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CHAPTER 16: Speaking on Special Occasions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. In a ceremo
A) challenge common assumptions and practices
B) teach an audience something new and relevant
C)
D) articulate and reinforce existing shared beliefs and values
2. These speeches shape our collective identity, remind us of our history and traditions, and
A) informative
B) persuasive
C) policy
D) ceremonial
3. What is the value of speeches wherein we remember the past?
A) They have little value beyond the entertainment they provide as part of a ritual.
B) Their value is negative as we risk reviving old tensions and fueling social division.
C)
D) Their value is a clearer understanding of ourselves and the challenges we face.
4. To say that ceremonial speeches are ritualistic and symbolic is to say that __________.
A) they are less serious than other types of speeches
B) they are less important than other types of speeches
C) they are, in some ways, even more important than other types of speeches
D)
5. Ceremonial speeches are best understood as __________.
A) important public rituals that bind us together as a community, a group, or a nation
B) public events that allow us to escape the monotony of our daily routines
C) a time for speakers to display their ability to mix humorous and serious material
D) a cultural artifact unique to the U.S. that first appeared during the age of television
us remember George Washington. As General of the Continental Army, he treated prisoners of
war with honor and dignity, repaying their violence with benevolence. Repaying violence with
A) It is appropriate as it challenges an audience to reassess its own values even as they
celebrate a common hero and a shared history.
B) It is inappropriate to challenge an audience to reassess its values while one is supposed to be
paying tribute to a common hero and a heroic past.
C)
while si
D) It is unwise to challenge an audience to rethink its own values, as the speaker risks being
7. What do ceremonial speeches do beyond celebrating or commemorating something?
A) Nothing. Celebrating or commemorating is the sole purpose of ceremonial speech.
B) In some ways, they inform or persuade.
C) They should make a clear argument that serves to teach the audience.
D) They should always create questions to prepare the audience for discussion and deliberation.
8. All ceremonial speeches have the same basic objectives: to __________.
A) reflect on the larger meaning of the occasion, and highlight the direct results of a particular
policy
B) reflect on the larger meaning of the occasion, and put into words the shared beliefs and
values of an audience
C) highlight the direct results of a particular policy, and display the speaking skills of a talented
speaker
D) display the speaking skills of a talented speaker, and put into words the shared beliefs and
values of an audience
9. An organization in which you are an officer is meeting
to provide the speech of welcome. Which of the following remarks would be appropriate for
inclusion?
A)
wide array of guests in this magical location since 1888, and
politically incorrect in light of current economic woes, but cancellation at this late date was not
B) host to a
wide array of guests in this magical location since 1888, and
take a dip where Marilyn Monroe did her famous swim, and make sure you join us on the beach
C) litically incorrect in light of current economic woes, but
cancellation at this late date was not an option, and
cancellation insurance was wrong-
D) a resort location was politically incorrect in light of current economic woes, but
cancellation at this late date was not an option, and
where Marilyn Monroe did her famous swim, and make sure you join us on the beach to watch
10. If you are to present a speech of introduction, you should prepare by __________.
A)
as accurately entering the title of the speech to be presented
B) resume, being certain to review all of her or his
major achievements and awards
C)
accomplishments, and a few lines that prepare the audience for the speech
D) drafting an o
excerpts from the speech to present as a preview for the speech
11. You have been asked to introduce the featured speaker at an annual event. Which of the
following should you do as you prepare your speech of introduction?
A) Pla
sufficient and accurate details.
B)
position and give the audience the title of his or her speech.
C) Warmly welcome the speaker, help establish his or her ethos by mentioning key
accomplishments, and prepare the audience for the topic of the speech.
D) Tell stories about any common experiences you and the speaker have had, so that you will
build your own ethos
12. Molly has been invited to give the speech of introduction next week when her former
debate coach, Mr. Bradley, will present a prestigious lecture. When Molly gives this speech of
introduction, she should be most certain to __________.
A) tell several stories that reveal how well she and Mr. Bradley know one another.
B)
audience.
C) focus on her success as a debater and how he assisted other of her accomplishments.
D) make sure she understands what he will talk about so she can help prepare listeners.
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primary purpose would this line serve?
A) to have the audience feel good about their own accomplishments
B) to reveal how well Mick had done his homework about the speaker
C) to assist the speaker in establishing common ground with her listeners
D) to share a bit of trivial information about the speaker to amuse her listeners
sa
A) to have the audience feel good about their own accomplishments
B) to reveal how well Tia had done her homework about the speaker
C) to assist the speaker in establishing common ground with his listeners
D) to share a bit of trivial information about the speaker to amuse his listeners
15. As Nate introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Thomas, to a gathering of environmentalists in
you, Mr. Thomas grew up in big sky country and
A) to have the audience feel good about their own heritage
B) to reveal how well Nate had done his homework about the speaker
C) to assist the speaker in establishing common ground with his listeners
D) to share a bit of trivial information about the speaker to amuse his listeners
16. The speaker said:
these words is giving which type of
speech?
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A) a eulogy
B) a keynote address
C) a commemorative speech
D) an inaugural address
17. You have just learned that you are going to receive an important award at an upcoming
banquet. How should you plan for your acceptance speech?
A) Plan a brief acceptance speech in which you convey gratitude, acknowledge those most
B) Avoid planning! Make a few spontaneous remarks after you receive your award in order to
convey a sense of surprise and to sustain a sense of common ground.
C) Plan an acceptance speech of considerable length and present it from manuscript so the
audience will know you are truly appreciative.
D)
somberly return to your seat to convey a sense of humility.
18. A friend is to receive an award at a banquet and is expected to present a speech of
acceptance. He asks you for advice. His first question concerns how long his presentation
should be. Based upon the readings, what advice should you give him?
A) Speak for at least 10 minutes to convey how much you appreciate the award.
B) Speak for about 5 to 10 minutes so you can thank everyone who has helped you.
C) Speak for a minute or two, in order to not interrupt the flow of the program.
D) When they hand you the award, decline the offer to speak at any length and simply state that
no words can capture your appreciation.
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A) celebrate the virtues of some award winner.
B) commemorate an anniversary or historically significant date.
C) articulate the values of some group at a convention or similar gathering.
D) articulate the agenda of a person elected to lead some group or organization.
20. This special kind of commemorative speech has acquired an unfortunate reputation for
being dull, predictable, and lacking in substance. Yet, these have also been some of our most
famous and memorable speeches, such as when John F. Kennedy used the occasion to reflect on
the horrors of modern war.
A) commencement address
B) welcome address
C) farewell address
D) keynote address
21. With these speeches, in which we honor the life well-lived, we not only reinforce shared
social values, but we also define the meaning of virtue and character. In doing so, we create role
models for us all, and especially for the next generation.
A) speech of welcome
B) speech of tribute
C) farewell address
D) keynote address
22. What are the typical expectations of an after-dinner speech?
A) to perform unaddressed business while in a less business-like setting
B) to amuse and entertain, avoiding anything of a serious nature
C) t
D) to say something substantive yet still entertaining or perhaps even amusing
23. This ceremonial speech typically w
the groundwork for a specific legislative agenda. It might also possibly function to reunify a
nation after a divisive campaign.
A) inaugural address
B) acceptance speech
C) farewell address
D) keynote address
24. In his first inaugural address, Thomas Jef
Federalists. If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or change its
republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments to the safety with which error of
opinion may be tolerated
was attempting to __________.
A)
B) reunify the nation after a divisive campaign
C) lay the groundwork for a specific legislative agenda
D) make clear his determination to spread democracy in the world
25.
awareness about illiteracy at home and abroad, and we have made significant progress doing
just that. And we have not stopped there. We have provided the means for countless individuals
presentation?
A) Quite appropriate. The words can help amplify the group beliefs and values.
B) Inappropriate. The speaker wastes time by telling them what they already know.
C) Inappropriate. The speaker wastes time that could be spent on business matters.
D)
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26. In this type of ceremonial speech, speakers should choose their developmental materials for
their entertainment value, yet simultaneously develop a thoughtful, thematic message.
A) speech of inspiration
B) after-dinner speech
C) keynote address
D) speech of introduction
27. Which of the following most accurately portrays the after-dinner speech?
A) The after-dinner speaker should plan to use a great deal of humor and not try to convey a
serious message.
B) The after-dinner speech is expected to convey a substantive message and should usually last
about 30-45 minutes.
C) The after-dinner speech should be fairly brief and entertaining, yet convey a substantive
message.
D) The after-dinner speech should be a highly comedic impromptu speech, loosely organized to
keep the tone light and casual.
28. A sermon may function as an epideictic speech when it __________.
A)
B) convinces listeners of the superiority of one belief system over others
C) calls upon a congregation to go forth and bear witness to nonbelievers
D)
29. When it comes to language choices in a ceremonial speech, heed the following:
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A) Avoid vivid language because such word choices can distract from the message.
B) Avoid figures of speech because reasonable listeners view them as manipulative.
C) Use vivid language to make the speech more lively, interesting, and memorable.
D)
impact.
30. To ensure that your ceremonial speech sounds good when delivered aloud, you should
__________.
A) generally strive for shorter sentences, perhaps even using phrases and sentence fragments,
and -sounding words in order
to achieve eloquence
B) -sounding words in order
to achieve eloquence and quote several passages from literary works especially from poems
C) generally strive for shorter sentences, perhaps even using phrases and sentence fragments,
and read aloud while practicing your delivery to fine-tune expression and flow
D) generally strive for shorter sentences, perhaps even using phrases and sentence fragments,
and quote several passages from literary works especially from poems
31. On most occasions, a ceremonial speech is delivered __________.
A) from an outline
B) from brief notes
C) from a manuscript
D) completely from memory
32. When delivering a speech from manuscript, most speakers __________.
A) find it more difficult to maintain eye contact, use physical movement and gestures, sustain
the appropriate rate and volume, and react to audience feedback
B) find it easier to maintain eye contact, use physical movement and gestures, sustain the
appropriate rate and volume, and react to audience feedback
C) take comfort in being able to simply read, word-for-word, to their audience, since that is
what is expected of a speaker with a manuscript
D) can create the speech in less time since a manuscript nearly eliminates the need to set aside
time for practicing delivery
True/False Questions
33. Many ceremonial speeches involve remembering past events.
34. A majority of well-remembered speeches from the Civil War are persuasive speeches.
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Ceremonial speeches honoring ordinary people will not appeal to a wide enough audience.
36. The ancient Greeks referred to ceremonial speaking as ekphrasis.
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37. Ceremonial speeches have historically been powerful agents of change.
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example of a wildly inappropriate ceremonial speech because Douglass discussed a shameful aspect of
American history, rather than celebrating shared values.
39. When accepting an award, stick to saying thank-you to the awards committee. Your
accomplishments got you to this point, and the awards committee recognized it.
40. When welcoming a group to an event, stick to making them feel at home. Leave the tour-guiding to
a concierge.
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42 annual Memorial Day
parade. The parade ends at the local cemetery, where veterans and their families have gathered. The
director calls the band to parade-rest. Deanna can reasonably expect to hear first a welcome speech,
followed by a speech of introduction, and then a commemoration.
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chapter of our lives, and I a
44. Keynote speeches typically give eloquent expression to the purposes and significance of a
group and its gathering.
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46. Vividness in ceremonial speaking is absolutely essential.
47. The most important reason that ceremonial speakers should speak off a manuscript is that they are
likely to become emotional and lose their place.
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Essay Questions
48. What are the four functions of ceremonial speaking in a free society? Our textbook explains that
ceremonial speeches use these four functions to define and reinforce social values. Is this an inherently
conservative purpose? Explain why or why not.
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this statement, referencing the textbook.
50. You are the president of the campus slide-of-hand magic club, and the famous magician Al Akazam
has agreed to speak at your annual awards banquet. Al has won the international magic competition for
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the past 6 years, and you have been a fan of his magic since you were 10 years old. It turns out that he
husband met and later married. As the president of the organization, you will be introducing Al
Akazam before his presentation. Write your speech of introduction, drawing on any of the information
above that you feel is relevant.
51. Ceremonial speeches cannot be effective without an effective style and delivery. What is some
advice you would share with someone preparing a ceremonial speech?