Public Speaking Midterm Exam Study Guide

Flashcards for Public Speaking Midterm Exam Study Guide

What are the basic components of the communication model?

Source, Receiver, Channel

What is encoding?

The process of converting thoughts into a communicable form.

What is decoding?

The process of interpreting the message.

What is communication apprehension?

Fear or anxiety associated with real or anticipated communication with others.

What are four types of communication apprehension?

Trait-like, context-based, audience-based, situational

What are some strategies for combating stage fright?

Deep breathing, positive self-talk, visualization

What is a defense mechanism/flight or fight/adrenaline in the context of public speaking?

Psychological responses to perceived threats; physiological response to stress.

What is public speaking/rhetorical communication?

A sustained, formal presentation made by a speaker to an audience.

What is the difference between hearing and listening?

Hearing is physiological, listening is active and involves processing information.

What are four causes of poor listening?

Distractions, biases, receiver apprehension, poor listening habits

What are some strategies for improving your listening skill?

Prepare to listen, avoid distractions, listen for main ideas

What are four kinds of listening?

Appreciative, empathic, comprehensive, critical

What are brainstorming, free association, and clustering in the context of speech preparation?

Techniques for generating topic ideas.

What are the definitions of general purpose, central idea, and specific purpose?

Broad goal of speech; main idea of speech; precise goal of speech.

What are demographics and situational audience analysis?

Characteristics of the audience; analysis of the time, place, audience expectation.

What are some examples of demographics and situational audience analysis?

Age, gender, cultural background; size of audience, location, occasion.

Is audience analysis always necessary?

Depends on topic, audience, and situation.

What are a catalogue, periodical database, reference works?

Collection of books; index of published articles; collection of reference works.

What are some specialized research databases?

Academic journals, government databases.

How should we evaluate internet documents?

Check source, author, date, objectivity, and purpose.

What are five strategic ways to order your main ideas?

Chronological, spatial, cause-effect, problem-solution, topical

What are three different types of transitions?

Signposts, internal previews, internal summaries

What are four functions of an introduction?

Grab attention, reveal topic, preview main points, establish credibility

Name some ways to gather attention and interest.

Stories, startling statements, rhetorical questions

What are three functions of a conclusion?

Signal end, review main points, memorable closing statement

How long should your introduction/conclusion be?

Brief; proportionate to speech length.

What are four methods of delivery?

Impromptu, extemporaneous, manuscript, memorized

What are two major factors of good delivery?

Naturalness, enthusiasm

What are the forms of nonverbal communication?

Eye contact, gestures, movement, physical appearance, vocal cues

What are the different kinds of visual aids?

Graphs, charts, videos, objects, models

What are some guidelines for presenting visual aids?

Keep simple, large enough, limited text, practice

What are four types of informative speeches?

Speeches about objects, processes, events, or concepts

What are some guidelines for informative speaking?

Be clear, accurate, avoid assumptions, relate to audience

What are some differences between informative speeches and persuasive speeches?

Informative speeches: impart knowledge; persuasive speeches: change attitudes/behaviors