COMM 131 Final Exam Questions with Correct Answers Latest Update 2025-2026
Cliche - Answers a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought
Denotative Meaning - Answers The literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase, precise,
literal, and objective.
Connotative Meaning - Answers A more variable, figurative or subjective meaning. gives words
intensity and emotional power, The ideas or concepts a word suggests in addition to its literal
definition
What does it mean to say that you should use language appropriately in your speeches? -
Answers Language needs to be appropriate to the speaker's topic, as well as to the audience.
For example, a speech on zip lining would use more action-oriented words than would a speech
about the theories of psychology
How does language help shape our sense of reality? - Answers Language does not mirror reality,
however it helps us create a sense of reality by giving meaning to events. The words we use to
label an event determine how we respond to it.
Describe a speech of introduction - Answers builds enthusiasm for the upcoming speaker
builds enthusiasm for speaker's topic
establishes a welcoming climate that will boost the speaker's credibility
Explain how a public speaker's language should be appropriate to the audience - Answers
different people respond to different vocal and tones. Use professional terms with
professionals, such as doctors, and use more laid back terms with teens. Avoid language that
may offend any member of the audience
Explain how a public speaker's language should be appropriate to the occasion - Answers locker
room pep-talk speech would use a phrase like "you guys" when referring to the audience, as a
formal speech in a professional setting may refer to the audience as "distinguished guests"
Explain how a public speaker's language should be appropriate to the topic - Answers you would
not use a metaphor or an alliteration in a speech about how to change a bicycle tire, however
you may use these in a speech honoring or admiring someone such as a fallen soldier
Explain how a public speaker's language should be appropriate to the speaker - Answers every
public speaker develops his or her own language style. however, the speaker must remain
appropriate and language conscious
Extemporaneous Speech - Answers a carefully prepared and rehearsed speech with brief notes
Simile - Answers an explicit comparison with the words like and as
, Metaphor - Answers an implicit comparison without the use of words like and as
Why is nonverbal communication important as a public speaker? - Answers Nonverbal
communication helps to convey a speaker's ideas clearly without distracting audience through
voice and body language
What are the major advantages of using visual aids in your speech? - Answers This makes the
message more interesting, enhances aspects of the speech, combats stage fright, boosts
confidence, and helps the audience grasp the idea easier
Describe a speech of presentation - Answers it is similar to a casual speech, but requires more
preparation, uses of formal language, there is a time restraint and a different method of delivery
Advantages and disadvantages of speaking extemporaneously compared with reading from a
manuscript - Answers Extemporaneous is more control and leeway with thoughts, while
manuscript is more boring and monotone
Explain the importance to effective public speaking with nonverbal communication: personal
appearance - Answers dress and groom properly, make good first impression
Explain the importance to effective public speaking with nonverbal communication: bodily
action - Answers calm, poised, confident, no rush
Explain the importance to effective public speaking with nonverbal communication: gestures -
Answers avoid flailing hands, arms, and be natural
Explain the importance to effective public speaking with nonverbal communication: eye contact
- Answers keep direct visual contact with those in the audience
Dialect - Answers variety of language distinguished by variations of grammar, accents, and
vocab
Target Audience - Answers portion of whole audience speaker most wants to persuade
Small Group - Answers collection of 3-12 people who assemble for a specific purpose
What is anological reasoning? How can you judge the validity of an analogy? - Answers it
compares 2 similar cases and infers what is true for the first and is true for the second, judge
validity if it shows a truly parallel situation
What is the role of emotional appeal in persuasive speaking? - Answers Speaker tries to get the
audience to feel something
Identify 3 Methods you can use to generate emotional appeal - Answers 1) Use of emotional
language
2) Develop vivid images
Cliche - Answers a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought
Denotative Meaning - Answers The literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase, precise,
literal, and objective.
Connotative Meaning - Answers A more variable, figurative or subjective meaning. gives words
intensity and emotional power, The ideas or concepts a word suggests in addition to its literal
definition
What does it mean to say that you should use language appropriately in your speeches? -
Answers Language needs to be appropriate to the speaker's topic, as well as to the audience.
For example, a speech on zip lining would use more action-oriented words than would a speech
about the theories of psychology
How does language help shape our sense of reality? - Answers Language does not mirror reality,
however it helps us create a sense of reality by giving meaning to events. The words we use to
label an event determine how we respond to it.
Describe a speech of introduction - Answers builds enthusiasm for the upcoming speaker
builds enthusiasm for speaker's topic
establishes a welcoming climate that will boost the speaker's credibility
Explain how a public speaker's language should be appropriate to the audience - Answers
different people respond to different vocal and tones. Use professional terms with
professionals, such as doctors, and use more laid back terms with teens. Avoid language that
may offend any member of the audience
Explain how a public speaker's language should be appropriate to the occasion - Answers locker
room pep-talk speech would use a phrase like "you guys" when referring to the audience, as a
formal speech in a professional setting may refer to the audience as "distinguished guests"
Explain how a public speaker's language should be appropriate to the topic - Answers you would
not use a metaphor or an alliteration in a speech about how to change a bicycle tire, however
you may use these in a speech honoring or admiring someone such as a fallen soldier
Explain how a public speaker's language should be appropriate to the speaker - Answers every
public speaker develops his or her own language style. however, the speaker must remain
appropriate and language conscious
Extemporaneous Speech - Answers a carefully prepared and rehearsed speech with brief notes
Simile - Answers an explicit comparison with the words like and as
, Metaphor - Answers an implicit comparison without the use of words like and as
Why is nonverbal communication important as a public speaker? - Answers Nonverbal
communication helps to convey a speaker's ideas clearly without distracting audience through
voice and body language
What are the major advantages of using visual aids in your speech? - Answers This makes the
message more interesting, enhances aspects of the speech, combats stage fright, boosts
confidence, and helps the audience grasp the idea easier
Describe a speech of presentation - Answers it is similar to a casual speech, but requires more
preparation, uses of formal language, there is a time restraint and a different method of delivery
Advantages and disadvantages of speaking extemporaneously compared with reading from a
manuscript - Answers Extemporaneous is more control and leeway with thoughts, while
manuscript is more boring and monotone
Explain the importance to effective public speaking with nonverbal communication: personal
appearance - Answers dress and groom properly, make good first impression
Explain the importance to effective public speaking with nonverbal communication: bodily
action - Answers calm, poised, confident, no rush
Explain the importance to effective public speaking with nonverbal communication: gestures -
Answers avoid flailing hands, arms, and be natural
Explain the importance to effective public speaking with nonverbal communication: eye contact
- Answers keep direct visual contact with those in the audience
Dialect - Answers variety of language distinguished by variations of grammar, accents, and
vocab
Target Audience - Answers portion of whole audience speaker most wants to persuade
Small Group - Answers collection of 3-12 people who assemble for a specific purpose
What is anological reasoning? How can you judge the validity of an analogy? - Answers it
compares 2 similar cases and infers what is true for the first and is true for the second, judge
validity if it shows a truly parallel situation
What is the role of emotional appeal in persuasive speaking? - Answers Speaker tries to get the
audience to feel something
Identify 3 Methods you can use to generate emotional appeal - Answers 1) Use of emotional
language
2) Develop vivid images
