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1.
Define communication apprehension.
2.
What is the difference between public speaking anxiety (PSA) and communication
apprehension (CA)?
3.
What are the three common anxiety triggers your textbook discusses?
4.
List two strategies a speaker can use to help build his or her confidence.
5.
A television news anchor would probably use what method of speech delivery?
6.
Give an example of a time when you might be required to give an impromptu speech.
7.
Define extemporaneous delivery.
8.
Why is it important for a speaker to vary the pitch of his or her voice?
9.
A speaker who omits certain sounds in a word, runs words together, and speaks so softly
that a listener can hardly hear what he or she is saying is guilty of what articulation
problem?
10.
List three types of presentation aids that you, as a speaker, have access to in your
classroom.
11.
Briefly describe one of the pitfalls of using slideshows like PowerPoint.
12.
Lindsay is a fairly typical student in an introductory speech class. Her anxiety about
giving speeches is by no means crippling, but she doesn’t feel especially confident about
her abilities. Based on what you have learned in this chapter, what advice would you
give to help Lindsay build her self-confidence?
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13.
List and define the four methods of speech delivery. Describe any advantages or
disadvantages each method holds for speakers. For each method, identify a context in
which that method of delivery would be appropriate.
14.
Impromptu speaking is difficult to do effectively. How can a speaker prepare himself or
herself to speak effectively in this context?
15.
“It’s not just what you say, but also how you say it.” With this expression in mind,
explain how nonverbal elements of vocal delivery help to make a message clear.
16.
Imagine that you’ve finished this course, have done well, and have been hired to tutor
students who are taking a course similar to this one. What would you say to help them
understand the importance of effective speech delivery, as well as to help them learn
how to deliver their presentations more effectively?
17.
List and describe the various types of presentation aids a speaker could use to clarify his
or her message. Based on what you have learned in this chapter, what would you
recommend as some guidelines for creating good presentation aids and for using them
well during a presentation?
18.
We’ve all heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect,” but you’ve learned in this chapter
that there are effective and also not-so-effective ways to practice. Synthesizing what you
have learned throughout this chapter (and, quite possibly, other chapters), explain what
you understand to be effective methods of practicing for a speech.
19.
Synthesizing what you have learned throughout this chapter, what advice would you
give Alex, who is preparing to give a speech in class and planning to use PowerPoint as
a presentation aid? Specifically, what would you remind Alex about vocal and physical
delivery, about presentation aid usage, and about practicing the speech?
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Answer Key
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