Deck 14: Speaking to Inform and Persuade

Question 1

In a(n) _______, the speaker will generally present a noncontroversial topic.

A) informative speech
B) persuasive speech
C) ethical speech
D) speech to entertain

Answer 1

A

Question 2

When you give this type of speech, you attempt primarily to move your audience to a new belief, attitude, or behavior.

A) An informative speech
B) A persuasive speech
C) An ethical speech
D) A speech to entertain

Answer 2

B

Question 3

The primary purpose of this type of speech is to attempt to enlighten audience members by describing, explaining, or instructing.

A) An informative speech
B) A persuasive speech
C) An ethical speech
D) A speech to entertain

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which type of speech can be classified by (a) a belief in whether something is true or not, (b) a belief in whether someone or something has worth or not, or (c) a belief in whether a course of action should be followed or not?

A) A controversial speech
B) An informative speech
C) An unethical speech
D) A persuasive speech

Question 5

When political candidates carefully check every new opinion poll, and adjust their speeches accordingly, what fact about persuasive speaking is being demonstrated?

A) It is incremental.
B) It can be ethical.
C) It is not coercive.
D) It is carefully planned.

Question 6

Which statement is false?

A) Informative speeches may change an audience's mind.
B) Persuasive speeches are not informative.
C) Persuasive speakers are concerned with audience attitudes.
D) Informative speaking is primarily concerned with objective statements.

Question 7

Sam is giving a speech on how to use a new computer operating system. What type of speech will he likely give?

A) An informative speech
B) A persuasive speech
C) An ethical speech
D) A speech to entertain

Question 8

Jorge is giving a speech explaining why audience members should purchase a new computer operating system. What type of speech will he likely give?

A) An informative speech
B) A persuasive speech
C) An ethical speech
D) A speech to entertain

Question 9

Miranda is giving a speech on the differences between Apple and Microsoft computer systems. She is not giving a preference to either. What type of speech will she likely give?

A) An informative speech
B) A persuasive speech
C) An ethical speech
D) A speech to entertain

Question 10

When people are (understandably) wary about the idea of any form of persuasive speaking, which fact about this type of speech would it help them to bear in mind above all?

A) It is often unethical.
B) It can inform.
C) It is usually incremental.
D) It can be ethical.

Question 11

Christina works for a state university. She has been asked to speak on a new process for collecting research data. She believes in this new method and is excited to let others know about the value of such a method. She hopes her audience will understand the value she sees in the new method, and intends to propose its benefits to the audience. What unstated assumption can we make about the primary purpose of Christina's speech?

A) It will be an informative speech.
B) It will be a persuasive speech.
C) It will be an unethical speech.
D) It will necessarily be the first increment of her speech.

Question 12

Fagan is trying to convince an audience about the benefits of a new cleaning product. He wants them to understand what it does and that it's the best product out there. He only has this opportunity to change their attitudes about the product. He plans to show a product demonstration that he hopes the audience will enjoy. He realizes the demonstration is a bit misleading, but he is convinced it's for the audience's good to try the product. What unstated assumption would best characterize Fagan's speech?

A) It will be an informative speech.
B) It will be a speech to entertain.
C) It will be an unethical speech.
D) It will necessarily be the first increment of his speech.

Question 13

A(n) _______ is generally worded to relate particularly to audience knowledge, audience ability, or both.

A) informative purpose statement
B) signpost
C) persuasive purpose statement
D) motivated sequence

Question 14

Words or phrases that emphasize the importance of what you are about to say are referred to as a(n)

A) informative purpose statement.
B) signpost.
C) persuasive purpose statement.
D) motivated sequence.

Question 15

The level of commitment and attention that listeners devote to a speech is called audience

A) involvement.
B) integration.
C) participation.
D) demographics.

Question 16

Having your listeners actively do something during your speech is referred to as audience

A) involvement.
B) integration.
C) participation.
D) demographics.

Question 17

Humans are more likely to understand information that is stated more than once. This is a useful way to stress important points in your speech through

A) transitions.
B) overemphasis.
C) signposts.
D) repetition.

Question 18

Another technique for effective informative speaking is to employ _______, which involves using precise wording and avoiding jargon.

A) dumbed down language
B) clear, simple language
C) redundancy
D) signposts

Question 19

When you increase audience involvement in your speech by announcing a question-and-answer period at the end, it is important to

A) answer the question briefly.
B) ignore questions which seem to suggest you are biased.
C) remember every last detail of the question, even if some of it is irrelevant.
D) respond in as much detail as possible to all aspects of the question.

Question 20

Margret is speaking about the graphics program Adobe Photoshop, which many in her audience have never used. She begins by speaking about how to open an image in the program. This is a one-step process. As she continues, she speaks about how to use several tools to combine images seamlessly. What best characterizes the way that she is making it easy for her audience to listen?

A) She is limiting the amount of information she presents.
B) She is transitioning from familiar to newer information.
C) She is transitioning from simple to more complex information.
D) She is emphasizing important points.

Question 21

Alan is a fifth-grade teacher. He is teaching his students about photosynthesis. He begins by reminding them that plants need sunlight to grow. Later, he continues by describing how plants are able to synthesize food directly from carbon dioxide and water using energy from light. What best characterizes the way that he is making it easy for his students to listen?

A) He is limiting the amount of information he presents.
B) He is transitioning from familiar to newer information.
C) He is transitioning from complex to simpler information.
D) He is emphasizing important points.

Question 22

Paolo is teaching his students how to write a lesson plan. He has his students write a basic outline for a lesson plan as he speaks. Why?

A) He is defining a specific informative purpose.
B) He is creating signposts.
C) He is generating audience participation.
D) He is determining audience demographics.

Question 23

Pasqual begins his speech preparation by writing, "After listening to my speech, my audience will be able to discuss the pros and cons of using drones in warfare." What is he doing?

A) He is defining a specific informative purpose.
B) He is creating signposts.
C) He is generating audience participation.
D) He is determining audience demographics.

Question 24

Rafael is preparing to speak about the degradation of salt marshes. As he prepares he writes, "After listening to my speech, my audience will be able to identify the causes of over-salination and degradation of salt marshes." He begins his speech by saying, "Coastal salt marshes are a safe harbor for plant and animal life, but the over-salination of these marshes is degrading them." He then transitions to a detailed discussion about the pH levels needed for certain life forms to thrive. He adds, "Now this is an important point." He then tells them, "Salt marshes have receded by 10 percent in the past five years." What is the key verb from his informative purpose statement?

A) Prepares
B) Identify
C) Degrading
D) Receded

Question 25

Rafael is preparing to speak about the degradation of salt marshes. As he prepares he writes, "After listening to my speech, my audience will be able to identify the causes of over-salination and degradation of salt marshes." He begins his speech by saying, "Coastal salt marshes are a safe harbor for plant and animal life, but the over-salination of these marshes is degrading them." He then transitions to a detailed discussion about the pH levels needed for certain life forms to thrive. He adds, "Now this is an important point." He then tells them, "Salt marshes have receded by 10 percent in the past five years." What signpost does he use?

A) "After listening to my speech, my audience will be able to identify the causes of over-salination and degradation of salt marshes."
B) "Coastal salt marshes are a safe harbor for plant and animal life, but the over-salination of these marshes is degrading them."
C) He adds, "Now this is an important point."
D) He then tells them, "Salt marshes have receded by 10 percent in the past five years."

Question 26

Rafael is preparing to speak about the degradation of salt marshes. As he prepares he writes, "After listening to my speech, my audience will be able to identify the causes of over-salination and degradation of salt marshes." He begins his speech by saying, "Coastal salt marshes are a safe harbor for plant and animal life, but the over-salination of these marshes is degrading them." He then transitions to a detailed discussion about the pH levels needed for certain life forms to thrive. He adds, "Now this is an important point." He then tells them, "Salt marshes have receded by 10 percent in the past five years." What is his thesis statement?

A) "After listening to my speech, my audience will be able to identify the causes of over-salination and degradation of salt marshes."
B) "Coastal salt marshes are a safe harbor for plant and animal life, but the over-salination of these marshes is degrading them."
C) He then transitions to a detailed discussion about the pH levels needed for certain life forms to thrive.
D) He then tells them, "Salt marshes have receded by 10 percent in the past five years."

Question 27

The believability of a speaker is called _______ and is a perception in the minds of the audience.

A) competence
B) credibility
C) honesty
D) character

Question 28

The elements in a speech which speak to the heart rather than the head are referred to as

A) credibility.
B) persuasiveness.
C) logos.
D) pathos.

Question 29

The key idea of which element of Aristotle's triad is that a speaker will have the audience's best interests in mind at all times?

A) Ethos
B) Pathos
C) Logos
D) Credibility

Question 30

A persuasive speech is designed to change behavior and/or

A) values.
B) beliefs.
C) attitudes.
D) biases.

Question 31

In adapting to your specific audience when presenting a persuasive speech, it is important wherever possible to appeal to the values of the listeners,

A) unless they differ from your own values.
B) even if they are not your strongest values.
C) even if it means pretending to believe something that you do not believe.
D) even if it means altering your own values.

Question 32

Harold delivered an effective speech partly because his audience perceived he was both enthusiastic and likable. What did Harold's audience perceive that he had?

A) Charisma
B) Persuasiveness
C) Logos
D) Competence

Question 33

Judith delivered an effective speech partly because her audience perceived she had expertise on the topic of global warming: she had just completed a six-month scientific expedition to Antarctica. What did Judith possess?

A) Charisma
B) Persuasiveness
C) Pathos
D) Competence

Question 34

Jonathan is perceived by his peers to be someone who acts with integrity, and this was apparent to them in the persuasive speech that he gave. What characteristic of credibility does this illustrate?

A) Charisma
B) Character
C) Pathos
D) Competence

Question 35

Dana is persuasive because, above all, she appeals to her audience's sense of reason. What type of appeal does this illustrate?

A) Ethos
B) Pathos
C) Logos
D) Charisma

Question 36

Paul was standing for election for a major role on his school's governing cabinet. Before giving his speech to the whole school, he conducted an audience analysis which showed that around twenty percent of the school was never going to vote for him whatever he said, while thirty percent were generally in favor of what he said, and the rest were undecided or wavering. What percentage of the school did he decide should be his target audience?

A) 100%
B) 50%
C) 30%
D) 20%

Question 37

Having conducted an audience analysis, a political candidate tells his audience that the unprecedented levels of unemployment in their town have been caused by "too much red tape and bureaucracy." Overall his speech is a success. Roughly seventy percent of his listeners have long believed that the issue was caused by overregulation, and receive the candidate's speech warmly, especially as he comes across as likable, and provides them with citations and statistics that appear to them to back up what he's saying. Twenty percent of his audience are aware that a different set of statistics could prove more credibly that the problem stems from automation and falling demand. The rest are undecided. What best accounts for the success of the candidate's speech?

A) Character
B) Competence
C) Common ground
D) Confirmation bias

Question 38

Reason-giving discourse that involves proposing claims and backing up those claims with proof is called

A) informative speaking
B) persuasive speaking
C) ethical speaking
D) speaking to entertain

Question 39

When constructing an effective argument that you hope will change the behavior of your listeners, you should: structure your basic argument, describe the problem, describe the solution, and

A) describe the desired audience response.
B) suggest an alternative approach.
C) conclude the speech.
D) put the solution into action.

Question 40

In a speech to convince, rather than a speech to actuate, which two organizational components should you concentrate on?

A) Describe the problem; describe the solution.
B) Describe the solution; describe the desired audience reaction.
C) Describe the problem; describe the desired audience reaction.
D) Describe the solution; describe any alternative solutions.

Question 41

An important five-step organizational pattern for persuasive speeches is referred to as

A) the general purpose.
B) Monroe's motivated sequence.
C) a formal outline.
D) motivational rhetoric.

Question 42

The visualization step in the five-step organizational pattern

A) describes the results of the solution.
B) is a direct appeal for the audience to do something.
C) draws attention to a subject.
D) is more concerned with problems than solutions.

Question 43

Analyze the following statements and identify the statement that exemplifies the need step establishing the problem.

A) I was canoeing down the Blackwater River last week when I encountered a duck trapped in the plastic rings from a six-pack of beer.
B) The prevalence of plastic waste is cluttering waterways, endangering wildlife, and damaging scenery on our planet.
C) Every small choice people make makes a big difference in the health of our planet.
D) Help protect our natural wonders!

Question 44

Analyze the following statements and identify the statement that exemplifies the satisfaction step proposing a solution.

A) I was canoeing down the Blackwater River last week when I encountered a duck trapped in the plastic rings from a six-pack of beer.
B) The prevalence of plastic waste is cluttering waterways, endangering wildlife, and damaging scenery on our planet.
C) Every small choice people make makes a big difference in the health of our planet.
D) Help protect our natural wonders!

Question 45

Statements explaining why your claims are true, along with evidence that backs up those claims are called

A) warrants.
B) persuasion.
C) proof.
D) reason-giving discourses.

Question 46

Cameron is giving a speech about the dangers of gluten. Cameron begins, "Gluten is added to almost all the food we eat. Why does that matter? People all over the world are having adverse reactions to it and don't even know it's in the food they eat. I have a friend who breaks out in hives every time he eats rice. He had no clue that gluten was in it! There is also a large anti-gluten movement. There are 15,000 people who have suffered from the effects of gluten and the movement is growing! Let's join that movement! If we remove unnecessary gluten from our food products, the majority of us can live healthier lives, unaffected by this byproduct." How does Cameron describe the problem?

A) "Gluten is added to almost all the food we eat."
B) "People all over the world are having adverse reactions to it and don't even know it's in the food they eat."
C) "I have a friend who breaks out in hives every time he eats rice. He had no clue that gluten was in it!"
D) "If we remove unnecessary gluten from our food products, the majority of us can live healthier lives, unaffected by this byproduct."

Question 47

Cameron is giving a speech about the dangers of gluten. Cameron begins, "Gluten is added to almost all the food we eat. Why does that matter? People all over the world are having adverse reactions to it and don't even know it's in the food they eat. I have a friend who breaks out in hives every time he eats rice. He had no clue that gluten was in it! There is also a large anti-gluten movement. There are 15,000 people who have suffered from the effects of gluten and the movement is growing! Let's join that movement! If we remove unnecessary gluten from our food products, the majority of us can live healthier lives, unaffected by this byproduct." How does Cameron describe the solution?

A) "Gluten is added to almost all the food we eat."
B) "People all over the world are having adverse reactions to it and don't even know it's in the food they eat."
C) "I have a friend who breaks out in hives every time he eats rice. He had no clue that gluten was in it!"
D) "If we remove unnecessary gluten from our food products, the majority of us can live healthier lives, unaffected by this byproduct."

Question 48

The primary components of reasoning are claims, subclaims, and

A) counter-claims.
B) evidence.
C) statements.
D) warrants.

Question 49

A _______ is an expressed opinion that the speaker would like the audience to accept.

A) reason-giving discourse
B) statement
C) warrant
D) claim

Question 50

A _______ is a statement that justifies the use of evidence for a particular claim.

A) reason
B) point of view
C) fallacy
D) warrant

Question 51

A _______ is an error in logic.

A) falsity
B) mistake
C) fallacy
D) warrant

Question 52

Supporting material that the speaker uses to attempt to prove any type of claim is called

A) ethos.
B) proof.
C) reason-giving discourses.
D) evidence.

Question 53

Which best fits the description of a logical fallacy?

A) It is always intended to deceive.
B) It is mostly not recognized as such by the person using it.
C) It is never intended to deceive.
D) It is mostly recognized as such by the person using it.

Question 54

"All this talk about 'family values' is hypocritical. Take old Gubbins there, who made a speech about the 'sanctity of marriage' last year. Now it turns out he was having an affair with his secretary, and his wife is suing him for divorce." This is an example of a(n) _______ fallacy.

A) ad hominem
B) reductio ad absurdum
C) either-or
D) post hoc

Question 55

A movie star is convincing the general public about the dangers of immunizing children. This is an example of a(n) _______ fallacy.

A) ad hominem
B) reductio ad absurdum
C) either-or
D) argumentum ad verecundiam

Question 56

Which kind of logical error overlooks the fact that, generally speaking, widespread acceptance of an idea does not guarantee its validity?

A) An argumentum ad verecundiam fallacy
B) An argumentum ad populum fallacy
C) A reductio ad absurdum fallacy
D) A post hoc fallacy

Question 57

Steve is making a point that crime has gone up since state assistance to the poor has decreased. He says this although there is no scientific data that supports any link between the two ideas. This is an example of a(n) _______ fallacy.

A) ad hominem
B) reductio ad absurdum
C) post hoc
D) argumentum ad verecundiam

Question 58

"If we allow the administration to lower taxes this year, soon they will be reducing taxes more and more every year, and before we know it the authorities will have no money to spend on police and fire departments." This is an example of a(n) _______ fallacy.

A) ad hominem
B) reductio ad absurdum
C) either-or
D) argumentum ad verecundiam

Question 59

Cameron is giving a speech about the dangers of gluten. Cameron begins, "Gluten is added to almost all the food we eat. Why does that matter? People all over the world are having adverse reactions to it and don't even know it's in the food they eat. I have a friend who breaks out in hives every time he eats rice. He had no clue that gluten was in it! There is also a large anti-gluten movement. There are 15,000 people who have suffered from the effects of gluten and the movement is growing! Let's join that movement! If we remove unnecessary gluten from our food products, the majority of us can live healthier lives, unaffected by this byproduct." What is the argumentum ad populum fallacy in this description?

A) "Gluten is added to almost all the food we eat."
B) "People all over the world are having adverse reactions to it and don't even know it's in the food they eat."
C) "There is also a large anti-gluten movement. There are 15,000 people who have suffered from the effects of gluten and the movement is growing!"
D) "If we remove unnecessary gluten from our food products, the majority of us can live healthier lives, unaffected by this byproduct."

Question 60

Which statement best describes the Toulmin model of logical argument?

A) Claims are supported both by evidence and a warrant which reinforces the relationship of claim to evidence.
B) Any claim that uses supporting materials has a warrant.
C) All claims require evidence.
D) The relationship of any claim to any evidence used to support it is a warrant.

Question 61

What are the two major types of speeches discussed in the chapter?

Question 62

Name two ways to emphasize important points in an informative speech.

Question 63

Name two of the most effective ways to generate audience involvement in an informative speech.

Question 64

What is the main objective of a persuasive speech?

Question 65

Name three characteristics that form judgments about the credibility of a speaker.

Question 66

Compare informative speaking and persuasive speaking.

Question 67

Describe how to make it easy for your audience to listen to an informative speech.

Question 68

Explain how to handle a question and answer period.

Question 69

Describe how a speaker can establish credibility with his or her audience in a persuasive speech.

Question 70

Describe ways to structure your argument with solid reasoning.