Ch 4

Question 1

What are the three broad purposes of a speech?

Answer 1

To inform, to persuade, and to inspire (or entertain).

Question 2

Why is it important to consider both topic and purpose when preparing a speech?

Answer 2

It helps to focus the speech content and makes it more audience-centered.

Question 3

What is the general purpose of an informative speech?

Answer 3

To inform the audience about a specific subject.

Question 4

How can considering the purpose early in speech preparation benefit the speaker?

Answer 4

It helps the speaker make strategic decisions about organization, evidence, and visual aids.

Question 5

What are the two key questions to consider when starting a speech?

Answer 5

What value does my topic have for the audience? Why would they consider me a credible source?

Question 5

What acronym can be used to keep the audience’s perspective in mind?

Answer 5

WIIFM (“What’s In It For Me?”).

Question 6

How are the three speech purposes not mutually exclusive?

Answer 6

A persuasive speech can also be informative and entertaining.

Question 7

What traditional rhetorical process helps guide speech preparation?

Answer 7

The canons of rhetoric, especially invention (inventio).

Question 8

How can audience analysis improve your speech?

Answer 8

It helps tailor content to the audience’s interests and needs.

Question 9

Why should the speaker consider the audience’s needs?

Answer 9

Addressing the audience’s needs ensures the speech is relevant and engaging.

Question 10

What should the speaker aim to answer for the audience in their speech?

Answer 10

The questions in the audience’s mind about the topic’s relevance and credibility.

Question 11

What is the relationship between topic and purpose in speechwriting?

Answer 11

The topic provides the subject, while the purpose guides the speech’s direction.

Question 12

What broad purpose guides a speech designed to change an audience’s actions?

Answer 12

The persuasive purpose.

Question 12

What is one method to make your speech more audience-centered?

Answer 12

Answer the WIIFM question for your audience throughout your speech.

Question 12

What are “topoi” in rhetorical terms?

Answer 12

Topoi are questions used to discover arguments and content for a speech.

Question 13

What broad purpose guides a speech designed to evoke emotional responses?

Answer 13

The inspirational purpose.

Question 13

Why should speakers not focus solely on expressing themselves?

Answer 13

Because effective speeches are audience-centered and address the audience’s interests.

Question 13

What should speakers use to support their speech’s purpose?

Answer 13

Strategic evidence, organization, and visual aids.

Question 14

How can understanding the audience help when deciding on a topic?

Answer 14

It helps choose a topic that resonates with the audience’s experiences and concerns.

Question 15

Why is it important for speakers to reflect on their purpose before speechwriting?

Answer 15

It ensures the speech stays focused and achieves its intended outcome.

Question 16

What are the three elements that help determine the specific purpose of a speech?

Answer 16

The speaker’s interests, the audience, and the context.

Question 17

What is the relationship between the general purpose and specific purpose of a speech?

Answer 17

The specific purpose builds on the general purpose to create a focused speech goal.

Question 18

What is a specific purpose statement?

Answer 18

A statement that clearly defines what the speaker intends to accomplish with the audience.

Question 19

Why should a specific purpose statement be singular and focused?

Answer 19

To ensure the speech stays on track and covers one clear idea.

Question 20

How does the audience factor into creating a specific purpose statement?

Answer 20

The speaker must consider the audience’s interests, needs, and relevance to the topic.

Question 21

What should a speaker avoid including in a specific purpose statement?

Answer 21

Multiple topics or purposes connected by "and."

Question 22

What format should a specific purpose statement follow?

Answer 22

“To [communication verb] my [audience] about [content].”

Question 23

Give an example of a strong specific purpose statement for an informative speech.

Answer 23

“To inform my classmates about the history of NASA’s Shuttle program.”

Question 24

Why is context important when crafting a specific purpose?

Answer 24

Context shapes how the audience will receive the message, based on time, place, and situation.

Question 25

Why should the specific purpose statement not include persuasive language in an informative speech?

Answer 25

It creates confusion between informing and persuading, which are different purposes.

Question 26

What should a speaker consider when selecting a speech topic?

Answer 26

The speaker’s interests, the audience’s needs, and the time available.

Question 27

How can a speaker refine a broad topic into a manageable specific purpose?

Answer 27

By narrowing the focus to a particular aspect of the topic relevant to the audience.

Question 28

Why is it important for the speaker to connect with the audience's needs in the specific purpose?

Answer 28

To ensure the speech is relevant and engaging for the audience.

Question 28

How should a speaker approach the creation of a specific purpose if the topic is unfamiliar to the audience?

Answer 28

By explaining why the topic is valuable or interesting to the audience.

Question 29

Why should a specific purpose statement avoid being too specialized?

Answer 29

It may alienate an audience that lacks expertise in the subject matter.

Question 29

What mistake can occur if the speaker chooses a too-broad topic?

Answer 29

The speaker may struggle to cover the topic effectively within the time limits.

Question 30

How can a speaker ensure their specific purpose is relevant to the audience?

Answer 30

By linking the topic to the audience’s experiences or interests.

Question 31

What is the role of personal interest in forming a specific purpose statement?

Answer 31

Personal interest can increase the speaker’s engagement and credibility on the topic.

Question 31

Why is a specific purpose statement not stated directly in the speech?

Answer 31

It’s meant as a guide for the speaker, not something to announce to the audience.

Question 32

What is a central idea statement?

Answer 32

A statement that reveals the main points and focus of the speech.

Question 33

How can a well-written specific purpose statement help the speaker?

Answer 33

It provides clear direction for the speech and ensures the speaker stays focused.

Question 34

How is the central idea statement different from the specific purpose statement?

Answer 34

The central idea statement summarizes the main points, while the specific purpose defines the goal.

Question 35

Why must a central idea statement be concise?

Answer 35

To clearly communicate the speech’s focus to the audience.

Question 36

When should the central idea statement be introduced in a speech?

Answer 36

After the attention-getter and introduction.

Question 37

Why is it important for a central idea statement to use complete sentences?

Answer 37

To ensure clarity and completeness of the thought.

Question 37

Should the central idea statement include personal language (e.g., “I” or “you”)?

Answer 37

Yes, using personal language makes the statement more engaging and audience-focused.

Question 38

What role does the central idea statement play in guiding the audience?

Answer 38

It informs the audience about the key points that will be covered.

Question 39

How does a central idea statement relate to the main points of the speech?

Answer 39

It introduces and summarizes the main points the speech will cover.

Question 40

What is an example of a central idea statement for an informative speech about losing a pet?

Answer 40

"When elderly persons lose their animal companions, they can experience serious psychological, emotional, and physical effects."

Question 41

How should a speaker approach revisions to the central idea statement?

Answer 41

They should refine the wording to improve clarity and effectiveness but avoid major content changes.

Question 41

Why should the central idea statement avoid being overly complex or wordy?

Answer 41

To ensure that the audience can easily understand the speech’s focus.

Question 42

What is an example of a central idea statement for a persuasive speech?

Answer 42

“This policy is unjust, impractical, and costly, and fair-minded Americans should actively oppose it.”

Question 43

What should follow the central idea statement in a speech?

Answer 43

The preview of main points.

Question 44

What’s the difference between a central idea statement and a thesis in an essay?

Answer 44

A central idea statement is less formal and more conversational, using personal language.

Question 45

Why must the central idea statement align with the speech's specific purpose?

Answer 45

To ensure the speech remains focused and fulfills its objective.

Question 46

How many sentences should a central idea statement typically be?

Answer 46

No more than two to three sentences.

Question 47

Why is practicing delivery important for the central idea statement?

Answer 47

Emphasizing the central idea helps the audience grasp the speech’s focus.

Question 48

What does the central idea statement help the audience understand about the speech?

Answer 48

The direction and key points of the speech.

Question 49

Can the central idea statement change during speech preparation?

Answer 49

Yes, but it should always reflect the main points clearly.

Question 49

How does a central idea statement help the speaker stay focused?

Answer 49

It serves as a guide for what should and should not be included in the speech.

Question 50

How can a specific purpose statement be too focused?

Answer 50

It may only be relevant to experts or specialists in the topic.

Question 51

What is the main problem with writing a broad specific purpose statement?

Answer 51

It covers too much material for the given time.

Question 52

Why is it problematic to include persuasive content in an informative speech’s specific purpose statement?

Answer 52

It confuses the audience about the speech’s goal.

Question 53

What should you avoid including in a specific purpose statement?

Answer 53

Multiple topics connected by “and.”

Question 54

What is a common mistake related to the "communication verb" in a specific purpose statement?

Answer 54

Using “inform” when the content is clearly persuasive.

Question 55

Why is it important to avoid writing a specific purpose statement as a question?

Answer 55

The specific purpose should be a clear declarative statement, not a question.

Question 56

What formatting rule applies to the central idea statement?

Answer 56

It should always be a complete sentence.

Question 57

What happens if the speech veers off from the specific purpose?

Answer 57

The audience may become confused or the speech will lose focus.

Question 58

Why should a specific purpose statement avoid subjective or slang terms?

Answer 58

It can make the speech seem informal or unprofessional.

Question 59

How can a speech get off track from its specific purpose?

Answer 59

By introducing unrelated content or diverging from the main points.

Question 60

What mistake can occur if the specific purpose statement is too complex?

Answer 60

The speech may cover too much ground and go over the time limit.

Question 61

Why should you not state your specific purpose at the beginning of your speech?

Answer 61

It can make the speech sound repetitive and awkward.

Question 62

What is a central problem with overly narrow specific purpose statements?

Answer 62

They may alienate an audience that lacks expertise in the subject.

Question 63

How can you fix a specific purpose that covers multiple topics?

Answer 63

Choose one topic and focus on that.

Question 64

Why should a central idea statement be emphasized during delivery?

Answer 64

So that the audience clearly understands the speech’s main points.

Question 65

How can you avoid confusion between a specific purpose and a central idea statement?

Answer 65

Ensure that the specific purpose defines the speech’s goal and the central idea summarizes the main points.

Question 66

What should a central idea statement follow in the introduction?

Answer 66

Attention-getting and revealing the topic.

Question 67

What type of content should be avoided in the central idea statement?

Answer 67

Complicated or wordy phrasing that obscures the main points.

Question 68

What should be included in a central idea statement to guide the audience?

Answer 68

A clear preview of the main points to be covered.

Question 69

Why is it important for the central idea to be memorable and concise?

Answer 69

It helps the audience grasp and retain the speech’s focus.