Q&A Hero

Q: A presenter who is using free-form slides is A) free to read the presentation script word-for-word. B) released from the constraints of place and time. C) responsible for conveying more of the content. D) able to rely on each slide to function as a multimedia teleprompter. E) more likely to present complex subjects in a cohesive, integrated manner.

Q: Structured presentation slides are usually the best choice for A) routine presentations. B) persuasive presentations. C) sales presentations. D) motivational presentations. E) impromptu presentations.

Q: 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) anticipating likely questions and thinking through your answers. C) assuming that you'll be able to handle questions without some preparation. D) realizing that the question-and-answer session is relatively unimportant. E) pretending that you know the answer to a question, even when you don't.

Q: 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) reinforce your main ideas. D) emphasize your supporting points. E) all of the above.

Q: 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. E) making sure that coffee and donuts are available in the break room for all attendees.

Q: The backchannel can present challenges for business presenters because A) engaged listeners can build support for your message. B) contrary audience members can have more leverage. C) supportive listeners can spread your message to a much larger audience. D) both supportive and unsupportive listeners can provide feedback about your presentation. E) all of the above.

Q: When you're introducing a presentation, include a ________ to help your audience understand the structure and content of your message. A) catalog of sources B) preview section C) bimodal transition D) contextual connection E) humorous story

Q: 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) Remove all transitions and key words from your planning outline. B) Ignore your planning outline and chart a new course based on your personal agenda. C) Start with the planning outline; then strip out anything you don't plan to say to the audience. D) Keyboard your script on your slides. That way, you can read the slides word-for-word. E) Insert additional examples, details, and data into your original planning outline.

Q: If the audience for a 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 establish common ground and diffuse skepticism. D) build your credibility as you present compelling reasons to accept your message. E) none of the above.

Q: Which of the following would be an appropriate handout to accompany an oral presentation? A) An interesting but unrelated news article B) A list of unfiltered URLs to relevant websites C) A photo of you, with a caption listing all of your qualifications D) A brief note explaining that, unfortunately, there will not be time for questions E) Any of the above

Q: ________ slides indicate which material has been covered and which section you are about to begin. A) Title B) Agenda C) Navigation D) Template E) None of the above

Q: Which one of the following is the best example of functional animation? A) Having each bullet point fly from the left side of the screen B) Moving a color bar on the screen to highlight the steps in a process C) Using a cartwheel effect to bring in a block of text from outer space D) Making a clipart image spin around in circles E) All of the above

Q: ________ conveys information that is part of your message; ________ simply enhances the look of your slides. A) Decorative artwork; functional artwork B) Background artwork; foreground artwork C) Functional artwork; decorative artwork D) Digital artwork; symbolic artwork E) None of the above

Q: You can use ________ to control how one slide replaces another on the screen; you can also use ________ to control the release of text, graphics, and other elements on individual slides. A) slide agendas; slide blueprints B) slide transitions; slide builds C) slide storyboards; slide templates D) slide builds; slide transitions E) slide hyperlinks; slide pull quotes

Q: Hyperlinks are useful in slide presentations for A) providing additional details. B) customizing one electronic presentation for several audiences. C) accessing additional information during question-and-answer periods. D) changing the flow in response to audience feedback. E) doing all of the above.

Q: When using builds, you should A) limit them to text; they are not appropriate for graphics. B) vary the direction: sometimes from top to bottom, sometimes from left to right. C) reveal information in a way that helps your audience understand your message. D) set them up so that each letter of the text on a slide appears one at a time. E) do none of the above since builds don't fit into business presentations.

Q: The slide master feature in presentation software A) should be avoided, since it is viewed as a crutch for unskilled presenters. B) gives your slides a cartoonish look. C) helps create a consistent design for your entire slide show. D) is too complicated for most presenters to use effectively. E) is helpful only if you have fewer than 10 slides.

Q: When preparing a background design for slides, A) you will need to consult a professional graphic artist. B) be careful when using the design templates that come with your software. C) any of the designs that come with your software program will do. D) choose the most exciting colors and graphics you can find. E) none of the above are advised.

Q: Four important design elements to consider when creating slides include all of the following except A) choosing color. B) selecting background designs. C) writing content. D) selecting fonts and type styles. E) choosing artwork.

Q: According to your textbook, a slideument is A) typically used as a short video to introduce a workplace presentation. B) sent to your audience ahead of time to help them preview your topic. C) a hybrid slide that tries to function as a presentation visual and a printed document. D) an effective vehicle for delivering information during a business presentation. E) a helpful summary of your presentation, distributed to the audience just as you begin.

Q: Unlike structured slides, free-form slides A) are random and lack design consistency. B) are fast and easy to create. C) are self-contained and don't require interpretation by a speaker. D) deliver information visually, without the need for text. E) achieve unity through colors, fonts, and images, rather than rigid templates.

Q: Overhead transparencies are A) no longer used. B) old-fashioned, but offer some advantages compared to electronic slides. C) appropriate only for highly technical presentations. D) much easier to edit than electronic slides. E) none of the above.

Q: For most business presentations, ________ are the medium of choice. A) flip charts. B) whiteboards. C) electronic slides. D) overhead transparencies. E) All of the above are equally popular.

Q: When you're designing an electronic slide deck for a business presentation, let ________ and ________ guide your efforts. A) simplicity, authenticity B) convenience, personal preferences C) mesmerism, sleight of hand D) functionality, time-constraints E) one-way communication, showmanship

Q: Sending preview materials to the audience prior to an online presentation A) will discourage participants from attending your presentation. B) can suggest that you are not confident in your abilities as a presenter. C) can help audience members become familiar with important background information. D) will minimize backchannel activity during your presentation. E) will distract readers from the main idea of your presentation.

Q: 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 slides that only certain audience members can see. E) none of the above.

Q: Which of the following is not a good way to deal with speaking anxiety? A) Prepare more material than necessary. B) Concentrate on your nervousness. C) Take a few deep breaths before speaking. D) Have your first sentence memorized and on the tip of your tongue. E) Visualize success.

Q: When checking the location of your presentation in advance, you should A) not worry about seating arrangements—they 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) think carefully about the seating of the audience. D) do all of the above. E) do none of the above.

Q: Rehearsing your presentation will A) help you check your voice, timing, phrasing, and equipment. B) increase your nervousness. C) most likely ruin your ability to make an effective presentation. D) rob you of the confidence you need. E) waste valuable time, since most presentations are delivered in person.

Q: Speaking from notes or an outline is often effective because A) you can look at the notes instead of at your audience. B) you can maintain a natural speaking flow. C) it reduces the likelihood that you will improvise. D) it enables you to read the presentation word-for-word. E) it takes far less time to prepare than writing out the entire presentation.

Q: The most effective and easiest mode of delivering presentations in nearly all situations is A) memorization. B) reading from a prepared script. C) speaking from an outline or notes. D) impromptu speaking. E) from a seated position.

Q: 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. E) you are nervous.

Q: Don't try to memorize a presentation because A) you might forget your lines. B) you'll probably sound stilted when you deliver the message. C) you won't be able to respond to questions during your presentation. D) all of the above. E) none of the above.

Q: You should always close your speech A) on a memorable note. B) by leaving the audience with unanswered questions. C) with something dramatic or flamboyant. D) by introducing some new ideas for the audience to think about. E) with a humorous statement.

Q: 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 and needs clarification. 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. E) do none of the above.

Q: 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. D) calmly explain that no one is leaving until the disagreements have been resolved. E) do all of the above.

Q: When you have covered all the main points in your speech, you should A) get ready to end your message on a strong, positive note. B) wrap up as quickly as possible. C) avoid using such phrases as "To sum it all up" and "In conclusion." D) keep it simple with a statement such as, "Well, I guess that's it." E) end with a detailed explanation of how hard you worked on preparing your speech.

Q: When you're concluding a business presentation, A) briefly restate the main points you covered during the presentation. B) bring up any information you forgot to include during the presentation. C) prepare to bolt for the exit so you won't have to be bothered with pointless questions. D) don't let the audience know you're ready to close the presentation. E) let your audience decide how they feel and what they'll do about your presentation.

Q: To hold your audience's attention during the body of your speech, you should A) make at least seven or eight main points. B) include numerous abstract ideas. C) relate your subject to your audience's needs. D) periodically ask, "Is everyone still paying attention?" E) do all of the above.

Q: 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) the main idea for a presentation. E) a redundant phrase that should be eliminated.

Q: ________ is not a primary function of the preview section in the introduction to a presentation. A) Identifying your main supporting points B) Giving you time to ease into your presentation C) Summarizing the main idea of your presentation D) Revealing the order in which you'll develop your main points E) All of the above

Q: 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) use a teaser statement that implies what you'll be discussing. D) say something outrageous to shock your audience into paying attention. E) do none of the above.

Q: 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) allowing you to boast about your qualifications. E) none of the above.

Q: Formal presentations differ from informal ones in that A) formal presentations always include obscure, unfamiliar vocabulary. B) formal presentations are always much longer. C) formal presentations are often delivered from a stage or platform. D) when delivering a formal presentation, you should speak more rapidly. E) formal presentations are much easier to prepare and deliver.

Q: To reduce the formality of an oral presentation, A) use a conversational tone during the presentation. B) deliver your presentation in an auditorium. C) seat the audience in preconfigured rows. D) deliver your remarks in the passive voice. E) do all of the above.

Q: 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." E) the best presentations are almost entirely spontaneous.

Q: If you face hostile or difficult questions during a question-and-answer session A) step down from the podium and leave the room. B) enlist the help of the audience to silence the questioner. C) respond honestly while keeping control of your emotions. D) stand your ground and respond to the questions aggressively. E) ignore anyone who asks such questions and change the subject.

Q: Printed materials that you give to the audience to supplement your presentation should be A) incidental to your overall presentation strategy. B) an integral part of your presentation strategy. C) extraneous because you've put all of the necessary details on your presentation slides. D) posted online, in case anyone might be interested in seeing them after the presentation. E) none of the above.

Q: If you have 10 minutes or less to deliver a presentation, you should 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 the material. D) organize your presentation as you would a brief written message. E) not waste time on an introduction; instead, jump straight to the body of your message.

Q: If you are not given a time limit for your presentation, you should A) make it as long as possible to ensure the audience understands the message. B) keep the presentation as short as possible while accomplishing your purpose. C) ask the audience how long they would like the presentation to take. D) make sure it takes no less than 30 minutes, not including the question-and-answer session. E) deliver the presentation impromptu, and end it whenever the audience appears to be losing interest.

Q: Effective text slides should do all of the following except A) highlight key points. B) display your entire speaking script. C) summarize and preview your message. D) signal major shifts in thought. E) illustrate concepts.

Q: For business presentations, time constraints are usually A) rigid, permitting little or no flexibility. B) meaningless since audiences expect presenters to take extra time. C) imposed only on lower-level employees. D) not important if you are presenting to your colleagues. E) only a suggestion.

Q: 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 figure it out on their own. E) restate it in three identical sentences, one right after the other.

Q: 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. E) complete all of your visuals.

Q: Selecting the right medium for your presentation is A) easy because you'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. E) unimportant, as long as your content is good.

Q: One of the steps in analyzing your audience is to A) determine their likely emotional state. B) remember to keep your speech or oral presentation short. C) define your purpose. D) prepare a detailed, informative outline. E) none of the above.

Q: 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. E) observe and comment.

Q: 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) deciding on the right mix of visuals and text for your slides. E) doing all of the above.

Q: Speeches and oral presentations are much like any other messages in that A) they all require similar planning. B) they are delivered to groups that are similar in size. C) the interaction between the audience and speaker is similar. D) they deal with emotional or personal issues to a similar extent. E) they require little planning.

Q: If a proposal is unsolicited, the letter of transmittal should follow the format for persuasive messages.

Q: A synopsis or executive summary is usually less useful in a formal proposal than in other types of formal reports.

Q: Most proposals have few supplementary parts.

Q: Proposals addressed to external audiences, including potential customers and investors, are nearly always formal.

Q: Because they fall at the beginning of a report, write the prefatory parts first.

Q: If your report will be posted online, make the report easy to skim.

Q: What is the purpose of the bibliography section in a formal report? A) It fulfills your ethical obligation to credit your sources. B) It allows readers to consult your sources for more information. C) It includes the names and subjects mentioned in a report. D) It includes material that is not directly relevant to all audience members. E) It fulfills the objectives stated in both A and B.

Q: The ________ is not included in the prefatory parts of a formal report. A) introduction B) letter of authorization C) letter or memo of transmittal D) table of contents E) synopsis or executive summary

Q: ____________________ is a statement you make in your speech indicating how and why it relates (or could relate) to your audience. a.A signpost b.A transition c.An attention-getter d.A listener relevance link

Q: The revision process for formal reports and proposals includes all of the following except A) profiling the audience. B) evaluating overall organization. C) adding headings and subheadings. D) making sure the content responds to audience needs. E) striving for writing that is clear, concise, and compelling.

Q: "Today I am going to speak about the importance of child-proofing your home. Whether you have a child, are close to someone who has a child, or simply value personal safety, I hope my speech will provide you with helpful information to make your home the safest place it can be." The second sentence in this quote is an example of ______________. a.a listener relevance link b.a transition c.an attention-getter d.a signpost

Q: Within the context of preparing formal reports and proposals, the term limitations A) sets the boundaries of your research; that is, what you will and will not investigate. B) presents excuses for inadequate research or a poorly written report. C) specifies the risks, rewards, costs, and benefits of a specific course of action. D) refers to factors beyond your control that affect the quality of the report. E) all of the above.

Q: A one- or two-sentence speech summary that incorporates your goals and previews the main points is a _________________. a.specific purpose b.thesis statement c.sentence analysis d.topic

Q: If you want to call attention to the visuals in a formal report, you should A) work them into the table of contents. B) submit them as a separate enclosure. C) cite their sources in the bibliography. D) include a list of illustrations as a prefatory element. E) refer to them in your conclusions and recommendations.

Q: You will only want to start the body of the speech after you have first _____________________________________. a.determined the main points and written a thesis b.determined main points and prepared sectional transitions c.developed speech goals and assembled some research d.done some research and determined main points

Q: The introductory section of a formal proposal includes all of the following except A) the scope of the proposal. B) a statement of qualifications. C) a brief description of the solution. D) the background or a statement of the problem. E) an overview of how the proposal is organized.

Q: The first part of the speech you should plan is the _________________. a.introduction b.body c.conclusion d.it doesn't matter

Q: When you're writing an unsolicited proposal, approach the transmittal letter as A) a persuasive message. B) an informative message. C) a cordial message. D) an informational message. E) none of the above.

Q: One of the goals of the introduction is to establish credibility. a.True b.False

Q: In a report designed to organize a new task force, the close should A) identify the report's authors. B) include an analysis of the data you've presented. C) list the action that you would like readers to take. D) discuss why the report was written. E) do all of the above.

Q: Because section transitions can seem repetitive, they should only be used when the audience is unfamiliar with the topic. a.True b.False