Speechwriting Elements 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A speech comprises three sections. the opening, the main body, and the conclusion.
- True (Correct answer)
- False
Correct answer: True
A well-structured speech universally comprises three main sections: the opening (introduction), the main body, and the conclusion. Each section serves a distinct purpose, from grabbing attention and stating the thesis to developing key arguments and summarizing the message, ensuring a coherent and effective presentation.
Question 2: During this phase, you should gather concepts, facts, sources, and references that are pertinent to or associated with your chosen topic.
- Collecting information on the subject (Correct answer)
- Choosing the subject
- Limiting the subject
- Choosing a topic
Correct answer: Collecting information on the subject
The phase where you gather concepts, facts, sources, and references pertinent to your chosen topic is known as "collecting information on the subject." This research stage is crucial for building a strong foundation for your speech, ensuring accuracy, depth, and credibility in your arguments and explanations.
Question 3: Pick every option that pertains to composing an introduction.
- With a hook (Correct answer)
- The thesis statement is present.
- Has corroborating information (Correct answer)
- Presents the subject (Correct answer)
Correct answer: With a hook
A strong speech introduction should include a "hook" to immediately capture the audience's attention and "present the subject" clearly so listeners know what to expect. It also often includes some form of "corroborating information" or a thesis statement to set the stage for the main arguments. These elements work together to establish the speech's purpose and engage the audience.
Question 4: How do you end a speech?
- Pose in a way
- A final farewell
- Gratitude to the guests (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Gratitude to the guests
A polite and professional way to end a speech is by expressing gratitude to the audience or "guests" for their time and attention. This gesture shows respect and appreciation, leaving a positive final impression. While a final farewell is implied, explicit thanks are a key part of a strong conclusion.
Question 5: You can tell if your supporting arguments support your primary argument or not by using an outline.
- True (Correct answer)
- False
Correct answer: True
An outline is an invaluable tool for organizing your speech, allowing you to clearly see the relationship between your main arguments and supporting points. By structuring your ideas, an outline helps ensure that all supporting arguments directly contribute to and reinforce your primary argument, maintaining logical coherence.
Question 6: The key points of your topic are covered and explained in this section of your speech.
- Introduction
- Conclusion
- Body (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Body
The "body" of a speech is the central section where the key points of your topic are covered, developed, and explained in detail. This is where you present your main arguments, provide evidence, examples, and elaborate on your ideas to fully inform or persuade your audience.
Question 7: This section of a speech seeks to capture the audience's attention and interest.
- Introduction (Correct answer)
- Conclusion
- Body
Correct answer: Introduction
The introduction of a speech serves the crucial purpose of grabbing the audience's attention and establishing interest in the topic. It sets the tone, provides a preview of what's to come, and motivates listeners to engage with the rest of the presentation. Without an effective introduction, a speaker risks losing their audience before even getting to the main points.
A speech comprises three sections. the opening, the main body, and the conclusion.