Name_________________________________________ Date__________________________

COM 180- Summer Midterm Study Guide

Your midterm is meant to test your practical application of the content below. Expect to see
multiple-choice questions, and be able to discuss this content (using the vocabulary of the
discipline) in short answer questions. You might be given a speaking scenario and asked how you
would prepare for and organize the speech. You may be asked to watch a speech and then analyze it
for elements of structure and delivery.
Chapter 1- Introduction to Public Speaking
1) Know the transactional model of communication and the vocabulary associated with it.
2) Know the 11 Core Speaking Competencies.
Chapter 2 and Classical Origins
1) Who were the Sophists and what did they believe (in general)?
2) Specifically, what did each individual contribute to the study of rhetoric?
Corax
Gorgias
Thrasymachus
Protagoras
Isocrates
Aristotle
Plato
Cicero
Quintillian
3) What was Aristotles definition of rhetoric?
4) What were the three theories of proofs that Aristotle advocated that every speaker/speech
should contain?
5) What were the five great arts the Cicero said made up public speaking? Explain each one.
6) How did Quintilian define a true orator and how is this similar to Aristotles concept of
ethos?
7) Who was Augustine and how did he use rhetorical theory to contribute to Christianity?
8) What was Platos challenge?
Chapter 3- Ethics in Public Speaking
1) Know the three types of plagiarism, and be able to give examples of each.
2) Know the goals and practices of a responsible and ethical public speaker.
Chapter 4- Listening Effectively
Know the three As of active listening (attention, attitude, adjustment) and be able to

identify examples of each

Know the barriers to effective listening (anticipating, judging, reacting emotionally) and be
able to identify examples of each

Name_________________________________________ Date__________________________
Chapter 5 Audience Analysis
Know the categories of audience analysis:
o Situational analysis
o Demographic analysis
o Psychological analysis
o Multicultural analysis
o Interest and knowledge analysis

Chapter 7 Supporting Your Ideas

Know the different types of supporting materials, where to find them, and how to cite them,

and how to use research well.

Chapter 8- Organization and Outlining
1)
2)
3)
4)

Know all the main parts of a speech and their functions.

Be able to outline a speech correctly.
Understand coordination, subordination, and parallelism
Be able to identify or provide an example of these organizational styles
a. Topical
b. Spatial
c. Comparative
d. Problem/Solution
e. Causal
Chapter 9- Introductions and Conclusions

1) Know their purposes and how to execute them effectively.

Chapter 11- Speaking with Confidence
1) What are the three types of communication apprehension?
2) Describe the three-step process of cognitive restructuring.
3) Understand the techniques for building confidence.
Chapter 12- Delivering Your Speech
1) Know the five elements of delivery we observe on rubrics. Be able to analyze effective
delivery techniques.
2) Know other (non-body) elements that impact delivery and impression.
3) Know the vocabulary of the chapter.