Deck 10: Communicating Orally

Question 1

In presentations of technical topics to technical audiences, you can skip the attention-gaining opening.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

When giving a presentation, it is important to either talk down to or above your listeners regardless of their knowledge of the subject matter.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

When presenting information using visuals, you need not explain them since they have been added just for visual interest.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

When using visuals to present information, you should look at the visuals only when the audience should look at them.

Question 5

In an oral presentation, humor is a widely used technique to arouse the interest of the audience.

Question 6

Adaptation refers to word selection that focuses on a speaker's needs and interests.

Question 7

An effective approach to delivering a speech is to remain aloof and distant from your audience in order to project the image of being authoritative.

Question 8

It is more effective for most people to read a speech than to present it extemporaneously.

Question 9

Planning the content and physical aspects of a presentation is especially important for team (collaborative) presentations.

Question 10

According to the ten commandments of listening, by frequently asking questions, you interfere with the talker's ability to develop his or her message.

Question 11

When leaving a voicemail message, it is a good idea to skip the message overview and leave only a phone number where the call can be returned.

Question 12

When presenting an oral report, one must avoid making eye contact with the audience because it is considered rude.

Question 13

Smiles, grimaces, and frowns should be avoided when making oral presentations.

Question 14

One of the disadvantages of recording the minutes of a meeting is that it does not make a note of the absentees.

Question 15

When discussing a visual, you should not refer to it with physical action and words.

Question 16

"Mr. Greer is on another line. Please hold." This is not a courteous phone response.

Question 17

Good business etiquette dictates that if the person being called is on another line, then the caller should be promptly disconnected.

Question 18

After listening to formal oral communication, such as a speech, we quickly forget most of the message.

Question 19

Most people take talking for granted and often overlook the need to improve their talking ability.

Question 20

Meetings of such groups as formal committees, boards of directors, and professional organizations usually follow generally accepted rules of conduct called parliamentary procedure.

Question 21

Which of the following is an effective way to focus your attention as part of active listening?

A) Judge what is being said
B) Back-channel what is being said
C) Criticize what is being said
D) Interrupt the speaker frequently
E) Discuss what is being said with the other listeners

Question 22

When preparing yourself to speak, which of the following elements generates trust and conviction when combined with competence?

A) Confidence
B) Glamor
C) Sincerity
D) Inflection
E) Dominance

Question 23

Which of the following is the ideal posture to assume when presenting an oral report?

A) An erect and stiff body posture
B) A slouched and relaxed posture
C) A comfortable and limp posture
D) A naturally poised and alert posture
E) A constantly changing body posture

Question 24

When preparing yourself to speak, talking in strong, clear tones is a technique that projects the appealing personal trait of _____.

A) competence
B) mediocrity
C) sincerity
D) confidence
E) friendliness

Question 25

In terms of the nature of listening, which of the following is true of sensing words?

A) How well we sense the words around us is determined by how often we use backchannels.
B) The ability to sense words does not vary from one person to another.
C) A person's concentration on a communication varies from moment to moment.
D) It is impossible for a person to block out other sounds when he or she is listening.
E) Most of the time, a person's attentiveness does not vary when he or she is listening.

Question 26

The leader of a meeting must _____.

A) encourage participation from those group members who talk too little
B) encourage off-topic discussions in order to keep his audience interested
C) refrain from summarizing every key item in order to save time
D) discourage time-consuming activities like taking minutes
E) begin with topics that are not part of the agenda

Question 27

Being extremely knowledgeable about the topic you're presenting, gathering necessary information, and making a presentation well designed and well written, with no grammatical errors, are techniques that project the personal trait of _____.

A) competence
B) mediocrity
C) friendliness
D) sincerity
E) compassion

Question 28

Voice quality refers to the _____.

A) set of voice behaviors that makes a person's voice unique
B) pitch and resonance of the sounds a speaker makes and the sounds an audience hears
C) way that pitch, speed, and volume combine to give personality to one's oral expression
D) way words are fitted to the listener's level of understanding
E) average number of words spoken by a person during an informal conversation

Question 29

Which of the following is an effective way to increase the accuracy of a person's interpretation while listening?

A) The person will need to think in terms of what the words mean to the speaker who uses them.
B) The person will need to think in terms of what the dictionary says about the meaning of the words used by the speaker.
C) The person should judge the speaker's words in the light of his or her own culture and experience rather than those of the speaker's.
D) The person will need to filter incoming messages on the basis of his or her own beliefs.
E) The person will need to focus on the gestures and expressions used by the speaker when the message is delivered.

Question 30

In the context of the elements of professional talking, which of the following is true of word choice?

A) The speaker should assume that the audience has absolutely no understanding of the subject whatsoever.
B) The speaker should either talk down to or above the listener.
C) The speaker should keep in mind the need for the recipient to understand the words he or she chooses.
D) The vocabulary the speaker uses with his or her friends outside the workplace is also professionally appropriate for use in the workplace.
E) The larger a speaker's vocabulary, the more difficult it becomes for him or her to choose appropriate words for informal conversations.

Question 31

Meetings of such groups as formal committees, boards of directors, and professional organizations usually follow generally accepted rules of conduct known as _____.

A) a structural coherence plan
B) heuristics
C) standard operating procedure
D) paralanguage
E) parliamentary procedure

Question 32

Which of the following is true of taking minutes at a meeting?

A) All minutes are highly formal, with headings and complete sentences.
B) All minutes should note excused or unexcused absences.
C) Minutes should reflect an objective account of the topics covered at the meeting.
D) Recorded minutes are always voted on by group members before they are accepted.
E) All meeting minutes are informal and generally resemble casually written notes.

Question 33

Which of the following is true of adaptation, one of the basic elements of the techniques of good talking?

A) It refers to the pitch and resonance of the sounds a speaker makes and the sounds an audience hears.
B) It refers to a set of voice behaviors that gives each person a unique voice.
C) It varies in messages delivered in different cultures as well as different social situations, work situations, and classrooms.
D) It is difficult for a speaker to adapt himself or herself to the audience if he or she has a large vocabulary.
E) It is independent of the speaker's style and voice.

Question 34

Which of the following is true of conversing informally?

A) Talking down to a listener is the best way to command attention when delivering a message.
B) Speaking in a monotone is more likely to hold a listener's interest for long.
C) All people with effective informal talking skills have the same style.
D) The larger a person's vocabulary, the more word choices he or she has.
E) Variation in the speaking speed tends to irritate and disrupt a listener's concentration.

Question 35

In terms of the nature of listening, a person's ability to sense words is dependent on _____.

A) the dominant wavelength of his or her brain waves
B) how well his or her ears can pick up sounds
C) his or her ability to remember details after a few hours
D) his or her interpretation of the words
E) the paralanguage used by the speaker

Question 36

Which of the following is a good practice when conducting meetings?

A) The leader of the meeting should encourage the few people who talk a lot to dominate the discussion.
B) The meeting should be unstructured and unplanned for flexibility and to allow the free flow of ideas.
C) There shouldn't be any time constraints on discussing topics so that the group members can take their time in making a decision.
D) After a key item has been discussed, the group must summarize the information that has been covered and concluded so far.
E) The leader of the meeting should penalize those participants who talk too little.

Question 37

Which of the following is one of "The Ten Commandments of Listening"?

A) You must frequently interrupt the speaker.
B) You must be ready to argue and criticize because it helps constructive thinking.
C) You must not allow the speaker too much time to get to the point.
D) You must empathize with the speaker because this will result in a true exchange of information.
E) When listening, you must concentrate on what one is going to say next.

Question 38

Which of the following is true of developing an agenda for a meeting?

A) It is mandatory to develop a written agenda for informal meetings.
B) Items that explain or lead to other items should come before the items that they explain in the agenda.
C) An agenda should not be made available to every participant because there may be varying opinions on what should be given priority.
D) A fixed format should be followed when developing an agenda for an informal meeting.
E) The use of word processing programs should be avoided when developing agendas.

Question 39

Which of the following is a basic element of the techniques of professional talking?

A) Paralanguage
B) Voice quality
C) Passive voice
D) Proofreading
E) Use of space

Question 40

An individual's style of talking _____.

A) refers to the way that pitch, speed, and volume combine to give personality to the individual's oral expression
B) does not vary when delivering messages in different cultures and different social situations, work situations, and classrooms
C) is directly related to his or her vocabulary
D) refers to the pitch and resonance of the sounds that he or she makes while talking
E) refers to the pitch and resonance of the sounds the listeners hear during a conversation

Question 41

Jayla Hinton is a journalist working for a newspaper. She has a telephone interview scheduled with Bruce McGregor, the CEO of RealCo Inc. In order to be courteous, which of the following would be the most appropriate way to begin the telephone conversation?

A) Could you connect me to Bruce McGregor please?
B) This is Jayla calling for Bruce.
C) Is Mr. Bruce McGregor in?
D) May I speak with the CEO of your company, Mr. Bruce McGregor?
E) This is Jayla Hinton from the Daily Mirror. May I speak with Mr. Bruce McGregor?

Question 42

Which of the following parts of a speech has the goal of preparing an audience to receive a message and gain their attention?

A) The conclusion
B) The acknowledgement
C) The body
D) The introduction
E) The goodwill message

Question 43

When leaving a voice mail message, which of the following must you do if you want the call to be returned?

A) You should request that the call be returned, and mention when you can be reached.
B) You can assume that the person will automatically call back.
C) You should not leave your phone number in the message.
D) You can assume that the person receiving your voice mail message knows where to reach you.
E) You can assume that the person receiving your voice mail message knows when to reach you.

Question 44

When organizing the body of a presentation, it is important to _____.

A) use time, place, or quantity as the basis of dividing the message into parts
B) avoid dividing the body into comparable parts
C) choose an opening that steers away from the topic of the speech
D) avoid stressing on the shift from one section or subtopic to another
E) emphasize the transitions between the divisions

Question 45

In terms of effective phone procedures, when a person initiates a phone conversation, he or she must _____.

A) dominate the conversation
B) state the purpose of the call only after a period of time has elapsed
C) use the listener's time efficiently by sticking to the point
D) get the point across even if it requires interrupting the speaker
E) speak only when the listener asks him or her a question

Question 46

When you are responding to a crisis or giving an important announcement, which of the following methods of presentation are you most likely to use?

A) A presentation that is delivered extemporaneously
B) A presentation involving the use of placards and notes
C) A presentation involving the delivery of a speech from memory
D) A presentation where you improvise as you deliver the speech
E) A presentation where you read a prepared speech

Question 47

Rita Gomez from Creative Advertising Inc. is about to call Technotek Inc. to discuss an upcoming marketing event for a new product launch. Which of the following should Rita use as a good conversation starter?

A) I have some questions regarding the product launch next month. Whom can I talk to?
B) Is there someone I can talk to regarding the product launch event next month?
C) This is Rita. May I know who is handling the product launch event?
D) Hello. Do you work for Technotek Inc.? Can you go and find someone who can help me with some queries regarding the product launch next month?
E) This is Rita Gomez of Creative Advertising. We have a question regarding next month's product launch. May I speak with someone who can help me?

Question 48

Which of the following is true of the courteous use of cell phones?

A) You should use your cell phone at social gatherings to keep in touch with your contacts.
B) You should not turn off the ringer because you might miss important calls.
C) You should connect your cell phone to a headset to place a call when driving.
D) You should place your cell phone on the table while eating.
E) You should call from a quiet place, away from other people.

Question 49

Jacob, a human resource executive with an MBA degree, chose to deliver a speech on how employees can motivate themselves to increase their productivity. Which of the following factors might have guided his choice of topic?

A) Jacob's background and knowledge
B) The medium Jacob used to deliver his presentation
C) Jacob's relationship with the audience
D) The audience's level of understanding
E) The complexity of the topic

Question 50

Regarding good phone techniques, when screening calls for others, it is important to _____.

A) only identify yourself
B) only offer assistance
C) first identify the organization and yourself and then offer assistance
D) keep your identity confidential
E) refuse to connect to the person concerned unless a valid reason is given

Question 51

An information technology specialist was giving a presentation to employees at his company on the need to create secure passwords. He used the following opening: "Did you know that on average, cyber thieves can hack a lowercase password in less than five minutes?" This is an example of opening a presentation with a _____.

A) human-interest story
B) humorous anecdote
C) quotation
D) startling statement
E) prepared joke

Question 52

Which of the following is true of effective voice mail techniques?

A) A voice mail does not allow you to leave a more detailed message than you might leave with an assistant.
B) You must begin a voice mail with an overview of the message and then continue with the details.
C) If you want the listener to take action, you must call for it in the beginning of the message.
D) You need not directly ask the listener to return your call because by leaving a voice message, you are implying that the listener should call you back.
E) You must speak quickly to ensure that the entire message is recorded.

Question 53

The following statement was used as an opening for a presentation on the benefits of the industrial revolution: "In 1920, two men envisioned a garment store where the goods were manufactured entirely by machines, and they went on to make their vision a reality." Which of the following techniques has been used to engage the audience in this scenario?

A) Beginning the presentation with a quotation
B) Beginning the presentation with a human-interest story
C) Beginning the presentation with a humorous anecdote
D) Beginning the presentation with a shocking statement
E) Beginning the presentation with a question

Question 54

Dario Peraza, executive officer at Intium Technologies Inc., has a direct telephone line where clients can reach him. Which of the following would be an effective way for him to answer his calls?

A) Hello. Can I assist you?
B) Dario Peraza speaking.
C) How may I assist you?
D) Hello. You have called Intium Technologies. Who are you?
E) Intium Technologies. Dario Peraza speaking. May I help you?

Question 55

Which of the following elements should be included in the conclusion of a speech or presentation?

A) A summary of the keys points developed in the presentation
B) A statement that clearly defines the topic of the presentation
C) A statement that builds up the case
D) A quote by someone the audience knows and views as credible
E) A humorous anecdote

Question 56

Which of the following elements should be included when concluding a speech?

A) A statement to engage the audience right away
B) A human-interest story
C) A statement that builds up the case
D) A restatement of the subject
E) A statement that clearly defines the topic

Question 57

When screening a phone call, an assistant to a busy executive must _____.

A) courteously ask the purpose of the call
B) put the caller on hold for extended periods of time
C) promise a callback by the executive
D) promptly redirect the call to another assistant
E) disconnect the call

Question 58

Which of the following methods of presentation is the most difficult and usually results in the speaker becoming flustered if he or she misses out a word or two in the presentation?

A) An extemporaneous presentation
B) Reading
C) Rehearsing
D) A presentation with visual aids
E) Memorizing

Question 59

When giving a speech or a formal presentation, which of the following steps involves determining the contents of the introduction, body, and conclusion?

A) Determining the topic and purpose of the report
B) Preparing the presentation
C) Choosing the presentation method
D) Choosing the means of audience feedback
E) Gathering information for the speech

Question 60

Which of the following is true of an extemporaneous presentation?

A) An extemporaneous presentation is the least effective method of presenting a speech.
B) An extemporaneous presentation is the product of careful planning and practice.
C) You do not prepare notes when preparing for an extraneous presentation.
D) You memorize a long succession of words when preparing for an extemporaneous presentation.
E) You read the entire speech from a carefully prepared report in an extemporaneous presentation.

Question 61

Presenters who use supporting visuals in electronic form begin their talk with a(n) _____ that conveys the point of the talk, the speaker's name, and the name and logo of the sponsoring company.

A) outline slide
B) closing slide
C) body slide
D) title slide
E) topic slide

Question 62

Briefly describe the different varieties of web presentations.

Question 63

How does the delivery of a web presentation differ from that of an actual presentation?

A) In a Web presentation, a speaker makes use of visual aids to assist him in his presentation.
B) In a Web presentation, a speaker delivers the presentation from a desktop using a microphone.
C) In a Web presentation, a speaker makes use of verbal cues to gauge the audience's understanding.
D) In a Web presentation, a speaker varies the presentation depending on the response of the audience.
E) In a Web presentation, a speaker makes use of vocal emphasis for the understanding of the audience.

Question 64

Describe the aspects to be covered when preparing and delivering a collaborative presentation.

Question 65

Describe effective voice mail techniques.

Question 66

Why is it important to take minutes during meetings?

Question 67

Which of the following is the first step in delivering a webinar?

A) Sending announcements of the presentation to the target audience
B) Hiring an assistant to help during the presentation
C) Choosing a user-friendly technology that supports the webinar
D) Creating something for those participants who arrive early to view before the webinar begins
E) Choosing an appropriate medium for answering the audience's questions

Question 68

Which of the following is a physical aspect to be considered when delivering a collaborative presentation?

A) Choosing an attire that presents an impression of competence and professionalism
B) Determining the sequence of the presentation to ensure that the idea is well presented
C) Determining the content and the extent of contribution from each member
D) Planning the strategy of handling audience queries
E) Planning a conclusion and selecting the method of audience interaction

Question 69

When giving a presentation to an audience who will want to review the presentation later, the appropriate handout will be a(n) _____.

A) complete copy of the slides or of the report or proposal
B) outline of the basics with room for notes
C) quick-reference sheet
D) list of resources
E) card specifying the details of the venue and the date of the presentation

Question 70

List the appearance and physical factors to be considered when delivering a speech.

Question 71

When using visuals in delivering an oral presentation, you should avoid _____.

A) including only five brief bullet points per slide
B) using a 32 point-type for headings
C) using an 18 point-type for text
D) using a color combination that is complimentary
E) using a similar format across all slides

Question 72

In terms of improving your listening ability, why is it important to go easy on argument and criticism?

Question 73

Briefly describe the three methods of presenting a speech.

Question 74

Describe adaptation as an element of professional talking.

Question 75

List the pitfalls that a speaker must avoid when using presentation software for a speech or an oral report.

Question 76

Which of the following best describes the appropriate use of presentation software?

A) Putting a lot of information on each slide
B) Using different fonts throughout for the slide titles
C) Using bright color combinations
D) Using a lot of animation
E) Integrating what is on the slide into your talk

Question 77

A _____ is a Web-based get-together, usually for a small group of people who have chosen to conduct their interactions online rather than in a conference room.

A) webinar
B) webcast
C) Web meeting
D) conference call
E) podcast

Question 78

Describe the elements to be considered when bringing a speech to a close and methods of making a close effective.