Page 1
1. Pitch is the relative loudness of a speaker’s voice while giving a speech.
A) True
B) False
2. The proper volume for delivering a speech is somewhat louder than that of normal
conversation.
A) True
B) False
3. When adjusting speaking volume, factors a speaker should consider include the size of
the room and the number of people in the audience.
A) True
B) False
4. Pitch is the range of sounds from high to low (or vice versa).
A) True
B) False
5. When there is no variety in pitch, speaking becomes monotonous.
A) True
B) False
6. Pauses in speeches can lead to awkwardness and should be avoided as much as possible.
A) True
B) False
7. The key to projecting your voice is to breathe deeply from your vocal cords.
A) True
B) False
8. The normal rate of speech for adults is between 250 and 300 words per minute.
A) True
B) False
9. Unnecessary and undesirable words used to cover pauses are called vocal fillers.
A) True
B) False
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10. Enthusiasm is key to achieving effective vocal variety in a speech.
A) True
B) False
11. Research shows that a faster speaking style is perceived as less credible than moderate or
slow speaking rates.
A) True
B) False
12. Pronunciation is the clarity or forcefulness with which word sounds are made so that they
are audible and discernible.
A) True
B) False
13. Incorrect pronunciations are a matter of habit.
A) True
B) False
14. An example of lazy speech is saying “gonna” instead of “going to.”
A) True
B) False
15. When wearing a hands-free lavalier microphone, you should speak as if you were in a
normal, one-on-one conversation.
A) True
B) False
16. A speaker’s cultural dialect may be distracting to the audience.
A) True
B) False
17. Pronouncing the “w” in “sword” is an error of articulation.
A) True
B) False
Page 3
18. The proper way to do a sound check is to
A) blow into the microphone.
B) say “check, check” into the microphone.
C) perform a tongue-twister that includes a lot of “popping” letters (p, t, and d).
D) ask the audience if they can hear you clearly when you first speak.
19. _____ conveys your mood, level of enthusiasm, concern for the audience, and overall
commitment to the occasion.
A) Volume
B) Pitch
C) Rate
D) Intonation
20. Natural speaking pitch is determined by
A) anatomy.
B) the gender of the speaker.
C) intonation.
D) nerves, or lack of them.
21. ______ refers to the rising and falling of vocal pitch across phrases and sentences, which
can result in the same word or phrase conveying very distinct meanings. For example: “It’s time
to study already,” or “It’s time to study already?”
A) Rate
B) Intonation
C) Volume
D) Articulation
22. The strength of our voices depends on the amount of air the _____ push(es) to the vocal
cords. A) diaphragm
B) lungs
C) abdominal muscles
D) bronchial tubes
23. Both fast and slow speaking rates can signal _____ to your audience.
A) nervousness
B) excitement
C) unpreparedness
D) credibility
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24. The use of _____ can enhance meaning by providing a type of punctuation, emphasizing
a point, or drawing attention to a key thought.
A) vocal fillers
B) pauses
C) dialects
D) pitches
25. _____ distinguishes a question from a statement.
A) Pausing
B) Intonation
C) Volume
D) Rate
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Answer Key
1. B
2. A
3. A