Test Questions & Answers Ch.15 Speaking With Visual Aids

Chapter 15 Speaking with Visual Aids

Multiple Choice

1. Visual aids should be selected by carefully considering the __________.

a. audience and the purpose of the speech

b. speaker and the message

c. thesis of the speech and the size of the room

d. supporting material, the reasoning, and the claim

Learning Objective: 15.1 Enumerate the main benefits and possible drawbacks of using visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Benefits of Using Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

2. Geoff displayed a photograph of a cathedral during his presentation on architecture. This photo is a type of __________.

a. thesis

b. noise

c. visual aid

d. specific purpose

Learning Objective: 15.1 Enumerate the main benefits and possible drawbacks of using visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Benefits of Using Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

3. What is a benefit to using visual aids during a speech?

a. Visual aids determine the context of the speech.

b. Visual aids eliminate noise.

c. Visual aids can replace a lengthy discussion.

d. Visual aids improve comprehension and retention.

Learning Objective: 15.1 Enumerate the main benefits and possible drawbacks of using visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Benefits of Using Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Easy

Skill Level: Remember the Facts

4. As he talked about the dangerous enemies the elephants faced, Jeremiah played a recording of a herd of elephants bellowing. He noticed that his audience members listened carefully when he played it. What is the purpose of his visual aid?

a. enhance credibility

b. create interest

c. advance argument

d. improve retention

Learning Objective: 15.1 Enumerate the main benefits and possible drawbacks of using visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Benefits of Using Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

5. Many of the audience members complained that the speaker was not legitimate because he talked about the new garden tool but never showed the audience how it worked. This speaker should have used a visual aid in order to __________.

a. advance his argument

b. improve retention

c. create interest

d. enhance credibility

Learning Objective: 15.1 Enumerate the main benefits and possible drawbacks of using visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Benefits of Using Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

6. Sometimes visual aids do not just embellish your ideas; they may actually make _________ themselves.

a. a speech

b. an argument

c. a presentation

d. an outline

Learning Objective: 15.1 Enumerate the main benefits and possible drawbacks of using visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Benefits of Using Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

7. What is the purpose of a statistical chart?

a. to compare one set of items to another

b. to simplify complex information

c. to replace spoken communication

d. to order general information

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

8. Which of these speech topics would benefit from a chart showing the sequence of steps?

a. sculptural and watercolor depictions of gardens

b. a comparative study of post-war Europe

c. six things you can do to improve your grades

d. communication systems from 1985-2018

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

9. Wanda wants to use a visual aid to show the series of choices one should make when selecting an investment strategy. Which type of visual aid would serve her best?

a. statistical chart

b. pie graph

c. diagram

d. flowchart

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

10. Wilson wants to illustrate the set of interrelated questions that one should consider when selecting a college major. Which type of visual aid would serve him best?

a. a flowchart

b. a columnar chart

c. a bar graph

d. a consequential chart

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

11. Peyton needs a visual aid that shows the relationship between a change in gross national income which can create a change in gross domestic product. What type of visual aid should he create?

a. a diagram

b. a chart

c. a map

d. a graph

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

12. A __________ graph illustrates how two variables change in relation to each other, as plotted on a horizontal axis and vertical axis.

a. pie

b. bar

c. line

d. textual

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

13. Trevor wants to create a graph that shows his audience how the cost of cereal has been rising over the past ten years. Which type of graph should he use?

a. line

b. map

c. pie

d. textual

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

14. Trudy wants to show how the rate of traffic accidents changes for drivers as they advance in age. Which type of visual aid would best represent this information?

a. decision tree

b. flip chart

c. photograph

d. line graph

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

15. Jamison should create a __________ to show how job creation rates change as a function of raising or lowering tax rates on businesses.

a. line graph

b. bar graph

c. textual graphics

d. pie graph

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

16. What type of visual aid should Marta create to show the difference in the number of retail stores between Canada, the United States, and Mexico for each of the past three years?

a. diagram

b. flowchart

c. textual graphic

d. bar graph

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

17. Bar graphs are useful for showing __________.

a. lists in columns

b. steps in a process

c. stages of decision making

d. comparison and contrast

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

18. Pie graphs best illustrate __________.

a. how variables constitute proportions or percentages of a whole

b. comparisons and contrasts among one or two variables

c. how one variable changes as a function of another

d. how multiple variables vary in relation to each other

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

19. Manuel’s visual aid depicted the percentage of the budget allowed for each of the six departments in the company to show how 100% of the budget was accounted for. Which type of visual aid did he use?

a. map

b. pie graph

c. textual graphic

d. line graph

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

20. A graph used to show proportions or percentages of a whole is called a __________.

a. bar graph

b. line graph

c. pie graph

d. holograph

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Easy

Skill Level: Remember the Facts

21. Visual aids known as representations include __________.

a. photographs, diagrams, and maps

b. flowcharts, objects, and models

c. easels, flipcharts, and slides

d. bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Easy

Skill Level: Remember the Facts

22. Which visual aid is a type of representation?

a. object

b. textual graphic

c. pie graph

d. model

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

23. Vince wants his audience to not only hear him say the four biggest health problems associated with chewing tobacco, he also plans to write them on the whiteboard as he says them. What kind of visual aid is he using?

a. objects

b. a graph

c. a textual graphic

d. a diagram

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

24. Marietta wants to help her audience understand how the new traffic pattern will work so she creates a simple sketch that shows how the cars will flow. What type of visual aid is she using?

a. a bar graph

b. a textual graphic

c. a diagram

d. a chart

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

25. When using a map as a visual aid, it is most important to remember to __________.

a. simplify it

b. use it as a handout

c. include every detail

d. enlarge it for all to see

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

26. Kristin used an iconic photograph as her visual aid. This means that the photograph was __________.

a. not sourced

b. displayed in black and white

c. recognized by almost everyone

d. part of the local culture

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

27. When an object is either too large or not portable, the speaker’s next best option is to __________.

a. use a picture of the object

b. use a working model

c. pass the object around

d. draw an illustration of the object

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

28. What is a potential drawback of using objects as visual aids?

a. The object may be too small, too big, or too difficult to handle.

b. The object may not work properly.

c. The object may be difficult to obtain.

d. The speaker may look at the object rather than the audience.

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

29. To best illustrate basic makeup application techniques for work and for evening, Carolyn should use a(n) __________ as her visual aid.

a. chart

b. object

c. film

d. person

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

30. What is the first decision you should make regarding visual aids?

a. Is the visual aid portable?

b. Which ideas will be aided by visual materials?

c. What computer software can generate effective slides?

d. What can go wrong?

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Easy

Skill Level: Remember the Facts

31. The professor told the class that each visual aid should illustrate just one idea from their speech. In other words, the visual aid should be __________.

a. portable

b. visible

c. valid

d. simple

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

32. Michael realized he selected the wrong visual aid when he had to turn his back to the audience in order to use it. His visual aid is not __________.

a. visible

b. portable

c. simple

d. dynamic

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

33. When using computer-generated visual aids, which basic design principle is easy to ignore?

a. ease of handling

b. aesthetics

c. simplicity

d. visibility

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Easy

Skill Level: Remember the Facts

34. What is a possible drawback to consider when planning computer-generated visual aids?

a. Your audience may be distracted from your speech.

b. It is tempting to put too much onto each slide.

c. Your computer-generated visual aids are likely to be too colorful.

d. The background on PowerPoint™ slides is often distracting.

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

35. Which font is preferred for headlines when creating a slide?

a. sans serif

b. decorative

c. script

d. serif

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Easy

Skill Level: Remember the Facts

36. Salena is creating a slide presentation. She should use no more than __________ lines on each of her slides.

a. three

b. ten

c. eight

d. six

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

37. What is the biggest concern associated with distributing handouts during a speech?

a. They enhance the message.

b. They are a visual reminder.

c. They create a distraction.

d. They can be copied.

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

38. Rather than review the handout with her as she spoke, Nala noticed that most of the audience was using it as a fan and the flapping papers created a constant noise. In this situation, Nala's handout had __________.

a. explained a complex subject

b. reinforced a message

c. created a distraction

d. obstructed the audience's view

Learning Objective: 15.4 Demonstrate how to use visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Using Visual Aids in the Speech

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Apply What You Know

39. When speaking to a large audience of listeners who are all seated at the same level on the floor, you should display your visual aids __________.

a. above the level of your head

b. at your eye level

c. close to the front row

d. in front of the podium

Learning Objective: 15.4 Demonstrate how to use visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Using Visual Aids in the Speech

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

40. When using a visual aid, where should the speaker look?

a. facing the screen or visual aid

b. in any direction, so long as you point at the visual aid when appropriate

c. at the audience

d. with their back to the audience

Learning Objective: 15. 4 Demonstrate how to use visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Using Visual Aids in the Speech

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

Essay Questions

41. What are the four main benefits of using visual aids?

• Visual aids make the speech more interesting.
• Visual aids enhance the speaker’s credibility.
• Visual aids improve comprehension and retention.
• Visual aids can advance your argument in the speech.

Learning Objective: 15.1 Enumerate the main benefits and possible drawbacks of using visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Benefits of Using Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

42. How do visual aids enhance comprehension and retention? Are the visual aids that enhance comprehension different from those that enhance retention?

• Visual aids provide a concrete visual supplement to the aural stimuli.
• The visual aids that enhance comprehension also enhance retention

Learning Objective: 15.1 Enumerate the main benefits and possible drawbacks of using visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Benefits of Using Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

43. Discuss the various types of charts a speaker can use and explain when it is best to use them.

• Statistical chart: makes it easier for audience to understand abstract statistics. Used to simplify complex information. Should illustrate just one point or support only one conclusion.
• Sequence of steps: reveals the steps in a process. This chart clarifies the steps and shows the order in which they occur.
• Flowchart: suggests how a decision flows to the conclusion. Labeled boxes are connected by arrows; at key points, one decision flows in one direction, and a different decision leads in a different direction. These alternative paths show the outcome of different decisions.
• Visual list: support the verbal information the speaker provides. Lists can quickly fly by an audience and a visual list supports the message.

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Skill Level: Analyze It

44. Describe a line graph. When would a speaker decide to use a line graph as a visual aid?

• A line graph charts one variable against another. It is helpful when making comparisons.
• The values for one variable are shown on the horizontal axis and those of the other variable are on the vertical axis.
• A line connects the various points to demonstrate the relationship between the variables.

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Analyze It

45. What is a representation of a visual aid? Describe the types of representations a speaker can use.

• Representations are visual portrayals of reality.
• Textual graphics display words so the audience can see and hear the words at the same time.
• Diagrams are simple drawings or sketches that represent a more complex concept. They allow the speaker to emphasize the things that are most important.
• Maps are useful when the speech focuses on directions to, or relationships among, places. It need not be drawn to scale.
• Photographs should be used cautiously as they may reveal more information than intended.
• Memes should be recognizable by all of the audience and culturally accepted.
• Film and video require special equipment. Make sure the “bells and whistles” of the technology don’t intrigue your audience more than your message does.

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

46. What are the advantages and drawbacks of using people as visual aids?

• The advantages of using people as visual aids include (1) speakers can demonstrate activities and enhance their credibility, (2) appearance and attire can help to reinforce a point, and (3) other people can be used to help demonstrate activities like self-defense or massage.
• The disadvantages of using people as visual aids include (1) less conventional dress can be distracting, (2) using volunteers can backfire, and (3) using other people can distract listeners’ attention from the speaker.

Learning Objective: 15.2 Identify major categories of visual aids and how each might contribute to the effectiveness of the speech.

Topic: Types of Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Skill Level: Analyze It

47. What are the advantages of using computer-generated visual aids? What are the drawbacks?

• The advantages of using computer-generated visual aids include (1) the ability to produce high-quality, sophisticated visuals and present them imaginatively, (2) to use the computer or a PDA to generate graphics and multimedia presentations, and (3) the ease with which programs can be learned and used.
• The disadvantages include (1) how tempting it is to make too many visual aids, (2) software might not match the delivery system, and (3) the technology might fail.

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Skill Level: Analyze It

48. What are some considerations a speaker should keep in mind when creating computer-generated slides?

• Choose a basic design and color scheme for the entire presentation.
• Select fonts carefully.
• Choose an appropriate type size.
• Limit the amount of text on each slide.
• Use color to create a mood and sustain attention.

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

49. Discuss the likelihood of technical problems happening when using visual aids and the best way to respond to them. Identify the relationship of technical difficulties to the overall quality of the speech or what conditions make the difficulties more important.

• The speaker should anticipate that whatever can go wrong, will, preparing him- or herself for the possibility of technical problems.
• Preparation includes rehearsing with the equipment that will be used and having a backup plan if something does go wrong.
• The answer should explore the question of whether a technical difficulty substantially damages a speech and what factors might make the impact of the difficulties greater or lesser. The text does not provide a concrete description and students are encouraged to experiment with the answer.

Learning Objective: 15.3 Explain the principles of preparing visual aids and of using them during the speech.

Topic: Preparing Visual Aids

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Skill Level: Analyze It

50. Explain the three principles for using a visual aid in a speech. Give examples of how to use each correctly and why.

• When using a visual aid in a speech, avoid distracting listeners’ attention from the message—for example, avoid misspelled words on your poster. The audience will be so mesmerized by the typo that they will miss what you are saying.
• Do not obstruct the audience’s view—for example, do not stand in front of the projector showing transparencies. While listeners are concentrating on looking around you, they will miss what you are saying.
• Speak to the audience, not the visual aid—for example, do not turn your back to the audience to point at a line graph. You will lose eye contact with your audience.
• Student examples may vary.

Learning Objective: 15.4 Demonstrate how to use visual aids in a speech.

Topic: Using Visual Aids in the Speech

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Skill Level: Apply What You Know