15 Chapter Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
True/False Questions
1. The time-honored order of a formal speech is conclusion, introduction, bodyand
perhaps a repetition of the conclusion.
Answer: False Page: 463 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Introduction, body, conclusion is the traditional order.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
2. It is not wrong to eliminate the greeting ("ladies and gentlemen," or such) in a speech.
Answer: True Page: 463 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Some speakers appropriately begin with the speech itself.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
3. In making a speech on a technical subject to a technical audience, it would be
appropriate to begin with the subject (theme) rather than an interest-gaining topic.
Answer: True Page: 464 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: In such cases the interest-gaining opening may not be necessary.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
4. Even when you may consider it undesirable to reveal your position early in a speech,
you should do so.
Answer: False Page: 464 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Sometimes it is desirable to move into the subject indirectly to build your
case before revealing your position.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
5. Organizing the body of a speech is much like organizing the body of a reporta
process of logical and orderly division.
Answer: True Page: 464 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: This similarity is reviewed in Chapter 15.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
6. It is acceptable to bring a speech to a climactic close (end with the high point).
Answer: True Page: 465 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Such closes are popular and effective.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
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7. It is better for most people to read a speech than to present it extemporaneously.
Answer: False Page: 465-66 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Most people do not read well.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
8. Words alone determine the meanings an audience receives from a speaker.
Answer: False Page: 466 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: What the audience sees in the speaker also is a part of the message.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
9. The speaker is more a part of the message in an oral presentation.
Answer: True Page: 466 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: The speaker is in a very real sense a part of the message of an oral
presentation.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
10. If you have prepared the content of your speech well, you can assume your audience
will have confidence in what you present. (In essence, the content of the report will
speak for itself.)
Answer: False Page: 467 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: The audience has confidence first in you as a presenter, and that confidence
has to be earned. The speech does not speak for itself.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
11. Thoroughness is important in oral presentations, but one can overdo it.
Answer: True Page: 467 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: It is possible to present a topic in too much detail.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
12. An effective approach to delivering a speech is to remain aloof and distant from your
audience. You will appear to be more authoritative.
Answer: False Page: 468 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Audiences are more responsive to friendly speakers, and friendliness does
not undermine authority.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
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13. As a rule, small audiences require more informality in oral presentations than do large
audiences.
Answer: True Page: 468 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: This point is noted in Chapter 15.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
14. Even if you have thoroughly planned and prepared a speech, you may need to adjust it
during the presentation.
Answer: True Page: 468 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Audience feedback may require that you make changes.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
15. Here is good advice for a speaker. Deliver your speech exactly as you planned it.
Answer: False Page: 468 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Effective speakers are sensitive to audience feedback and adjust their
presentations accordingly.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
16. Audience adaptation is not as important in speeches as it is in written reporting.
Answer: False Page: 468 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: It is equally important. The speaker must study the audience in advance and
adjust the presentation accordingly.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
17. Good speaking posture may be described as follows: body erect, head high, chin out,
and shoulders back.
Answer: False Page: 469, 473 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: A more relaxed posture is needed for best results.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
18. Here is good advice for a speaker: Stand perfectly straight and deliver your speech
from behind a lectern or desk.
Answer: False Page: 469, 473 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Relaxed posture and confident walking make the speaker more effective in
the delivery of the report.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 15 Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
19. Some walking while making an oral presentation can be effective.
Answer: True Page: 469 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: If used moderately and strategically, walking can be effective.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
20. Smiles, grimaces, and frowns can be used effectively in oral presentations.
Answer: True Page: 469 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: They have communication effect and should be used.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
21. Here is good advice for a speaker: Make eye contact with your audience and use
gestures to emphasize points.
Answer: True Page: 469 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Both are essential techniques in effective speech delivery.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
22. Because many people do not like people to look them in the eye, oral presenters
should take care not to look at their audiences.
Answer: False Page: 469 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Eye contact is most important.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
23. Gestures are strong and precise means of communication.
Answer: False Page: 469 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: They may be strong, but they are not precise.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
24. An effective speaker maintains a consistent pitch and speed as he or she speaks.
Answer: False Page: 470 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: The effective speaker varies both pitch and speed to add interest or
emphasis to the presentation.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
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25. A simple speech presented at a deliberately slow pace is likely to be poorly received.
Answer: True Page: 470 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Simple information requires a faster pace.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
26. Variety in voice force is essential for interest and emphasis in oral presentations.
Answer: True Page: 470 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: This point is made in Chapter 15.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
27. As pauses detract from the message, they have no place in speech making.
Answer: False Page: 470 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: They can be detracting, but they can be used effectively to assist the
communication.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
28. While discussing the content of a visual (graphic), a speaker should look at the visual
when the audience should look at it.
Answer: True Page: 472 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: A speaker should look at a visual when the audience should look at it. He or
she should talk to the audience.
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
29. Effective visuals (graphics) may be as effective as the speaker's words themselves in
conveying an oral message.
Answer: True Page: 471 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Because listeners may miss the speaker's words, effective visuals (graphics)
may be vital to the success of the presentation.
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
30. Visuals (graphics) for oral presentations should be selected primarily for their
dramatic effect.
Answer: False Page: 471 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: How well they communicate should be the primary consideration.
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 15 Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
31. Visuals should be used only to convey minor parts of the report message. Major points
are best conveyed by the speaker directly.
Answer: False Page: 471 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Visuals carry key messages of the report.
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
32. Here is additional good advice for a speaker: Look at visuals only when the audience
is looking at them. Look back at the audience when your discussion of the visual is
complete.
Answer: True Page: 472 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Though it is tempting to "talk to" the visual, you must turn your attention
back to the audience once your discussion of the visuals is complete.
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
33. Planning the content and physical aspects is especially important for team
(collaborative) presentations.
Answer: True Page: 473 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Planning contributes to the coherence of the presentation.
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
34. Routine and informal oral presentations of factual information and its interpretation in
business are forms of oral reports.
Answer: True Page: 474 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: See the definition of oral reports in Chapter 15.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
35. The person receiving a written report has greater control of the pace of the
communication than does the person receiving an oral report.
Answer: True Page: 475 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: The reader can pause, reread, stop, etc. as he or she chooses. The listener
must follow the speaker's pace.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 15 Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
36. The standards of correctness in oral reporting are more flexible than the standards of
correctness in written reporting.
Answer: True Page: 475 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Oral reporting allows conversational style, rhythmic pacing of structure,
and the use of colloquial expressions.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
37. The need for a report objective is not so stringent in an oral report as it is in a written
report.
Answer: False Page: 475 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Oral reports have the same need for a clearly defined objective.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
38. The organization requirements for a report presented orally and in writing could differ.
Answer: True Page: 474-75 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: They could differ sharply, as explained in Chapter 15.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
39. The direct order is by far the most widely used order for oral reports.
Answer: False Page: 476 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Oral audiences usually need some introduction to the problem.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
40. The oral report is more likely to need a final summary than is a written report.
Answer: True Page: 476 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: A greater need to assist the memory exists in oral reports.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
41. A virtual presentation is one delivered over the whether Internet to an audience down
the street or around the world.
Answer: True Page: 476
Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: The key factor is that the delivery of audio and/or video is delivered over
the Internet. The audience could be across the street or around the world.
Learning Objective: 7
AACSB: 1, 4
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42. The only driving factor for the growth of online presentations is the high cost of travel.
Answer: False
Page: 476
Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: The costs of travel and time are clearly important, but the improvements in
technology make delivering these presentations much easier.
Learning Objective: 7
AACSB: 1, 4
43. There is no major difference between delivering a presentation face-to-face and
delivering one online.
Answer: False
Page: 477
Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: There are major differences in the dynamicsthe speaker cannot see the
audience and sometimes the audience cant see the speaker.
Learning Objective: 7
AACSB: 1, 4
44. Overall, delivering virtual presentations require the same keys to success as other
presentationscareful planning, attentive delivery, and practice.
Answer: True Page: 478
Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: While the basics of planning, delivery, and practice are the same, the
technology does change the way these are implemented.
Learning Objective: 7
AACSB: 1, 4
Multiple Choice Questions
45. Mark the answer that most completely and correctly covers the factors that should
govern your selection of a topic for a speech.
A) Your background and knowledge
B) The interests of the audience
C) The occasion
D) a, b, and c above
E) None of the above
Answer: D Page: 462 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: These three factors are discussed in Chapter 15.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 15 Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
46. In addition to preparing the audience to receive the message, the introduction of a
speech also should:
A) give the credentials of the speaker.
B) request the listeners' attention.
C) thank the listeners for their interest.
D) apologize for the speaker's shortcomings.
E) arouse interest.
Answer: E Page: 463 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Arousing interest is a special requirement of a speech.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
47. The most likely basis for dividing (organizing) a speech is:
A) time.
B) place.
C) quantity.
D) factor.
E) operating units.
Answer: D Page: 464 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Factors are the most common by far because most speeches concern issues
and questions.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
48. The form of speech presentation that involves organizing, preparing notes, and
rehearsing is called:
A) memorized speaking.
B) extemporaneous speaking.
C) speech reading.
D) impromptu speaking.
E) platform speaking.
Answer: B Page: 465 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: This description of extemporaneous speaking appears in Chapter 15.
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 15 Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
49. If any one of the following suggestions does not help a speaker gain confidence, mark
it. If all help, mark e.
A) Prepare.
B) Talk in clear, strong tones.
C) Check on physical appearance.
D) Practice.
E) All are helpful.
Answer: E Page: 467 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: All are recommended in Chapter 15.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
50. Which of the following is the best advice to a speaker concerning analysis of the
audience?
A) Ignore the matter and concentrate on the presentation.
B) Assume they are the typical audience.
C) Analyze them in advance.
D) Analyze them before and during the presentation.
E) Analyze them during the presentation.
Answer: D Page: 468 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Analysis before and during is necessary for best adaptation.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
51. Which of the following advice will help a speaker relate to his or her audience?
A) Concentrate on the presentation
B) Assume the audience is just like the others you have addressed
C) Analyze the audience in advance
D) Analyze the audience before and during the presentation
E) Analyze the audience during the presentation
Answer: D Page: 468 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: You should analyze the audience before you begin and continue to analyze
during the presentation as well. Make all necessary adaptations.
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 15 Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
52. A speaker gestured with open palms of his hands. To the audience this signified:
A) anger.
B) power.
C) various meanings.
D) justice.
E) victory.
Answer: C Page: 469 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Gestures have vague meanings that are not the same to all people.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
53. A speaker raises and shakes a clenched fist as he or she reports on a recent court
decision. What does the gesture mean?
A) The decision reflects the speaker's sense of what is right.
B) The decision reflects the speaker's sense of what is wrong.
C) The decision, which was pending for some time, has finally been made.
D) The speaker wants the audience to indicate they support his or her response by
imitating the gesture.
E) Audience cannot be sure what it means.
Answer: E Page: 469 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Gestures, even strong ones, have vague meanings for members of the
audience.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
54. Which of the following will help a speaker deliver his or her presentation more
effectively? If all will help, mark e.
A) Vary voice pitch
B) Vary pace of delivery
C) Walk about a little
D) Maintain eye contact with audience
E) All of the above will enhance the effectiveness of an oral report.
Answer: E Page: 468-70 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: The positive effect of these actions is described in Chapter 15.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 15 Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
55. Mark the voice fault that a speaker can do least about correcting.
A) Lack of pitch variation
B) Lack of variation in speaking speed
C) Lack of vocal emphasis
D) Unpleasant voice quality
E) All are equal
Answer: D Page: 470 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Some speakers are destined to live with what they have.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
56. Which of the following will detract from the effectiveness of an oral report?
A) Speaker moves away from the lectern
B) Speaker often scans the audience
C) Speaker uses no inflection
D) Speaker uses colloquial language
E) Speaker occasionally grimaces or frowns
Answer: C Page: 468-70 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: All but c can actually enhance the effectiveness of a speech. A voice with
no inflection is a monotone; it will likely bore the audience.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
57. In speaking, the best advice concerning use of voice pitch is:
A) keep it uniformly high.
B) keep it uniformly low.
C) keep it uniformly moderate.
D) vary from high to low only.
E) vary from high to low and low to high.
Answer: E Page: 470 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Varying in both directions produces the best effect.
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 15 Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
58. Which of the following advice is inappropriate for the speaker who wants to use
visuals (graphics) effectively? If all are appropriate, mark e.
A) Let visuals "speak for themselves."
B) Make details easy to see from a distance.
C) Do not stand between the audience and the visual.
D) Talk to the audience, not to the visual.
E) All of the above will enhance the effectiveness of visuals.
Answer: A Page: 472 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: For most audiences, it is important to explain and to emphasize visuals.
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
59. Which of the following is not part of an effective team (collaborative) presentation?
A) Planning the order of the presentation
B) Determining the content of each presenter's part
C) Planning for handling the Q & A session
D) Planning the physical aspects
E) None of the above are important to effective team presentations
Answer: E Page: 473-74 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: All but e can actually enhance the effectiveness of a team presentation.
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
60. Which of the following situations would be least appropriate for an oral report?
A) Corporate offices wish to explain a controversial issue to stockholders.
B) Corporate officers wish to explain the details of a complex issue to stockholders.
C) Company encourages a less formal style of communication.
D) The sales staff wishes to demonstrate a new sales campaign.
E) The company wishes to give an overview of company operations to invited guests
from the community.
Answer: B Page: 474-75 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: The complexity of the report in b would suggest that a written report is
more feasible. The audience may need time to study the details of the complex issue.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 15 Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
61. Which of the following constitutes a difference between oral and written reports?
A) Need for objectives
B) Audience adaptation
C) Control over pace of report
D) Research
E) Need for objectivity
Answer: C Page: 474-75 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: In written reporting, the reader controls the pace of the report, skipping
some sections, rereading others. In oral reporting, the speaker has control. The
audience must follow the pace he or she sets.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
62. Compared with standards for correctness in written reporting, standards for
correctness in oral reporting generally are:
A) less rigid.
B) more rigid.
C) about the same.
D) exactly the same.
E) All of the above
Answer: A Page: 475 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: This point is discussed in Chapter 15.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
63. The major difference in the organization of written and oral reports is in the:
A) introduction.
B) presence of illustrations.
C) ending.
D) body.
E) word choice.
Answer: C Page: 476 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Oral reports usually have a final summary, regardless of whether they have
conclusions or recommendations.
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 15 Public Speaking and Oral Reporting
64. Business uses virtual presentations for the following reason.
A)
to inform only
B)
to persuade primarily
C)
to both inform and persuade
D)
to cover emergencies and crises only
E)
to deliver bad news when face-to-face meeting isnt possible
Answer: C Page: 476
Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: The primary purposes for virtual presentations are the same as face-to-face
presentationsto inform and persuade.
Learning Objective: 7
AACSB: 1, 4
65. Since the presenter usually cannot see the audience when delivering a virtual
presentation, how can he or she keep their attention and get feedback easily?
A)
by carefully anticipating the needs of the audience
B)
by questioning the audience before giving the presentation
C)
by using technology tools such as chat, polling, and so on.
D)
by having assistants at virtual sites
E)
by testing the audience after the presentation
Answer: C Page: 478
Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Technology assists the presenter to fill in for the dynamics that are
changed with online or virtual delivery.
Learning Objective: 7
AACSB: 1, 4
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