Final answer:
Sophie's initial credibility would be highest when she is formally introduced along with her qualifications before her thesis presentation to an academic audience. This sets the stage for credibility, unlike other methods such as humor or videos that do not directly enhance credibility. The correct answer is option: 3) when she is formally introduced, along with her qualifications, before the speech commences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question is about the scenarios in which Sophie's initial credibility would be high when presenting her thesis to an academic audience. Considering the given answer choices, Sophie's credibility will be highest when she is formally introduced, along with her qualifications, before the speech commences. A formal introduction serves as a foundation for establishing credibility, as it highlights the speaker's qualifications and sets the stage for the academic audience to perceive her as a credible source of information before she begins her presentation.
Other methods to engage the audience, such as using humor or showing a video, can be effective but do not directly enhance perceived credibility unless they are relevant and complement the speaker's qualifications and expertise on the topic. Speaking rate may also impact perceptions of credibility; however, without additional context, speaking at a moderately fast rate is not typically associated directly with increased initial credibility.