Explain what a speaker can do to enhance initial credibility, derived credibility, and terminal credibility.

What will be an ideal response?

All types of credibility require thoughtful planning. For initial credibility, the speaker should be mindful of his or her dress and demeanor prior to the speech. Have notes and visual aids prepared and ready to set up before entering the room in view of the audience. Provide a summary of your credentials to be used in your introduction. Nervously running around trying to adjust various items will diminish one's initial credibility, whereas a calm, confident appearance will enhance it. When walking to the lectern, look poised and confident, pause before beginning, and look at the audience directly while beginning your speech.

Derived credibility is created during the course of the speech, and is a direct result of preparation, creating common ground with the audience, and practice. Making use of the notions of competence, trustworthiness, and dynamism will enhance one's derived credibility. For example, a confident speaker might mention personal experience, present the speech in an organized fashion, and use credible sources. For trustworthiness, the speaker needs to be sincere, and for dynamism, the speaker needs to show enthusiasm for the topic.

Terminal credibility is based upon the speaker's ability to prepare a conclusion and deliver it well, maintain eye contact with the audience, and be prepared to answer questions.