Question

Amy wants to enhance her credibility with her audience because she is faced with a big challenge in changing attitudes about a needle exchange program for the inner cities' drug problem. Which of the following is unlikely to enhance her credibility?
a. expressing rage over the terrible plight of drug addicts to demonstrate her intense commitment to change
b. exhibiting a keen interest and enthusiasm for the subject
c. citing sources of evidence to support claims made
d. speaking fluently

Answer 1

Answer:    A. Expressing rage over the terrible plight of drug addicts to demonstrate her intense commitment to change

Explanation:  What will certainly not increase credibility with the audience is expressing rage. While it may seem that expressing rage and anger is good for showing commitment to a problem, a desire for change, and that Amy cares about reducing the suffering of drug addicts, rage shows that there is a lack of composure with Amy, and composure is key when one wants to gain credibility, because anger can point to certain shortcomings of anyone who wants credibility at all costs.

On the other hand, showing keen interests and enthusiasm for problem solving indicates dynamism, while quoting adequate sources to confirm claims and fluent speaking are elements of competence, that is, someone who has the competence to solve a problem.