Oral Communication Midterm Exam
Course Introduction
Oral Communication is a foundational course that explores the principles and practices of effective verbal communication in various settings. Students learn techniques for organizing ideas, developing clear messages, and adapting their speaking style to diverse audiences. The course covers topics such as public speaking, group discussions, active listening, and the use of nonverbal cues. Through presentations, peer feedback, and interactive exercises, students build confidence and competence in delivering information, persuading audiences, and participating in collaborative dialogues, preparing them for professional and personal interactions.
Recommended Textbook
A Concise Public Speaking Handbook 4th Edition by Steven A. Beebe
Available Study Resources on Quizplus
26 Chapters
682 Verified Questions
682 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/study-set/200
Page 2
Chapter 1: Speaking in Public
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2888
Sample Questions
Q1) During her speech to a student group about the importance of voter registration, Celine spoke very casually, sat on the table in the front of the room, and was dressed in shorts and an old t-shirt. Whichofthe following statements BEST describes this situation?
A) Celine adapted to her audience well by making her speech an informal event.
B) Celine did nothing wrong by taking a casual approach to a casual topic.
C) Celine violated several ethical principles about public speaking.
D) Celine ignored the rule that public speaking is more formal than conversation.
Answer: D
Q2) Which of the following is affected by a speaker's posture and gestures?
A) visual communication channel
B) auditory communication channel
C) internal noise
D) context
Answer: A
Q3) Public speaking is more fluid and interactive than conversation.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
3
Chapter 2: Improving Your Confidence
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2889
Sample Questions
Q1) A study found that _____ are likely to experience more anxiety than _____ when speaking to people from a culture different from their own.
A) men; women
B) people from collectivist cultures; people from individualist cultures
C) women; men
D) people from individualist cultures; people from collectivist cultures
Answer: A
Q2) Actually visualizing yourself in the room in which the speech will take place and imagining audience applause will only make you more nervous.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q3) The more nervous you get when speaking, the more you should seek opportunities to speak.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 4
Chapter 3: Presenting Your First Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2890
Sample Questions
Q1) You should always memorize your speech so you won't forget any of the words.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q2) The central idea is a one-sentence summary of your speech.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q3) Sensitivity to the audience response during the speech can enable the speaker to make appropriate adjustments.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q4) The three major divisions of a speech are
A) the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
B) the introduction, the preview, and the main points.
C) the introduction, the body, and transitions.
D) the introduction, the conclusion, and the delivery.
Answer: A
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 5
Chapter 4: Ethics and Free Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2891
Sample Questions
Q1) Speakers have to cite sources for direct quotes but not for paraphrasing.
A)True
B)False
Q2) After the September 11<sup>th</sup> terrorist attacks, the passage of the Patriot Act sparked a new debate over the balance between
A) foreign policy and domestic policy.
B) national security and free speech.
C) technology and free speech.
D) free speech and government spending.
Q3) Beliefs and values by which we determine right from wrong are termed ethics.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Aristotle used the term ethos to refer to a speaker's A) charisma.
B) intelligence.
C) credibility.
D) confidence.
Q5) Aristotle used the term ethos to refer to a speaker's competence. A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 6
Chapter 5: Listening
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2892
Sample Questions
Q1) Arelational-oriented listener prefers a speaker who avoids emotion.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Selecting, attending, understanding, and remembering are all a part of effective listening.
A)True
B)False
Q3) In her speech about homelessness in the United States, Charlotte becomes a bit emotional, her voice choking up a little. This causes Amy, an audience member, to become emotional too. What type of listeningis occurring in this situation?
A) listening for information
B) listening for pleasure
C) listening to evaluate
D) listening to empathize
Q4) According to the working memory theory of listening, as listeners, we find it harder to concentrate on and remember messages when our working memory is full.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 7
Chapter 6: Analyzing Your Audience
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2893
Sample Questions
Q1) For her informative speech assignment, Carol has chosen biomedical ethics as her topic. But before she begins, she compiles a questionnaire for audience members to determine their personal knowledge,interest, and attitudes about this issue. What is the term for this technique?
A) formal audience analysis
B) informal audience analysis
C) informal situational analysis
D) formal situational analysis
Q2) Asking for the audience's average age is an example of an open-ended question.
A)True
B)False
Q3) After you've completed your speech, what are the BEST indicators of your speaking success?
A) verbal responses
B) survey responses
C) behavioral responses
D) nonverbal responses
Q4) Audience analysis is the process of examining information about your listeners. A)True
B)False
Page 8
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 7: Adapting to Your Audience as You Speak
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2894
Sample Questions
Q1) Listeners from cultures with a _____ orientation consider time an important resource.
A) high-power
B) high-context
C) short-term time
D) long-term time
Q2) While delivering her speech, Patricia notices that numerous members of her audience have an entirely frozen, unresponsive face. Some also have a slightly tilted head; a faint, frozen smile; and a hand holding up their chin. According to the text, what does this indicate about the audience?
A) They are completely enthralled with Patricia's speech.
B) They are being distracted by external noise.
C) They are offended by or in complete disagreement with the content of Patricia's speech.
D) They are trying to look like they are interested, while they are actually in a stupor of daydreaming.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
9
Chapter 8: Developing Your Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
29 Verified Questions
29 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2895
Sample Questions
Q1) I'm going to talk about the sport of racquetball, including the history of the game, some of the basic equipment used when playing racquetball, and some of the health benefits derived from the sport.Thisisan example of
A) a blueprint statement.
B) a specific purpose.
C) an attention-getter.
D) a general purpose.
Q2) The _____ of virtually any speech will be either to inform, to persuade, or to entertain.
A) general purpose
B) blueprint
C) central idea
D) specific purpose
Q3) When combined with a central idea, a preview statement can form a "blueprint" of a speech.
A)True
B)False
Q4) The specific purpose is stated as part of the introduction to your speech.
A)True
B)False
Page 10
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 9: Gathering Supporting Material
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2896
Sample Questions
Q1) The purpose of a commercial Web site is to advocate a group's point of view.
A)True
B)False
Q2) It is essential to evaluate Web resources before using them for speech research.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, atlases, almanacs, yearbooks, books of quotations, and biographical dictionaries are examples of reference resources.
A)True
B)False
Q4) When planning an interview, you should keep your questions spontaneous.
A)True
B)False
Q5) What resource would you use in order to conduct a Boolean search?
A) a periodical index
B) the Internet
C) a knowledgeable expert
D) a specialized encyclopedia
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 11
Chapter 10: Supporting Your Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2897
Sample Questions
Q1) Samantha is giving a speech on binge drinking. She uses supporting material that says, "A binge drinker is a man who drinks five or more drinks in one sitting or a woman who drinks four." This type of supporting material is
A) a definition.
B) an analogy.
C) an illustration.
D) an opinion.
Q2) When it comes to using literary quotations in your speech, the more you use the better.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Jimmy wants to use a literary quotation as supporting material in his speech on great presidents of the twentieth century. The BEST advice for him is to
A) keep the quote brief.
B) make sure it is long and important.
C) say "quote" and "unquote."
D) try to find quotes that are new to the audience.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 12
Chapter 11: Organizing Your Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2898
Sample Questions
Q1) Previews help to ensure that audience members will first anticipate and later remember the important points of a speech.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Most cultures tend to organize and process information in a linear pattern.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Deanna makes the claim in her persuasive speech that unregulated car emissions in major urban areas worldwide contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, which contributes to global warming. Which typeof organizational pattern is reflected in this example?
A) problem-solution
B) spatial
C) topical
D) cause-effect
Q4) Stating a problem and then discussing its causes pertains most directly to the problem-solution pattern of arranging points.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 13
Chapter 12: Developing an Introduction
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2899
Sample Questions
Q1) In an introduction, you may ask a question that doesn't require a response but makes the audience think about your topic. This is called
A) a primacy question.
B) a hypothetical question.
C) a rhetorical question.
D) an unanswerable question.
Q2) ________ are usually made at weddings, birthday parties, and dedications.
A) Personal references
B) Historical references
C) Occasion references
D) Recent event references
Q3) The first step in an introduction is to
A) preview the main ideas.
B) establish credibility.
C) get the audience's attention.
D) reveal the topic.
Q4) Humor is NOT a good attention-gaining strategy if your audience is linguistically diverse.
A)True
B)False
Page 14
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 13: Developing a Conclusion
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2900
Sample Questions
Q1) Any of the methods used for the introduction of your speech can be used in the conclusion.
A)True
B)False
Q2) "In less than two weeks summer will begin. We will all have our beach trips planned and our weekends at the lake to look forward to. Please consider using sunscreen." This is an example of a(n)
A) reference to the introduction.
B) inspirational appeal.
C) challenge.
D) use of anecdotes.
Q3) Verbal and nonverbal signals should NOT be used to provide closure.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Most speakers summarize the speech at the end of the conclusion.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Inspirational appeals are a way to conclude a speech.
A)True
B)False
Page 15
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 14: Outlining and Revising Your Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2901
Sample Questions
Q1) When developing a preparation outline, you should write out everything EXCEPT A) directions for delivering your speech.
B) your specific purpose and a blueprint.
C) transitions and signposts.
D) your main ideas and all support.
Q2) In a preparation outline, the specific purpose should be placed
A) in the introduction.
B) at the top of the outline.
C) on the source page.
D) at the bottom of the outline.
Q3) You should NOT include the specific purpose statement in your speaking notes. A)True
B)False
Q4) What is the major benefit of using standard outline form?
A) It points out important phrases you need to remember.
B) It helps you remember the main ideas of your speech.
C) It points out relationships between main ideas and supporting material.
D) It is neat and appropriate for speechmaking.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 16
Chapter 15: Using Words Well
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2902
Sample Questions
Q1) ________ refers to words or phrases specific to one part of the country but rarely used in quite the same way in other places.
A) Ethnic vernaculars
B) Regionalism
C) Jargon
D) Spanglish
Q2) Parallelism occurs when many words in a sentence begin with the same letter.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Sexist language is always a direct and intentional form of discrimination.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Which of the following is a figure of speech that uses an implied comparison?
A) simile
B) personification
C) metaphor
D) alliteration
Q5) Asimile is an implied comparison.
A)True
B)False
Page 17
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 16: Methods of Delivery
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2903
Sample Questions
Q1) According to the text, what is the key to an effective manuscript speech?
A) to appear intelligent by using the maximum amount of technical language.
B) to use the manuscript as a presentation aid by showing it to the audience.
C) to conceal the manuscript from the audience so they don't know you are reading from it.
D) to sound as though you are not giving a manuscript speech.
Q2) Given the task of preparing a speech, Susan decides to speak from an outline that can help her sound conversational and spontaneous. She wants to be able to adapt her remarks to the feedback she receivesfrom the audience. She also wants to make more eye contact with the audience. What method of delivery will be BEST, given Susan's speech goals?
A) memory speaking
B) extemporaneous speaking
C) impromptu speaking
D) manuscript speaking
Q3) Memorized speaking rarely sounds stiff, stilted, and overrehearsed.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 18
Chapter 17: Nonverbal Communication
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2904
Sample Questions
Q1) Aspeaker who pounds one hand into another is using a repeating gesture.
A)True
B)False
Q2) You can never use too many gestures in a speech.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Tom is speaking on a stage, behind a rather tall podium. His audience is made up of elementary school children. What does Tom need to do to immediately improve his speech?
A) reduce the physical barriers
B) minimize any movement
C) reduce his gesturing
D) stand up straight
Q4) It is acceptable to keep your hands in your pocket while delivering your speech.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Even during a very informal presentation, it is NEVER appropriate to deliver your speech while sitting on the edge of a desk.
A)True
B)False
Page 19
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 18: Verbal Communication
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2905
Sample Questions
Q1) Savannah, a native of Georgia, has a strong southern accent. Should Savannah try to modify her dialect when she makes public presentations?
A) No; if Savannah is proud of her southern heritage, she should sound like a southerner and not attempt to modify her vocal style.
B) Yes; if Savannah's dialect is so pronounced that audiences can't understand her, then she should attempt to modify her dialect.
C) No; Savannah probably needs to slow down some to give non-southern audiences more potential for understanding, but she shouldn't modify her dialect.
D) Yes; speakers should minimize any traces of regionalism in their vocal delivery so as to be understood by a wide variety of audiences.
Q2) All of the following are guidelines for rehearsing your speech EXCEPT
A) if possible, record audio or video of your rehearsals.
B) finish drafting your speech outline at least five hours before your speech performance.
C) practice your speech aloud to determine where you will need notes to prompt yourself.
D) present your speech to someone else so you can practice eye contact.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 20
Chapter 19: Adapting and Delivering Your Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2906
Sample Questions
Q1) You should never use verbal signpost while answering audience questions.
A)True
B)False
Q2) According to the ________ principle, people move closer to things they like and away from things they dislike.
A) complementing
B) intimacy
C) emphasizing
D) immediacy
Q3) It is important to eat a heavy meal before your speech, so you don't get hungry while you are speaking.
A)True
B)False
Q4) A final mental rehearsal right before your speech will help ensure a successful delivery.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Japan would be considered a high-context culture.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 21
Chapter 20: Selecting Presentation Aids
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
23 Verified Questions
23 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2907
Sample Questions
Q1) When you use models as presentation aids, you should make sure they are large enough to be seen by all audience members.
A)True
B)False
Q2) ______ are a type of visual aid that shows relationships between two or more variables.
A) Line graphs
B) Pie graphs
C) Bar graphs
D) Picture graphs
Q3) What is one advantage of using presentation aids?
A) They can help a speaker stay within the time limit.
B) They can substitute for a general lack of information.
C) They cover up a speaker's visible nervousness.
D) They help your audience understand and remember.
Q4) Most audiences, especially those in the corporate world, expect a speaker to use computer-generated presentation aids.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 22
Chapter 21: Preparing and Using Presentation Aids
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2908
Sample Questions
Q1) If you're competent using a computer, you really don't need to practice out loud with your PowerPoint.
A)True
B)False
Q2) When you use presentation aids, you should always remember
A) Moore's Law
B) the Law of Attraction.
C) the Law of Averages.
D) Murphy's Law.
Q3) Some presentation aids speak for themselves, you don't need to explain them.
A)True
B)False
Q4) When preparing visual aids, use simple drawings or pictures.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Once you introduce a visual aid, you should keep it in front of the audience throughout your speech.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 23
Chapter 22: Informative Speaking
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2909
Sample Questions
Q1) An effective way to keep an audience's attention is to tell a story. According to your text, what are elements of a good story?
A) action, suspense, dialogue, humor
B) characters, plot, action, humor
C) conflict, dialogue, action, humor
D) conflict, action, suspense, humor
Q2) Research suggests that two days after your speech, most audience members will still remember about 75 percent of your speech.
A)True
B)False
Q3) The type of informative talk you are planning will NOT impact your central and main ideas.
A)True
B)False
Q4) To speak with clarity is to express ideas so that the listener understands the intended message accurately.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 24
Chapter 23: Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2910
Sample Questions
Q1) Of attitudes, beliefs, and value, attitudes are the most easily changed.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Lindsay decides to give a persuasive speech on the right to vote. She says that voting is important because it reveals one's patriotism while also upholding democracy in national, state, and local governments. Her statements most clearly reflect her A) values.
B) facts.
C) beliefs.
D) attitudes.
Q3) Knowing what your listeners value and appealing to those values is known in persuasion as
A) positive motivation.
B) self-actualization appeal.
C) self-esteem appeal.
D) negative motivation.
Q4) In persuasive speaking, the audience is always persuaded by logic. A)True
B)False
25
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 24: Using Persuasive Strategies
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2911
Sample Questions
Q1) The type of reasoning that involves reaching a general conclusion from specific instances is known as
A) deductive reasoning.
B) generalization.
C) reasoning by analogy.
D) inductive reasoning.
Q2) One important step in persuading receptive audiences is to make it easy for them to take action.
A)True
B)False
Q3) The goal of using cause-and-effect organization is to convince your listeners that one event caused another.
A)True
B)False
Q4) The audience's perception of a speaker's competence, trustworthiness, and dynamism is termed
A) credibility.
B) charisma.
C) character.
D) personality.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 26
Chapter 25: Speaking on Special Occasions
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2912
Sample Questions
Q1) When you make a speech placing someone's name in nomination for an office or award, what should you be sure to mention?
A) the nominee's qualifications for this award or office
B) funny stories that might be associated with the nominee
C) the history and significance of the award or office
D) past winners or office-holders that are in the audience
Q2) A_____ speech is designed to inform the public and improve relations with them-either in general or because a particular program or situation has raised some questions.
A) public-relations
B) ceremonial
C) eulogy
D) briefing
Q3) When offering a brief salute to a special occasion or person, you are giving
A) an introduction.
B) a eulogy.
C) a toast.
D) an address.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 26: Speaking in Small Groups
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2913
Sample Questions
Q1) Reflective thinking is John Dewey's five-step method of problem solving.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Ariana presented evidence to the group in the form of library research that refuted some evidence on which they had already based their solution. Paula said they should just ignore it, since it opposedtheir solution to the problem. Russ suggested that they discuss it and decide whether this newly discovered evidence even applied to their project. Which tip for participating in a small group did Russ effectively enact?
A) help manage conflict
B) prepare for group discussions
C) summarize the group's progress
D) evaluate the evidence
Q3) Moderators are very rarely necessary in group presentations.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Once a group has selected the best solution, their final task is to test and implement the solution.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 28