Public Speaking & Communication Flashcards
7 cards from real LAMDA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Public Speaking & Communication flashcards as text
What is 'ethos' in Aristotle's three modes of persuasion, as applied in LAMDA communication?
Answer: A credibility appeal based on the speaker's character and authority
Ethos refers to the speaker's credibility, trustworthiness, and expertise — audiences are more persuaded by speakers they perceive as knowledgeable and reliable.
Which non-verbal signal most reliably signals nervousness in a public speaker?
Answer: Rapid blinking, fidgeting, and avoidance of eye contact
Rapid blinking, fidgeting, and avoiding eye contact are common anxiety responses that audiences read as signs of nervousness or lack of confidence.
In a group discussion assessed by LAMDA, what skill demonstrates that a participant is actively building on others' contributions?
Answer: Referencing a previous speaker's point before adding your own
Explicitly referencing a previous speaker's contribution (e.g., 'Building on what Sam said…') shows active listening and collaborative communication skills.
What does 'pace' refer to in public speaking, and how can varying it improve a speech?
Answer: The speed of delivery, which can be varied to create emphasis or maintain engagement
Pace refers to the speed of speech delivery; slowing down emphasizes important points while speeding up can convey excitement, helping to sustain audience interest.
Which technique helps manage pre-speech anxiety by regulating the nervous system before stepping up to speak?
Answer: Controlled deep breathing to lower heart rate and calm nerves
Controlled deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate, steadying the voice, and calming anxiety before a speech.
In the context of LAMDA speech exams, what is a 'linking sentence' between sections of a speech?
Answer: A transitional phrase that connects the end of one idea to the beginning of the next
Linking sentences (transitions) bridge sections of a speech, signaling to the audience that the speaker is moving from one point to another and maintaining logical flow.
A LAMDA examiner notes that a candidate's speech lacks 'audience awareness.' Which behavior most likely prompted this comment?
Answer: Reading directly from notes without engaging with the audience or responding to their reactions
Reading from notes without looking up, adapting tone, or responding to audience reactions indicates a failure to engage with listeners — a key criterion in LAMDA communication assessments.