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1. Special occasion speeches can be informative, persuasive, or a mix of both.
A) True
B) False
2. Special occasion speseches are prepared for a purpose dictated by the audience.
A) True
B) False
3. Some special occasion speeches function to celebrate a person or an event.
A) True
B) False
4. A commemorative special occasion speech is one that might occur at a wedding, a
retirement party, or an awards banquet.
A) True
B) False
5. The goal of a speech of introduction is to inspire the audience.
A) True
B) False
6. A good speech of introduction focuses heavily on the speaker’s background.
A) True
B) False
7. Speakers who have been introduced should respond to the introduction in some way, such
as by acknowledging and thanking the introducer.
A) True
B) False
8. Speakers who have been introduced should avoid using humor in response to the
introduction.
A) True
B) False
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9. The purpose of a speech of acceptance is to express gratitude for the honor bestowed on
the speaker.
A) True
B) False
10. The goals of a speech of presentation are to communicate the meaning of the award and
to explain why the recipient is receiving it.
A) True
B) False
11. A roast is a brief tribute to a person or event being celebrated.
A) True
B) False
12. A speech celebrating and commemorating the life of a deceased person while consoling
those who have been left behind is called a eulogy.
A) True
B) False
13. When delivering a eulogy, the speaker should focus on the life of the person rather than
on the circumstances of that person’s death.
A) True
B) False
14. After-dinner speeches always take place after an evening meal.
A) True
B) False
15. The purpose of an after-dinner speech is to provide profound insight into the topic at
hand and inspire the audience.
A) True
B) False
16. If an after-dinner speech is unrelated to the occasion, the audience will get the impression
that it is a canned speech.
A) True
B) False
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17. The purpose of an after-dinner speech may be to entertain or to set a social agenda.
A) True
B) False
18. A speech of inspiration seeks to uplift the audience, helps them see things in a positive
light, and touches on their deep feelings.
A) True
B) False
19. In a speech of inspiration, the speaker often uses pathos to appeal to the audience.
A) True
B) False
20. Three means of evoking pathos during an inspirational speech are touching upon shared
values, using vivid imagery, and telling stories.
A) True
B) False
21. Several recent U.S. presidents have used stories about “ordinary American heroes” to
work an inspirational angle into their State of the Union addresses.
A) True
B) False
22. Acronyms can be used to organize inspirational messages.
A) True
B) False
23. Inspirational speeches should be concluded with a dramatic ending.
A) True
B) False
24. Which response would be inappropriate in a speech of acceptance?
A) a thank you to the group presenting the honor
B) a thank you to those who helped you achieve the honor
C) a prepared and rehearsed speech
D) a review of the reasons you are being honored
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25. Banquets, awards dinners, and roasts are occasions that call for the ________ function of
special occasion speaking.
A) commemoration
B) entertainment
C) inspiration
D) social agenda–setting
26. Anniversaries of important events, memorial dedications, and speeches of tribute are
occasions that call for the ___________ function of special occasion speaking.
A) commemoration
B) entertainment
C) inspiration
D) social agenda–setting
27. Fundraisers, campaign banquets, conferences, and conventions are occasions that call for
the __________ function of special occasion speaking.
A) commemoration
B) entertainment
C) inspiration
D) social agenda–setting
28. A speaker who delivers a speech of introduction should avoid
A) previewing the speaker’s topic.
B) talking briefly.
C) evaluating or offering critical commentary on the speech of the person being
introduced.
D) talking about the speaker’s background.
29. Before introducing a speaker, it is important to
A) dig up some funny stories about him or her.
B) prepare a comprehensive biography.
C) contact the speaker to verify the accuracy of the information you plan to share.
D) evaluate the speaker’s topic so you can offer critical commentary on it in your
introduction.
30. A speaker who has been introduced should respond to the introduction by
A) providing a counterargument to the introducer.
B) making jokes about the occasion and/or organization.
C) using a combination of humility and humor.
D) being mildly boastful about receiving the honor.
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31. The function of a speech of acceptance is to
A) express gratitude for the honor bestowed.
B) react with surprise.
C) question whether the speaker should have been given the award.
D) describe the speaker’s background and accomplishments.
32. For a speech of presentation, the speaker should
A) assume the audience knows the meaning of the award.
B) assume the audience knows why the recipient is receiving the award.
C) communicate the meaning of the award.
D) determine if the audience cares about the award.
33. A speaker participating in a roast should
A) try hard to embarrass the honoree.
B) aim for humor and social satire.
C) keep in mind the overall purpose of humbling the honoree.
D) make sure the criticism conveyed by the satire is based on legitimate shortcomings
of the honoree.
34. At Martin’s 60th birthday party, his friend Brenda offered a brief tribute to him. Brenda
delivered
A) a toast.
B) a roast.
C) a presentation speech.
D) an after-dinner speech.
35. People who have little or no public speaking experience will most likely deliver which
type of special occasion speech at some point in their lives?
A) a speech of presentation
B) a roast
C) a eulogy
D) an after-dinner speech
36. When delivering a eulogy, the speaker should be sure to
A) avoid mentioning the deceased’s family.
B) focus on the circumstances of the death.
C) show intense grief.
D) focus on the deceased’s life by discussing his or her positive character traits.
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37. One of the most famous after-dinner speakers in U.S. history was
A) Mark Twain.
B) Abraham Lincoln.
C) Robert Frost.
D) Albert Einstein.
38. A speaker delivering an after-dinner speech should
A) feel free to use a canned speech that has worked for other occasions.
B) avoid seeing the speech as a stand-up comedy routine.
C) see the speech as an acting challenge.
D) keep the tone light and avoid trying to make a serious point.
39. A sermon is an example of
A) a toast.
B) a speech of presentation.
C) a speech of inspiration.
D) a speech of introduction.
40. Examples of ordinary people who triumph over adversity and achieve extraordinary
dreams are often used in a
A) speech of introduction.
B) speech of inspiration.
C) eulogy.
D) speech of acceptance.
41. Inspirational speakers should be careful to avoid
A) emotional appeals.
B) real-life stories.
C) repetition.
D) revealing their speech goals too blatantly.
Answer Key
1. A
2. B