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Business Communication Today, 12e (Bovee/Thill)
Chapter 16 Developing Oral and Online Presentations

1) Speeches and oral presentations are much like any other messages in that
A) they require similar planning.
B) they require no planning.
C) the interaction between the audience and speaker is similar.
D) they deal with emotional or personal issues to a similar extent.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) For the planning stage, oral presentations are no different than other business
messages. They require analysis of the situation, gathering of information, selecting the right
medium, and organizing the information.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
AACSB: Communication Abilities
Learning Outcome: Plan and prepare business messages
2) If you need to design a venue for delivering a presentation to a large audience, ________ will
usually be the best seating arrangement.
A) caf style seating
B) conference table seating
C) classroom or theater seating
D) horseshoe or "U" shaped seating
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Classroom or theater seating helps keep attention focused on the speaker and is
usually the best method for accommodating large audiences.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept/Application
Objective: 1
Learning Outcome: Discuss techniques for delivering an effective presentation
3) If the audience for your presentation will be interested in but neutral to what you have to say,
A) reward their goodwill by speaking in a relaxed, confident manner.
B) dismiss their concerns and persuade them that they are mistaken for feeling that way.
C) consider the indirect approach to find common ground and diffuse skepticism.
D) build your credibility as you present compelling reasons to accept your message.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) If your audience will be interested but neutral, build your credibility as you
present compelling reasons for them to accept your message.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 1
1
4) When you're speaking to an international audience, ________ will enhance the clarity of your
message.
A) keeping the message simple
B) supporting your message with slang and idioms
C) talking fast without pausing
D) avoiding the use of visual aids
Answer: A
Explanation: A) When you're speaking to an international audience, aim for clarity by keeping
your message simple.
Diff: 2
Objective: 1
AACSB: Communication Abilities, Multicultural and Diversity Understanding
Learning Outcome: Describe the opportunities and challenges of communicating in a diverse
world
5) You want to prepare a speaking outline for an upcoming presentation. Which one of the
following will help you get off to a good start?
A) Ignore your planning outline and chart a new course based on your personal idiosyncrasies.
B) Find your planning outline and remove anything you don't plan to say directly to your
audience.
C) Keyboard your script onto your presentation slides so you can read each slide word-for-word.
D) Insert additional examples, details, and data into your original planning outline.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Start with your planning outline and then strip away anything you don't plan to
say directly to your audience.
Diff: 2
Objective: 1
6) When you prepare a speech or presentation, your first step involves
A) analyzing the situation.
B) choosing the right words.
C) planning the content, length, and style of your speech or presentation.
D) doing all of the above.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Before you begin to organize or gather information, you need to analyze the
situation by answering questions such as: What is the purpose of the presentation? Who is the
audience for the presentation? What are the important ideas that need to be dealt with in the
presentation? In which medium can these ideas be best expressed?
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
2
7) The two most common purposes of business presentations are to

A) analyze and synthesize.
B) regulate and validate.
C) inform and persuade.
D) illustrate and entertain.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) By far the most common purposes of presentations are to inform or persuade.
Some presentations are made for collaborative purposes, such as when you are leading a
brainstorming or problem-solving session.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
8) When you're introducing a presentation, include a ________ to help your audience understand
the structure and content of your message.
A) catalogue of sources
B) preview section
C) bimodal transition
D) contextual pattern
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Use the preview section to help your audience understand the importance,
structure, and content of your message.
Diff: 2
Objective: 2
9) One of the steps in analyzing your audience is to
A) determine whether your audience is comfortable listening to the language you speak.
B) remember to keep your speech or oral presentation short.
C) define your purpose.
D) prepare a detailed, informative outline.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) With an audience that is unfamiliar with your language, you may consider
submitting a written version of your work rather than an oral presentation. Most people find
reading an unfamiliar language a lot easier than listening to the same material being presented
orally.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
AACSB: Multicultural and Diversity Understanding
world
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10) Selecting the right medium for your presentation is

A) easyyou're simply giving a speech.
B) an important decision since technology offers a number of choices.
C) only an issue when addressing audiences from other cultures.
D) not something you need to think about early on.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) While it should be clear that your presentation will be delivered orally, there are
many choices within the general oral medium. These choices include a live, in-person
presentation, a webcast, webinar, screencast or some other variation of these oral media.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
11) When organizing a speech or presentation, your first step is to
A) develop an outline.
B) define the main idea.
C) write the introduction.
D) decide on the delivery style.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) In the organization stage of your speech or presentation, you first need to define
your main ideathe message that you want the audience to take away from the experience. A
clear main idea can guide you all the way through the process of developing your content.
Whenever you get confused, you can simply refer to your main idea and ask yourself, "What am
I trying to say here?"
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
12) The best way to clarify your main idea in a presentation is to

A) provide a lengthy handout for your audience to review during your presentation.
B) describe it using jargon and complicated language to emphasize its importance.
C) develop a single sentence that links your subject and purpose to your audience's frame of
reference.
D) allow your audience to gradually figure it out on their own.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) A single-sentence main idea is much easier to refer to during the composition of
a presentation than a long paragraph. The single-sentence main idea works like a slogan to
summarize your goals and objectives in a compact form. If you feel like you are losing your way,
simply refer to the single-sentence main idea for direction and focus.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 1
13) For business presentations, time constraints are usually
A) rigid, permitting little or no flexibility.
B) meaninglessaudiences expect presenters to take a little more time than they're allotted.
C) imposed only on lower-level employees.
D) not important if you are presenting to your colleagues.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) In the business world, time is usually tight. Do not expect open-ended,
unlimited time to present your material. In most businesses, time limits are strictly enforced. For
example, at TechCrunch presentations are limited to six to eight minutes.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
14) When using conventional structured slides, try to average one slide for
A) each minute you speak.
B) every 3 minutes you speak.
C) every 7 minutes you speak.
D) every 10 minutes you speak.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) As a rule of thumb, figure on about one slide for every 3 to 4 minutes of
presentation time. Keep in mind that time needs to be reserved for introductions, closings, and
other "interruptions."
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
AACSB: Use of IT
5
15) In preparing presentations, keep in mind that audience attention levels and retention rates
drop sharply after ________ minutes.
A) 5
B) 20
C) 45
D) 60
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Studies show that audiences can attend to material for about 20 minutes without
their attention flagging. So in general, presentations should always aim to stay well under the 20
minute mark.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
16) If you have 10 minutes or less to deliver a presentation
A) speak as quickly as you possibly can.
B) limit yourself to four or five main points.
C) always use the indirect approach to organize your material.
D) organize your presentation like a brief written message.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) If you have 10 minutes or less to deliver your message, organize your
presentation much as you would a brief written message. Use the direct approach if the subject
involves routine information or good news; use the indirect approach if the subject involves
negative news or persuasion.
Diff: 3
Skill: Application
Objective: 2
17) Longer speeches and presentations are organized like
A) reports.
B) memos.
C) letters.
D) email messages.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) If the purpose of the longer report is to inform, use a direct approach and
structure. If the purpose is to persuade, organize your material around your conclusions and
recommendations. Use a direct approach for a persuasive presentation only if your audience is
clearly receptive to your message.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
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18) When organizing a speech, use the indirect approach if your purpose is to ________ and the
audience is ________.
A) entertain; resistant
B) motivate; receptive
C) persuade; resistant
D) inform; receptive
Answer: C
Explanation: C) When the audience is skeptical or hostile, an indirect approach is required.
Build your argument gradually. Don't state your conclusionsespecially if they are controversial
until you have laid out the groundwork to make them seem plausible.
Diff: 3
Skill: Application
Objective: 2
19) When preparing an outline for your speech, keep in mind that
A) it can include delivery cues, such as where you plan to pause for emphasis or use visuals.
B) you should keep each item to two- to three-word descriptions of what you will say.
C) you can leave out all transitions.
D) this is not the place to include "stage directions."
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Most successful speakers like to plant cues in their outline to know when to
pause, introduce visuals, or point out something significant on a visual. The cues give extra
structure to the outline and serve as handy reference points during the delivery of the
presentation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
20) To reduce the formality of an oral presentation,
A) deliver your remarks in a conversational tone.
B) use a large room.
C) seat the audience in rows.
D) do all of the above.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) In the everyday business world, almost all presentations should be given in a
conversational tone. Exceptions arise when you are giving a formal address or political speech of
some type. Even in those situations, a conversational tone is often the best option.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 2
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21) Formal speeches differ from informal ones in that

A) formal speeches always include obscure, unfamiliar vocabulary.
B) formal speeches are always much longer.
C) formal speeches are often delivered from a stage or platform.
D) when delivering a formal speech, you should speak more rapidly.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Formal speeches often put the speaker on a level that is above the audience, on
a stage or platform, speaking into a microphone.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
22) An effective introduction to a presentation will accomplish all of the following except
A) arousing the audience's interest in your topic.
B) establishing your credibility.
C) preparing the audience for the rest of the presentation.
D) telling the audience how to take action based on your recommendations.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) A good introduction arouses the audience's interest in your topic, establishes
your credibility, and prepares the audience for what will follow.
Diff: 1
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
23) One effective way to arouse interest at the start of a speech is to
A) always start things off with a joke.
B) unite the audience around a common goal.
C) tease the audience by not mentioning specifically what you'll be talking about.
D) do none of the above.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) If you can identify a problem that members of your audience care about solving
you have usually piqued their interest. You can gain a firm hold on that interest if you show that
you can deliver a creative solution to that problem.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
24) ________ is not a primary function of the preview section in the introduction to a
presentation.
A) Identifying your main supporting points
B) Establishing your credibility as a speaker
C) Summarizing the main idea of your presentation
D) Revealing the order in which you'll develop your main points
Answer: B
Explanation: B) A preview should summarize the main idea of the presentation, identify major
supporting points, and indicate the order in which you'll develop those points.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
25) The sentence "Now that we've identified the problem, let's take a look at some solutions" is
an example of
A) a problem statement for a presentation.
B) a transition between major sections of a presentation.
C) a statement of intent for a presentation.
D) a statement of the main idea for a presentation.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Use complete sentences or paragraphs as transitions between major sections of
a presentation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
26) To hold your audience's attention during the body of your speech
A) make at least seven or eight main points.
B) include numerous abstract ideas.
C) relate your subject to your audience's needs.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Audiences listen more intently and care more about a subject when it relates to
one of their needs. For example, speaking about banking problems to a non-banking audience
has a lot more impact when those banking problems can be directly related to problems faced by
ordinary consumers.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
27) When you're concluding a business presentation

A) bring up any information you forgot to include during the presentation.
B) briefly restate the main points of your presentation.
C) don't let the audience know you're ready to close the presentation.
D) rely on the audience to decide how they feel and what they'll do about your presentation.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Use the close to restate your main points succinctly and emphasize what you
want your listeners to do or think.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
28) When you have covered all the main points in your speech
A) wrap up the presentation as quickly as possible.
B) get ready to to end your message on a strong, positive note.
C) avoid using such phrases as "To sum it all up" and "In conclusion."
D) conclude with a detailed explanation of how hard you worked when preparing for your
speech.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) End on a strong note that confirms any actions or decisions that will follow the
presentation and reinforces the credibility of you and your message.
Diff: 1
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
29) If there is a lack of consensus among the audience at the end of your presentation, you
should
A) gloss over it as quickly as possible.
B) make the disagreement clear and be ready to suggest a method for resolving the differences.
C) identify the individuals causing the disagreement and ask them pointed questions.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) If the audience lacks consensus then it is your responsibility to highlight this
lack of consensus and challenge your audience to remedy the problem. In other words, the
audience may not end up agreeing with your solution to the problem, but they should be able to
agree that action needs to be taken in order to solve the problem.
Diff: 3
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
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30) If the purpose of your presentation is to get your audience involved in an upcoming project,
you should
A) open the floor for questions, as soon as you've covered your main points.
B) make sure that your close is ambiguous.
C) close by explaining who'll be involved and what they'll do.
D) gloss over any difficulties that will be involved when completing the project.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Spell out who will take action, as well as how and when they will do it.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
31) You should always close your speech
A) on an encouraging and memorable note.
B) by leaving the audience with a feeling of incompleteness, which you can resolve in the
question-and-answer period.
C) with something dramatic or flamboyant.
D) by introducing some new ideas for the audience to think about.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Clarity and confidence is the key to a good closing. Restate your main issues
and leave the audience on a positive note with something substantive that they will remember
and take action on.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
32) Except for very short speeches, don't try to memorize a presentation because
A) you might forget your lines.
B) you'll probably sound stilted while your talking.
C) you won't be able to respond to questions during your presentation.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) Avoid memorizing a presentation because you'll probably sound stilted, you
might forget your lines, and you can't respond to questions during your presentation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
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33) Delivering your presentation by reading it word-for-word is usually a bad idea except when
A) your presentation is very lengthy.
B) you're covering policy statements or legal documents that must be presented verbatim.
C) the presentation is humorous.
D) the audience is hostile.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Reading a presentation should be reserved only for highly formal and legalistic
situations in which there is little or no persuasive element in your talk. Otherwise, reading can
make a presentation sound stale and unspontaneous.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
34) The most effective and easiest mode of speech delivery in nearly all situations is
A) memorization.
B) reading from a prepared script.
C) speaking from an outline or notes.
D) impromptu speaking.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Speaking from notes or an outline requires practice and preparation, but not
memorization. Using notes rather than reading from a script allows you to make full eye contract
with your audience. You should know your content so well that even if you get completely
confused you can still use your command of the subject matter to get back on track.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
35) When speaking from notes, it is best to print them on
A) regular white typing paper.
B) heavy note cards.
C) brightly colored note cards.
D) your smartphone.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Note cards work well because they can easily be rearranged if for some reason
the structure of your presentation gets disrupted.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
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36) Rehearsing your presentation on video will

A) help you check your voice, timing, phrasing, and physical gestures.
B) increase your nervousness.
C) most likely ruin your ability to make an effective presentation.
D) rob you of the confidence you need.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Seeing yourself on video gives you a chance to improve all phases of your
delivery. Be analytical as you watch. Look for opportunities to slow down or speed up. In some
cases, you may discover that you want to eliminateor addan entire section.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
37) When checking the location of your presentation in advance, you should
A) not worry about seating arrangementsthey have no effect on how you deliver your remarks.
B) always request a whiteboard, even if you aren't sure you will need it.
C) find out whether the venue offers a projection system that you will be expected to use.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Nothing is worse or more nerve-racking than trying to deal with a
malfunctioning projection system as you begin your talk. Make sure that the system is functional
and compatible with your material well in advance of your presentation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
Learning Outcome: Describe steps for developing oral and online presentations
38) Which of the following is not a good way to deal with speaking anxiety?
A) Prepare more material than necessary.
B) Focus on being perfect.
C) Take a few deep breaths before speaking.
D) Have your first sentence memorized and on the tip of your tongue.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Focusing on being perfect is not a wise strategy. Instead, focus should be placed
on not worrying about being perfect. No presentation is ever perfect, so feeling pressure for
perfection is pointless and counterproductive.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
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39) Answering questions at the end of a presentation gives you a chance to

A) obtain important information.
B) build enthusiasm for your point of view.
C) emphasize your main ideas and supporting points.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) Answering questions gives you a chance to obtain important information,
emphasize your main idea and supporting points, and build enthusiasm for your point of view.
Diff: 2
Objective: 3
40) Best practices for the question-and-answer session after a presentation include
A) counting on being able to set ground rules for the session.
B) assuming that you'll be able to handle questions without some preparation.
C) anticipating likely questions and thinking through your answers.
D) acknowledging that the question-and-answer session is relatively unimportant.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Don't leave the question-and-answer period to chance; instead, anticipate likely
questions and think through your answers.
Diff: 2
Objective: 3
41) If you face hostile or difficult questions during a question-and-answer session
A) enlist the help of the audience to ridicule the questioner.
B) respond honestly and directly while keeping your cool.
C) stand your ground and answer the questions aggressively.
D) ignore anyone who asks such questions and change the subject.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) If you ever face hostile questions, respond honestly and directly while keeping
your cool.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 3
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42) The backchannel can present challenges for business presenters because
A) listeners can build support for your message.
B) audience members who disagree with you can have more leverage.
C) you can get feedback during and after the presentation.
D) supporters can spread your message to a larger audience in a matter of seconds.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) The backchannel gives contrary audience members more leverage, which can
cause a presentation to spin out of control.
Diff: 2
Skill: Critical Thinking
Objective: 4
AACSB: Communication Abilities, Use of IT
Learning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications
43) The most important aspect of any presentation is
A) enveloping your message within a cloak of technology.
B) impressing the audience with your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
C) getting the audience to receive, understand, and embrace your message.
D) regarding your audience as passive recipients rather than trying to engage them.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) The most important aspect of any presentation is getting the audience to
receive, understand, and embrace your message.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 4
44) In business presentations, the "backchannel" is
A) the "notes" portion of an electronic slide, which only the presenter can see.
B) subtle, nonverbal cues the presenter sends during the presentation.
C) electronic communication among audience members during the presentation.
D) password-protected electronic slides that only certain audience members are allowed to view.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Typical backchannel conversation is done via Twitter, Facebook, or IM as
audience members communicate among themselves as the presentation is taking place.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 4
Learning Outcome: Explain how to create brief messages for different electronic media
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45) Sending preview materials to the audience prior to an online presentation

A) will cause most audience members to ignore what you present later.
B) suggests that you are not confident.
C) can be helpful.
D) is an example of the backchannel in action.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Allowing the audience to become more familiar with your material usually
increases interest and improves the reception you receive from your audience. Some doubters
warn to withhold some of your slides so as not to "give away" the ending of your presentation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 4
46) Because you can adapt to your audience while you are speaking, don't worry about analyzing
the audience for an oral presentation.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Adapting to an audience and making major changes in a presentation is something
that a speaker should do only if forced to because of poor audience reception. To avoid being
forced to make changes, find out who your audience is ahead of time and plan a presentation that
is well-suited to them.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
47) You will communicate more successfully with a multilingual audience if you speak slowly
and distinctly and pause frequently.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Other keys to successful speaking to multilingual audiences: Repeat key words and
phrases frequently. Use gestures and body language to communicate. Rely on visuals to provide
support for your presentation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
world
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48) Planning a business presentation is similar to organizing a written message.

Answer: TRUE
Explanation: There is little difference in planning for a business message or a business
presentation. Both types of communication require analyzing the situation, gathering
information, selecting the right medium, and organizing the information you have gathered.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
49) You should be able to summarize the main idea for a speech in a single sentence that links
your subject and purpose to the audience's frame of reference.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: If you are unable to summarize your main idea in a single sentence, it probably
means that your main idea is unclear. Keep working on your presentation until the main idea can
be expressed in a single sentence.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
50) If you have 10 minutes or less to deliver your presentation, you should organize it much as
you would a brief written message.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: As with a brief written message, choose either a direct or an indirect approach. If
your audience is receptive, go ahead and state your conclusions up front. If your audience needs
persuading, use an indirect approach and build a case for your position.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
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51) If your purpose is to analyze, persuade, or collaborate, you should organize your speech
around conclusions and recommendations or a logical argument.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Your conclusions and recommendations are the focus of what you want to say. So
organize your entire presentation to use them to their best advantage. First, set up your
conclusions and recommendations in the most effective way possible. Then deliver them with
clarity. Finally, restate your conclusions and recommendations and point out their advantages to
your audience.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
52) Simplicity of organization is important only if your speech is short.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Simplicity is important whether your presentation is long or short. In long speeches
especially, audiences can lose focus and start to tune out. A simple message that is frequently
repeated can avoid audiences losing their way.
Diff: 1
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
53) In preparing a speaking outline for your presentation, you should avoid cluttering it with
complete sentences.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Major points and transitional sentences should be written out as complete
sentences.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
54) In general, you should use a conversational style when speaking to small groups and a more
formal style for large groups who are unfamiliar with you.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The larger and more unfamiliar the audience, the more formal the tone should be.
So you should adopt a fairly formal tone with a large audience whom you don't know.
Diff: 1
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
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55) Presentations offer important opportunities for you to put all your communication skills on
display.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Oral presentations involve all of your communication skills, and they also
demonstrate your business acumen.
Diff: 1
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
56) When discussing topics of profound importance to your audience, you can usually count on
having their attention as soon as you introduce your main idea.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The trick is to find issues that your audience really cares about that can be linked to
your message. If you can combine an issue that the audience cares about to what you care about
your main topicyou are likely to deliver a successful speech.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
57) Asking, "Did you know that almost 90% of American homeowners are underinsured?" would
be a good way to get the audience's attention at the beginning of a presentation on homeowner's
insurance.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Compelling questions can arouse keen interest in an audience. Just make sure your
question is relevant and you can relate it constructively to the main message you want to deliver.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 2
AACSB: Analytical Skills
58) If you have no working relationship with your audience, you have only a few minutes to
convince them that what you have to say is worth listening to.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: If you are totally unfamiliar to an audience, they tend to be impatient. If you don't
establish credibility in a few short minutes they will begin to tune you out. For this reason, be
sure to use some of your "best material" at the very beginning of your talk.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
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59) Giving your audience a preview of what you'll be talking about will reduce their interest and
attention.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: A written preview in many instances can enhance interest and attention. For
example, providing slides or a table of contents can cause prospective audience members to say,
"I want to hear that."
Diff: 1
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
60) Transitional words and phrases such as, "Now that we've covered..." are generally less
important in oral presentations than in written reports.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Transitional words and phrases are just as important in oral presentations as they
are in written presentations. Good transitional words and phrases can make the difference
between a confused audience and a focused audience that enjoys every word of your
presentation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 2
61) To keep an audience's attention, try to present every point you make in light of the audience's
needs and values.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Relating to the basic needs and values of the audience is the key to an effective
presentation. Find areas of common interest between your topic and the audience's concerns. For
example, if you are presenting budget information, relate the budget you are talking about to the
family budget of the people in your audience.
Diff: 1
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
20
62) The ending is the least important part of a presentation.

Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The close is a critical part of a presentation. Without a good close, all of the work
you did in the rest of the talk gets wasted. The close should leave your audience with your "takeaway" message. The close should also motivate your audience to take any actions that you deem
necessary.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
63) As you conclude your presentation, it is vital to emphasize whatever you want your listeners
to do or think.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Many presentations end with a call to action. If you want to move your audience to
action, the close is where you should spell that action out explicitly.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 2
64) When concluding a presentation, don't bore your audience by restating points you already
made in the body.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Restating key points is one of the main jobs of a close. Rather than bore your
audience, restating ideas helps cement the ideas in their memory.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
65) If you sense a lack of consensus at the end of your presentation, you should acknowledge it
and be ready to suggest a method for resolving the differences.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Disagreement with the audience should not be papered over. Acknowledge any
discord and agree to disagree with your audience. Tell your audience that you will continue to
look for a way to resolve your conflict and hope that they will be working toward the same end.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
21
66) To make your presentation memorable, your ending should be spontaneous and impromptu.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: After an otherwise successful presentation, you don't want to end your time on the
stage by having nothing to say. For that reason, plan your closing remarks carefully. Try to leave
the audience with something meaningful and memorable.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
67) Making a presentation with the help of an outline or notes is the most effective and easiest
delivery mode.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Using notes or an outline rather than reading or memorizing the talk keeps a
presentation sounding fresh and spontaneous. The notes or outline keep the speaker on track.
Diff: 1
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
68) You should never ask to see the location for your presentation in advance, since doing so
shows a lack of confidence.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Scouting the location of your presentation can be an important element of success.
By checking the room carefully, you can head off technical problems such as projection systems,
and get a feel for the acoustics of the room.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
69) Skilled presenters are quick to put a stop to audience members engaging in "backchannel"
communication during a presentation.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Rather than try to fight against backchannel communication, it is a better idea to
embrace the use of Twitter and other sites to chatter during presentations. View backchannel
communication as a form of instant feedback.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 4
22
70) When delivering presentations online, it is especially important to ask the audience for
frequent feedback.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Encourage audience members to speak up if they are genuinely confused or feel
the need for additional discussion on a topic. If their request is overly disruptive, politely dismiss
it and tell the requester to take up the issue with you later.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 4
71) The purpose of most business presentations is to inform or ________.
Answer: persuade
Explanation: Many reports combine more than one purpose. For example, an internal company
report might be given to inform decision-makers of a problem and to try to persuade them to
address the problem.
Diff: 1
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
72) Early in the planning stages of a speech, you should develop a(n) ________ profile.
Answer: audience
Explanation: An audience profile not only identifies who the audience ispotential clients, for
example, or citizens who are affected by your plan to build a factorybut also how receptive
they are likely to be. Potential clients, if they bother to come to a presentation, are likely to be
highly motivated. Citizens whose lives are being disrupted by factory plans, on the other hand,
are likely to be skeptical or even hostile.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
73) The ________ ________ of a speech should be expressed in a one-sentence statement that
links your subject and purpose to your audience's frame of reference.
Answer: main idea
Explanation: The advantage of a one-sentence statement is that it is a good measure of how clear
the main idea is. If you have trouble expressing your main idea in a single sentence, it is a strong
indication that your main idea needs clarification.
Diff: 1
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
23
74) A presentation ________ helps you organize your material and can serve as the foundation of
your speaking notes.
Answer: outline
Explanation: An outline is the best organizing tool for a presentation. The outline can be referred
to directly during the presentation, or the outline can be used to develop speaking notes.
Diff: 1
Skill: Application
Objective: 1
75) For a large audience and an important event, you will generally need to establish a(n)
________ atmosphere and to deliver your remarks on a stage or platform.
Answer: formal
Explanation: Formal events include any large gathering such as a gala, a political speech, or a
meeting of stockholders. The tone and delivery at these kinds of events should be formal.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
76) The ________ to your presentation aims to capture the audience's attention.
Answer: introduction
Explanation: The introduction should do three things: arouse the audience's interest, establish
credibility, and preview the main message of the presentation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
77) When making a presentation to an unfamiliar audience, you need to establish ________
quickly by listing your qualifications.
Answer: credibility
Explanation: Listing your qualifications is just one way to establish credibility. Other ways
include being introduced by a person who is familiar to the audience, listing your
accomplishments, and using the force of your argument and your personality to win the audience
over.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
24
78) Effective introductions often unite the audience around a common ________, such as helping
solve a problem or capitalizing on an opportunity.
Answer: goal
Explanation: Common goals that interest the audience can bring the audience to a point where it
is ready to hear your message.
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 2
79) In the body of your presentation, it is vital to ________ the ideas you are presenting around a
common theme.
Answer: connect
Explanation: Great ideas will not carry a presentation all by themselves. Those ideas must be
linked together by the speaker to present a coherent overall message. The connection between
ideas is typically done by using transitional words, phrases, and sentences.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
80) If there is a lack of ________ at the end of your presentation, acknowledge it and be ready to
offer a method for resolving the differences.
Answer: consensus
Explanation: Disagreement cannot be ignored or swept "under the rug." Do not expect to resolve
major conflicts by the time your presentation ends, but try to leave your audience thinking about
constructive rather than destructive solutions to the situation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
81) The easiest and most effective delivery mode for most business presentations is speaking
from ________.
Answer: notes
Explanation: Speaking notes developed from a solid outline provide the best platform for
guiding a presentation from start to finish. Some speakers speak from the outline directly rather
than creating speaking notes.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
25
82) If you're addressing an audience that doesn't speak your language, consider using a(n)
________ to put your speech into terms they can easily understand.
Answer: interpreter
Explanation: For non-English speakers, speak slowly and clearly, repeat key words and phrases
frequently, use gestures and body language freely, and rely on visuals to provide support for your
presentation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
world
83) You can overcome ________ related to public speaking by concentrating on your message
and your audience, not on your fears.
Answer:
anxiety
Explanation: Being nervous is an indication that you care about your issue and your audience.
Rather than be surprised by anxiety, expect to be nervous and try to channel the extra energy it
provides.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
84) To help keep your audience's attention during a presentation, illustrate your ideas with
diagrams, photographs, charts or other ________they will enliven your message, help you
connect with the audience, and help people remember your message more effectively.
Answer: visuals
Explanation: Visuals can be a major organizing feature of your presentation. For example, many
effective speakers organize their presentations around their slides.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
26
85) The ________ refers to "a line of communication created by people in an audience to
connect with others inside or outside the room, with or without the knowledge of the speaker."
Answer: backchannel
Explanation: Backchannel communication is done using Twitter, Facebook, or IM. While the
presentation is taking place, audience members communicate with one another. Some speakers
actually "tune in" to the backchannels and use them to field questions after they are finished
speaking.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 4
86) List the four steps involved in planning an oral presentation.
Answer: (1) Analyze the situation. (2) Gather information. (3) Select the right medium. (4)
Organize the presentation.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
87) You've been asked to give a presentation on cybercrime. List two steps that can help you
define the main idea of your presentation, and then provide an example of the second step.
Answer: The first step is to figure out the one message you want audience members to take
away with them. Then compose a one-sentence summary that links your subject and purpose to
your audience's frame of reference. An example would be, "With cybercrime more common than
ever, the public needs to be smarter about using the web."
Diff: 2
Objective: 1
AACSB: Analytical Skills
88) In a longer presentation, how does your purpose influence the way you organize your
material?
Answer: If the purpose is to inform, use a direct approach and a structure imposed naturally by
the subject (importance, sequence, etc.). If the purpose is to analyze, persuade, or collaborate,
organize the material around conclusions and recommendations or around a logical argument.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
27
89) Briefly explain the difference between a planning outline and a speaking outline.
Answer: Whereas a planning outline is very detailed and includes all the points you plan to
cover in your presentation, a speaking outline is much simpler.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
90) Give an example of one way to arouse audience attention at the beginning of a presentation
on your company's new long-term disability insurance.
Answer: One way to get the audience's attention would be to ask, "Here's a serious question:
what would happen to you, your finances, your home, and your family if an illness or injury kept
you out of work for three months or more?" (Answers will vary.)
Diff: 3
Objective: 2
91) List two goals to achieve in the body of a business presentation.
Answer: (1) Make sure that the organization of your presentation is clear and (2) maintain your
audience's interest in your topic.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
92) Briefly describe the three tasks that an effective closing to a presentation should accomplish
and give an example of a sentence that would be an ineffective ending.
Answer: (1) Restate your main pointsemphasize what you want the audience to do or think.
(2) Describe the next stepsexplain who is responsible for doing what. (3) End on a strong note
make your final remarks encouraging and memorable. An ineffective ending would be "Well, I
guess that's about all I've got." (Answers will vary.)
Diff: 2
Skill: Application
Objective: 2
28
93) List the four delivery methods for oral presentations.

Answer: Reciting from memory, reading, speaking from notes, and impromptu speaking
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
94) Briefly explain how nervousness can actually improve the quality of your presentation.
Answer: Nervousness is an indication that you care about your audience, your topic, and the
occasion. Such stimulation can give you the extra energy you need to make your presentation
sparkle.
Diff: 2
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
95) Define "backchannel" and describe the risks and benefits it provides for business presenters.
Answer: The backchannel refers to electronic communication among audience members and/or
outsiders that occurs during a presentation. It allows audience members to research the speaker's
claims (and spread the word if they believe any are shaky) and gives hostile audience members
extra leverage. It can also, however, enable supportive audience members to build support for the
speaker's message, expand on it, and spread it to a larger audience. It can also enable speakers to
receive valuable real-time feedback on the presentation.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 4
96) When planning a presentation, what does it mean to "analyze the situation"? Briefly explain
each of the tasks involved.
Answer: Analyzing the situation involves defining your purpose, developing an audience profile,
and assessing the circumstances in which you will speak. The purpose of most business
presentations is to inform or to persuade, although some may involve collaboration. Developing
an audience profile requires anticipating what sort of emotional state your audience is likely to
be in and determining whether your audience is comfortable listening in the language you speak.
Finally, assessing the circumstances of your presentation involves considering everything from
the size and layout of the room to the types of equipment to which you will have access.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
29
97) Describe the four steps to organizing a presentation effectively.

Answer: (1) Define the main ideawhat do you want the audience to walk away with? (2)
Limit your scopetailor the material to fit the time limit. (3) Choose your approachdirect for
supportive audiences and indirect for resistant audiences. (4) Outline your contentkeep it
audience-centered for maximum effectiveness.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
98) What six stages should you go through in preparing an effective outline for a presentation?
Answer: The first stage is to state your purpose and main idea. Doing so enables you to make
sure everything you add later relates to these components of your presentation. The second stage
is to organize your major points and subpoints in a manner that is logical and effective. Third,
identify your introduction, body, and close. Fourth, show your connections by writing out in
sentence form the transitions you plan to use to move from one part to the next. Fifth, show your
sources by preparing your bibliography carefully. Sixth, choose a title for your presentation that
will let your audience know what to expect. Coming up with a title is especially important if your
speech will be publicized ahead of time or introduced by someone else.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 1
99) List and briefly explain six strategies for holding your audience's attention during a business
presentation.
Answer: (1) Relate your subject to your audience's needspresent every point in light of how it
will affect the listeners. (2) Anticipate your audience's questionsanticipate listener questions
and address them in the body of your speech. (3) Use clear, vivid languagefamiliar words,
short sentences, and concrete examples. (4) Explain the relationship between your subject and
familiar ideasshow how your subject is related to ideas that your listeners already understand.
(5) Ask opinions or pause for questions or commentsthis lets the audience change from
listening to participating. (6) Illustrate your ideas with visual aids. Doing so will enliven your
message and help your audience remember it more effectively.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 2
30
100) Offer some practical suggestions for overcoming anxiety related to public speaking.
Answer: (1) Stop worrying about being perfecteveryone makes mistakes. (2) Prepare more
material than necessary. Extra knowledge will reduce your anxiety. (3) Practice. The more
familiar you are with your material, the less nervous you will be. (4) Visualize your success. Use
the few minutes before you start to tell yourself that you're ready. (5) Remember to breathe. (6)
Be ready with your opening line. Have your first sentence memorized and ready to go. (7) Be
comfortable. (8) Take a three-second break if you sense that you're starting to race. (9) Maintain
eye contact with friendly audience members. (10) Keep goingthings usually get better as you
move along and your confidence increases.
Diff: 3
Skill: Concept
Objective: 3
31

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Business Communication Today, 12e (Bovee/Thill)

Chapter 16 Developing Oral and Online Presentations

7) The two most common purposes of business presentations are to

10) Selecting the right medium for your presentation is

12) The best way to clarify your main idea in a presentation is to

21) Formal speeches differ from informal ones in that

27) When you're concluding a business presentation

36) Rehearsing your presentation on video will

39) Answering questions at the end of a presentation gives you a chance to

45) Sending preview materials to the audience prior to an online presentation

48) Planning a business presentation is similar to organizing a written message.

62) The ending is the least important part of a presentation.

93) List the four delivery methods for oral presentations.

97) Describe the four steps to organizing a presentation effectively.

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