Deck 11: Managing Anxiety and Apprehension When Delivering Your Speech

Question 1

Although she prepared well in advance for her speaking assignment, Becky's high-pitched, squeaky voice became a distraction to her classmates. In this example, Becky is struggling with __________.

A) enunciation
B) vocal rate
C) intelligibility
D) vocal quality

Answer 1

D

Question 2

A common cause of communication apprehension that begins in childhood is __________.

A) physical articulation and enunciation issues
B) parental lack of education
C) cognitive deficits, either due to genetics or environment
D) negative feedback about communicating

Answer 2

D

Question 3

When learning how to give a speech, manuscript delivery is often discouraged because it __________.

A) only works for informal situations
B) invites the speaker to concentrate more on the script than on the audience
C) requires the ability to think on your feet
D) requires the ability to use correct and precise pronunciation

Answer 3

B

Question 4

What term refers to a learned relaxation technique designed to help speakers manage anxiety-provoking events?

A) systematic desensitization
B) audience analysis
C) classical conditioning
D) speaker stimulation

Question 5

Sandra has a clear and distinct voice. She uses the correct stress on syllables and words, and produces a pleasing volume. We would say that Sandra is doing a good job with __________.

A) intelligibility
B) pronunciation
C) force
D) vocal variety

Question 6

Which statement is correct regarding communication apprehension?

A) It is the least severe form of speech anxiety.
B) It is rarely seen in adults.
C) It is associated with real or anticipated communication with others.
D) It is easily overcome by just ignoring it.

Question 7

James was excited to run for student council president until he learned that the candidates traditionally speak during an all-school assembly. Although his friends kept urging him to run, James withdraws his name from consideration after picturing himself as a laughingstock. In this situation, James dealt with speech anxiety through __________.

A) researching the situation
B) avoidance
C) talking to others
D) mental rehearsal

Question 8

Toasts, acceptance speeches, and introductions typically call for which type of delivery?

A) extemporaneous
B) memorized
C) impromptu
D) manuscript

Question 9

For her speech class, Autumn is delivering an informative speech on fashion design. She wants to come across as organized, conversational, and prepared. What method of delivery should she select?

A) impromptu
B) manuscript
C) memorized
D) extemporaneous

Question 10

Which statement accurately describes the relationship among the speaker, the audience, and speech anxiety?

A) The audience tends to overestimate a speaker's anxiety.
B) The audience is oblivious to the speaker's anxiety.
C) Speakers who have speech anxiety often overestimate how much the audience notices their behavior.
D) Speakers who have speech anxiety often underestimate how much the audience notices their behavior.

Question 11

What strategy for reducing speech anxiety is likely the least successful?

A) preparation and practice
B) last-minute improvising
C) positive thinking
D) visualizing success

Question 12

You attend a good friend's wedding reception and are asked to give a congratulatory speech to the bride and groom with no prior notice. You would be giving a(n) __________.

A) extemporaneous speech
B) memorized speech
C) impromptu speech
D) manuscript speech

Question 13

When giving a highly technical speech where every word needs to be stated very carefully, the best delivery method is usually __________.

A) extemporaneous
B) manuscript
C) impromptu
D) memorized

Question 14

The key to successful management of speech anxiety is __________.

A) learning to control it
B) focusing on other people's speeches
C) reading more about it
D) focusing on your visual aids

Question 15

What technique have neuroscientists found helpful to relive all types of stress, including speech anxiety?

A) avoidance
B) meditation
C) memorization
D) positive thinking

Question 16

What is the best overall strategy to help overcome your anxiety in public speaking situations?

A) Continue to give speeches and learn more about public speaking.
B) Don't over-practice your speech; once or twice is enough.
C) Keep in mind that most people are not afraid to speak publicly.
D) Avoid speaking in public whenever possible.

Question 17

Speech anxiety is often created by __________.

A) fear of media exposure
B) misunderstanding of the communication process
C) fear of making mistakes
D) genetic predisposition

Question 18

Mayor Ambrose is presenting a speech responding to a crisis that has occurred in her town. What would be the advantage(s) of selecting the manuscript method of delivery for her speech?

A) ability to adapt to the audience
B) opportunity to appear conversational and informal
C) greater freedom to concentrate on delivery
D) accuracy and preciseness

Question 19

Which delivery method appears spontaneous, but uses keyword outlines to help keep the speaker organized and on track?

A) extemporaneous
B) manuscript
C) impromptu
D) memorized

Question 20

Which statement accurately portrays the relationship between the speaker's voice and the speaker's delivery?

A) Fillers and vocal pauses help appropriately pace the timing of a speech.
B) The slower the speaking rate, the better the overall delivery.
C) Vocal quality is a highly accurate indicator of the presenter's sincerity.
D) Most articulation problems result from speech impediments.

Question 21

What physical aspect of delivery accounts for much of the emotional impact of your message?

A) personal appearance
B) facial expressions
C) posture
D) gestures

Question 22

In a well-prepared speech, your audience should remember your points because __________.

A) you incorporated technology
B) your presentation aids dazzled them
C) you delivered your speech word-for-word
D) you made the points

Question 23

What is the best advice for using effective PowerPoint or Prezi presentations?

A) When using slides, be sure that each contains a picture or clip art.
B) Incorporate multiple colors, fonts, and styles.
C) Every speech can benefit from the use of PowerPoint slides.
D) Display the presentation only when you are referring to it.

Question 24

Waylon is preparing PowerPoint slides for an important client presentation tomorrow. Unfortunately, he does not have access to the client's conference room until just before he speaks. What technology strategy should Waylon keep in mind for successfully delivering this presentation?

A) Prepare for the best and for the worst.
B) Ensure that the technology is the focal point of the presentation.
C) Read all the text directly from the slides to emphasize their content.
D) Avoid using technology for business presentations; it's not necessary.

Question 25

Line graphs are particularly well suited for __________.

A) illustrating comparisons
B) displaying large amounts of data in a very small space
C) clarifying comparative data over time
D) representing a percentage of the whole

Question 26

Macauley is practicing his speech before he delivers it in class tomorrow. After he is comfortable with the content of his speech, he works a bit more on his delivery style. Macauley tries to apply this universal tip for all types of speeches: __________.

A) Don't worry about the content.
B) Be yourself.
C) Forget about the audience.
D) Strive for absolute perfection.

Question 27

When Jackson sees that his audience's attention is lagging a bit, he raises the intensity and volume of his voice to emphasize a series of points. Jackson then lowers his volume a bit to a more comfortable level for the audience, but occasionally accentuates important information in the same way. In response to his audience, Jackson is adjusting which aspect of his vocal delivery?

A) rate
B) force
C) articulation
D) pronunciation

Question 28

For an informative speech, Morgan must bring in three objects that represent who she is as a person. Unfortunately, displaying one of the actual objects is not practical due to its size. The next best visual aid choice to consider using is a __________.

A) model
B) drawing
C) diagram
D) graph

Question 29

What tip should speakers keep in mind when including graphics and pictures in presentation software?

A) They do not need to be sourced when pulled from the Internet.
B) They should replace most of the verbal content of the speech.
C) They should be used sparingly.
D) They should be avoided in the majority of presentations.

Question 30

How can presentational aids guide the speaker's delivery of verbal content?

A) The speech text can be read aloud from projected slides.
B) Audio files can substitute for the introduction and conclusion.
C) They can reduce the actual speaking time needed by filling time.
D) They can function as an outline for parts of the speech.

Question 31

Researchers found that audiences see speakers who use presentational aids as __________.

A) lazy and less prepared to verbalize
B) unusual, but entertaining
C) more professional and better prepared
D) lacking public speaking anxiety

Question 32

The speed at which a speaker speaks, usually between 120 and 175 words per minute, is known as __________.

A) rate
B) force
C) pitch
D) pauses

Question 33

Every presentational aid used during your speech must __________.

A) serve a meaningful purpose
B) include both a visual and audio element
C) be professionally prepared
D) be able to stand alone without explanation

Question 34

What should students keep in mind about appearance when delivering a classroom speech?

A) Typical student attire is usually fine.
B) It's a good idea to dress for a special occasion when you present a speech.
C) Appearance makes little difference in how we communicate with others.
D) How you look or dress when speaking does not affect credibility.

Question 35

Body movement used when delivering a speech should appear __________.

A) random
B) rehearsed
C) purposeful
D) unmotivated

Question 36

The best strategy for rehearsing your speech is to __________.

A) approach every speech as if you are speaking off-the-cuff
B) practice once or twice before delivery
C) practice early and often
D) practice until you deliver every word and gesture identically each time

Question 37

In a 5- to 7-minute speech, a typical video clip should be no more than __________ long.

A) 5 seconds
B) 30 seconds
C) 2 minutes
D) 3 minutes

Question 38

Jin is preparing his first business presentation, and plans to include a number of visual aids. What advice should he follow in order to make his presentation professional-appearing?

A) His presentational aids should be as detailed and full of information as possible.
B) His presentational aids should distract the audience from the weak parts of his speech.
C) His presentational aids can use content from any source without documentation as long as it is accurate.
D) His presentational aids should be bright, attractive and easy to read.

Question 39

When delivering a speech, the best way to establish a communicative bond with the audience is through __________.

A) eye contact
B) speaking without a podium
C) spontaneous gestures
D) smiling

Question 40

According to the text, if you have more than __________ slides in a 7 to 10 minute presentation, you have too many.

A) 2
B) 4
C) 10
D) 25

Question 41

Discuss the different forms of speech delivery. What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of each?

Question 42

List and briefly describe the three vocal aspects that help determine delivery effectiveness. How would you rate yourself in each area? Where do you hope to improve?

Question 43

Why do most teachers and professional speakers prefer the extemporaneous speech delivery method?

Question 44

What role does personal appearance play in speech delivery? How can you use appearance to present your best self when speaking?

Question 45

What type(s) of presentational aids will you incorporate into your next speech? Why did you select these types? Provide a justification for your decision.

Question 46

What are the key choices you must consider in creating an effective PowerPoint or Prezi presentation?

Question 47

Describe effective use of eye contact in public speaking. Why is it important?

Question 48

How does anxiety manifest itself? Using specific examples, describe your feelings and physical reactions prior to delivering a speech: Are you anxious or confident? What thoughts are running through your head? What parts of your body react? Finally, explain how your physical and emotional responses affect your delivery skills.

Question 49

How does speech anxiety differ from communication apprehension? What are some strategies you can employ to help you manage speech anxiety?

Question 50

Describe several guidelines for using presentational aids. Keeping your next presentation in mind, explain how these guidelines will be helpful as you prepare your speech.