Public Speaking Quiz 1

What is your biggest fear about public speaking?

• Sounding foolish or not making sense.

• Trembling and shaking.

• Mind going blank.

• Doing or saying something embarrassing.

• Not being able to speak up

Answer explanation

Glossophobia

The fear of public speaking. It is a 'disabling fear' that impacts many people. The underlying fear is judgement or a negative evaluation by others. Public speaking is unpredictable – you don't know how the audience will respond and you're not confident in your ability to share your message.

The good thing is that you can overcome these fears...

Public speaking is a skill you can improve and work on.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Know Your Audience

A big part of public speaking is connecting with your audience, and you can’t really connect with your audience if you don’t know something about the people in it. Are you presenting in front of other students, teachers, etc. Spend some time thinking about the people in your audience and what they may want to hear.

Which of the following is not necessary to be a good public speaker?

• Maintaining eye contact with the audience.

• 
  Effective and clear tone of voice.

• 
  Body language that does not distract from what is being said.

• Pacing that is easy to follow.

• Natural-born confidence.

Answer explanation

Know Your Purpose

There’s always a reason for giving a speech, a purpose for wanting to communicate. It’s important to reflect on the purpose for your presentation so that you can tailor your message and taking points accordingly.

Which of the following are necessary to be a good public speaker?

• Maintaining eye contact with the audience.

• 
  Effective and clear tone and rate of voice.

• 
  Body language that does not distract from what is being said.

• Correct pronunciation of words and volume.

• Having an exciting topic.

Answer explanation

Encourage Yourself
Much of the anxiety of public speaking comes from a fear that you might say something wrong or disappoint the audience. Without meaning to, you could be engaging in negative self-talk that increases your anxiety.

Instead of putting yourself down, try telling yourself that you are capable and you will do a good job. It’s amazing how much anxiety can disappear when you think positively.

What is eye contact?

• Speaking to a live audience.

• Using your body to communicate.

• 
  Looking at someone when communicating.

• The strength of your voice when speaking.

Answer explanation

Practice…and Practice More

Knowing your material well will make it easier to remember and stay on point. Practice is essential so that you get used to delivering the speech in a low-pressure situation before you have to give it to your audience.

Which of the following are involved in the communication cycle?

• Message

• Sender

• Receiver

• Feedback

• Pros and Cons

Answer explanation

Show Confidence — Even If You Don’t Feel It
When you’re actually giving the speech, you may feel anxious. But the best thing you can do is project confidence, whether you feel it or not. Even if you make a mistake or lose your train of thought, recover and keep on going. The truth is, what you may see as a major mistake in your delivery may only come across as a momentary pause or may go completely unnoticed. Don’t stress.

Your voice, stance, and gesture can help to make your speech _________.

• More interesting

• Longer

• More informative

• More educational

Answer explanation

Let Mistakes Go
Despite following all these great tips, you may still forget an important point or make a blunder. Instead of beating yourself up about it, let it go and just tell yourself that each presentation is a new opportunity, a blank canvas.

Public Speaking is grounded in

• Democracy

• Free Speech

• Personal Opinions

• Right to Dialogue

• Government Policy

Answer explanation

Freedom of Expression

Public speaking is grounded in democracy because it allows individuals to freely express their opinions and engage in open dialogue. Democracy values the right to free speech, which is another feature that public speaking is grounded in. Public speaking also allows individuals to share their personal opinions and perspectives, encouraging a diversity of ideas and viewpoints. The right to dialogue promotes the exchange of ideas and the development of informed discussions. Government policy, although important in shaping public speaking regulations, is not a fundamental feature that public speaking is grounded in.