Deck 6: Crisis Speeches

Question 1

Crises typically call forth spoken responses from our leaders. According to your textbook, all but which of the following are requirements of standard crisis speeches:

A) assignment of blame for creating the crisis
B) a thorough understanding of the crisis situation
C) clear reassurance that the crisis threat will be addressed successfully
D) thoughtful analysis of audience perceptions of the crisis

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Competent crisis speakers should do all of the following, except:

A) identify the parameters of the crisis situation
B) speak at the right time
C) demonstrate understanding of the crisis situation
D) announce a course of action to address the crisis
E) wait to speak until the crisis is widely reported in the media

Answer 2

E

Question 3

According to your textbook, the "first action step" of a crisis speech is:

A) demonstrating your knowledge of the facts of the situation
B) linking support for crisis policy to sound ethics
C) asserting your ability to control or positively modify the crisis
D) arguing for support of your crisis plan

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Appeals to patriotism, endurance, and trust are often found in crisis speeches.

Question 5

Effective crisis speeches ask for audience members' input on plans to address the crisis.

Question 6

The contemporary term for the Aristotelian word ethos is "source credibility."

Question 7

Aristotle emphasized the idea of developing or constructing credibility through the words of a speech itself.

Question 8

List and discuss six of the seven guidelines for developing a crisis speech, using a chronological approach. Consider how ethos impacts each of these steps. Be specific.

Question 9

According to Aristotle, a speaker's character depends on three components. List and discuss each of these three components. Why is a speaker's good character (ethos) so crucial for effective crisis speaking?