Midterm Study Guide
Chapter 1
 Explain the value of a course in public speaking.
 Explain why a certain amount of nervousness is normal—even desirable—for a
public speaker.
 Identify the basic elements of the speech communication process.
 Define ethnocentrism and explain why public speakers need to avoid it when
addressing audiences of diverse racial, ethnic, or cultural background.
Chapter 2
 Explain why a strong sense of ethical responsibility is vital for public speakers.
 Discuss the five guidelines for ethical speechmaking presented in the chapter.
 Define the differences among global plagiarism, patchwork plagiarism, and
incremental plagiarism, and explain why each type of plagiarism is unethical.
 Identify the three basic guidelines for ethical listening discussed in the chapter.
Chapter 3
 Define the four different kinds of listening and explain their relationship to
critical thinking.
 Explain why good listening is important to effective speechmaking.
 Identify the four major causes of poor listening.
 Discuss the seven ways to become a better listener presented in the text.
Chapter 4
 Explain four methods they can use to brainstorm for a speech topic.
 Identify the difference between a general and a specific purpose.
 Distinguish between the specific purpose and the central idea of a speech.
 Formulate a specific purpose statement and a central idea in accordance with the
guidelines presented in the text.
Chapter 6
 Explain the major resources available for researching speeches in the library.
 Explain how to use the Internet for speech research efficiently and responsibly
 Delineate the three stages of interviewing and explain the responsibilities of the
interviewer at each stage.
 Follow the five tips for doing research discussed in the chapter.
Chapter 7
 Distinguish among extended examples, brief examples, and hypothetical examples.
 Explain how to use examples effectively in a speech.
 Identify three questions for judging the reliability of statistics.
 Discuss how to use statistics effectively in a speech.
 Distinguish between peer testimony and expert testimony and explain the proper
use of testimony in a speech.
Chapter 8
 Explain why it is important to organize speeches clearly and coherently.
 Identify the five major patterns of organizing main points in a speech.
 Discuss the guidelines given in the text for organizing main points.
 Explain the four kinds of speech connectives and their roles in a speech.
Chapter 9
 Identify the four objectives of a speech introduction.
 Explain seven methods that can be used to gain attention in an introduction.
 Identify the major functions of a speech conclusion.
 Explain the methods a speaker can use to fulfill the functions of a conclusion.
Chapter 10
 Explain why it is important to outline speeches.
 Explain the differences between a preparation outline and a speaking outline.
Chapter 13
 Explain the major advantages of using visual aids in a speech.
 Identify the kinds of visual aids available for use in speeches.
 Apply the guidelines given in the chapter for preparing and presenting visual aids
Chapter 14
 Explain the four kinds of informative speeches discussed in the chapter.
 Apply the five guidelines for informative speaking offered in the chapter