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Indicate the answer choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
1. As a general rule of thumb, if the audience will be dressed formally, the speaker should be formal with their:
a.
message.
b.
inclusivity.
c.
speaking style.
d.
source materials.
2. When speakers use simple, concise language in public speaking, it is likely to make the members of the
audience feel as if they are being talking down to.
a.
True
b.
False
3. Jargon should be avoided in speeches to general audiences because its use can negatively affect the speaker’s
credibility.
a.
True
b.
False
4. Which statement about repeating important phrases in a speech is true?
a.
Audiences view this approach as condescending.
b.
Audiences interpret this as a lack of preparation and organization by the speaker.
c.
This approach is considered to be a good strategy for “stretching” a speech.
d.
This approach is believed to help audiences remember a speech’s key points.
5. Concise language is BEST described as the:
a.
use of shorter and fewer words.
b.
use of concrete imagery.
c.
inclusion of only the highlights.
d.
avoidance of figures of speech.
6. Biased language rests on unfounded assumptions about others.
a.
True
b.
False
7. When trying to determine the degree of formality required for a speaking situation, speakers should:
a.
err on the side of formal.
b.
use contextual reasoning.
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c.
prepare both formal and informal speeches.
d.
ask the audience what type of speech they would prefer.
8. Public speakers are responsible for controlling the denotative meaning of what they say, but they cannot
control associated connotations.
a.
True
b.
False
9. Cicero’s concept of elocutio is a more expansive view of style than Aristotle’s lexis.
a.
True
b.
False
10. Which is a true statement about metaphors?
a.
They are tropes.
b.
They are a type of simile.
c.
They are a type of informal language.
d.
They are the second most familiar figure of speech, after irony.
11. What is true about vivid language?
a.
It evokes intense images and vibrant feelings in the minds of the audience.
b.
It is beneficial for increasing audience interest but has no other benefits.
c.
It was considered by Aristotle to be almost as powerful as sight to frighten and inspire.
d.
It should not be used if there is a chance some audience members won’t understand it.
12. Which term refers to the commonly used trope that compares two seemingly dissimilar things?
a.
personification
b.
irony
c.
alliteration
d.
metaphor
13. Which term refers to the way in which one directs their self-presentation in body and word?
a.
impression management
b.
malapropism
c.
style
d.
disposition
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14. Which statement accurately describes the difference between jargon and slang?
a.
Jargon refers to colloquial language; slang refers to a specific figure of speech (trope) used in
language.
b.
Jargon consists of technical terms specific to a group; slang refers to shortened versions of words.
c.
Jargon is the specialized language of a specific field; slang is the informal language of a group.
d.
Jargon terms are highly descriptive; slang terms have no relationship to their conveyed meaning.
15. What does rhetorical scholar Barry Brummett say about the relationship between style and identity?
a.
Style is the identity people want rather than the identity they have.
b.
Style announces a false identity.
c.
Style is caught up in people’s individual identities.
d.
Style is a shallow substitute for an authentic identity.
16. Rhythm should be used sparingly because it connotes deliberate artistry.
a.
True
b.
False
17. The accidental confusion of ideas or similar-sounding words is called:
a.
jargon.
b.
trope.
c.
malapropism.
d.
alliteration.
18. When listening to a speaker, the audience’s primary concern is how the message is delivered.
a.
True
b.
False
19. Use of stereotypes in a speech is an example of:
a.
informal language.
b.
biased language.
c.
connotation.
d.
malapropism.
20. Rhetorical scholar Barry Brummett ties what concept to personhood?
a.
beliefs
b.
style
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c.
attitude
d.
tone
21. Which term refers to the informal language of a group of people?
a.
jargon
b.
slang
c.
dialect
d.
accents
22. Which statement about impression management is true?
a.
The most helpful technique for managing impressions is to be mindful of one’s word choice and
delivery.
b.
Impression management prioritizes managing people’s appearances and building self-confidence.
c.
Impression management was more important in the time of the ancient Greeks than it is today.
d.
To be effective, impression management should be an internal effort, rather than a consultation with
others for guidance.
23. Misunderstandings can be avoided as long as the speaker is very careful in their word choice.
a.
True
b.
False
24. Which statement BEST describes expertise as it relates to public speaking?
a.
having a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a specific field
b.
working in a specific field for more than five years
c.
having detailed knowledge or skills particular to a given field
d.
having a doctorate in a specific field
25. In selecting language for a particular audience, speakers must think practically about audience familiarity
and:
a.
trust.
b.
expectations of formality.
c.
past experience.
d.
dialect.
26. Which is an example of a simile?
a.
“Tiana’s cupcakes are little pieces of joy.”
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b.
“Taking care of a puppy is no different than taking care of a toddler.”
c.
“Life is a rocky road.”
d.
“Tears flowed like a river down her face.”
27. In ancient Greece, the human voice was the dominant mode of communication.
a.
True
b.
False
28. Which statement accurately describes the relationship between style and disposition?
a.
Disposition is an external manifestation of style.
b.
Disposition is another word for style.
c.
Audiences perceive speakers’ disposition through their style.
d.
Style is the perception of a person’s character, and disposition is the person’s actual character.
29. Use of slang in a speech can be an effective way to establish credibility with most audiences.
a.
True
b.
False
30. Humans communicate character only through verbal communication.
a.
True
b.
False
31. When speakers repeat key phrases in a speech, it creates a structure that the audience can use to create a
mental outline of the speech.
a.
True
b.
False
32. Abstract ideas can be illustrated with concrete examples.
a.
True
b.
False
33. When speakers are speaking to audiences they do not know well, they should generally use more formal
language.
a.
True
b.
False
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34. The wording of which statement is LEAST likely to be off-putting to audiences?
a.
“The council will make a recommendation soon.”
b.
“We are working to ensure that the appropriate measures are taken.”
c.
“We have some sick new software that is sure to help you better manage your time.”
d.
“Power should be restored for everyone in the district by the end of the day.”
35. Which is an example of impression management?
a.
Ian admires his older brother, Jackson, so he takes the same classes Jackson did.
b.
Kevin impersonates the voice and mannerisms of his friends.
c.
Clarissa wears her best suit to a job interview so that she appears polished and professional.
d.
Charlie changes his opinion of his math teacher after he finds out that she works a second job at an
ice cream store.
36. Which is an example of sexist language?
a.
“A lawyer should always assume his clients are innocent, whatever their background might be.”
b.
“We should send Ross to return the incorrect food order to the takeout counter. He will convince the
cashier to give us back our money!”
c.
“Sylas’s hair is starting to turn gray at an early age. He takes after his father in that regard.”
d.
“Have you noticed that our group of friends now has both guys and girls? It used to be girls only.”
37. Someone who says one thing but means something else is using:
a.
double negatives.
b.
irony.
c.
metaphors.
d.
jargon.
38. Avoiding the use of language that can be off-putting to audiences is crucial for encouraging listening.
a.
True
b.
False
39. Metaphors and similes are closely related.
a.
True
b.
False
40. Which is an example of a metaphor?
a.
“Sally sells seashells by the seashore.”
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b.
“Bob is a couch potato.”
c.
“My dog’s coat is full of static.”
d.
“Carlotta is singing to the hum of the fan.”
41. Which term refers to what others perceive to be the inherent qualities of a person?
a.
elocutio
b.
lexis
c.
style
d.
disposition
42. Which statement BEST reflects Gorgias’s beliefs about vivid language?
a.
It is manipulative and therefore unethical.
b.
It, along with elocutio, is the most important component of a good speech.
c.
It is almost as powerful as the sight of the thing being described.
d.
It can add interest to a speech but does not aid in persuasion or comprehension.
43. Figures of speech are also called:
a.
slang.
b.
tropes.
c.
metaphors.
d.
irony.
44. Aristotle collected his remarks on style under the Greek term lexis, which translates to:
a.
code.
b.
symbol.
c.
word.
d.
speech.
45. Meena wants to help her audience create a mental picture of what she is discussing. Which approach will be
MOST helpful in achieving this?
a.
using jargon and very technical language
b.
using words that have neutral connotations
c.
using abstract language but a lot of adjectives
d.
using concise descriptions and simple language
46. Word painting has to do with the visual aids a speaker chooses to use.
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a.
True
b.
False
47. Speakers are responsible for controlling the assumptions they make about the character of others based on
gender.
a.
True
b.
False
48. Harmony avoids wearing black because she associates it with death and mourning. This reflects her
denotative meaning of the color black.
a.
True
b.
False
49. Zoey is giving a speech at a women’s domestic violence shelter. In her speech introduction, she uses “we”
and “us” when discussing the challenges faced by the members of the audience, the women served by the
shelter. In which situation would this be appropriate?
a.
The audience is familiar with Zoey as a speaker.
b.
The audience consists solely of women.
c.
Zoey has experienced domestic violence.
d.
Zoey has committed domestic violence.
50. Meaning is co-created when people use language with one another.
a.
True
b.
False
51. Style, a form of impression management, attends to both the body and language.
a.
True
b.
False
52. Which action taken by a speaker encourages listening?
a.
being concise and direct when speaking
b.
being authentic in word choice, even if it might offend the audience
c.
choosing words and exhibiting body language similar to what they would use in a conversation with
a like-minded friend
d.
avoiding biased and sexist language and limiting the use of slang
53. Style today is a much bigger, more encompassing concept than it was in ancient Greece.
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a.
True
b.
False
54. Which is an example of biased language?
a.
A man yells out “Moron!” at other drivers in front of him during his morning commute.
b.
A politician tells campaign workers that rural constituents will not read her flyers.
c.
A coworker who has just turned fifty refers to himself as being over the hill.
d.
A professor uses only “they” and “their” as generic pronouns in a history class.
55. Which person is using irony?
a.
Lucas, who says to his teenaged son, “Drive my prized car by yourself when you have only a permit?
Why not?”
b.
Angela, who tells her friend, “My English tutor is such a tyrant.”
c.
Alyssa, who tells her mom, “I’m going to make a snack before dinner. It feels like I haven’t eaten in
days.”
d.
Sam, who tells Luann, “Your new kitten is an angel!”
56. Speakers becoming more aware of their dispositions in the public speaking situation is part of the task of
being a public speaker who is:
a.
effective.
b.
powerful.
c.
mindful.
d.
popular.
57. Aristotle said that the subject of style specifically concerned what?
a.
word choice and diction
b.
tone and body language
c.
gestures and words
d.
appearance and confidence
58. When discussing a historical event with a friend, Terrence explains, They needed an escape goat. This is an
example of irony.
a.
True
b.
False
59. With some exceptions, speakers should avoid the use of slang because slang, by definition, is:
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offensive.
b.
confusing.
c.
vague.
d.
an insider language.
60. Which BEST describes what is being “managed” in impression management?
a.
political correctness
b.
the knowledge gap between expert and inexpert
c.
presentation of self to the world
d.
insider versus outsider status
61. One way that speakers can avoid sexist language is to make nouns plural to allow for the use of plural
pronouns.
a.
True
b.
False
62. All human beings have a tendency to be biased.
a.
True
b.
False
63. Aristotle identified the knowledge gap between the expert speaker and inexpert audiences as one of the key
challenges of the public speaker.
a.
True
b.
False
64. Political correctness is universally accepted as best practice in public speaking.
a.
True
b.
False
65. Mishon interprets the word “bark” to mean the outer layer of a tree trunk. This is an example of:
a.
disposition
b.
denotation
c.
connotation
d.
malapropism
66. What is the relationship between irony and sarcasm?
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a.
Irony is a type of sarcasm.
b.
Sarcasm is a type of irony.
c.
They are the same thing.
d.
They are tropes, along with malapropisms.
67. On a televised singing competition, one of the hosts says, I don’t know what’s being said on social media,
but I’m sure it’s constructive and positive, and the audience and co-hosts laugh. This comment is classified as
irony because:
a.
the audience finds the comment humorous.
b.
it involves speculation on the part of the host.
c.
the host meant to say “construction,” not “constructive.”
d.
a lot of comments on social media are not constructive or positive.
68. One way that speakers can avoid sexist language is to pay close attention to their use of:
a.
anecdotes.
b.
evidence.
c.
tone.
d.
pronouns.
69. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when determining familiarity with an audience is the use
of:
a.
formal language.
b.
casual language.
c.
precise language.
d.
inclusive language.
70. Rhetorical scholar Barry Brummett views style as:
a.
a convergence of verbal and nonverbal performance.
b.
the way people clothe and groom their bodies.
c.
the way people dress up ideas with words.
d.
the core of self-understanding.
71. Matching words with attire is one of the ways in which word choice should be adjusted in public speaking
situations.
a.
True
b.
False
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72. When speaking formally about lexis, Aristotle said that it:
a.
denotes one’s manner of speaking in general.
b.
refers to elocutio, or how one conveys a message.
c.
describes one’s word choice and diction.
d.
describes one’s nonverbal communication.
73. An element of style that has been discussed since the time of ancient Greece and that is associated with
credibility is:
a.
tone.
b.
expertise.
c.
pacing.
d.
generosity.
74. A high awareness of one’s style is described by sociologists as impression management.
a.
True
b.
False
75. Applying one’s personal, individual experience to the world as a whole is a type of:
a.
malapropism.
b.
trope.
c.
bias.
d.
denotation.
76. There should be less misunderstanding if an audience is familiar with the speaker.
a.
True
b.
False
77. When a speaker uses words that are sensuous, that person is using:
a.
formal language.
b.
vivid language.
c.
malapropisms.
d.
alliteration.
78. Cicero argued that one cannot easily separate what one says from:
a.
who one is.
b.
what one means.
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c.
what is true.
d.
how one says it.
79. Public relations is an example of an industry that focuses on impression management.
a.
True
b.
False
80. A simple adaptation of the Golden Rule serves as a guide for avoiding biased language because it reminds
speakers that they should:
a.
speak to others in whatever way they choose.
b.
ask others to speak to them the way they would like them to.
c.
ask others not to speak to them in the same way they talk to their friends.
d.
speak to others as they would like to be spoken to.
81. Which is an example of alliteration?
a.
The cat sat in a hat on the doormat!
b.
Relationships must be tended, just like a garden.
c.
The sun has risen, and so too it will set.
d.
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister brings big benefits!
82. How would Aristotle have informally defined the term lexis?
a.
one’s general manner of speaking
b.
one’s word choice and diction
c.
the denotative meaning associated with words
d.
the tone used to convey a message
83. Why is it recommended that speakers use concrete imagery?
a.
It further demonstrates the speaker’s expertise on a topic.
b.
It is a way to show that the speaker is part of the same group as the audience.
c.
It means that the speaker will not have to create visual aids for their speeches.
d.
It better enables the audience to form a clear, focused mental image of the speech.
84. Irony must be used carefully because it involves communicating meaning:
a.
indirectly.
b.
metaphorically.
c.
clearly.
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d.
comically.
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