Study Questions

  1. What is culture? What is cultural diversity?  Name two reasons why it is important for contemporary speakers to be aware of cultural diversity?
     
  2. What are co-cultural groups?  Why is it important for a speaker to be aware of any co-cultural memberships or affiliations amongst members of his or her audience?
     
  3. What is a low context culture?  What is a high context culture?  How does context influence communication?  How might context affect a speaker’s communicator style?
     
  4. Name and describe at least three categories of groups that shape our cultural identities.  How might these categories influence a speaker’s choice of topic and preference for supporting evidence?
     
  5. What are some techniques that can be used to by speakers to improve their cultural awareness and sensitivity?
     
  6. What is ethics? What role does it serve in the speechmaking process?
     
  7. What do audiences expect from speakers?
     
  8. Identify and explain the types of ethical problems that are displayed by speakers.
     
  9. What do speakers expect from their audiences?
     
  10. What is critical thinking? How might it assist public speakers and audiences maintain ethical behaviors and promote cultural awareness?