Professional Communication
Midterm Exam
Course Introduction
Professional Communication is a course designed to enhance students abilities to convey ideas effectively and appropriately in various workplace contexts. The curriculum covers essential communication principles, including verbal, nonverbal, written, and digital communication strategies. Students learn to craft clear emails, reports, and presentations, adapt messages for diverse audiences, participate in meetings, and manage professional relationships. The course emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural communication, and ethical considerations, aiming to build confidence and competence for successful collaboration and leadership in any professional environment.
Recommended Textbook
A Concise Public Speaking Handbook 4th Edition by Steven
Available Study Resources on Quizplus
26 Chapters
682 Verified Questions
682 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/study-set/200
Page 2
A. Beebe
Chapter 1: Speaking in Public
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2888
Sample Questions
Q1) Colin had researched, outlined, and practiced his speech carefully but on the day he was to give the speech, his girlfriend broke up with him. He found it impossible to keep his mind on his speech orhisaudience and continually lost his place. What public speaking term BEST describes this situation?
A) psychological noise
B) speaker anxiety
C) auditory channel deficiency
D) physiological noise
Answer: A
Q2) Slang expressions are perfectly appropriate for most types of public speaking.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q3) A speaker transmits a message through two channels:
A) auditory and eye contact.
B) visual and auditory.
C) visual and nonverbal.
D) voice and inflection.
Answer: B
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 3
Chapter 2: Improving Your Confidence
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2889
Sample Questions
Q1) Delaying speech preparation and rehearsal is usually an effective method to reduce speaker anxiety.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q2) If you are really anxious about speaking, replace any negative, anxious thoughts with positive messages.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q3) Tara was really nervous before her final class speech, but she just kept concentrating on how important she believed her message to be. She felt convinced in her message, and that conviction finallyhelpedher to dispel her nervousness before the presentation. Which tip about developing confidence in public speaking does this example reflect?
A) Visualize your success.
B) Focus on the message rather than on your fear.
C) Seek speaking opportunities.
D) Know your introduction and conclusion.
Answer: B
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 4
Chapter 3: Presenting Your First Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2890
Sample Questions
Q1) A specific-purpose statement is a statement of your major ideas.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q2) The general purpose of class lectures, seminars, and workshops is to inform.
A)True
B)False Answer: True
Q3) The text suggests three questions for selecting and narrowing a topic. Which of the following is NOT one of these questions?
A) Who is the audience?
B) What is the occasion?
C) What is my experience in public speaking?
D) What are my interests, talents, and experiences?
Answer: C
Q4) Sensitivity to the audience response during the speech can enable the speaker to make appropriate adjustments.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 5
Chapter 4: Ethics and Free Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2891
Sample Questions
Q1) You can enhance your credibility among your listeners by ethically considering their beliefs, values, and morals, as well as your own, when you select your topic, determine the goal of your speech, outlineyour arguments, and choose your evidence.
A)True
B)False
Q2) When we, as speakers, consider our beliefs, values, and moral principles when writing and presenting a speech, we are
A) speaking to please the audience.
B) speaking freely.
C) speaking conversationally.
D) speaking ethically.
Q3) The willingness to listen to different viewpoints and understand beliefs and values other than your own is known as
A) honesty.
B) indecisiveness.
C) accommodation.
D) conviction.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 6
Chapter 5: Listening
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2892
Sample Questions
Q1) Tara comes into the classroom early on the day of her speech. She closes the blinds, checks the room temperature, and sets up the transparency machine. Which barrier to listening is Tara trying to overcome?
A) information overload
B) receiver apprehension
C) personal concerns
D) outside distractions
Q2) Arelational-oriented listener prefers a speaker who avoids emotion.
A)True
B)False
Q3) When listeners assign meaning to a message they are
A) selecting.
B) understanding.
C) attending.
D) remembering.
Q4) There is little difference between a fact and an inference.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 7
Chapter 6: Analyzing Your Audience
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
30 Verified Questions
30 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2893
Sample Questions
Q1) In a psychological analysis, which of the following reflects the audience's likes or dislikes?
A) values
B) attitudes
C) feelings
D) beliefs
Q2) After you've completed your speech, what are the BEST indicators of your speaking success?
A) verbal responses
B) survey responses
C) behavioral responses
D) nonverbal responses
Q3) Ethnocentrism is the same thing as patriotism.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Making references to the political, social, service, or professional groups your listeners belong to can help you tailor your speech to your specific audience.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 8
Chapter 7: Adapting to Your Audience as You Speak
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2894
Sample Questions
Q1) If your audience seems inattentive or bored, you should do all of the following EXCEPT A) tell a story.
B) use a personal example.
C) make direct references to the audience.
D) use more facts and statistics.
Q2) If you're speaking to an audience of service, religious, political, or work group members, you should make specific positive, but honest, references to that group.
A)True
B)False
Q3) If your audience seems confused or doesn't understand your point, you should be more redundant.
A)True
B)False
Q4) If audience members are maintaining eye contact with the speaker, they are probably listening.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
9
Chapter 8: Developing Your Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
29 Verified Questions
29 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2895
Sample Questions
Q1) When choosing a speech topic, you should consider
A) your audience, yourself, and the occasion.
B) your audience and potential future audiences.
C) only yourself and your personal interests.
D) your instructor and which topic would get you the highest grade.
Q2) During your speech, you ask the audience to sign a petition increasing the amount of student parking areas. The general goal of the speech is to
A) to persuade.
B) to entertain.
C) to castigate.
D) to inform.
Q3) Many times, something you read when scanning a Web directory like Yahoo can generate a great idea for a speech topic.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Brainstorming involves dividing your central idea into logical divisions.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 10
Chapter 9: Gathering Supporting Material
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2896
Sample Questions
Q1) What resource would you use in order to conduct a Boolean search?
A) a periodical index
B) the Internet
C) a knowledgeable expert
D) a specialized encyclopedia
Q2) Karl is researching a speech on euthanasia. He knows that there are some excellent journal articles on the subject, but his university's small library doesn't carry the journals in which the articlesappear.Karl has only a few days until he must give the speech. What should he do?
A) Karl should substitute Web site information for the journal articles, because material from the Web is more accurate and current than published journal articles.
B) Karl waited too long to start his research, so he'll have to use something else instead of the journal articles.
C) Karl should use interlibrary loan to see if he can locate the needed journal articles.
D) Karl should use a full-text database in an attempt to locate complete texts of the journal articles.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 10: Supporting Your Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2897
Sample Questions
Q1) When it comes to using literary quotations in your speech, the more you use the better.
A)True B)False
Q2) If you describe the relationships among a group of coworkers as a seething snake pit, filled with hissing gossip and sharp-fanged attacks, you are using a
A) literal analogy.
B) figurative analogy.
C) extended illustration.
D) brief illustration.
Q3) A skilled public speaker should consider accountability, accuracy, objectivity, recency, usability, and diversity in evaluating any supporting material he or she hopes to use.
A)True B)False
Q4) Lay testimony is usually preferable to expert testimony because of its personal impact on an audience.
A)True B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 12
Chapter 11: Organizing Your Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2898
Sample Questions
Q1) Most cultures tend to organize and process information in a linear pattern.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Using visuals as aids to verbal signposts will improve your audience's ability to follow your speech.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Transitions, previews, and summaries are all examples of
A) main ideas.
B) organization.
C) supporting material.
D) signposts.
Q4) When explaining the progress of molecular discoveries, Guilherme began by discussing Mendel's 1866 studies about inheritance of biological traits in peas, ending with recent information about the human genome project. Which pattern of organization would BEST suit Guilherme's speech?
A) spatial
B) topical
C) cause-effect
D) chronological
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 13
Chapter 12: Developing an Introduction
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2899
Sample Questions
Q1) Janet's introduction contained the following remarks: "How many of you know someone who has tried to quit smoking, successfully or unsuccessfully? Have any of the smokers in this audience tried toquit?Well, if you have tried to quit and failed, you are among the 20 percent of Americans who have tried to quit multiple times. A few months ago I tried to quit, for the umpteenth time, but this time I made it. I'd like to tell you exactly how I made it." Which of the following statements is accurate about this introduction?
A) Janet shouldn't discuss her own experience with quitting smoking because it sets up some distance between her and the audience.
B) Janet has successfully combined introductory devices of questions to the audience, statistical information, and a personal reference.
C) Janet has too many devices in this introduction; the audience will be confused rather than intrigued by this introduction.
D) Janet has successfully combined introductory devices of startling statements, reference to historical events, and illustrations.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 14
Chapter 13: Developing a Conclusion
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2900
Sample Questions
Q1) All of the following are effective ways to provide closure in the conclusion EXCEPT
A) finishing a story from the introduction.
B) answering your opening rhetorical question.
C) introducing a new fact or statistic that is even more startling than the ones you used throughout your speech.
D) reminding the audience of the startling fact or statistic you presented in the introduction.
Q2) In his speech about registering to vote, Dan explains the new legislation that allows voter registration to coincide with driver's license renewal. But he concludes by stating that anyone who is notregistered should immediately register in time for the next election. Finally, Dan reiterates: "Everyone please register to vote; it's your right and your duty as a citizen." What aspect of effective conclusions has Dan utilized?
A) an appeal to respond on the part of the audience
B) a personal reference to his own experience
C) an effective summary of main points in a speech
D) an inspirational appeal or challenge to the audience
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 14: Outlining and Revising Your Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2901
Sample Questions
Q1) Why should you use complete sentences in a preparation outline, according to the text?
A) because this will help you judge the coherence of the speech
B) because this will help you to realize the importance of good grammar
C) because you will use these exact same sentences when you deliver the speech
D) because this will ensure that you use the best wording possible for the speech
Q2) Which of the following should be written out in full in your speaking notes?
A) introduction
B) conclusion
C) statistics
D) specific purpose
Q3) The speaker's outline which contains the specific purpose, the introduction, main ideas, supporting material, and a conclusion is the
A) delivery outline.
B) preparation outline.
C) numerical outline.
D) preliminary outline.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 16
Chapter 15: Using Words Well
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2902
Sample Questions
Q1) Most people can agree on the denotative meaning of a word.
A)True
B)False
Q2) ________ occurs when a sentence has two parts with parallel structures, but contrasting meaning.
A) Antithesis
B) Parallelism
C) Repetition
D) Alliteration
Q3) Oral language styles tend to use more pronouns.
A)True
B)False
Q4) A speaker's opportunities to state and restate, and to provide examples throughout the speech demonstrates that oral style is _____ than written style.
A) less formal
B) personal
C) more repetitious
D) more scholarly
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 17
Chapter 16: Methods of Delivery
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2903
Sample Questions
Q1) Extemporaneous speaking is delivered in a conversational style.
A)True
B)False
Q2) An impromptu speech does not have to be organized.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Maintaining constant, direct eye contact is an advantage of manuscript speaking.
A)True
B)False
Q4) A few minutes remain in the class period. The teacher assigns a student to stand before the class and give a brief speech on effective study habits. What method of delivery is utilized in this situation?
A) impromptu speaking
B) manuscript speaking
C) memorized speaking
D) extemporaneous speaking
Q5) Extemporaneous speaking and impromptu speaking are the same thing.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 18
Chapter 17: Nonverbal Communication
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2904
Sample Questions
Q1) Personal appearance is particularly important during what part of your presentation?
A) the opening moments
B) the closing remarks
C) the question-and-answer session
D) the delivery of your main points
Q2) When a speaker's nonverbal message contradicts the verbal message, listeners tend to believe the nonverbal message.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Standing in front of an audience with one hand on your hip is a problem gesture termed
A) "parade rest."
B) "broken wing."
C) "don't worry, Ma."
D) "the fig leaf clutch."
Q4) It is inappropriate to create a sense of immediacy between you and your audience.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 19
Chapter 18: Verbal Communication
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2905
Sample Questions
Q1) Cecily thought that she had a great speech. She had thoroughly researched and organized it, and had a good speaking outline. She read her outline over and over in her head before her presentation.WhenCecily presented her speech, she lost her place, stumbled over words, and dropped her visual aids. What important preparation step did Cecily skip?
A) Cecily forgot to give herself positive reinforcement before her speech.
B) Cecily forgot to rest and to eat well before her speech.
C) Cecily forgot to write delivery notes on her speaking outline.
D) Cecily forgot to rehearse speaking out loud, standing up, and using her visuals.
Q2) Audio or video recording your speech rehearsal is NOT effective in improving your final speech performance.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Most speakers average between 120 and 180 words per minute.
A)True
B)False
Q4) The BEST public speakers vary their inflection considerably.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 20
Chapter 19: Adapting and Delivering Your Speech
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2906
Sample Questions
Q1) While preparing for your speech, you should acknowledge your prespeech jitters and recognize that they are normal.
A)True
B)False
Q2) According to the ________ principle, people move closer to things they like and away from things they dislike.
A) complementing
B) intimacy
C) emphasizing
D) immediacy
Q3) How does your text advise you to adapt your speech delivery style for a high-context listener?
A) Wear clothing that will make you stand out from the crowd.
B) Keep your gestures and your facial expressions toned down.
C) Use a lot of visual aids and colorful graphics.
D) Deliver your speech in a monotone.
Q4) You should never use verbal signpost while answering audience questions.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 21
Chapter 20: Selecting Presentation Aids
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
23 Verified Questions
23 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2907
Sample Questions
Q1) Anna is giving a speech on the basic functions of the Electoral College. As the presentation gets under way, she cannot figure out how to advance to her first slide, and ends up not using her visual aid.What guideline for selecting the right presentation aid was violated?
A) estimate the audience size
B) think about the speech objective
C) evaluate your skill and experience using the chosen aid
D) know the room
Q2) Although interesting and dramatic, _____ fonts should be used sparingly because they are hard to read.
A) serif
B) sans serif
C) script
D) decorative
Q3) Using a dark background with lighter-colored words can have an unpleasant effect and make the words difficult to see.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
22
Chapter 21: Preparing and Using Presentation Aids
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2908
Sample Questions
Q1) An effective speaker checks the hardware available before designing presentation aids.
A)True
B)False
Q2) When preparing visual aids, use simple drawings or pictures.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Handout pages should NOT be numbered, in order to encourage the audience to watch you, not the paper.
A)True
B)False
Q4) When you use presentation aids, you should always remember
A) Moore's Law
B) the Law of Attraction.
C) the Law of Averages.
D) Murphy's Law.
Q5) Once you introduce a visual aid, you should keep it in front of the audience throughout your speech.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 23
Chapter 22: Informative Speaking
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2909
Sample Questions
Q1) When Kiko reviewed the main points in her informative speech, she slowed down her rate of speech, decreased her volume, made sure to articulate each word clearly, and paused between each point. What technique of enhancing audience recall did Kiko effectively employ?
A) building redundancy into the speech
B) reinforcing key ideas verbally
C) pacing the flow of information
D) reinforcing key ideas nonverbally
Q2) Which of the following is a generally accepted principle of adult learning?
A) Adults must be actively involved in the learning process.
B) Adults want to gain knowledge that they can apply at some future time.
C) New information adults learn is irrelevant to their current needs and busy life.
D) Adults should feel a disconnect between learning new information and their past experiences.
Q3) Comparing a personal computer to a filing cabinet is an example of
A) pedagogy.
B) analogy
C) simile.
D) description.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 24
Chapter 23: Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2910
Sample Questions
Q1) The sense of discomfort that prompts a person to change when new information conflicts with previous attitudes, beliefs, values, or behaviors is
A) cognitive dissonance.
B) reasonable disassociation.
C) logical persuasion.
D) personal confusion.
Q2) Social judgment theory suggests that listeners will come to your speech with a latitude of acceptance, a latitude of rejection, or a latitude of noncommitment.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Appealing to a social need to persuade is effective because it reflects the desire to feel good about ourselves.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Of attitudes, beliefs, and value, attitudes are the most easily changed.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 25
Chapter 24: Using Persuasive Strategies
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2911
Sample Questions
Q1) The goal of using cause-and-effect organization is to convince your listeners that one event caused another.
A)True
B)False
Q2) A hypothetical example should NOT be used to reach a conclusion.
A)True
B)False
Q3) The type of reasoning that involves reaching a general conclusion from specific instances is known as
A) deductive reasoning.
B) generalization.
C) reasoning by analogy.
D) inductive reasoning.
Q4) Aform of dynamism, often projected through delivery, that occurs when a speaker is perceived as charming, talented, and magnetic is
A) charisma.
B) honesty.
C) competence.
D) credibility.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 26
Chapter 25: Speaking on Special Occasions
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2912
Sample Questions
Q1) A_____ speech is designed to inform the public and improve relations with them-either in general or because a particular program or situation has raised some questions.
A) public-relations
B) ceremonial
C) eulogy
D) briefing
Q2) The keynote speaker at a conference should mention all the other speakers that will follow.
A)True
B)False
Q3) The speeches given at graduation ceremonies are known as commemorative addresses.
A)True
B)False
Q4) ________ relies upon exaggeration, and is often humorous.
A) A spoonerism
B) A malapropism
C) Hyperbole
D) Verbal irony
Page 27
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 26: Speaking in Small Groups
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
25 Verified Questions
25 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/2913
Sample Questions
Q1) Analysis is a process of examining the causes, effects, symptoms, history, and other background information that will help a group eventually reach a solution.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Presentation aids just get in the way when making a group presentation.
A)True
B)False
Q3) A style of leadership characterized by superiority, the giving of orders, and control over group members is termed
A) a laissez faire style.
B) a democratic style.
C) a management style.
D) an authoritarian style.
Q4) Moderators are very rarely necessary in group presentations.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Criteria are standards for identifying acceptable solutions.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 28