NPTEL Public Speaking Week 5 Assignment Answers 2024 (July-October)

 Week 5 Assignment Solutions: Exploring Communication and Human Interaction

Description: This article provides comprehensive solutions for Week 5 of the NPTEL course on Public Speaking. The assignment delves into various aspects of human communication, including kinesics, proxemics, chronemics, and haptics. Each question is addressed with a clear answer and a reasoned explanation, helping learners understand the intricate dynamics of communication.

Question 1: Edward Hall introduced the term kinesics in the year 1952.

Options:

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Edward Hall is best known for introducing the concept of proxemics in 1963, which is the study of how humans use space in communication. The term kinesics, which relates to body language and non-verbal communication, was introduced by Ray Birdwhistell, not Edward Hall.

Question 2: Communication is only 7% verbal and 93% non-verbal.

Options:

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: This widely cited statistic originates from studies by Albert Mehrabian, which indicated that communication is heavily dependent on non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. While the precise percentage may vary in different contexts, it emphasizes the significant role of non-verbal communication in human interaction.

Question 3: Memory and attention span are usually limited in public speaking.

Options:

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: Audience members typically have limited attention spans during public speaking events. This is why effective public speakers aim to be concise and engaging, ensuring that their key messages are delivered clearly and memorably.

Question 4: Chronemics is the study of space concerning human communication.

Options:

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Chronemics is the study of how time affects communication, not space. Proxemics, on the other hand, is the study of how space and distance impact communication in various social contexts.

Question 5: The aspect of touch has to be dealt with both confidence and caution.

Options:

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: Touch, or haptics, is a powerful form of non-verbal communication that must be used carefully. Inappropriate touch can be misinterpreted and may lead to discomfort or conflict, whereas a well-timed touch can convey support, empathy, or connection.

Question 6: Under which spatial zone of communication do formal business occasions fall?

Options:

• Personal Space
• Social Space
• Public Space
• Intimate Space

Answer: Social Space

Explanation: Formal business communication typically occurs within the "social space" zone, which ranges from 4 to 12 feet. This distance allows for professional interaction while maintaining a comfortable boundary between individuals.

Question 7: Choose the option that does not determine the communication in low-context cultures.

Options:

• Words
• Tone
• Social Status
• Gestures

Answer: Social Status

Explanation: In low-context cultures, communication is explicit and relies heavily on words and direct language. Social status does not play a significant role in determining the communication style, unlike in high-context cultures where indirect communication and social hierarchy are more important.

Question 8: Who among the following said that “The man’s boundary begins and ends with his skin”?

Options:

• Ray Birdwhistell
• Edward Sapir
• Edward Hall
• Stuart Hall

Answer: Edward Hall

Explanation: Edward Hall, a cultural anthropologist, is known for his work on proxemics and personal boundaries. The quote refers to the concept that a person's sense of space and boundary is often defined by their physical body, influencing how they perceive and interact with their environment.

Question 9: Who introduced the term 'speech chronemics'?

Options:

• Thomas Bruneau
• H.P Kruger
• Edward Hall
• Lawrence Wright

Answer: Thomas Bruneau

Explanation: Thomas Bruneau is credited with introducing the term "speech chronemics," which examines the role of time in communication, particularly in the context of speech and interaction patterns.

Question 10: For which group among the following is 'contact comfort' a primary need?

Options:

• Higher-order mammals
• Lower-order mammals
• Primitive mammals
• Primates

Answer: Primates

Explanation: "Contact comfort" refers to the emotional and psychological benefits derived from physical touch, and it is particularly important for primates. Studies have shown that physical closeness and touch are crucial for the development and well-being of primates, including humans.

These solutions offer a thorough understanding of the principles of human communication explored in Week 5, highlighting the importance of non-verbal cues, space, time, and touch in effective interaction.