Study Questions
- What is culture? What is cultural diversity? Name two reasons why it is important for contemporary speakers to be aware of cultural diversity?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- What are some techniques that can be used to by speakers to improve their cultural awareness and sensitivity?
- What is ethics? What role does it serve in the speechmaking process?
- What do audiences expect from speakers?
- Identify and explain the types of ethical problems that are displayed by speakers.
- What do speakers expect from their audiences?
- What is critical thinking? How might it assist public speakers and audiences maintain ethical behaviors and promote cultural awareness?