Public Speaking Test Questions And Answers
We have brought this quiz for you, which has Public Speaking Test Questions and answers for you to get an idea of your understanding and knowledge of public speaking. Public speaking may sound easy and manageable, but there are so many things to know that you may not be aware of. So, we will see that with this quiz only. You are an expert in this topic if you get more than 70. Let us go!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Most speeches contain _____ main points.
- A.
2-4.
- B.
5-7.
- C.
7-10.
- D.
8-12.
Correct Answer
A. 2-4.Explanation
Most speeches are structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. In order to effectively convey the main message and keep the audience engaged, it is generally recommended to have a limited number of main points. Having too few main points may result in a lack of substance, while having too many may overwhelm the audience. Therefore, the range of 2-4 main points strikes a balance between providing enough information and ensuring clarity and coherence in the speech.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The /p/ sound is a
- A.
Glide.
- B.
Affricate.
- C.
Sibilant.
- D.
Stop-plosive.
Correct Answer
D. Stop-plosive.Explanation
The /p/ sound is categorized as a stop-plosive because it is produced by completely blocking the airflow in the vocal tract and then releasing it abruptly. This creates a plosive or explosive sound. Other examples of stop-plosives include /b/ and /t/.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following words or phrases is most concrete?
- A.
Dwelling.
- B.
Habitation.
- C.
Cottage.
- D.
Residence.
Correct Answer
C. Cottage.Explanation
The word "cottage" is the most concrete among the given options because it refers to a specific type of small house, usually located in a rural or semi-rural area. It has a clear and distinct physical form and is associated with specific characteristics such as being cozy, quaint, and having a thatched roof. In contrast, "dwelling," "habitation," and "residence" are more general terms that can encompass a wider range of housing types and do not provide the same level of specificity as "cottage."Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following words contains a vocal diphthong?
- A.
Upon.
- B.
Driver.
- C.
Carry.
- D.
Toys.
Correct Answer
D. Toys.Explanation
Toys contains a vocal diphthong because it has the combination of two vowel sounds, /ɔɪ/, which are pronounced together in a single syllable. The "oy" in Toys creates the diphthong sound.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A speaker's credibility is MOST clearly determined by the audience's perception of
- A.
Cleanliness and neatness.
- B.
Vocal pitch and volume.
- C.
Posture and stance.
- D.
Competence and character.
Correct Answer
D. Competence and character.Explanation
A speaker's credibility is most clearly determined by the audience's perception of their competence and character. Competence refers to the speaker's knowledge, expertise, and ability to effectively convey information. If the audience perceives the speaker as knowledgeable and skilled in their subject matter, they are more likely to view them as credible. Character refers to the speaker's integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness. If the audience believes that the speaker has good moral character and is trustworthy, they are more likely to trust and believe in what the speaker is saying. Cleanliness and neatness, vocal pitch and volume, and posture and stance may contribute to the overall impression of the speaker, but they are not as directly linked to credibility as competence and character.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following statements about the nature of the debate is typically FALSE?
- A.
Previous searching analysis reveals a contrast of belief.
- B.
The competition includes setting the opposition.
- C.
Debaters may attack or defend a rendered decision.
- D.
The decision is delayed until both views of the subject have been offered, attacked, and defended.
Correct Answer
C. Debaters may attack or defend a rendered decision.Explanation
Debaters may attack or defend a rendered decision is typically false because in a debate, the decision is not already rendered before the debate takes place. Instead, the decision is delayed until both views of the subject have been offered, attacked, and defended. Debaters present arguments and counterarguments to support their position and try to persuade the audience or judges to agree with their viewpoint. The decision is not predetermined, and debaters have the opportunity to influence the outcome through their arguments and rebuttals.Rate this question:
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- 7.
If the item a person wants to use as a visual aid in a speech is too large, too small, or unavailable, the next best choice for a visual aid would be a(n)
- A.
Drawing
- B.
Model
- C.
Chart
- D.
Photograph
Correct Answer
B. ModelExplanation
If the item a person wants to use as a visual aid in a speech is too large, too small, or unavailable, the next best choice for a visual aid would be a model. A model can be a three-dimensional representation of an object or concept, allowing the audience to visualize and understand it better. It can provide a more detailed and accurate representation compared to a drawing, chart, or photograph. Additionally, a model can be easily manipulated and explained during the speech, making it an effective visual aid option.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following words contains a tongue front vowel sound when spoken?
- A.
Ate
- B.
Above
- C.
Other
- D.
Calm
Correct Answer
A. AteExplanation
The word "ate" contains a tongue front vowel sound when spoken. The vowel sound in "ate" is the /eɪ/ sound, which is a diphthong formed by a combination of the tongue front position and a glide towards the back of the mouth. This sound is commonly found in words like "ate," "late," and "cake."Rate this question:
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- 9.
A speaker plans to give a speech about the development of the Pony Express. In order to deliver her speech most effectively, she should arrange the main points of her speech in _____ order.
- A.
Spatial.
- B.
Topical.
- C.
Problem-solution.
- D.
Chronological.
Correct Answer
D. Chronological.Explanation
To deliver a speech about the development of the Pony Express most effectively, arranging the main points in chronological order would be the best approach. This means presenting the information in the order it occurred, starting from the earliest events and progressing to the most recent. By following a chronological order, the speaker can provide a clear and organized timeline of the Pony Express's development, allowing the audience to easily understand the sequence of events and how they unfolded over time.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Each of the following is a vocal distortion common to the pronunciation of the /k/ sound EXCEPT
- A.
Denasality.
- B.
Incomplete closure.
- C.
Overaspiration.
- D.
Unvoicing.
Correct Answer
A. Denasality.Explanation
The question asks for a vocal distortion common to the pronunciation of the /k/ sound that is NOT included in the given options. Denasality refers to the lack of nasal resonance in speech, which is not a vocal distortion commonly associated with the /k/ sound. Incomplete closure, overaspiration, and unvoicing are all vocal distortions that can occur when pronouncing the /k/ sound.Rate this question:
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- 11.
An introductory speech would LEAST likely be given to
- A.
Build enthusiasm for the upcoming speaker.
- B.
Explain the relationship between yourself and the upcoming speaker.
- C.
Build enthusiasm for the speaker's topic.
- D.
Establish a welcoming climate that will boost the speaker's credibility.
Correct Answer
B. Explain the relationship between yourself and the upcoming speaker.Explanation
An introductory speech is typically given to build enthusiasm for the upcoming speaker, build enthusiasm for the speaker's topic, and establish a welcoming climate that will boost the speaker's credibility. However, explaining the relationship between yourself and the upcoming speaker is not a common purpose of an introductory speech. The focus is usually on the speaker and their topic, rather than on the relationship between the introducer and the speaker.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A speaker who uses deliberately extravagant exaggeration in a presentation is using the device of
- A.
Distortion.
- B.
Parallelism.
- C.
Hyperbole.
- D.
Equivocation.
Correct Answer
C. Hyperbole.Explanation
Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. When a speaker intentionally uses extravagant exaggeration in a presentation, they are employing hyperbole as a rhetorical device. Hyperbole helps to create a vivid and memorable image in the audience's mind, making the presentation more engaging and impactful.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Most people can focus on a spoken presentation without distraction or daydreaming for
- A.
45-60 seconds.
- B.
1-3 minutes.
- C.
5-10 minutes.
- D.
15-30 minutes.
Correct Answer
C. 5-10 minutes.Explanation
The correct answer is 5-10 minutes. This is because most people have an average attention span of around 10 minutes before they start to become distracted or daydream. After this time, it becomes more difficult for individuals to maintain their focus and absorb information from a spoken presentation. Therefore, it is important for presenters to engage their audience and vary their delivery to keep their attention for longer periods of time.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The term for nonverbal communication by means of gestures and other body movements is
- A.
Calisthenics
- B.
Locomotion
- C.
Kinesics
- D.
Actuation
Correct Answer
C. KinesicsExplanation
Kinesics refers to the nonverbal communication that involves gestures and body movements. This term encompasses the study of facial expressions, hand movements, posture, and other physical behaviors that convey meaning and emotions. It is a form of communication that can be used to express thoughts, feelings, and intentions without the use of words. Calisthenics is a form of exercise that involves rhythmic movements and Locomotion refers to the act of moving from one place to another. Actuation refers to the process of initiating or causing something to happen.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In most situations, a careful listener will grasp about _____% of what he/she hears.
- A.
10.
- B.
25.
- C.
50.
- D.
75.
Correct Answer
C. 50.Explanation
A careful listener will grasp about 50% of what he/she hears. This means that they will understand and comprehend half of the information that is being communicated to them. It implies that even though they may not catch every single detail, they are able to capture a significant portion of the message being conveyed.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 27, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Aug 10, 2011Quiz Created by
JLee1
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