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1. The first step in creating a speech involves determining the purpose of the speech.
A) True
B) False
2. Audience analysis is a systematic process of getting to know your listeners relative to the
topic and the speech occasion.
A) True
B) False
3. The general purpose of a speech is to inform an audience.
A) True
B) False
4. There are two general speech purposes: to inform and to persuade.
A) True
B) False
5. “To inform my audience how glaciers are formed” is a specific purpose statement.
A) True
B) False
6. “The death penalty should be abolished because it does not deter crime, is extremely
costly, and is cruel and unusual punishment” is a specific purpose for a persuasive speech.
A) True
B) False
7. A thesis statement is a short statement that clearly expresses the central idea of a speech.
A) True
B) False
8. Forming a specific purpose for a speech occurs after you formulate your thesis statement.
A) True
B) False
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9. In the planning stage, a speaker can use the thesis statement as a guidepost to make sure
that he or she is on track.
A) True
B) False
10. An effective speech should be organized around at least four or five main points.
A) True
B) False
11. Supporting material can include personal experiences.
A) True
B) False
12. Every speech has three major parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
A) True
B) False
13. An introduction serves to catch the audience’s attention, introduce you and your topic,
and preview the thesis and main points.
A) True
B) False
14. During the body of a speech, the speaker should alert the audience to the specific purpose
of the speech.
A) True
B) False
15. The speech body contains the main points and subpoints of the speech.
A) True
B) False
16. Supporting material is used mostly during the body of the speech.
A) True
B) False
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17. All main points should support the speech’s thesis statement.
A) True
B) False
18. In the conclusion, the speaker should restate the thesis statement and reiterate how the
main points confirm it.
A) True
B) False
19. Subordinate points in an outline are indicated by their placement below and to the right
of the points they support.
A) True
B) False
20. Subpoints cannot be coordinate points.
A) True
B) False
21. Every main point or subpoint should have at least two other points coordinate to it.
A) True
B) False
22. Speakers need a working outline or a speaking outline, but not both.
A) True
B) False
23. Speaking outlines generally contain points stated in complete sentences.
A) True
B) False
24. Presentation aids are also referred to as visual aids.
A) True
B) False
25. In speechmaking, evidence and support are synonymous terms.
A) True
B) False
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26. To deliver an effective speech, speakers should practice at least two times.
A) True
B) False
27. Topic selection will always be the second step in the speechmaking process, right after
audience analysis.
A) True
B) False
28. Your speech may use visual aids or audio aids, but it should not include both.
A) True
B) False
29. Practicing the number of times recommended for a four-to-six-minute speech will take
twenty to thirty minutes of actual practice time, figuring in re-starts and pauses.
A) True
B) False
30. Which step in the speechmaking process comes earliest in the process?
A) selecting a topic
B) determining the speech purpose
C) developing main points
D) composing a thesis statement
31. The first step in the speechmaking process is ______, and the last step is ______.
A) selecting a topic; considering presentation aids
B) analyzing the audience; practicing delivery of the speech
C) stating the speech purpose; outlining the speech
D) composing a thesis statement; gathering supporting materials
32. Formal audience analysis involves the study of an audience through techniques such as
A) interviews and questionnaires.
B) observation and tape-recording.
C) surveys and assumptions.
D) interviews and online research.
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33. “To mark a special occasion” is a
A) thesis statement.
B) general speech purpose.
C) specific speech purpose.
D) speech topic.
34. To inform, to persuade, and to mark a special occasion are the three types of
A) general speech purpose.
B) specific speech purpose.
C) thesis statement.
D) speech occasion.
35. Anne chose to give a speech to her classmates about the categories of computer games.
The general purpose of Anne’s speech was
A) to inform.
B) to persuade.
C) to sell.
D) to define.
36. The ______ of a speech is what the speaker intends the audience to learn or do as a result
of the speech.
A) general purpose
B) specific purpose
C) thesis statement
D) chosen topic
37. An effective speech should be organized around ______ main point(s).
A) one
B) two or three
C) four or five
D) seven or eight
38. Supporting material illustrates main points by ______ the speaker’s main ideas.
A) substituting
B) revealing
C) verifying
D) questioning
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39. Which parts of a speech alert audience members to your thesis statement?
A) introduction and body
B) body and conclusion
C) introduction and conclusion
D) introduction, body, and conclusion
40. In which part of a speech should the speaker illustrate each main point using supporting
material?
A) introduction
B) body
C) conclusion
D) outline
41. Which is a function of the conclusion?
A) capture the audience’s attention
B) review the thesis
C) use transitions to move to the next section of the speech
D) introduce yourself and the topic
42. In an outline, what kinds of points support main points?
A) coordinate
B) subordinate
C) equivalent
D) superior
43. Outlines are based on the principle of
A) coordination and subordination.
B) general and specific purpose.
C) primacy and recency.
D) topic selection.
44. Which kind of outline is usually brief and contains key words or phrases?
A) working
B) speaking
C) specific
D) operational
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45. Presentation aids
A) can include visual aids, audio aids, or a combination of different aids.
B) should be selected early in the speech preparation process.
C) are defined as visual aids, such as PowerPoint presentations.
D) should be visual or audio but never both.
46. A speech should be practiced at least how many times?
A) two times
B) four times
C) six times
D) eight times
47. The goal of practicing the delivery of your speech should be to
A) memorize your speech.
B) make your speech sound natural.
C) perfect your speech.
D) be able to read your working outline smoothly.
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Answer Key
1. B
2. A
3. B
4. B
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