Assignments: Paper bag speech due Friday, 12/4
Course Objectives
1. The student will demonstrate improved ability in the preparation and
organization of various types of public speeches by:
a. Selecting and narrowing a topic suitable to purpose, audience,
and occasion.
b. Formulating a concise thesis statement.
c. Using effective organizational pattern
d. Providing a variety of effective supporting materials and/or evidence.
e. Constructing valid arguments using a variety of types of proof.
f. Employing language appropriate to the topic, audience, purpose and
occasion.
2. The student will demonstrate increasing competence in the delivery of
public speeches by:
a. Transmitting the messages using oral and nonverbal delivery
skills suitable to the topic, audience, purpose and occasion.
b. Using appropriate opening strategies to effectively engage the
audience.
c. Using appropriate closing strategies to keep the audience
interested through the ending.
d. Employing vocal expressiveness in rate, pitch, volume,
and intensity.
e. Articulating, enunciating, and pronouncing words correctly and
clearly.
f. Avoiding meaningless vocal fillers.
g. Using nonverbal behavior which supports the verbal message with eye
contact and appropriate appearance, posture, gestures, facial
expressions and body movements.
h. Using appropriate presentation aids (PowerPoint, Video, Audio,
Manipulatives) that effectively enhance the oral message.
3. The student will demonstrate increasing competence in using critical
thinking skills by:
a. Examining oneself as a communicator while selecting, refining,
researching, organizing, and presenting ideas orally and in
writing.
b. Evaluating ideas presented by others in class.
c. Completing extemporaneous and impromptu oral tasks that require
thinking, analysis, refutation, support and defense of ideas.
d. Selecting a current public opinion issue, taking a position, and
supporting it with extensive research, including primary sources.
e. Developing several different introductions for the same speech.
4. The student will demonstrate understanding and increased competence
in library research, information gathering and retrieval skills, and
referencing sources in oral presentations by:
a. Utilizing library resources including books, periodicals, reference
materials and electronic data retrieval sources.
b. Using an appropriate number of sources for each speech
according to the audience, purpose, time limit, occasion, and
type of speech.
c. Using appropriate bibliographic referencing styles for written
discourse.
d. Acknowledging sources effectively during the speech.
Class Expectations
1. Complete all assignments on time.
2. Come to class on time – this means be sitting in your seat with paper
and pen ready when class is scheduled to start.
3. Come to every class prepared – assignments, pen and paper, index
cards, and ready to participate.
4. Ask questions. NO question is “too dumb.”
5. Be considerate of other classmates. You can disagree, but don’t
insult.
Grading
You will be graded in this class. Your grade will be calculated in the
following manner:
Speech 1 – 20%
Speech 2 – 20%
Speech 3 – 20%
Quiz – 20%
Participation – 20%
Speech Rubric
Content – 6 points
● Is the topic related to the assignment?
● Are the facts accurate?
● Are the main points supported by evidence?
● Is anything missing that should have been included?
Organization – 7 points
● Does the speech have a clear introduction?
● Is the purpose of the speech communicated in the introduction?
● Does the speech have a clear conclusion?
● Does the conclusion reiterate the main idea of the speech?
● Are the main points clearly articulated?
● Does the speech follow a logical order?
Delivery – 7 points
● Does the speaker maintain eye contact with the audience?
● Does the speaker avoid distracting mannerisms?
● Is the speaker prepared enough so that he does not have to read
from notes?
● Is the speaker loud enough?
● Does the speaker use gestures appropriately?
● Are visual aids (if used) appropriate? Do they contribute to the
effectiveness of the speech?
Speeches - an outline and notecards are required for each speech.
Paper Bag
This speech is designed to provide an easy introduction to speaking in front
of your classmates, it’s all about you! Everyone will receive a paper lunch
bag. You are to put three items in the bag to use as props during your
speech. The items must fit entirely within the bag and should give the
audience an idea about your personality. Photographs are usually difficult
to see.
3 minutes
Persuasion: School & Family
Attempt to persuade your parents or the school to change some sort of rule
that affects you. Use logical arguments that are appropriate for your
audience. Be sure to state the current situation, what is wrong with it, and
how it can be improved. You must use a minimum of two audio/visual aids
3-4 minutes
Personal Experience
Tell the class about an experience of yours that was funny, exciting,
embarrassing or interesting. Be sure you have an introduction, conclusion,
and three main points. However, you should be telling us a story, so this is
similar to a narrative essay.
3-4 minutes
Pet Peeve
What drives you absolutely batty? A pet peeve is a trait of other people that
you absolutely can’t stand. Describe what it is that bothers you, how you
react to it, and maybe how you developed your pet peeve. You may use your
three points to explain three incidents in which you’ve encountered your pet
peeve, or three separate pet peeves. 3-4 minutes
Final Speech with Slide Show
You may choose between a humorous, informative, or persuasive speech. The
topic for this speech must be different from the topic used in your previous
speeches. You may use PowerPoint or some other form of slide show for this
presentation. A minimum of 5 slides must be used. Additional audio/visual
aids may also be used. You must attach a copy of your slides to your
preparation outline.
