that require precise and accurate information, such as explaining how to use a defibrillator, as it allows the speaker to carefully script and rehearse the content. 7) At Carl’s retirement party, the vice president of programming asked if anyone would like to come forward to say a few words about Carl’s 30 years of devoted service. Judy stepped forward and told a funny story about Carl conducting a meeting while trapped in an elevator. Judy’s speech was a success even though she did not have advanced notice or time to practice. This type of speech delivery is called a) impromptu. b) manuscript. c) extemporaneous. d) memorized. Answer: a Rationale: An impromptu speech is delivered without preparation or rehearsal, often in response to a spontaneous request or situation. 8) Which delivery style requires the greatest investment in time? a) Memorized b) Impromptu c) Manuscript d) Extemporaneous Answer: a Rationale: A memorized delivery style requires the speaker to memorize the entire speech word-forword, which can be time-consuming and require extensive rehearsal. 9) Aarti stood just to the left-of-center of her classroom when she began her speech. She took three steps to the right before beginning her first main point, and moved again after completing each main point. Aarti’s movement was purposeful and represents which public speaking technique? a) Presentation aids b) Foot gesturing c) Bodily expressions d) Walking transitions Answer: d Rationale: Walking transitions involve purposeful movement by the speaker to transition between different parts of the speech or to emphasize key points. 10) Bridget and Sami went to the local university to hear a respected art historian discuss how forensic science is used to spot painting forgeries. The speaker was thoroughly prepared and practiced yet delivered the speech in such a way that it seemed like he was having a conversation with the audience instead of delivering a lecture. This type of delivery is used in a (n) _______ speech. a) impromptu b) manuscript c) memorized d) extemporaneous Answer: d Rationale: An extemporaneous speech is delivered with notes or an outline, allowing the speaker to maintain a conversational style while delivering a well-organized and prepared speech. 11) What term refers to a speaker’s apparent natural behavior at the time of delivery? a) Sincerity b) Superficiality c) Spontaneity d) Individuality Answer: c Rationale: Spontaneity refers to the speaker's ability to appear natural and unrehearsed while delivering a speech, which can enhance the audience's perception of the speaker's authenticity and engagement. 12) What term represents a speaker’s care regarding the topic, its presentation, and the audience? a) Inflection b) Sincerity c) Charisma d) Spontaneity Answer: b Rationale: Sincerity reflects the speaker's genuine concern and interest in the topic, as well as the audience's understanding and engagement. It involves being earnest and thoughtful in the delivery of the speech. 13) Emily was giving a speech about the importance of immunizations for children. She wore her nursing uniform to class while giving her speech. This is an example of using which factor of delivery to enhance a speaker’s credibility? a) Appearance b) Posture c) Facial expressions d) Gestures Answer: a Rationale: Appearance plays a significant role in a speaker's credibility and can influence the audience's perception of the speaker's expertise and authority on the topic. 14) Andrew is leaning against the blackboard, Jacques is sprawling over the lectern, and Erin is loose and casual as she speaks. All of these students may want to work on what element of delivery to improve their presentation? a) Facial expressions b) Gestures c) Posture d) Articulation Answer: c Rationale: Posture is an important element of delivery that can impact how the audience perceives the speaker. Standing or sitting upright conveys confidence and professionalism. 15) In our culture, _______________ while speaking in public is extremely important because it communicates confidence and the appearance of a strong self-concept. a) scanning the audience b) looking at your note cards c) direct eye contact d) looking out the window Answer: c Rationale: Direct eye contact is a nonverbal cue that communicates engagement, confidence, and a strong self-concept to the audience, making it an important aspect of public speaking in many cultures. 16) A speaker who speaks too softly during speech delivery will most likely be perceived as what? a) Being nervous b) Being monotone c) Inarticulate d) Lacking confidence Answer: d Rationale: Speaking too softly can give the impression that the speaker lacks confidence or is not fully committed to their message, affecting the audience's perception of the speaker's credibility and authority. 17) Merely taking a deep breath or a few steps away from the lectern may help free your body of extra energy and help you feel more relaxed when delivering your speech. What is this part of understanding speech anxiety called? a) Focusing on the topic b) Controlling excess tension c) Focusing on audience feedback d) Developing a positive attitude Answer: b Rationale: Controlling excess tension involves techniques such as deep breathing and physical movement to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation during speech delivery. 18) Steven is anxious to get through his speech as fast as he can. As a result, he speaks so rapidly no one can understand a word he says. Which vocal quality does Steven need to work on to improve his delivery skills? a) Volume b) Rate c) Pitch d) Articulation Answer: b Rationale: Rate refers to the speed at which a speaker delivers a speech. Speaking too rapidly can hinder the audience's ability to understand the message, emphasizing the importance of controlling the pace of delivery. 19) If your audience is to understand the words in your speech, you must say them correctly. What is this called? a) Paralanguage b) Inflection c) Articulation d) Pronunciation Answer: d Rationale: Pronunciation refers to the correct and clear enunciation of words to ensure they are understood by the audience, which is essential for effective communication. 20) Charts, graphs, and photos are excellent tools that can be enhanced with the use of a) gestures. b) inflection. c) PowerPoint. d) citations. Answer: c Rationale: PowerPoint presentations can enhance visual aids such as charts, graphs, and photos, making them more engaging and easier for the audience to understand. 14.2 Short Answer Questions 1) Identify at least one tip to help you deliver your speech with less apprehension. Answer: The student should identify at least one of the following: (1) control excess tension; (2) focus on the topic and audience feedback; (3) remember, you are not alone; or (4) develop a positive attitude 2) What are the four delivery styles one can use to share information in public? Answer: (1) impromptu, (2) manuscript, (3) memorized, or (4) extemporaneous 3) At a meeting, Frank asked Jen to summarize the major problems she was having with the audio/visual equipment. Since she had no advanced warning to prepare, what type of speech did Jen give? Answer: impromptu 4) ________ refers to a speaker’s apparent natural behavior at the time of delivery. Answer: Spontaneity 5) Identify several ways to incorporate spontaneity in your speech. Answer: The student should identify several of the following: word choice, vocal inflection, body movements, gestures, facial expressions, walking transitions 6) ________ is one of the most difficult skills to master as a public speaker. Establishing it draws the audience in and makes them feel more involved in your presentation. Answer: Eye contact 7) Ernie often came to his early morning class wearing lounging pants. However, because he wanted his audience to take him seriously, he wore a suit on the day he was to deliver his persuasive speech on the dangers of texting and driving. What aspect of using the body did Ernie consider when choosing his attire? Answer: Appearance 8) The ________ of your speech is dependent on the number of words you deliver in a given amount of time. Answer: rate 9) When Ryan was giving his informative speech about the importance of professional athletes as good role models for children, he pronounced athletes “ath-a-letes.” This is an example of incorrect ________. Answer: pronunciation 10) The clear and distinct pronunciation of a word is referred to as ________. Answer: articulation 14.3 True/False Questions 1) The internal tension associated with not wanting to be rejected is the greatest motivation for wanting to speak in public. Answer: False Rationale: While fear of rejection can be a factor in speech anxiety, it is not necessarily the greatest motivation for wanting to speak in public. Other factors, such as the desire to inform, persuade, or entertain, can also motivate individuals to speak in public. 2) In written communication, nonverbal messages are of little or no concern to the writer or reader. Answer: True Rationale: In written communication, nonverbal messages such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice are not present, so they are of little or no concern to the writer or reader. 3) In oral communication, making a speech is a cooperative act between the speaker and the audience. Answer: True Rationale: In oral communication, the speaker and the audience actively participate in the communication process. The speaker delivers the message, and the audience receives and responds to it, making it a cooperative act. 4) Controlling excess tension, focusing on the topic and audience feedback, remembering that you are not alone, and projecting a positive attitude are all techniques for combating speech anxiety. Answer: True Rationale: These are all effective techniques for managing speech anxiety and improving the quality of a speech delivery. 5) The type of speech students give while introducing themselves to their classmates on the first day of school is most likely an impromptu speech. Answer: True Rationale: An impromptu speech is delivered without preparation or rehearsal, often in response to a spontaneous request or situation. Introducing oneself on the first day of school typically requires speaking without prior preparation. 6) Sincerity can cause a chain reaction from speaker to audience. Audience support builds confidence. Answer: True Rationale: Sincerity and genuine belief in the message can positively impact the audience, leading to increased support and confidence from both the speaker and the audience. 7) The extemporaneous style of speech delivery requires the greatest investment of time for speakers to master. Answer: False Rationale: While the extemporaneous style does require some preparation and practice, it does not necessarily require the greatest investment of time to master. Memorized and manuscript styles may require more time for preparation and rehearsal. 8) An effective speaker will adjust to the audience’s feedback. Answer: True Rationale: Adjusting to the audience's feedback, such as their reactions and engagement levels, is important for maintaining the audience's interest and understanding. 9) The more a speaker can concentrate on himself or herself or the speaking situation, the more likely the audience will concentrate on the main ideas of the speech. Answer: False Rationale: The speaker should focus on the audience and the message, not on themselves or the speaking situation, to ensure that the audience concentrates on the main ideas of the speech. 10) When speaking in public, gestures are useful only as long as they remain natural. Answer: True Rationale: Gestures can enhance a speech by adding emphasis and clarity to the message. However, gestures should be natural and not distracting to the audience. 11) Since clothing does not communicate, a speaker’s appearance has no bearing on the ideas he or she shares with the audience. Answer: False Rationale: A speaker's appearance, including clothing, can significantly impact how the audience perceives the speaker and their message. Clothing can convey professionalism, credibility, and respect for the audience, which can enhance the reception of the ideas being shared. 12) Establishing and maintaining eye contact with the audience is one of the most difficult skills for the public speaker to master. Answer: True Rationale: While eye contact is important for engaging the audience and building rapport, it can be challenging for speakers to maintain consistent eye contact while also focusing on delivering their message and managing other aspects of their presentation. 13) Your voice gives meaning to the words in your speech. This is called parakinesics. Answer: False Rationale: The voice gives meaning to the words in a speech, but the term for this is not parakinesics. Parakinesics refers to nonverbal communication through body movements and gestures. 14) Most Americans deliver between 150 and 180 words per minute. Answer: False Rationale: The average speaking rate for most Americans is between 125 and 150 words per minute. Speaking rates can vary based on factors such as the speaker's natural pace, the complexity of the material, and the audience's ability to process information. 15) In the American culture, direct eye contact is considered rude. Instead, make sure you quickly glance at each audience member’s face. Answer: False Rationale: In American culture, direct eye contact is generally seen as a sign of attentiveness, confidence, and respect. While it's important not to stare or make prolonged eye contact, making occasional direct eye contact with audience members can help convey sincerity and connection. 14.4 Matching Questions For the questions that follow, match the word or phrase with its meaning. a) The tone of your voice b) Caring about the topic, presentation, and the audience c) Speaking words clearly d) The number of words spoken in a certain amount of time e) Speaking words correctly f) Delivered from a prepared speech g) Number of words you deliver in a given amount of time h) “Spur of the moment” delivery i) Prepared, practiced, and in a conversational style j) The loudness of your voice k) A speaker’s apparent natural behavior at the time of delivery 1) Articulation 2) Extemporaneous speech 3) Impromptu speech 4) Spontaneity 5) Manuscript speech 6) Volume 7) Rate 8) Pronunciation 9) Sincerity 10) Inflection Answers: 1) c 2) i 3) h 4) k 5) f 6) j 7) g 8) e 9) b 10) a 14.5 Essay Questions 1) Discussing the use of PowerPoint during presentations, General James Mattis of the United States Marine Corps stated, “PowerPoint makes us stupid.” What are the problems associated with relying too heavily on PowerPoint as a public speaking tool? What are the guidelines to follow if you do choose to use PowerPoint during your presentation? Answer: According to Dunn and Goodnight, PowerPoint makes it easy for speakers to forget the relationship between the speaker and the audience. Furthermore, speakers often overuse or misuse presentation software to the point where it limits the speaker’s ability to creatively communicate ideas. If a speaker chooses to use PowerPoint during presentations, the speaker should: (1) Remember that more is less and keep the slides simple and to the point.( 2) Use slides to clarify ideas or help the audience visualize your main points. (3) Remember all the important aspects of delivery like eye contact, conversational quality, and spontaneity. (4) Maintain constant contact with your audience throughout delivery. 2) Identify the four types of speech delivery discussed in the text. Describe a situation that would be appropriate to use for each one. Answer: According to Dunn and Goodnight, there are four types of speech delivery. (1) An impromptu speech, wherein the speaker has no advanced preparation and did not get to practice. It is a “think on your feet” speech. One would use this type of speech giving a toast at a retirement dinner. (2) A manuscript speech is delivered from a prepared script. A speaker would use this type of speech to convey an important message where the exact wording was very important. For example, if a speaker was giving direction on how to give the Heimlich maneuver. (3) A memorized speech is a manuscript speech committed to memory. This type of speech is useful if giving a eulogy at a funeral. The speaker will want to convey a very specific message yet create and maintain eye contact with the audience. (4) The extemporaneous speech is one that is prepared and practiced but given in a conversational style. Speeches delivered in communication courses most likely will use this type of speech delivery. 3) What is speech anxiety? Identify four factors that help control speech anxiety. Answer: Speech anxiety occurs when people feel a genuine fear of delivering a public speech. Dunn and Goodnight discuss four ways to overcome speech anxiety. (1) Control excess tension when feeling nervous by taking deep breaths or stepping a few feet away from the lectern. (2) Focus on the topic instead of your feelings of anxiety. Also, since the audience is an integral part of speech delivery, focus on the audience’s feedback and take the focus off of yourself. (3) Remember you are not alone. Members of the audience most likely want you to succeed and will empathize with you as a speaker. (4) Develop a positive attitude that will carry over to your audience. Realize that you have something to share with members of your audience. 4) The finishing touches for your presentation are achieved through practice. List and briefly discuss the steps that will help you prepare to speak in front of an audience. Answer: The first thing you will want to do is (1) practice your speech aloud. Go through the speech completely several times. If you make a mistake, keep going until you finish the conclusion, noting where you faltered, and practice your speech aloud again. Having note cards is handy but you want to be familiar enough with your speech that you will use them only as a guide. You also want to refine your delivery (2) by practicing in front of a mirror or others; even tape-recording (audio or video) to review how you sound or look while giving your speech. When practicing your speech in front of others (3) you want to make direct eye contact and elicit feedback as to how you can be more engaging with your audience. Finally (4), you should try to practice your speech in the classroom. Becoming familiar with the setting where your speech will take place allows you to make final adjustments that you may not expect to be made. This may relate to how you use your presentation aids as well as which presentation aids work best in that setting. 5) An effective use of your body is another way to enhance your speech. Identify and discuss several components that contribute to the role your body plays in delivering a speech. Answer: The student should identify and discuss several components from the following: Your hands can be used to clarify ideas and emphasize certain points within your speech. Gesture use in a speech is helpful when they remain natural. You can also use facial expressions to show your audience that you are committed to your topic. They also help elicit audience interest when used spontaneously and naturally as you discuss the different main points of your speech or when using the different forms of support for your speech. Rather than using foot movement that may result from delivery anxiety, you can incorporate walking transitions into your speech. A step forward can emphasize a point or capture audience attention, show your involvement, and contribute to your credibility by showing a sense of confidence. However, be careful to not overdo it. Like walking transitions, posture and eye contact can enhance your credibility by giving the impression that you are confident and involved in both the audience and the topic. Eye contact is probably the most difficult skill to master but can be effective in drawing the audience in when used correctly. Focus on people whom you feel comfortable with while speaking and notice their feedback, both positive and negative, in order to adjust your speech to be more effective. Finally, the first thing your audience will see is how you look – your appearance – even before you begin to speak. Take this first impression into consideration when preparing for your speech by thinking about the audience and the nature of the speaking situation. Again, your appearance can enhance your credibility. Test Bank for Communication: Embracing Difference Daniel M. Dunn, Lisa J. Goodnight 9780205943661, 9780205865635, 9781269602877
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