Page 1
1.
_______ is the relative loudness of a speaker’s voice while giving a speech.
2.
The proper volume for delivering a speech is somewhat _______ than that of normal
conversation.
3.
A speaker should adjust their speaking _______ to the size of the room and the number
of people in the audience.
4.
The range of sounds from high to low is known as _______.
5.
________ can enhance meaning by providing a type of punctuation, emphasizing a
point, or just allowing listeners a moment to contemplate what is being said.
6.
Unnecessary and undesirable words used to fill pauses are called _______ _______.
7.
Enthusiasm is one key to achieving vocal _______.
8.
To avoid _______, the speaker’s mouth should be positioned about six inches from a
handheld or fixed microphone.
9.
A ________ is a particular way of speaking associated with a specific social group or
region.
Page 2
Answer Key
Page 3
1.
The proper volume for delivering a speech is somewhat louder than that of normal
conversation.
A)
True
B)
False
2.
When adjusting speaking volume, a speaker should consider the size of the room and
the number of people in the audience.
A)
True
B)
False
3.
Pitch is the loudness of a speaker’s voice while delivering a speech.
A)
True
B)
False
4.
Pitch represents the range of sounds from high to low.
A)
True
B)
False
5.
When there is great variety in pitch, speaking becomes monotonous.
A)
True
B)
False
6.
Public speakers should strive to match the rate of speaking to audience reaction.
A)
True
B)
False
7.
Pauses make a speech less effective.
A)
True
B)
False
8.
Unnecessary and undesirable words used to fill pauses are called vocal fillers.
A)
True
B)
False
Page 4
9.
Volume, pitch, rate, and pauses work independently of each other.
A)
True
B)
False
10.
Enthusiasm is key to achieving vocal variety in a speech.
A)
True
B)
False
11.
Pronunciation is clarity or forcefulness in saying words so they are audible and
discernible.
A)
True
B)
False
12.
Articulation problems are often a matter of habit.
A)
True
B)
False
13.
Mumbling is an example of poor articulation.
A)
True
B)
False
14.
If a speaker tends to mumble, he or she should practice speaking louder and with
emphatic pronunciation.
A)
True
B)
False
15.
The speaker’s mouth should typically be positioned three inches away from the
microphone when using a fixed or handheld microphone.
A)
True
B)
False
16.
A lavaliere microphone is one that attaches to your lapel or collar.
A)
True
B)
False
Page 5
17.
The audience must be able to understand and relate to the speaker’s language.
A)
True
B)
False
18.
The proper volume for delivering a speech depends on which of the following factors?
A)
the age of the audience
B)
the availability of a podium
C)
the natural speaking voice of the speaker
D)
the size of the room and number of people in the audience
19.
Pitch is
A)
the speed at which a speaker talks.
B)
the relative loudness of a speaker’s voice.
C)
the rate at which a speaker stops and starts.
D)
the range of sounds a speaker’s voice produces, from high to low.
20.
The rising and falling of vocal pitch across phrases and sentences is termed
A)
volume.
B)
intonation.
C)
vocal rate.
D)
speaking rate.
21.
One key to achieving effective vocal variety is
A)
visual aid.
B)
monotony.
C)
enthusiasm.
D)
pronunciation.
22.
The clarity or forcefulness with which word sounds are made is known as
A)
dialect.
B)
articulation.
C)
regionalism.
D)
colloquialism.
23.
Slurring words together at a low level of volume and pitch is called
A)
pitch.
B)
dialect.
C)
mumbling.
D)
vocal filler.
Page 6
Page 7
Answer Key
Page 8
1.
Explain what three factors a speaker should consider to adjust his or her speaking
volume.
2.
List two ways a speaker can avoid a monotonous speaking style.
3.
Give an example of vocal fillers and explain why they distract from the speech message.
4.
Explain the difference between pronunciation and articulation. Why are these elements
of a speaker’s vocal delivery so important?
5.
What are two things a speaker can do to correct articulation and pronunciation
problems?
6.
Describe three tips for using a microphone when delivering a speech.
7.
If the audience must be able to understand and relate to the speaker’s language, can you
think of a situation where the use of dialect might be effective in a speech delivery?
Page 9
Answer Key