Unleash Your Imagination: Conquer the 2025 Creative Writing Practice Exam!

The word "aplomb" best completes the sentence about delivering a speech because it signifies self-confidence and assurance in one’s manner, especially when facing an audience. When giving a speech, demonstrating aplomb indicates that the speaker is poised, collected, and delivers their message with the necessary grace and confidence that engages the audience effectively. This quality not only enhances the speaker's credibility but also makes the speech more persuasive and impactful.

In contrast, the other words present differing connotations that would not fit the context of a positive and effective speech delivery. "Confusion" implies a lack of clarity, which undermines the speaker's message and can resonate negatively with the audience. "Anxiety" reflects nervousness, which may impede the delivery and distract from the content. "Lazy" suggests a lack of effort or engagement, which is contrary to the dynamic presence needed for a successful speech. Thus, "aplomb" is the most appropriate choice, as it encapsulates the desirable quality a speaker should embody during their presentation.