1 Why is extemporaneous speaking generally the most appropriate form of delivery? When would it be best to use a manuscript? To memorize? To give an impromptu speech?
2 Have you given an impromptu speech? What was its purpose, and do you think you were successful? Why or why not?
3 To what extent do you think effective verbal delivery is necessary to your overall evaluation of a speech? How do your movements, gestures, eye contact, and clothing influence your relationship with your audience and the communication of your message?
4 What is most important to remember when using note cards during your speech? Other than note cards and note pads, how else do people display notes for the speeches?
5 Under what circumstances do you feel communication anxiety? How do you know physically that you're experiencing apprehension? How do you respond psychologically?
6 Six obstacles (fears) to public speaking were presented early in the chapter. Which of those fears do you personally experience in a public speaking situation? Which obstacles do you think would be most common in college students?
7 Although degrees of speech tension vary from speaker to speaker, most inexperienced speakers share common feelings of discomfort. What can you do to minimize your feelings of apprehension and make your nervous energy work for you rather than against you?