Speechwriting Techniques 5

Question 1

Antithesis as a rhetorical device works by:

Accepted Answer

Placing contrasting ideas in balanced opposition

Answer

Repeating a sound

Answer

Asking unanswered questions

Answer

Exaggerating for effect

Question 2

Varying sentence length and rhythm in a speech mainly serves to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain listener interest and control pacing

Answer

Increase the word count

Answer

Hide the thesis

Answer

Eliminate transitions

Question 3

Using inclusive language like 'we' and 'us' helps a speaker to:

Accepted Answer

Create a sense of unity with the audience

Answer

Distance themselves from listeners

Answer

Sound more formal only

Answer

Avoid taking a stance

Question 4

A 'tricolon' is a specific application of which technique?

Accepted Answer

The rule of three

Answer

Alliteration

Answer

Rhetorical questioning

Answer

Antithesis

Question 5

Repeating a key phrase as a recurring refrain throughout a speech (as in 'I Have a Dream') functions to:

Accepted Answer

Reinforce the central theme memorably

Answer

Replace the conclusion

Answer

Shorten the speech

Answer

Avoid emotional appeal

Question 6

Litotes, an understatement using a negative, is exemplified by:

Accepted Answer

'Not bad' to mean 'good'

Answer

'The best ever' to mean 'great'

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'I'll fight forever' to mean determination

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'Like a rock' to mean steady

Question 7

Ending a speech by returning to the image or story from the opening is a technique called:

Accepted Answer

Bookending (full-circle close)

Answer

Signposting

Answer

Hyperbole

Answer

Audience adaptation