What are the three traits that contribute to credibility? Briefly define each. Then list at least one way that speakers can demonstrate each of these traits

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Credibility is the degree to which the audience regards a speaker as a believable spokesperson. What makes a speaker credible can vary from culture to culture. Credibility is comprised of three main characteristics: 1) Competence – the knowledge and expertise an audience thinks the speaker has; demonstrated by telling them about it training and experience, citing research sources, stressing competencies of those sources. 2) Character – the honesty, concern, and morality the audience sees in a speaker; demonstrated by stressing fairness and balance, interest and care for the audience, and concern for enduring values and lasting truths. 3) Charisma – a combination of personality and dynamism as seen by the audience; demonstrated by showing a positive outlook and forward thinking, showing enthusiasm and pleasure in speaking, being empathic, and using clear and decisive language. Examples will vary.

Communication & Mass Media

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Randy is having difficulty with one of his employees, Albert, who is constantly late on deadlines, forcing others to pick up his slack. Other members of his team are beginning to notice, and Randy decides he needs to confront Albert before the issue becomes a major source of division among the team. What is the best statement Randy could make?

a. "Albert, I am concerned that other people are noticing your lack of performance." b. "Albert, you are putting a burden on this team with your lack of motivation." c. "I am frustrated by your inability to meet deadlines, and I am asking you on behalf of the team to step up." d. "I've noticed that you have missed some deadlines this quarter."

Communication & Mass Media

Kelly was sure that her audience would notice every mistake she made during her speech. This belief is known as ____

A) the spotlight effect B) the illusion of transparency C) speech minutia D) speech training

Communication & Mass Media

The minimum number of people who must participate in a brainstorming process is called a quorum.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Communication & Mass Media

The Noelle-Neumann theory that assumes a "powerful effects model" for media states that media can suppress public expression of opinions opposed to those presented in media content, creating a __________ that grows until the media's picture of reality becomes reality itself

a. power b. bridge of opinions c. spiral of silence d. game of effects

Communication & Mass Media