Question

Which are characteristics of an effective public speaker? Check all that apply.

looking primarily at note cards
speaking at a steady pace
using gestures and body language
speaking at varying paces throughout
making eye contact with the audience
reading from notes as if they are a script

Answer 1

Correct choices:
- using gestures and body language — Yes. These reinforce points and keep the audience engaged.
- speaking at varying paces throughout — Yes. Variation adds emphasis and prevents monotony.
- making eye contact with the audience — Yes. Eye contact builds connection and credibility.

Not characteristics of an effective speaker:
- looking primarily at note cards — No. It disconnects you from the audience and looks unprepared.
- reading from notes as if they are a script — No. It sounds mechanical and reduces engagement.

(“Speaking at a steady pace” can be useful to avoid rushing, but relying only on a single steady pace can sound monotonous; effective speakers vary pace as needed.)