Deck 12: Organizing and Outlining Your Speech

Question 1

In her speech on gardening, Elvira noted that she planted similar vegetables together, based on the idea that "foods that grow together go together." By pointing out where she planted each vegetable, Elvira used which organizational pattern for her speech?

A) Chronological
B) Problem-solution
C) Topical
D) Spatial

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Nicole was planning a speech advocating the position that all students be required to take two years of a foreign language prior to graduation. She was fairly certain that most of the people in her class were against her position. She felt that the strongest argument she had for this audience was the value of this skill when seeking employment. She decided to present that argument as her first main point. What principle is Nicole using?

A) Recency
B) Complexity
C) Primacy
D) Specificity

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Adrianna says, "Next, we will discuss the steps to become certified and remain certified in CPR: enroll in the course, attend the course, and keep your certification up to date by taking the course again." This is an example of a(n) _____.

A) initial preview
B) internal preview
C) internal summary
D) final summary

Answer 3

B

Question 4

If you want to inform an audience about the four types of sport utility vehicles on the market, which organizational pattern would work best?

A) Spatial
B) Topical
C) Chronological
D) Problem-solution

Question 5

Maxine develops a speech in which her main ideas include the following: I. Fuel emissions from cars result in pollution.
II) Driving alternative fuel vehicles will help decrease the pollution.
What type of organizational pattern is Maxine using?

A) Topical
B) Chronological
C) Spatial
D) Problem-solution

Question 6

What type of organizational pattern is reflected in these main points? I. As a young child, J.R.R. Tolkien and his young cousins invented a language called Nebosh.
II) As a college student, J.R.R. Tolkien invented several languages influenced by Welsh and Finnish.
III) By the time he published the works of fiction for which he is famous, J.R.R. Tolkien had invented a number of Elvish languages.

A) Chronological
B) Spatial
C) Topical
D) Problem-solution

Question 7

La Verne makes the claim in her persuasive speech that unregulated cars in major urban areas contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, and depletion of the ozone layer contributes to global warming. Which type of organizational pattern is reflected in this example?

A) Cause-effect
B) Topical
C) Problem-solution
D) Spatial

Question 8

In Stephanie's speech on jazz dance, she tells the audience in the introduction that she is going to discuss the history of the dance, some of the rules, and the benefits of dancing as it relates to cardiovascular fitness. What type of signpost is Stephanie demonstrating?

A) A transition
B) An initial preview
C) An internal summary
D) A final summary

Question 9

J.P. wants to develop a presentation about the five bases of interpersonal power (legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, and referent). His topic would be best suited for what type of organizational pattern?

A) Topical
B) Spatial
C) Chronological
D) Cause-and-effect

Question 10

An arrangement of ideas from the most important to the least important or from strongest to weakest is called __________.

A) recency
B) primacy
C) complexity
D) specificity

Question 11

In his last two speeches, Lenny used a technique of grouping his specific information and offering it first, followed by his general explanation and statistics, then in the second speech, by giving his general explanation and statistics first, then following with his illustrations. This technique is called _____.

A) recency
B) primacy
C) specificity
D) soft evidence

Question 12

Corinne spoke about how the cost of fuel continued to increase and offered possible ways to correct fuel inflation rates. What organizational pattern did Corinne use in this speech?

A) Cause-effect
B) Problem-solution
C) Chronological
D) Topical

Question 13

Janine organized her three statistics on organ transplants according to their significance. She saved her "clincher" point about how easy it is to indicate your willingness to donate by signing the back of your driver's license for the last point before her conclusion. What organizational principle did Janine demonstrate in this speech?

A) Complexity
B) Specificity
C) Primacy
D) Recency

Question 14

In his speech on varying explanations of how the earth came into existence, Eduardo begins with opinions, moves to inferences, and uses scientific facts in support of his last point. What principle of supporting material organization is Eduardo reflecting in his speech?

A) Primacy-recency
B) "Soft" to "hard" evidence
C) Complexity
D) The specificity principle

Question 15

For your persuasive speech on assisted suicide, you decide to first provide a hypothetical example of a terminally ill patient who requested assistance with bringing about his own death, then to talk about the current state of the laws covering assisted suicide. Which organizational strategy does this plan reflect?

A) Complexity
B) Specificity
C) Primacy
D) "Soft" to "hard" evidence

Question 16

When speakers give an opinion to support their speech topic, it is an example of _____ evidence.

A) soft
B) hard
C) topical
D) chronological

Question 17

Dallas has begun her main points with some that are very easy-to-understand and has then moved to concepts that are more difficult to understand. She has used which organizational style?

A) Regency
B) Primacy
C) Specificity
D) Complexity

Question 18

Margo wants to give a speech on the life of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. She wants her main points to discuss Kennedy's childhood, his college years, and his adult years. What type of organizational pattern is Margo using?

A) Topical
B) Chronological
C) Cause-effect
D) Problem-solution

Question 19

A way for the speaker to signal to the audience that he or she is moving from one idea to another is by using a(n) _____.

A) transition
B) preview
C) initial preview
D) summary

Question 20

Stephen was planning a speech on the environmental impact of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. He planned to organize his speech by starting at the area immediately around the cone, move to a discussion of the areas directly east of the mountain, and then move counterclockwise to the north and west of the mountain. What type of organizational pattern was he using?

A) Chronological
B) Spatial
C) Topical
D) Cause-and-effect

Question 21

What aspect of standard outlining procedure is NOT CORRECT in the following example? 1. The Ironman Triathlon includes three competitive events.
1) Competitors must swim five miles.
2) Competitors bicycle for 101 miles.
3) Competitors run for over 26 miles.
2) Ironman competitions are held in many different locations in the U.S.
1) Competitions are held in Atlanta.
2) Two competitions are in New York City.
3) Honolulu hosts a competition in November.

A) The use of standard numbering.
B) The use of at least two subdivisions.
C) The use of complete sentences.
D) The use of logical divisions of an idea.

Question 22

In the opening to her speech about eating disorders, Sheila told the story of her friend who almost died of anorexia. In her conclusion, she reminded her audience of what her friend had been through and explained that her friend was currently doing well in her battle against the disease. What strategy did Sheila use?

A) She provided closure to her presentation.
B) She referred to the occasion.
C) She issued a challenge to her audience.
D) She urged her audience to take action.

Question 23

Words or phrases such as "next," "finally," "in conclusion," "first," "second," "in addition," are referred to as _____.

A) internal summaries
B) internal previews
C) verbal transitions
D) nonverbal transitions

Question 24

You have gained your audience's attention, introduced your speech topic, previewed your main points, and given your audience a reason to listen to your speech. Next you transition into your first point. What have you left out of this speech introduction?

A) Nothing; you have included all of the necessary elements of an effective introduction.
B) You have overlooked the preview statement.
C) You have not established your credibility
D) You have not included your specific purpose.

Question 25

In his speech about registering to vote, Dan explains the new legislation that allows voter registration to coincide with driver's license renewal. He concludes the speech by stating that any person who is not registered should stop by one of several locations listed on the chalkboard and register in time for the next election. Finally, Dan reiterates, "Everyone, please register to vote; it's your right and your duty as a citizen." What aspect of effective conclusions has Dan used?

A) A personal reference to his own experience
B) A challenge to the audience
C) Motivating the audience to respond
D) An effective summary of main points in a speech

Question 26

Which guideline is NOT true for using note cards successfully?

A) You should plan your note cards according to logical blocks of material.
B) You should number your note cards.
C) Your note cards can include delivery cues.
D) You should write out your entire introduction and conclusion.

Question 27

How do the three subpoints in the following outline violate standard outlining form? A. The current status of our blood supply creates a bleak picture.
1) There is a serious depletion of blood bank supplies.
2) Potential donors have quit donating blood.
3) Contaminated blood.

A) The subpoints in the outline are not all grammatically parallel.
B) The subpoints in the outline follow correct indentation standards.
C) The subpoints in the outline are not logically divided.
D) Only Roman numerals should appear in outlines, not Arabic numbers.

Question 28

Meg is about to finish her speech and she wants to signal to the audience that the presentation is concluding. Which of the following would she use?

A) Complexity
B) Recency
C) Primacy
D) Closure

Question 29

In a speech, Rebecca said: "Thus, you should now understand the three most recommended methods for enhancing your ability to recall people's names: the repetition method, the word-association method, and the visual imagery method. I hope that you will put these methods into practice and that you will remember my name the next time you see me in the hall. Thank you." What device is Rebecca making use of in her speech?

A) A transition
B) A preview statement
C) An internal summary
D) A final summary

Question 30

"Every I should have a II, and every A should have a B," is related to the principle of outlining concerned with _____.

A) making headings parallel
B) subdivisions
C) standard numbering
D) using correct indentation

Question 31

A speech introduction that begins with, "Did you know that a light bulb has been invented that will last ten times as long as the ones we use today, but the government won't let it be marketed to the public?" is employing a device known as a(n) _____.

A) startling fact
B) reference to a historical event
C) personal reference
D) illustration

Question 32

Reminders such as "Look up," "Pause," "Slow down," written on the delivery outline in a different color of ink are known as _____.

A) signposts
B) delivery cues
C) nonverbal transitions
D) delivery procedures

Question 33

In Max's speech on skiing, he is trying to decide whether or not to tell the audience in his introduction that he has been skiing since he was just a kid. He wonders if this will help or hurt his credibility. What advice from your book applies here?

A) Ted should avoid describing his experience with the topic because he will appear to be a "know-it-all" and will sound condescending to his audience.
B) Ted should give a brief, credibility-building explanation of his experience with the topic.
C) Ted should give a full explanation of his experience with the topic, including when he started skiing, how many years he's skied, how often he skis, etc.
D) For the sake of suspense, Ted should wait until his conclusion to describe his skiing experience.

Question 34

After doing a survey of his class, Ryan decided his discussion of Tesla's death ray device would be difficult for his audience to follow. One of the ways he adapted to this was to paraphrase and repeat vital information at the end of each main point. What device was Ryan using in his speech?

A) Internal summary
B) Transition
C) Preview
D) Final summary

Question 35

When appropriately adapting messages to others, Principle Five suggests that you _____.

A) use the introduction of your presentation to establish credibility
B) use your introduction and conclusion to adapt your presentation to your audience
C) add delivery cues and reminders to your final speaking notes
D) consider cultural differences in the organization of speakers from other cultures as you listen to different presentations

Question 36

A verbal or nonverbal organizational cue for the audience's ears is called a _____.

A) preview
B) summary
C) signpost
D) speaker note

Question 37

Before moving to your next point in your presentation you say, "We have discussed what sleep deprivation is and why it can be a problem for college students." This is an example of a(n) _____.

A) internal preview
B) internal summary
C) initial preview
D) final summary

Question 38

A recap of what the speaker has said is called a _____.

A) summary
B) main point
C) verbal transition
D) complexity

Question 39

As Jerome reached the third and final point of his speech, he paused dramatically and moved about three feet toward his left before continuing. This example describes Jerome using a(n) _____.

A) nonverbal transition
B) verbal transition
C) internal preview
D) final summary

Question 40

When made during the introduction, the statement, "Today I am going to explain to you the reasons why stretching your muscles is important during exercise, how to stretch, and what to avoid when you stretch," is an example of a(n) _____.

A) final summary
B) startling introductory device
C) specific purpose statement
D) initial preview

Question 41

The sense that a presentation is finished is called recency.

Question 42

A speaker who discusses the consequences of binge drinking, then the contributing factors, is using a problem-solution pattern of organization.

Question 43

Even though you deliver an introduction first, you usually plan it last.

Question 44

Describing the parts of a golf club from top to bottom is an example of a spatial pattern of arrangement.

Question 45

According to the rules of subdivision, if you have an A in your outline, then you must follow it with a B.

Question 46

The principle of recency suggests that the audience will remember best what they hear last.

Question 47

You should NOT refer back to the introduction in your conclusion because that only bores the audience.

Question 48

The idea that you have saved your best point to be used as your last point illustrates the theory of primacy.

Question 49

When you organize a speech by explaining the steps of a process in terms of what occurs first, second, third, and so on, you are using a chronological organizational pattern.

Question 50

A preparation outline includes speaking notes and is used to deliver the speech.

Question 51

The very first thing you should do in your speech is give the initial preview.

Question 52

According to the principle of complexity, you should offer a specific illustration first, followed by a general explanation.

Question 53

When you support a main point by beginning with the complex ideas and moving to the more simple ones, you are using the complexity principle.

Question 54

If you have used internal summaries in your speech, it is not a good idea to also use a final summary.

Question 55

It is a good idea for a speaker to include his or her purpose statement in the speaking notes.

Question 56

If your main points discuss something that needs to be changed then offers a plan for changing it, they are organized with a topical pattern of organization.

Question 57

An analogy is an example of soft evidence.

Question 58

Carl's audience doesn't agree with some of the things he will be presenting, so he decides to start his speech by talking about the things they do agree with him on. This demonstrates the principle of primacy.

Question 59

Phrases like "In addition," "In other words," and "In summary" are examples of verbal transitions.

Question 60

During the conclusion, it is NOT advised to reemphasize the central idea.

Question 61

To support his speech on the rising costs of healthcare, Tony used statistics that showed the cost of procedures to the hospital and the even higher costs to the patient. These statistics are an example of _____ evidence.

Question 62

The most frequently used organizational pattern is the _____ pattern.

Question 63

The method of arranging ideas from the strongest or least controversial to the weakest or most controversial utilizes the principle of _____.

Question 64

In her speech, Kayla discussed the history of fashion, beginning with clothing styles of the late 1800s, then discussing the flapper girls of the 1920s, and finishing with the modern fashions of today. Discuss why this speech was organized chronologically.

Question 65

Words such as "louder" and "slow down" written on your note cards are known as _____.

Question 66

Explain the role of an internal summary

Question 67

Briefly explain the notion of credibility as it applies to public speaking.

Question 68

A speech that discusses the low percentage of voters turning out for the past local election and then moves on to suggest the possibility of Internet voting is using the organizational pattern of _____.

Question 69

You have been asked to give a speech describing your college campus. You decide to use a spatial pattern for this speech. What would be included in your speech?

Question 70

Briefly explain the spatial organization pattern.

Question 71

Gary planned to discuss the medieval weapons by describing three types of swords used during that period. If he discusses each type of sword as a main point, he would be using a(n) _____ organizational pattern.

Question 72

What are nonverbal transitions?

Question 73

What should an introduction accomplish?

Question 74

What should a conclusion accomplish?

Question 75

The chronological organizational pattern organizes a topic by ___ or sequence.

Question 76

Developing a point by moving from the simplest ideas to the most complicated ideas utilizes the principle of _____.

Question 77

A _____ signals the audience that a speaker is going from one idea to another.

Question 78

Briefly define the cause-effect organizational pattern.

Question 79

When you arrange your ideas from the least to the most important, you are using the principle of _____.

Question 80

Explain the principle of specificity.