Ch. 13 Informative Speaking

True or False?

The main purpose of a speech to inform is to persuade someone to take action.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The purpose of an informative speech is to impart knowledge.

True or False?

Public speaking is ONE-way communication.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Public Speaking is actually TWO-way communication because successful public speakers learn to interpret the verbal and noverbal feedback sent by listeners during the speech and to adjust their messages or delivery in the moment.

True or false?

A social-ritual speech follows a set formula or pattern.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

the word "ritual" means a series of actions performed according to a prescribed or set order.

True or False?

Audience feedback lets speakers know how they are doing.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Feedback is the verbal and non-verbal responses from an audience which help the speaker modify and regulate what they are saying

True or false?

An overload of information can actually reduce understanding rather than enhance it.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Sometimes simple is better. Too much information packed into a speech can overwhelm or confuse listeners rather than inform them.

True or False?

A critic is someone who finds faults and only points out flaws.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A critic provide objective feedback according to a set of standards. They try to judge or analyze all aspects of a speech, positive or negative.

True or false?

"I liked your speech!" is an example of a helpful and specific feedback comment.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

"I liked your speech" or even "I didn't like your speech" are subjective and vague examples of feedback. They offer no specific observation about what the speaker did well or did poorly. These are BAD or unhelpful.

True or false?

You can improve your own speaking by observing and critiquing other speakers.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

We learn from watching and evaluating others.

True or false?

Talking face to face is more effective than feedback forms because most people are much more comfortable being honest in person, and most people take criticism well when it's given personally.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Most people are NOT very comfortable being honest in person, and most people do NOT take criticism well when it's given face to face because it feels to personal. It's hard to be honest as a giver and not get defensive as a receiver of feedback in this situation.

One important principle to remember about an informative speech is...

• to relate new information to prior knowledge

• well-organized information is NOT necessary

• don't talk about personal feelings

• cover as much information and make as many points as you can in the time