Deck 17: Oral Presentations and Public Speaking

Question 1

What could be left with the audience after a briefing?

A) A short memo report
B) Questions on notice
C) The presenter's speaking notes
D) PowerPoint slides

Answer 1

A

Question 2

The main difference between a seminar and webinar is determined by

A) the time and mode of presentation.
B) the purpose of the presentation.
C) the audience for the presentation.
D) the contents of the presentation.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The function of prompts is to help a speaker appear spontaneous.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

What determines the appropriate approach you choose for your presentation?

A) Your audience
B) The occasion and the purpose of your presentation
C) The topic and theme of your presentation
D) What you expect to gain as a result

Question 5

What is the main feature of a team briefing?

A) It is an accurate summary of the details of a conference presentation.
B) It is an update on progress or activities presented by several members of a group.
C) It is an update on strategy from senior managers.
D) It is a meeting with managers and team members.

Question 6

There is usually a particular style that is used in oral presentations.

Question 7

PREP is an oral presentation formula used in

A) a manuscript speech.
B) a memorised speech.
C) an impromptu speech.
D) a briefing.

Question 8

A briefing is

A) a long oral report that informs or persuades listeners.
B) an academic or professional presentation.
C) a short, accurate summary of the details of a plan or operation.
D) a written means to justify a solution that may invite participation.

Question 9

A good way to develop rapport with an audience in a presentation is to

A) tell them that they have made a wise decision to attend the presentation.
B) tell a story, add inclusive humour or use appropriate self-deprecation.
C) commend them on their evident good common sense and commitment.
D) tell a few jokes about what happened on the way to the current venue.

Question 10

The main aims of oral presentations in the workplace are

A) to inform, persuade and entertain the audience.
B) to instruct and report to leaders and other staff.
C) to inspire and motivate the audience.
D) to impress and entertain the audience.

Question 11

Speaking on a work-related issue in a public forum could take the form of

A) introductions and instructions.
B) brief oral reports and long formal presentations.
C) team briefings and speeches of welcome.
D) all of the above.

Question 12

What is a useful strategy for any type of oral presentation?

A) Memorise audience names
B) Memorise the introduction
C) Appeal to your audience's emotions
D) Use humour to establish rapport

Question 13

Using humour when you begin a presentation is one way to develop rapport with your audience.

Question 14

The main purpose of a briefing is

A) to guide the audience to the right track.
B) to engage the audience in discussion.
C) to analyse details of a new proposal at length.
D) to instruct, inform or persuade the audience to act in a certain way.

Question 15

What is a potential problem when using podcasts?

A) Disconnected computers
B) Audience attention spans
C) Time delays
D) Badly organised presentations

Question 16

Which options are approaches to public speaking?

A) Prepared and impromptu speeches
B) Manuscript and memorised speeches
C) Oral and team briefings
D) All of the above

Question 17

What can often be offensive in an oral presentation?

A) Anecdotes
B) Delivery style
C) Tone of voice
D) Humour

Question 18

Eye contact holds the audience's interest and allows the speaker to note their responses to the presentation.

Question 19

Experienced speakers prefer to choose some of their words as prompts during the oral presentation in order to

A) draw the attention of the audience.
B) increase spontaneity.
C) internalise the speech.
D) strengthen the theme.

Question 20

Three main factors in an effective style of presentation are

A) theme, approach and audience.
B) speaker, message and receiver.
C) manner of delivery, visuals and audience rapport.
D) information, persuasion and entertainment.

Question 21

A short, accurate summary of the details of a plan or operation is an example of a briefing.

Question 22

A podcast can exist in both digital and analogue forms.

Question 23

It is important to define a specific rather than a general objective for the presentation.

Question 24

In planning a presentation, speaker confidence is built by

A) thorough planning and research.
B) presentation of well-organised material.
C) thorough understanding of the main ideas to be covered.
D) all of the above.

Question 25

The feature of a manuscript speech is that it is suited to short talks.

Question 26

Unlike written communication which is read and can then be re-read, a speech has to get it right the first time in front of the audience. Therefore, in terms of planning a presentation, it is most important to

A) provide visual cues (graphics, slides) as well as the verbal message.
B) plan and practise the speech so that voice, tone and pace are perfect.
C) order the main ideas in a focused, logical, easy to understand fashion.
D) establish rapport with the audience.

Question 27

In analysing their audience, speakers consider such characteristics as the audience's experience, level of knowledge about the topic, age, interests and reasons for being there and listening. This analysis is carried out so that the speaker

A) knows how best to persuade the audience to their viewpoint.
B) delivers a presentation that better meets audience needs.
C) anticipates and prepares for any audience objections.
D) is better positioned to inspire and motivate the audience.

Question 28

The two basic patterns of organisation for a speech suggested by the course book are

A) chronological and astronomical order.
B) qualitative and quantitative order.
C) logical and persuasive order.
D) inductive and deductive order.

Question 29

Monroe's motivated sequence works best when a presentation has a chronological order purpose.

Question 30

The purpose of researching for a speech is to

A) find facts and locate evidence, supporting information and documentation.
B) entertain the audience with the range and depth of material presented.
C) ensure that information is convincing even if it is subjective.
D) ensure that the audience will agree with the point of view presented.

Question 31

A memorised speech is also known as an extemporaneous speech.

Question 32

Repetition needs to be avoided in oral presentations.

Question 33

A presentation comparing population growth between cities would be most effectively ordered using which pattern?

A) Chronological
B) Topical
C) Spatial
D) Relational

Question 34

A manuscript speech style is often used for special occasions and courtesy speeches.

Question 35

The impromptu speech is defined as 'unexpected and delivered with little or no preparation'.

Question 36

Using a humorous anecdote would fulfil which step in Monroe's motivated sequence?

A) Need
B) Satisfaction
C) Attention
D) Action

Question 37

Irrespective of its style, any business presentation must be planned and prepared and relevant to the audience.

Question 38

Using chronological order is an example of a logical pattern of organisation.

Question 39

When planning a presentation, the first questions that need to be asked are:

A) What does the audience expect; how long does the speech need to be; what sorts of questions might be asked at the end of the speech; how to conclude?
B) What will be said to introduce the topic; what three main points are required in the body; how will questions be handled; how will the speech conclude?
C) What is the purpose of this speech; who will be there; what is the setting or context; what main points need to be made?
D) Where and when will the speech take place; what needs to be decided; what tone or approach will be used to deliver the information?

Question 40

People are more likely to remember communication that is encoded in a written message.

Question 41

Textural variation is most important after the first 10 minutes of a speech to maintain the audience's attention.

Question 42

When the fear of speaking becomes distressing, it means that you need to try to ignore it and be confident in yourself.

Question 43

Anxiety or nervousness prior to a presentation can be positive because

A) the audience will expect the speaker to be nervous.
B) the audience is more likely to empathise with the speaker.
C) it will help the presenter with time management of the presentation.
D) it can give extra emotional or physical energy to the delivery.

Question 44

Which of the following are common characteristics of a conclusion?

A) Summarises the main points; includes an anecdote or a call to action, co-operation or support; includes a recommendation
B) Includes additional, new and startling but memorable information
C) Reminds the audience of the purpose of the talk and includes a joke
D) Uses such signalling words as 'firstly', 'secondly', 'finally'

Question 45

Using gestures when speaking can be effective in managing your nerves.

Question 46

What enhances credibility and keeps the audience interested during a presentation?

A) A willingness to answer questions
B) A willingness to use humour
C) The strength of formal rhetorical skills
D) The inception of audiovisual aids

Question 47

Why should a speaker rehearse and revise before a presentation?

A) To be familiar with the main ideas and establish the delivery time
B) Because the speaker is quite often nervous
C) To help thinking
D) Because it is required

Question 48

The main point of your summary in a presentation is to attract the audience's attention.

Question 49

During a break, visual aids should be left on show.

Question 50

Anxiety is best reduced by

A) thorough preparation, knowledge of subject matter and positive self-talk.
B) deep breathing, smiling and chatting with audience members seated nearby.
C) checking equipment and reminding yourself that audiences are appreciative.
D) moving around during the talk, using gestures and being at ease with your body.

Question 51

The purpose of the technique of 'rewriting for the ear' in preparing a presentation is to

A) polish the presentation to suit the needs of formal, academic English.
B) meet the needs of assessors and managers.
C) refine the speech to meet the needs of a virtual audience who are reading the message.
D) refine the speech to meet the needs of the audience who are listening to the message.

Question 52

A presenter should rephrase a question back to the person who asked it if that person is a

A) dominator of the discussion.
B) promoter of a hidden agenda.
C) poor articulator.
D) self-promoter.

Question 53

What is the most effective technique when answering an intimidating question?

A) Adopt the same attitude as the questioner
B) Use diplomacy and politeness
C) Avoid the questioner and invite others to participate
D) Advise the questioner that you are not taking further questions

Question 54

Which of the following is true about the parts of an oral presentation?

A) The three points made in the body or central part should be entertaining and contrast with the points made in the introduction and conclusion.
B) The body develops the theme, is the central part of the presentation and informs, persuades or entertains the audience.
C) The conclusion introduces the main ideas, entertains the audience and develops the theme.
D) The introduction catches audience attention, identifies the topic and develops the theme.

Question 55

What ground rules help to maintain control, avoid heated exchanges and prevent one or two people from dominating the questions period before your presentation?

A) Insist that all questions be taken on notice
B) Appoint somebody to ask pre-prepared questions
C) Try to ignore the people who are dominating and invite questions from others
D) Announce a time limit for the question period and a question limit per person

Question 56

Multimedia, when used to support an oral presentation, is most effective if it is

A) simple, clear and visible.
B) motivating, supportive and interesting.
C) focused, logical and high impact.
D) animated, colourful and engaging.

Question 57

During a presentation, the presenter's credibility rises and falls as the audience responds to elements such as language usage, ideas and structure.

Question 58

Without an appropriate structure, a speech is only a collection of random thoughts. Which of the following reflects the best elements of an effective speech?

A) Complex structure; extensive detail
B) Transparent structure; clear signposting
C) Limited use of notes; bullet points to highlight key ideas
D) Rhetorical questions; strong imagery; variety

Question 59

Speakers should change pace approximately every 15 minutes to maintain audience attention.

Question 60

What is the main thing that an introduction in a speech needs to do?

A) Introduce the speaker and the topic
B) Identify the main theme and review the structure of the speech
C) Outline the search and sources
D) Create interest in the speech

Question 61

Speakers who can help the audience empathise with others can ultimately help promote social awareness.

Question 62

If an audience member asks an off-topic question, the presenter should use a bridge phrase such as 'Let's move on to ... '

Question 63

A speaker's responsibility to respect their audience takes precedence over the notion of free speech.

Question 64

Which of the following is not an essential characteristic of ethical public speakers?

A) Honesty
B) Avoidance of plagiarism
C) Engaging the audience
D) Ability to develop and achieve responsible speech goals

Question 65

An honest public speaker should tell their audience upfront why they are speaking.

Question 66

Ground rules are statements of guidelines that establish behaviour related to a presentation or speech.

Question 67

An experienced public speaker uses 'you' rather than 'we' in a presentation in order to promote inclusivity.

Question 68

The technique of asking 'what do the rest of you think?' is a useful way to involve the audience.

Question 69

To maintain credibility, public speakers should acknowledge sources of supporting information during their speech or presentation.