Deck 14: Language and Delivery

Question 1

Which language strategy is used in the following example? "An iron curtain has descended across the Continent." (Winston Churchill, 1946)

A) alliteration
B) repetition
C) metaphor
D) concrete words
E) informal colloquial expressions

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which language strategy is used in the following example? "All the world's a stage." (Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act 2)

A) alliteration
B) repetition
C) metaphor
D) concrete words
E) informal colloquial expressions

Answer 2

C

Question 3

The most common form for delivering a presentation is __________ speaking.

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

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Which of the following terms refers to the degree to which your language deviates from bland, neutral terms?

A) Clear Style
B) Language Intensity
C) Rhetorical Devices
D) Alliteration
E) Metaphor

Question 5

The clear speaking style and oral speaking style differ. In addition to all the characteristics of the clear style, the oral style uses

A) more vivid and powerful words.
B) more personal pronouns and informal colloquial expressions.
C) more frequent repetition of sounds, words, and phrases.
D) more rhyme and rhythm.
E) more poetic and expressive language.

Question 6

Which of the following presentation situations is best suited for extemporaneous delivery?

A) In the middle of a staff meeting, your boss tells you to summarize the status of a project you are working on. You didn't intend to make this presentation today.
B) You are scheduled to conduct a workshop for your coworkers on how to use the company's new email system. You have a month to prepare for the workshop.
C) Because of your great success, you have been invited to be the commencement speaker at your former high school's graduation ceremony. The local newspaper will print your address the day after the ceremony.
D) You will be giving a scheduled presentation in your biology class about the nature of evolution.
E) You will represent the alumni of your college by speaking at the annual fundraising banquet.

Question 7

Nervous speakers may experience a pounding heart, upset stomach, cold hands, or worried thoughts. Fortunately, these symptoms of nervousness

A) are experienced by all speakers.
B) are only experienced by a few speakers.
C) are visible but ignored most audience members.
D) are not visible by audience members.
E) are boosts to speaker energy.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is an advantage of manuscript delivery?

A) It can prevent you from making extensive changes in content.
B) It allows for more eye contact than any other delivery mode.
C) It provides an opportunity to choose more concise and eloquent language.
D) It allows for more freedom of movement.
E) It seems spontaneous, but is well-prepared and well-rehearsed.

Question 9

Which of the following statements is an advantage of extemporaneous delivery?

A) It seems spontaneous, but is well-prepared and well-rehearsed.
B) It allows for more eye contact than any other delivery mode.
C) It provides an opportunity to choose more concise and eloquent language.
D) It can prevent you from making extensive changes in content.
E) It allows for more freedom of movement.

Question 10

Which of the following presentation situations is best suited for manuscript delivery?

A) In the middle of a staff meeting, your boss tells you to summarize the status of a project you are working on. You didn't intend to make this presentation today.
B) You are scheduled to conduct a workshop for your coworkers on how to use the company's new email system. You have a month to prepare for the workshop.
C) Because of your great success, you have been invited to be the commencement speaker at your former high school's graduation ceremony. The local newspaper will print your address the day after the ceremony.
D) You will be giving a scheduled presentation in your biology class about the nature of evolution.
E) You will represent the alumni of your college by speaking at the annual fundraising banquet.

Question 11

Speaking nervousness is ________________ but certainly not fatal.

A) unexpected
B) inevitable
C) unrealistic
D) important
E) informal

Question 12

The first part of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address-"Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth"-is an example of what rhetorical device?

A) metaphor
B) language intensity
C) eloquence
D) alliteration
E) orality

Question 13

If you use note cards to deliver a presentation, the note cards should

A) record your speech in complete sentences.
B) have small print to maximize the amount of information you can put on each card.
C) be numbered.
D) use one card for the introduction, one card for the entire body of the presentation, and one card for the conclusion.
E) clearly print information on both sides of each card.

Question 14

Which of the following presentation situations is best suited for impromptu speaking?

A) In the middle of a staff meeting, your boss tells you to summarize the status of a project you are working on. You didn't intend to make this presentation today.
B) You are scheduled to conduct a workshop for your coworkers on how to use the company's new email system. You have a month to prepare for the workshop.
C) Because of your great success, you have been invited to be the commencement speaker at your former high school's graduation ceremony. The local newspaper will print your address the day after the ceremony.
D) You will be giving a scheduled presentation in your biology class about the nature of evolution.
E) You will represent the alumni of your college by speaking at the annual fundraising banquet.

Question 15

Which language strategy is used in the following example? "Prior planning prevents poor performance."

A) alliteration
B) repetition
C) metaphor
D) concrete words
E) informal colloquial expressions

Question 16

Nicole will be making a presentation in class on how to build a simple bookcase. Which of the following statements best represents the type of memorable and informal language she should use in her oral presentation?

A) "Carefully calculate the exact units of measurement in feet and inches before proceeding to the lumber."
B) "One should take precautions when measuring and cutting one's materials."
C) "Measure twice, cut once."
D) "It would be the best plan to measure the board carefully several times before beginning to cut them."
E) All of the above are equally appropriate.

Question 17

When speakers express themselves clearly and simply, they "are viewed as more ______________, and their ideas are judged more positively."

A) vivid
B) personal
C) informal
D) credible
E) relational

Question 18

The CORE speaking styles are

A) clear, oral, rhetorical, and eloquent.
B) concise, oral, repetitive, and elegant.
C) correct, oral, rhetorical, and easy-to-understand.
D) communicative, open, reasoned, and eloquent.
E) contextual, other-oriented, rational, and expressive.

Question 19

A presentation delivered from a prepared outline or a set of notes is known as __________ speaking.

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

Question 20

The eloquent style is like ____________: It has the remarkable ability to capture profound ideas and feelings in a few simple words.

A) poetry
B) repetition
C) vivid language
D) formal expressions
E) informal colloquial expressions

Question 21

Which of the following eye contact techniques should you use when speaking to an audience?

A) Look over and between the heads of audience members.
B) Focus on a spot in the back of the room or auditorium.
C) Imagine that the members of your audience are naked.
D) Look at audience members the same as you would when talking to friends or coworkers.
E) All of the above are effective eye contact techniques.

Question 22

As Ron focuses on improving the naturalness of his gestures, which of the following strategies should he avoid?

A) Link your gestures to the meaning of words, displayed objects, and concepts.
B) Plan and practice every gesture.
C) Adjust your gestures to the context (place, situation, and occasion).
D) Use natural gestures.
E) Allow your gestures to emerge spontaneously.

Question 23

Lack of inflection while speaking results in

A) a loss of breath.
B) a monotone voice.
C) a lack of clarity.
D) speaker fatigue.
E) none of the above

Question 24

If you use note cards for your presentation, it's best to use _____ note card(s) for each key point.

A) one
B) two
C) three
D) four
E) five

Question 25

In general, the most effective rate of speaking is __________ words per minute.

A) below 125
B) 125-145
C) 145-180
D) 180-200
E) more than 200

Question 26

Which of the following terms refers to clearly making the sounds in the words of a language?

A) pitch
B) rate
C) articulation
D) diction
E) pronunciation

Question 27

A ____________ shows your listeners that you are comfortable and eager to share your ideas and information.

A) head nod
B) natural hand gesture
C) smile
D) scan of the audience
E) confident posture

Question 28

The eye scan technique is a method for maximizing eye contact when

A) speaking extemporaneously.
B) speaking off the cuff.
C) a presentation is memorized.
D) using a manuscript.
E) trying to see audience members at the back of a room.

Question 29

Sam is giving a presentation about the best way to save money for college. He has chosen to use a bar chart comparing the cost of community college with a four-year college. His selection of a bar chart represents which of the design principles for presentation aids?

A) Preview and Highlight
B) Headline Your Visuals
C) Exercise Restraint
D) Choose Readable Type and Suitable Colors
E) Use Appropriate Graphics

Question 30

Which of the following statements is not true about gestures?

A) People all over the world "talk" with their hands.
B) Hand gestures determine your credibility.
C) Most of our hand gestures are culturally determined.
D) In most speaking situations, certain gestures can trigger negative responses from an audience.
E) During a presentation, gesture the way you normally do when having a conversation with someone.

Question 31

At your optimum pitch, your voice will

A) be stronger and less likely to fade at the end of sentences.
B) not tire easily.
C) be more expressive and energetic.
D) be less likely to sound harsh, hoarse, or breathy.
E) exhibit all of the above.

Question 32

In general, font size for software-generated presentation slides should be no smaller than __________ points.

A) 12
B) 16
C) 20
D) 24
E) 36

Question 33

What does the recommendation "touch, turn, talk" mean as a strategy for using presentations aids?

A) Touch one or two audience members to show your interest, turn back to the lectern, then talk.
B) Touch your notes to make sure they're in place, turn on the microphone, then talk.
C) Touch your presentation aid or equipment to make sure it's working, turn on the equipment, then talk.
D) Touch your presentation aid with your hand or a pointer, turn to your audience, then talk.
E) Touch your presentation equipment, move behind the podium, and turn to the presentation aid, then talk.

Question 34

Which aspect of physical delivery is an audience's primary source of nonverbal information about your attitudes and emotions?

A) eye contact
B) facial expression
C) gestures
D) posture
E) movement

Question 35

__________ refers to a change in pitch within a word or group of words that adds emphasis or meaning.

A) Dialect
B) Accent
C) Inflection
D) Fluency
E) Articulation

Question 36

All of the following tips will help you use a microphone effectively except:

A) Test the microphone ahead of time.
B) Place the microphone about two to three inches from your mouth.
C) Focus on your audience, not the microphone.
D) Avoid tapping a pen, shuffling papers, or frequently clearing your throat because microphones will amplify those sounds.
E) Speak in a natural, conversational voice.

Question 37

When standing in front of an audience, which of the following positions or postures should you avoid?

A) stand straight but not rigidly
B) lock your knees
C) place your feet about a foot apart
D) lean forward a bit
E) all of the above

Question 38

Your textbook urges speakers to pronounce words correctly to avoid misunderstanding and embarrassment. Which of the following common words do the authors highlight as frequently mispronounced?

A) simple, of, and in
B) pet, pit, and pod
C) often, the and a
D) words ending in ing
E) words ending in the sounds p, b, t, d, k, and g

Question 39

According to your textbook, which of the following items is considered the most important component of effective physical delivery?

A) posture
B) gestures
C) facial expressions
D) eye contact
E) use of space

Question 40

In general, pie charts and __________ are effective ways to show an audience "how much."

A) graphs
B) tables
C) diagrams
D) illustrations
E) maps

Question 41

Despite most people's worst fears, audiences are usually kind to speakers. They are willing to forgive and forget an honest mistake.

Question 42

Speaking style refers to how you use vocabulary, sentence structure and length, grammar and syntax, and language devices to express a message.

Question 43

Language intensity refers to the degree to which your language deviates from bland, neutral terms.

Question 44

Dan is preparing a presentation to his company's five vice presidents in which he will show how much of his total budget is devoted to different functions in his department. What type of presentation aids would best meet Dan's needs?

A) photograph
B) pie chart
C) text chart
D) map
E) drawing

Question 45

The CORE speaking styles build upon one another, with the clear style coming first and concluding with the eloquent style that builds upon the first three styles.

Question 46

When using computer-generated presentation slides, which of the following guidelines can help you avoid the problems associated with seductive details?

A) Put a vivid picture on the same slide as the detailed written text.
B) Put a dramatic graphic on the same slide as the detailed written text.
C) Use background sound effects or music with your slides to enhance interest.
D) Make your slides as realistic and detailed as possible to ensure comprehension.
E) Minimize the competition between pictures and written text.

Question 47

Metaphors are based on alliteration.

Question 48

The textbook identifies repetition and metaphors as two language strategies that are characteristic of the rhetorical style.

Question 49

"You are the wind beneath my wings" (from "The Wind Beneath My Wings," by Bette Midler) is a metaphor.

Question 50

In George W. Bush's 2003 State of the Union Address to Congress, he used alliteration as a rhetorical device when he said, "The dictator of Iraq is not disarming. To the contrary, he is deceiving."

Question 51

The CORE speaking styles build upon one another, with the clear style coming first and concluding with the rhetorical style that builds upon the first three styles.

Question 52

The clear style uses short, familiar words; succinct, simple, more personal pronouns, and even incomplete sentences.

Question 53

Alex is planning on giving a speech about Afghanistan, and specifically, the village where his mother and father are from. What type of presentation aid would most likely meet Alex's needs?

A) graph
B) pie chart
C) text chart
D) map
E) drawing

Question 54

Rhetorical language does not have to be flowery or grand; it can use an oral style, personal pronouns, and devices such as repetition and metaphors.

Question 55

The National Speakers Association surveyed nearly 4,000 members about the skills they rely on for success. Which skill came out first in importance?

A) effective vocal delivery
B) effective physical delivery
C) effective practice
D) effective use of presentation aids
E) effective extemporaneous speaking

Question 56

Which presentation aid shows "how things work"?

A) pie charts and tables
B) text charts and graphs
C) tables and graphs
D) tables and diagrams
E) diagrams and illustrations

Question 57

Kathleen Jamieson, author of Eloquence in an Electronic Age, notes that eloquent speakers use poetic language, but do not disclose their personal experiences and feelings.

Question 58

Successful presenters know two very important facts about speaking anxiety: they know that it's very uncommon and that it's usually visible.

Question 59

Your textbook presents a list of effective techniques for practicing your presentation. Which of the following answers is not an effective method?

A) Use practice sessions to repeat your entire presentation over and over again.
B) Unless memorization is required, do not memorize your presentation.
C) Time your practice session and understand that your actual presentation will take longer.
D) Schedule brief 5- to 10-minute sessions in which you practice small segments of your presentation.
E) Audiotape and, if possible, videotape your practice sessions.

Question 60

Words such as delightful and captivating are more intense than nice and interesting.

Question 61

Effective speakers learn to mix and match all four modes of delivery within a single presentation.

Question 62

If you use manuscript delivery, staple the pages of the manuscript together so you don't read the pages in the wrong order.

Question 63

Optimum pitch allows you to produce the strongest and clearest sound with the least amount of strain.

Question 64

The article a (as in "a beautiful day") should be pronounced "uh," rather than rhyming with hay.

Question 65

Manuscript delivery reduces the amount of eye contact with audience members and is difficult to modify or adapt to audience feedback.

Question 66

Memorized speaking is easiest for beginners to do well, and the method preferred by professionals.

Question 67

Reducing or eliminating the inflection of your voice can help you find your optimum pitch.

Question 68

Remember that audiences can listen faster than you talk, so it's better to keep the pace up than speak at a crawl.

Question 69

In terms of proper articulation of words, the final consonants that get left off most often are s, z, m, and n.

Question 70

Speakers who cannot be heard are a common problem; very rarely is a speaker too loud.

Question 71

Speaking notes may appear on index cards and outlines or as a manuscript.

Question 72

Deep breathing and controlled exhalation enable you to speak more loudly and say more in a single breath.

Question 73

Typically, presentation anxiety is very low when a speaker is asked to speak impromptu.

Question 74

An impromptu presentation allows you little or no time to prepare or practice.

Question 75

Manuscript speaking combines the advantages of impromptu and memorized delivery.

Question 76

When using note cards for a presentation, record key words rather than complete sentences and use only one side of each card.

Question 77

People are born either with or without the ability to speak at their optimum pitch.

Question 78

A simple change in inflection can alter the meaning of a word or sentence.

Question 79

Extemporaneous speaking is the most common form of presentation delivery.

Question 80

When the word the comes before the sound of a consonant, as in "the apple," it should be pronounced "thuh" rather than "thee."