Chapter 2 Review

“Preparation and perseverance are the keys to a successful speech.”

The most successful presentations in history, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, usually derive from careful thought, planning, and preparation. Both beginning and more experienced speakers should remember this lesson: even a first-time speaker can give a much stronger presentation by taking a bit of extra time and effort.

In this chapter, we emphasized the importance of preparing for public speaking. First, we introduced the five classical canons of rhetoric, a set of guidelines that continue to inform the way many speech instructors teach speech preparation today.

Next, we presented a step-by-step process for preparing your first speech. It’s important to note that speech development is a craft comprising a set of specific skills that you can master. The nine main steps are analyzing the audience; selecting a topic; determining the rhetorical purpose; creating a thesis statement; determining your main points; developing supporting materials; organizing and outlining the body, introduction, conclusion, and transitions; considering word choice and presentation aids; and practicing and delivering the speech. By making good choices at each step of the speech preparation process, you improve your chances of delivering a successful presentation.

In this chapter, we also outlined some basic techniques to help you overcome your speech anxiety by emphasizing that you can channel your nervousness to help you become a better speaker. To help you “get the butterflies flying in formation,” we suggest that you prepare early and follow a plan. Strive to take care of yourself by balancing responsibilities with personal needs. To build a positive outlook, try visualizing success, using relaxation techniques, and volunteering to speak first. And when you are speaking, stay positive: don’t be your own worst critic.

LaunchPad for Speak Up offers videos and encourages self-assessment through adaptive quizzing. Look for the check icon and play icon throughout the chapter for adaptive quizzing and online video activities.

Key Terms

Page 63

classical canon of rhetoric 38

invention 38

arrangement 39

style 39

memory 39

delivery 39

audience analysis 41

topic 42

rhetorical purpose 44

thesis statement 45

main point 46

supporting material 46

brainstorming 47

research 47

bibliographic information 47

outline 48

body 48

subpoint 49

subordination 49

Play video introduction 49

Play video conclusion 50

Play video transition 50

word choice (diction) 51

Play video presentation aid 52

extemporaneous delivery 52

mediated presentation 53

speech anxiety (stage fright) 54

imagined interaction 56

visualization 57

relaxation strategy 58

Review Questions

  1. Question

    What are three common mistakes that inexperienced speakers make when preparing a speech?

  2. Question

    Name and define each of the five classical canons of rhetoric.

  3. Question

    What is audience analysis, and what are three questions you may want to answer about your audience?

  4. Question

    Explain what is meant by rhetorical purpose. What are the three basic rhetorical purposes that speeches can serve?

  5. Question

    What is a thesis statement, and how does it differ from a speech topic?

  6. Question

    What are supporting materials, and how do they help a speaker develop main points?

  7. Question

    Define main points and subpoints, and explain the principle of subordination.
    Define main points and subpoints, and explain the principle of subordination.

  8. Question

    What are presentation aids, and how can a speaker make sure they support her or his message?

  9. Question

    What is extemporaneous delivery, and why is it generally the best approach for speakers?

  10. Question

    List three guidelines for effective delivery.

  11. Page 64

    Question

    Name and explain five techniques that can help you overcome speech anxiety.

Critical Thinking Questions

  1. Question

    How would you analyze your public speaking classmates as an audience? Consider their backgrounds and interests. What are some of their shared experiences? How could you use this information to adapt a speech to your classmates?

  2. Question

    How would the research and supporting materials you might use in a persuasive speech differ from those you might use in a special-occasion speech?
    How would the research and supporting materials you might use in a persuasive speech differ from those you might use in a special-occasion speech?

  3. Question

    When you see a speaker who is obviously feeling nervous, how can you as an audience member help put him or her at ease? Can thinking about your experience as an audience member help you feel less nervous as a speaker?

Activities

  1. Question

    In small groups, look at each of the steps involved in preparing a speech. Discuss which classical canons of rhetoric are applied during each step.
    Chapter 2 - Activity Question 1

  2. Question

    In small groups, prepare a skit in which a speaker uses at least three different techniques for reducing speech anxiety. Then present your skit to the entire class. Have other class members try to identify the techniques that each group is using.
    Chapter 2 - Activity Question 2

  3. Question

    Video Activity 2.4: “Garza, How to Buy a Guitar.” Watch Richard Garza’s speech, and analyze how he has followed the different steps involved in preparing a speech. How does Garza relate his speech to the audience? Indicate his thesis and main points? Use supporting materials (including presentation aids)? What has he done to develop his introduction and conclusion? How well does he follow this chapter’s advice about delivering a speech? Is there any advice in this chapter that Garza did not adopt? What could he have done differently?
    Chapter 2 - Activity Question 3

  4. Question

    Think back on any awards programs you like to watch (for example, the Oscars, Grammys, ESPYs, or Video Music Awards) and the ways in which different winners approach their acceptance speeches. Is it obvious when a winner has prepared a speech beforehand? Is it obvious when she or he has not? Have any speakers made comments that you thought were inappropriate for that type of event?
    Chapter 2 - Activity Question 4

  5. Page 65

    Question

    Prepare a one- to two-minute talk on any topic of interest. Then break into small groups, and listen to each group member’s presentation. After each speech, discuss what you liked about the speaker’s content and delivery.
    Chapter 2 - Activity Question 5