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Chapter 8: Beginning and Ending Your Speech 8.1 Multiple Choice 1. One reason the introduction to your speech is important is because of the __________ effect. a. recency b. halo c. contrast d. primacy Answer: d. primacy Rationale: The primacy effect refers to the tendency for people to remember information that is presented first. In a speech, the introduction is presented first and sets the tone for the rest of the speech, making it crucial for capturing the audience's attention and interest. 2. One reason the conclusion of the speech is so important is because of the __________ effect. a. primacy b. recency c. contrast d. halo Answer: b. recency effect. Rationale: The recency effect is the tendency for people to remember information that is presented last. In a speech, the conclusion is presented last and is the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the audience, making it important for reinforcing key points and leaving a strong final message. 3. Which of the following is true about introductions and conclusions? a. Introductions and conclusions are trivial aspects of public speaking. b. Introductions and conclusions are only used in the speech classroom. c. Introductions and conclusions form first and last impressions with the audience. d. Introduction and conclusions provide a clear understanding. Answer: c. Introductions and conclusions form first and last impressions with the audience. Rationale: Introductions and conclusions are not trivial; they are crucial for framing the speech and leaving a lasting impression. They are used in all types of speeches, not just in the classroom, and they help the audience understand the purpose and main points of the speech. 4. Films that use unusual twists, point to puzzling relationships or unpredictable forces, or build up to a surprising climax are examples of what factor of attention? a. humor b. activity c. proximity d. suspense Answer: d. suspense Rationale: Suspense is created when there is uncertainty about what will happen next. Films that use unusual twists, puzzling relationships, or surprising climaxes keep the audience in suspense, grabbing and holding their attention. 5. Which two attention factors both suggest uncertainty? a. conflict and suspense b. reality and vitality c. novelty and familiarity d. activity and proximity Answer: a. conflict and suspense Rationale: Both conflict and suspense suggest uncertainty because they involve situations or events that are not predictable. Conflict creates tension and uncertainty about the outcome, while suspense keeps the audience guessing about what will happen next. 6. Humor is a good attention factor as long as it is a. from a famous person. b. in good taste and relevant to the topic. c. brief and unrelated to the topic. d. a quotation. Answer: b. is in good taste and relevant to the topic. Rationale: Humor can be an effective attention factor, but it should be appropriate for the audience and relevant to the topic. Humor that is in good taste and relevant can help engage the audience and make the speech more memorable. 7. In a speech introduction, asking a question, emphasizing humor, and using a quotation are all methods of a. previewing the speech. b. summarizing the main ideas. c. gaining the attention of the audience. d. alleviate any nervousness the speaker may be feeling. Answer: c. gaining the attention of the audience. Rationale: Asking a question, using humor, and using a quotation are all methods of gaining the attention of the audience in the introduction of a speech. These techniques are used to grab the audience's interest and make them want to listen to the rest of the speech. 8. Which attention factor combines both uncertainty and dynamism to grab and hold attention? a. suspense b. activity c. conflict d. vitality Answer: c. conflict Rationale: Conflict involves a struggle or clash of opposing forces, which creates both uncertainty (about the outcome) and dynamism (due to the tension), making it a powerful attention factor that can grab and hold the audience's attention. 9. When the content of your speech makes reference to matters that affect the health, reputation, property, or employment of your audience, you are making use of the attention factor of a. reality. b. the vital. c. activity. d. proximity. Answer: b. the vital. Rationale: The vital refers to things that are important or essential to the audience, such as their health, reputation, property, or employment. Making references to these matters in your speech can grab the audience's attention because they are directly relevant and important to them. 10. Which factor of attention reflects an audience's tendency to be concerned with things that will immediately benefit them? a. suspense b. conflict c. reality d. the vital Answer: d. the vital Rationale: The vital refers to things that are immediately beneficial or important to the audience. This factor of attention reflects the audience's tendency to be concerned with things that will directly benefit them in the present or near future. 11. One of the first tasks of a speaker is to a. secure or reinforce goodwill or respect for the speaker. b. prepare the audience for the discussion to follow. c. motivate the audience to action. d. gain the listeners' attention. Answer: d. gain the listeners' attention. Rationale: Gaining the audience's attention is crucial because it sets the stage for the rest of the speech. Without the audience's attention, the speaker's message may not be effectively communicated. 12. Which of the following is NOT an objective of a speech introduction? a. to gain the audience's attention b. to establish goodwill c. to preview the message d. to support the main points Answer: d. to support the main points Rationale: The primary objectives of a speech introduction are to gain the audience's attention, establish goodwill, and preview the message. Supporting the main points is typically done in the body of the speech, not in the introduction. 13. The following is an example of which method of speech introduction? "It is a privilege to be able to honor Professor James because it was she who suggested that I pursue my interest in chemistry. She was responsible for the inspiration I needed to get through some very difficult times." a. referring to subject or occasion b. using personal reference c. asking a rhetorical question d. using an illustration Answer: b. using personal reference Rationale: This introduction uses a personal reference to establish a connection with the audience and to introduce the topic of the speech. 14. A(n) __________ can be used when someone representing an organization or political unit goes to speak to another organization or political unit. a. personal reference or greeting b. preview c. humorous story d. question Answer: a. personal reference or greeting Rationale: When representing an organization or political unit, using a personal reference or greeting can help establish a connection with the audience and create a sense of goodwill. 15. "Have you ever had an embarrassing moment?" Which of the following is an example of this type of attention-getter? a. making a startling statement b. using humor c. asking a question d. using a quotation Answer: c. asking a question Rationale: This attention-getter asks a question to engage the audience and get them thinking about their own experiences, making it an effective way to gain their attention. 16. Questions for which no direct response is expected from the audience are called a. hypothetical. b. direct. c. rhetorical. d. immediate answer. Answer: c. rhetorical. Rationale: Rhetorical questions are used for effect or to make a point, and they do not require a direct response from the audience. 17. The following statement uses which method of speech introduction: "Today is the first day of the rest of your life... Have you ever stopped to think about that cliche? Have you applied the meaning to your own situation? More importantly, have you made changes as a result of the saying?" a. using personal reference b. asking a rhetorical question c. making a startling statement d. using a quotation Answer: b. asking a rhetorical question Rationale: This introduction uses a series of rhetorical questions to engage the audience and get them thinking about the topic of the speech. 18. The following is an example of which type of introduction: "Must students go through this school forced into physical activities they do not choose for themselves, or can we find ways to draw them into exercise and sport of their own free choosing?" a. startling statement b. humorous story c. rhetorical question d. illustration Answer: c. rhetorical question Rationale: This introduction uses a rhetorical question to engage the audience and make them think about the topic of the speech. 19. The following statement uses which method of speech introduction: "We are all dying. Each day that we live we are one day closer to the ends of our lives. This idea should not scare you; rather, it should serve as a stimulus for more effective use of the days we have remaining." a. using personal reference b. asking a rhetorical question c. making a startling statement d. telling a humorous anecdote Answer: c. making a startling statement Rationale: This introduction uses a startling statement to grab the audience's attention and make them think about the topic of the speech. 20. When a speaker tells a humorous story in the introduction, one rule of communication is to tell a story that a. is irrelevant to the topic. b. could offend the audience. c. is the center of your remarks. d. is amusing and has been tried on a test audience. Answer: d. is amusing and has been tried on a test audience. Rationale: When using humor in a speech, it is important to use a story that is relevant to the topic, appropriate for the audience, and has been tested to ensure that it is amusing and effective. 21. The following is an example of which method of speech introduction: "The maple outside this building looked different this morning. I looked at it carefully and discovered three nests in close proximity, all about the same size. Black squirrels were hustling from one nest to the next. It dawned on me that the squirrels were practicing the very concept that I had planned to speak about today: the extended family." a. referring to subject or occasion b. using personal reference c. making a startling statement d. using an illustration Answer: d. using an illustration Rationale: This introduction uses an illustration (the observation of squirrels and nests) to lead into the topic of the speech (the extended family), providing a concrete and relatable example to engage the audience. 22. To forecast the speech's development in the introduction of the speech, a(n) __________ is needed. a. attention grabber b. preview c. summary d. credibility Answer: b. preview Rationale: A preview in the introduction of a speech forecasts the speech's development by giving the audience an overview of what will be covered, helping them understand the structure and flow of the speech. 23. The introduction usually takes what percent of your speaking time? a. 5–10 percent b. 10–15 percent c. 20–25 percent d. 25–35 percent Answer: b. 10–15 percent Rationale: The introduction of a speech typically takes about 10-15% of your speaking time, serving to grab the audience's attention, establish rapport, and preview the main points. 24. The conclusion usually takes what percent of your speaking time? a. 5–10 percent b. 10–15 percent c. 20–25 percent d. 25–35 percent Answer: a. 5–10 percent Rationale: The conclusion of a speech usually takes about 5-10% of your speaking time, serving to reinforce the central ideas, provide closure, and leave a lasting impression on the audience. 25. Janice states, "What I want to express to you today is the importance of being efficient, energetic, and effective members of society." This preview uses which of the following techniques? a. repetition b. mnemonic devices c. startling statements d. alliteration Answer: d. alliteration Rationale: Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds, as seen in the words "efficient," "energetic," and "effective," which helps make the preview more memorable and engaging. 26. Sammy stated, "We must address the harmful effects of child abuse; how it harms children, how it harms families, and how it harms society." This preview uses which of the following techniques? a. alliteration b. mnemonic devices c. announcing the organizational pattern d. repetition Answer: d. repetition Rationale: This preview uses repetition to emphasize the importance of addressing the harmful effects of child abuse and to outline the main points that will be discussed in the speech. 27. Which of the following is an objective of a speech conclusion? a. establish good will b. reinforce the central ideas c. gain the attention of the audience d. preview the speech Answer: b. reinforce the central ideas Rationale: One of the objectives of a speech conclusion is to reinforce the central ideas or main points of the speech, leaving a strong impression on the audience. 28. All of the following are found in the conclusion EXCEPT a(n) a. credibility statement. b. summary. c. call to action. d. signal to end the relationship with the audience. Answer: a. credibility statement. Rationale: While a credibility statement is important in establishing the speaker's credibility at the beginning of the speech, it is not typically found in the conclusion, which focuses more on summarizing key points, issuing a call to action, and providing closure. 29. The following statement uses which method of speech conclusion: "You have all sat here patiently while I've filled your minds with example after example of lives taken needlessly due to faulty industrial equipment. Now I ask you to consider those examples and do something about it. Sign this letter; take a stand for industrial safety." a. issuing a challenge or appeal b. summarizing c. supplying additional inducement to belief d. stating personal intentions Answer: a. issuing a challenge or appeal Rationale: This conclusion issues a challenge or appeal to the audience, urging them to take action (signing a letter) based on the information presented in the speech. 30. The following statement is an example of which method of speech conclusion: "Today I have suggested three productive alternatives for increasing your physical well-being: diet, exercise, and mental stimulation. Total fitness will not occur unless each of these areas is explored and pursued." a. issuing a challenge or appeal b. summarizing the major points or ideas c. using an illustration d. stating personal intentions Answer: b. summarizing the major points or ideas Rationale: This conclusion summarizes the major points or ideas presented in the speech, reinforcing the main message and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. 8.2 True/False 1. People will remember the first thing they hear. Answer: True Rationale: This statement is true due to the primacy effect, which suggests that people are more likely to remember information that is presented first. 2. Primacy effect is remembering what was seen or heard. Answer: False Rationale: The primacy effect refers to the tendency to remember information that is presented first, not necessarily what was seen or heard. 3. Recency effect is remembering what you first saw or heard. Answer: False Rationale: The recency effect refers to the tendency to remember information that is presented last, not what was first seen or heard. 4. Introductions and conclusions are NOT trivial aspects of public speaking. Answer: True Rationale: Introductions and conclusions are critical components of a speech as they set the stage, capture attention, and leave a lasting impression. They are not trivial but essential for effective communication. 5. When using novelty, it is best NOT to blend in a little that is familiar as well. Answer: False Rationale: While novelty can capture attention, blending in some familiar elements can help make the content more relatable and easier for the audience to connect with. 6. Sometimes a relevant humorous comment is appropriate to put your audience at ease. Answer: True Rationale: A well-placed humorous comment can help relax the audience and create a more engaging atmosphere, as long as it is relevant and in good taste. 7. One function of the speech introduction is to establish credibility. Answer: True Rationale: Establishing credibility is an important function of the introduction, as it helps the audience trust and respect the speaker, making them more receptive to the message. 8. An audience needs to be introduced to the speaker's purpose. Answer: True Rationale: Introducing the purpose of the speech helps set expectations for the audience and gives them a clear understanding of what to expect. 9. All introductions should try to win the good will of your listeners. Answer: True Rationale: Winning the goodwill of the audience in the introduction can help create a positive impression and make them more receptive to the message. 10. Crafting an introduction that grabs your audience's attention and establishes good will will make them more receptive to the central idea of your speech. Answer: True Rationale: A strong introduction can help capture the audience's attention and create a positive disposition, making them more likely to be receptive to the central idea of the speech. 11. Personal references are especially helpful when the speaker is NOT well known to the audience. Answer: False Rationale: Personal references can be helpful in establishing a connection with the audience, regardless of whether the speaker is well known or not. However, they may be particularly useful when the speaker is not well known as they can help humanize the speaker and make them more relatable. 12. It would be inappropriate for a visiting general to open a speech to new recruits by reminiscing about his own basic training experiences. Answer: False Rationale: While it may seem counterintuitive, sharing personal experiences, even as a visiting general, can help establish rapport and credibility with the audience, in this case, new recruits. 13. You would be well advised NOT to use a personal reference introduction with a hostile or skeptical audience. Answer: False Rationale: Using a personal reference introduction can sometimes be effective in breaking down barriers with a hostile or skeptical audience, as it can help humanize the speaker and make them more relatable. 14. A personal reference that is emotional and apologetic will help establish goodwill with the audience and gain attention. Answer: False Rationale: While an emotional and apologetic personal reference may gain attention, it may not necessarily establish goodwill with the audience, especially if the emotion or apology is not sincere or relevant to the audience's interests. 15. Apologetic introductions suggest that your audience need not waste time listening. Answer: True Rationale: Apologetic introductions can give the impression that the speaker is not confident or prepared, which may lead the audience to believe that the speech is not worth their time. 16. A question, whether rhetorical or not, can help to spark thinking about your subject. Answer: True Rationale: Questions, whether rhetorical or not, can engage the audience and encourage them to think about the topic, making them more receptive to the speaker's message. 17. A rhetorical question is one that is asked while expecting a direct verbal response. Answer: False Rationale: A rhetorical question is one that is asked for effect or to make a point, and does not require a direct verbal response from the audience. 18. A rhetorical question is a question that the audience answers mentally, rather than aloud. Answer: True Rationale: A rhetorical question is designed to prompt the audience to think about the answer, rather than providing a verbal response. 19. On certain occasions a speaker can open a speech with what might be termed the "shock technique." Answer: True Rationale: Using a "shock technique" can be effective in grabbing the audience's attention and setting the tone for the speech, but it should be used judiciously and with consideration for the audience's sensibilities. 20. You must be careful NOT to open your speech by shocking your audience with a startling statement. Answer: False Rationale: While it's important to consider the context and the audience when using a startling statement, it can be an effective attention-grabbing technique when used appropriately. 21. Using a quotation is a common way to begin a speech. Answer: True Rationale: Quotations can be powerful and attention-grabbing, making them a common choice for beginning a speech as they can provide insight, inspiration, or a different perspective on the topic. 22. Illustrations, whether humorous or serious, can be equally useful in the introduction of a speech. Answer: True Rationale: Illustrations help to paint a picture for the audience and can make the topic more relatable and engaging, regardless of whether they are humorous or serious. 23. The introduction should comprise about 20–35 percent of the speech. Answer: False Rationale: The introduction of a speech should typically be shorter, comprising about 10-15% of the total speech time, as it is meant to grab the audience's attention and set the stage for the main content of the speech. 24. According to a classic study, the average speaker spends about 10 percent of the total speech on the introduction and 5 percent on the conclusion. Answer: True Rationale: This is generally accepted as a guideline for the distribution of time in a speech, with the introduction typically being longer than the conclusion. 25. Alliteration relies on sound similarities to create interest. Answer: True Rationale: Alliteration is a literary device that involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds, which can create a rhythmic and memorable effect, helping to capture the audience's attention. 26. One function of the speech conclusion is to preview the speech. Answer: False Rationale: The conclusion of a speech is meant to provide closure and reinforce the main ideas of the speech, not to preview the speech. Previewing the speech is typically done in the introduction. 27. At the end of a speech, an audience needs to know what state or mood you're trying to leave them in. Answer: True Rationale: The conclusion of a speech should leave the audience with a clear understanding of the speaker's message and the intended impact or takeaway, which often involves conveying a specific state or mood. 28. A call to action is an appropriate conclusion for an informative speech. Answer: False Rationale: A call to action is more commonly associated with persuasive speeches, where the speaker is trying to persuade the audience to take a specific action. In an informative speech, the conclusion is more focused on summarizing key points and leaving a lasting impression. 29. An appropriate speech summary reflects upon, as well as reviews, the main ideas of the speech. Answer: True Rationale: A speech summary should not only review the main ideas of the speech but also provide some reflection or insight, helping to reinforce the message and leave a lasting impression on the audience. 30. Using someone else's words in the conclusion clouds the focus of the speech. Answer: False Rationale: Using a relevant quotation or reference in the conclusion can reinforce the central message of the speech and provide a powerful ending, as long as it is used appropriately and supports the overall theme of the speech. 8.3 Short Answer 1. What is the primacy effect? Answer: The primacy effect is that people tend to remember the first thing they see or hear. 2. What is the recency effect? Answer: The recency effect occurs when people remember what they have most recently seen or heard. 3. Explain why introductions and conclusions are NOT trivial aspects of public speaking. Answer: Because introductions form first impressions that can affect your listeners' perceptions of the remainder of the speech. Conclusions give you one last opportunity to reinforce your main ideas, leave a lasting impression, and cement your relationship with your listeners. 4. List the nine factors for capturing and holding attention. Answer: (1) activity, (2) reality, (3) proximity, (4) familiarity, (5) novelty, (6) suspense, (7) conflict, (8) the vital, and (9) humor. 5. What are the objectives of a speech introduction? Answer: Gain the listeners' attention, secure good will and respect for the speaker, and prepare the audience for the main ideas of the speech. 6. What are the two questions that the speaker should ask when choosing introductions and conclusions? Answer: (1) When choosing the introduction, ask yourself if the introduction orients your audience to your purpose and ideas; (2) When choosing the conclusion, ask yourself whether it summarizes your ideas, reinforces the appropriate mood, and achieves closure. 7. When are personal references helpful in a speech? Answer: Personal references are helpful when the speaker is familiar with or well known to the audience. 8. If you were giving a speech to an audience, used shocking or startling statements, and the audience then became angry because of the shocking statements, what might have happened? Answer: Although a shocking or startling statement can work well as an attention grabber, according to the textbook, overuse of startling statements can backfire on the speaker if they threaten or disgust the audience. 9. What are the benefits of using quotations in a speech? Answer: Using quotations can prod listeners to think about something important and often captures an appropriate emotional tone. They can also be used to capture the theme of a speech. 10. When using a humorous story, what three rules of communication should be observed? Answer: (1) Be sure that the story is at least amusing. Be sure to practice sufficiently so you can present the story naturally. (2) Be sure that the story is relevant to your speech; if its subject matter or punch line is not directly related to you, your topic, or at least your next couple of sentences, the story will appear to be a mere gimmick. (3) Be sure that your story is in good taste. 11. What is a preview statement? Answer: A preview statement informs the audience of the main ideas of the speech. The preview statement sets the tone and direction of the speech. 12. What is alliteration and why is it used in speechmaking? Answer: An alliteration is using sound similarities (such as three words that begin with the same letter of the alphabet) to create interest. 13. What percentage of the speech is devoted to the introduction and conclusion? Answer: The introduction should be approximately 10 percent of the speech, and 5 percent should spent on the conclusion. 14. What are the four techniques for creating previews? Answer: (1) announcing the organizational pattern; (2) use mnemonic devices; (3) employ alliteration; and (4) use repetition. 15. What are the components of a speech conclusion? Answer: A speech conclusion has a summary and brings a sense of closure with the audience. 8.4 Essay Questions 1. What is the primacy-recency effect and how can it be used to write an effective speech? Answer: The primacy-recency effect is the idea that an audience tends to remember the first thing that they see or hear (primacy) and the last thing that they hear or see (recency). Based on this effect, the speaker should write a speech that captures the audience's attention in the introduction, maintains attention or interest in the body of the speech, and leaves a lasting impression with the audience in the conclusion. 2. You are concerned about malnourished and dying children in Africa. Explain how you could use the various devices for creating attention to draw your audience into the situation. Answer: Given the nature of the topic, the use of humor may not be appropriate. Since the issue is so far removed from the direct experiences of the audience, an effort will be needed to create a sense of vitality, reality, and proximity. The use of illustrations and examples that create a vivid picture of the children and their condition could be very effective. The use of conflict, suspense, and activity could be used to show the children as being victims of war, famine, and greed to encourage some emotional outrage and compassion. Most of the attention factors can be used in some way. 3. Explain what the term "the vital" means as a factor of attention. Answer: "The vital" was coined by Alan Monroe to reflect our tendency to be concerned with things that immediately benefit us. According to the textbook, we tend to concern ourselves with things that affect our health, reputation, property, or employment. In essence, the vital refers to personalizing the speech for a particular audience and making it relevant to the audience. 4. When George W. Bush began his statement to the nation after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, he referred to the subject and occasion at the beginning of his speech. When would be the best time for a speaker to refer to the subject or occasion as a technique? Answer: The best time to refer to the subject and occasion would be when the audience already has a vital interest in the subject, such as national security in the wake of September 11. Therefore, George W. Bush needed only to state the subject before presenting the first main point of the speech. Once George W. Bush mentioned the event, it was easy for him to mention the victims, the media images shown to the American people, and their reactions to the event. 5. Explain the objectives of introductions and conclusions. Answer: The objectives of an introduction are arousing the attention of the audience, winning the good will and respect of your listeners, setting a tone and direction for the substance of your speech, and providing a preview. The arousal of attention and good will of the audience prepares the audience to listen and lays a foundation for the central idea of the speech. The preview of the speech gives the audience an indication of the direction of the speech. The preview provides the audience with the central idea of the speech. The objectives of the conclusion are to round off the message of the speech and complete the relationship you've constructed with the audience. The speaker should summarize the main points or ideas. In addition to reinforcing the ideas presented in the speech, the speaker should leave the audience in the proper mood. Test Bank for Principles of Public Speaking Kathleen M. German, Bruce E. Gronbeck, Douglas Ehninger, Alan H. Monroe 9780205857548, 9780205843893
