Get ready for the DSST Principles of Public Speaking Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Ace your exam today!

Multiple Choice

A speech that intends to influence or change the feelings, behaviors, and beliefs of audience members would be considered which of the following?

A speech designed to influence or change the feelings, behaviors, and beliefs of audience members is classified as a persuasive speech. The primary goal of persuasive speeches is to convince the audience to adopt a certain point of view or to take a specific action. These speeches utilize various rhetorical techniques, such as emotional appeals, logical arguments, and credibility from the speaker, to effectively sway the audience's opinions or instill a desired belief. In contrast, informative speeches focus on providing factual information and knowledge without attempting to persuade, entertaining speeches aim to amuse or engage the audience without a significant persuasive intent, and special occasion speeches are crafted for specific events and may include elements of celebration or commemoration rather than a focus on influencing beliefs or behaviors. Thus, the defining characteristic of a persuasive speech is its intent to induce change within the audience, making it the correct answer for this question.

A speech designed to influence or change the feelings, behaviors, and beliefs of audience members is classified as a persuasive speech. The primary goal of persuasive speeches is to convince the audience to adopt a certain point of view or to take a specific action. These speeches utilize various rhetorical techniques, such as emotional appeals, logical arguments, and credibility from the speaker, to effectively sway the audience's opinions or instill a desired belief.

In contrast, informative speeches focus on providing factual information and knowledge without attempting to persuade, entertaining speeches aim to amuse or engage the audience without a significant persuasive intent, and special occasion speeches are crafted for specific events and may include elements of celebration or commemoration rather than a focus on influencing beliefs or behaviors. Thus, the defining characteristic of a persuasive speech is its intent to induce change within the audience, making it the correct answer for this question.