Pre-Test
Presentation Success: How to Plan, Prepare, and Deliver Effective Presentations
Course Code 96002
INSTRUCTIONS: Record your answers on one of the scannable forms enclosed with this course. Please follow the directions on the form carefully. Be sure to keep a copy of the completed answer form for your records. No photocopies will be graded. When completed, mail your answer form to:
American Management Association
Educational Services
P.O. Box 133
Florida, NY 10921
1. Most presenters do best when they use:
(a) a word-for-word script that relieves them of the concern about what to say and how to say it.
(b) slides that include the text of their presentation so they don’t have to rely on notes.
(c) a set of notes that includes at least a few words of the opening, the primary message statement, and the sequence of key points.
(d) a detailed set of notes with a script as backup.
2. Which of the following is a recommended action for reducing stage fright while making a presentation?
(a) Use a microphone so you don’t have to worry about being heard.
(b) Make eye contact to establish rapport with individuals in the audience.
(c) Play soft music in the background to relax yourself.
(d) Tell a joke as soon as you can to lighten up the atmosphere.
3. Understanding the characteristics, needs, and expectations of the audience is crucial to making a successful presentation because:
(a) you want to be sure the audience appreciates your effort.
(b) you need to figure out how to surprise the audience.
(c) you’ll use a different approach and presentation style for different audiences.
(d) that’s the way you decide how long the presentation should be.
4. Which statement is good advice for using overhead transparencies effectively?
(a) Always use as many as you can because they liven up the presentation.
(b) Make sure each transparency conveys only one main point or idea.
(c) Only use transparencies to show pictures.
(d) Get as much information on each transparency so you don’t have to keep changing them.
5. What’s a recommended way for a presenter to increase the chances of starting on time?
(a) Send out an e-mail announcing that the door will be locked three minutes after the scheduled start time.
(b) Schedule the arrival time to allow 15 minutes for people to get there, get coffee, greet friends, and settle into their seats.
(c) Put up a sign asking people to sit down and avoid starting conversations when they come into the room.
(d) Let people know that the best seats will be reserved for those who arrive early.
6. Which statement most accurately describes the purpose of your opening?
(a) To stimulate interest, establish a context, and prepare the audience for what you plan to say.
(b) To make the audience laugh so they’ll feel positive about the presenter.
(c) To startle the audience into paying attention.
(d) To give the audience time to get settled and focus on the presenter.
7. Which of the following is a key element of a successful presentation?
(a) The audience laughs at the right moments.
(b) The information is organized so people can follow points easily.
(c) The presenter uses dramatic visual aids.
(d) The presenter has a dynamic presentation style.
8. A primary reason for symptoms of nervousness at the beginning of a presentation is:
(a) arriving late, especially when you haven’t seen the presentation room before.
(b) seeing someone you don’t like in the audience.
(c) inexperience.
(d) realizing that you have several friends in the audience.
9. One recommended way to identify the most important points in your presentation is to:
(a) make a detailed outline that shows all the information the audience needs.
(b) list all the details you’d like to include, then cut out those you won’t have time for.
(c) ask someone to listen to the presentation and tell you what seems most important.
(d) imagine you have only 30 seconds to deliver the presentation and select the points you’d include.
10. One key action for ensuring a successful presentation is:
(a) following a step-by-step process to plan the presentation.
(b) learning the audience members’ names ahead of time.
(c) providing food so people feel welcome.
(d) including a question-and-answer session.
11. An effective way to encourage discussion is to:
(a) only let people speak when they have something useful to say.
(b) ask open-ended questions that cannot be answered with “yes” or “no.”
(c) insist that everyone participate, even those who are reluctant.
(d) once the group gets going, let the discussion continue even if that means going overtime.
12. Symptoms of nervousness, such as dry mouth and shaking hands:
(a) almost always disappear when you start speaking.
(b) mean that you haven’t put enough time into preparing the presentation.
(c) are ways our bodies respond naturally to stress.
(d) make it impossible to deliver a successful presentation.
13. When developing your presentation script or set of notes:
(a) always start by writing the opening.
(b) develop your presentation aids first.
(c) add details to your presentation outline.
(d) write your anecdotes first.
14. For small groups, prepared flip chart pages have one primary advantage over overhead transparencies:
(a) Flip chart pages are much easier to prepare.
(b) It’s easier to use color on flip chart pages, so you can make them more interesting.
(c) Flip chart pages are easier for people to see.
(d) You don’t need to worry about equipment noise or malfunction when using flip chart pages.
15. Which of the following is the most valid primary objective for making a presentation?
(a) To influence prospective clients to buy your product.
(b) To make a good impression on people who can help you achieve your career goals.
(c) To provide people with a “fun” experience.
(d) To demonstrate that you are able to communicate clearly.
16. A recommended body position for a presenter is:
(a) standing up straight, with your weight evenly balanced on both feet.
(b) standing at a slight angle, with one shoulder oriented toward the audience and the other toward the back wall.
(c) pacing back and forth across the edge of the presentation area to keep the audience’s attention.
(d) standing firmly in one place without moving.
17. A key point summary statement is:
(a) a statement that summarizes the most important information for a subtopic or introduces the details that are to come.
(b) a one-paragraph summary of your entire presentation.
(c) a bulleted list of the points you plan to cover during the presentation.
(d) a summary of your introduction.
18. The confidence that comes with experience in making presentations:
(a) eliminates feelings of anxiety and nervousness.
(b) makes feelings of anxiety and nervousness irrelevant.
(c) reduces feelings of anxiety and nervousness but seldom eliminates them.
(d) has little or no effect on feelings of anxiety and nervousness.
19. People usually attend presentations because:
(a) they are excited about hearing what the presenter has to say about the topic.
(b) they have been told or encouraged to come by their managers.
(c) they are looking for a way to get out of work for a few hours.
(d) they have some interest in or need for the information.
20. Which statement describes the best way to handle questions in most presentations?
(a) Take questions only if you are sure there is enough time after you have covered all the material.
(b) Avoid long-winded or irrelevant questions by asking people to write down their questions and hand them in.
(c) Let the audience know when you will take questions and how you would like questions presented.
(d) Be as responsive as possible by trying to answer every question as it comes up.
21. The best way to reduce presentation anxiety and nervousness is to:
(a) ask a friend to sit in the front row.
(b) memorize the presentation word-for-word.
(c) plan, prepare, and practice.
(d) wear something that you feel brings you good luck.
22. Which statement is the most accurate with regard to using computers when making presentations?
(a) Computers have revolutionized the art of making presentations so every presenter worth her salt must use one.
(b) If you plan to use a computer, practice ahead of time so you won’t make mistakes during the presentation.
(c) Only computer programmers really know how to use computers for making presentations.
(d) Today’s computer presentation technology is extremely reliable and easy to use.
23. The most effective way to practice a presentation is to:
(a) read it over and over to yourself until you have it memorized.
(b) shut the door of your office and read through your notes five or six times.
(c) visualize using the equipment.
(d) practice out loud and standing up.
24. A speech is most appropriate:
(a) for large audiences on formal occasions.
(b) when your time is limited.
(c) when you want to influence your audience.
(d) when your primary purpose is to inform the audience.
25. Which of the following is one of the five steps for planning a presentation?
(a) Deciding what you’re going to wear
(b) Setting up the room
(c) Developing your slides