Listening to and Critiquing Public Speeches

Question 1

Have you ever felt like the person in this image during a speech or presentation? List four or five things this person can do to be a more effective listener.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Answers may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: - Take notes - Make an effort to build an understanding of the speaker’s message - Think more deeply about the message - Avoid becoming self-focused or distant - Evaluate and analyze the speaker’s message - Critique the speaker’s performance and presentation - Listen actively - Listen for total meaning - Listen with empathy - Listen with an open mind - Listen ethically

Question 2

Avoiding offensive listening; listening objectively; weighing the pros and cons; examining the data; and listening without emotional involvement are all examples of which area of active listening?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Listening with empathy

Question 3

Which of the following below is the best example of an effective critique?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Good job, your ideas were organized and your demonstration really engaged the audience. One thing you could do differently is try to make more eye contact and use your notecards less.

Question 4

What is the main problem with the following critique? “That was the stupidest speech I’ve ever heard. You weren’t organized, you were boring, it went too long, your visual aids were ugly and useless, and nobody cares about your topic.”

Revolt · Accepted Answer

It is not ethical.

Question 5

When offering a _____________, it is best to be as objective and fair as possible.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

critique

Question 6

After listening to Christine’s speech, Albert tells her that it was good, but it was “kinda boring”, and that most people probably won’t care about her message. This is an example of:

Revolt · Accepted Answer

criticism

Question 7

What is the main problem with the following critique? “You put some thought into it, but you obviously do not care much about the topic you are presenting.”

Revolt · Accepted Answer

It is not behavior focused.

Question 8

What is the main problem with the following critique? “Your organization was confusing, you spoke too quietly and couldn’t be heard, your visual aids were distracting, and your presentation was much too long.”

Revolt · Accepted Answer

It is not positive.

Question 9

Your friend is preparing a speech for class tomorrow. She asks you to watch her speech and give her feedback. During her speech she stares at her paper and rarely looks up. You can barely hear or understand what she is saying. She rocks back and forth from one leg to the other. Her speech lasts 28 minutes and is filled with long quotes from scientists. When she finishes you really don’t remember what she spoke about.Prepare a critique of your friend’s speech. Remember the guidelines for effective critiques!

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Answers will vary, but should address both positive and negative aspects of the presentation, and be constructive, specific, behavior focused, objective, and ethical.

Question 10

Which area of active listening does the boy in this image need to work on?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Listening ethically

Listening to and Critiquing Public Speeches Answers

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