This is “Chapter Exercises”, section 9.5 from the book Public Speaking: Practice and Ethics (v. 1.0). For details on it (including licensing), click here.
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Imagine that you are preparing a speech on the benefits of a new drug, and you find a direct quotation that clearly establishes your argument. Unfortunately, you soon realize that the source of your quotation is actually a lobbyist who works for the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug. You really want to use this quotation as your attention-getter, but you realize that the source is clearly biased. Which of the following options do you think is the most ethical? Why?
During a keynote presentation, the speaker mentions that she is the head of neurology at a major medical center. The speaker then goes on to discuss why wearing helmets is important for bicyclists of all ages. What factor of credibility has the speaker attempted to establish?
A kid perched on the roof of his house one day notices a wolf walking by. The kid yells at the wolf, “Evil, vile creature! Why have you come near honest folks’ homes?” The wolf quickly replied, “It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.” What type of attention-getting device does this represent?
During an introduction, a speaker says, “I realize that many of us disagree on the use of corporal punishment in public schools. I just ask that you listen to my arguments with an open mind.” Which aspect of credibility is the speaker attempting to enhance?
Which of the following is a function of a thesis statement?
What part of an introduction does the following sentence represent? “Today we’re going to examine the video gaming industry by first discussing the history of video games, then by examining the current trends in video gaming, and lastly, by discussing the future of video games.”
Directions: Use this worksheet to map out the introduction to your next speech. A copy of this worksheet suitable for editing in a word processing program can be downloaded from http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/sites/all/files/wrench_1.0-09ws.doc.
What is your general purpose? (circle one)
To inform | To persuade | To entertain |
What is your specific purpose?
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Which attention-getting device do you plan on using?
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How will you link your attention-getting device to your actual topic?
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Why should your audience listen to your speech?
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How will you establish your credibility during speech?
Competence
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Trustworthiness
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Caring/goodwill
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What is your thesis statement?
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What are your three main body points?
Body point 1
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Body point 2
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Body point 3
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Write a preview of your three main body points.
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