Textbook Gregory H 2013 Public Speaking For College And Care
Textbookgregory H 2013 Public Speaking For College And Career 1
Question 1: At a beach on the Atlantic Ocean, whenever ice cream sales increase, the number of drownings increases. In other words, there is a strong correlation between ice cream and drownings. Does the correlation prove that ice cream contributes to drownings? Explain your answer.
Correlation between two variables does not imply causation. In the scenario of increased ice cream sales and drownings, both are likely related to a third factor—hot weather or summer season—that causes more people to buy ice cream and also swim more frequently, increasing drowning risk. Therefore, the correlation does not indicate that ice cream consumption causes drownings. It illustrates how two variables can move together without one directly influencing the other, highlighting the importance of avoiding assumptions of causality based solely on correlation (Griffin, 2013).
Question 2:
Transitions are vital in a speech because they help to create a logical flow between ideas, ensuring the audience can follow the speaker’s message clearly. Effective transitions serve as signals to the audience that the speaker is moving from one point to the next, thus maintaining coherence and reinforcing the overall structure of the speech (Gregory, 2013). They also provide cues for your audience to understand the relationship between ideas, whether they are contrasting, elaborating, illustrating, or concluding, thereby enhancing comprehension and engagement.
Question 3:
Tennis coaches observe "analysis paralysis," where players overanalyze the mechanics of their swing, leading to hesitation and often missing their shot. Public speakers can learn that overthinking or obsessing over every detail within a speech—such as perfecting every word or gesture—can hinder natural delivery and confidence. Instead, speakers should focus on the core message, practicing enough to be comfortable and trusting their preparation. Just as players need to trust their instincts during a match, speakers benefit from focusing on clarity and connection rather than absolute perfection, which can lead to nervousness and stagnation (Gregory, 2013).
References
- Griffin, E. (2013). A first look at communication theory (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
- Gregory, H. (2013). Public speaking for college and career (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill.