SPEECH 251: PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE PUBLIC
SPEAKING
Summer I Section 002: MTWRF 12:00 – 1:15 pm GRG 215
Instructor: Michelle I. Koo
Email:mkoo@hawaii.edu
Office: George Hall 318
Phone: (808) 956-3319
Office Hours: MW 11:00AM-11:45AM or by appointment.
Speech Website: www.hawaii.edu/speech/
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
This course is designed to create a supportive, non-threatening, and enjoyable environment to
learn effective public expression. Students will learn how to sensibly craft and articulately
deliver various types of public presentations; indispensable skills for academic, professional, and
civic life. Skills will be learned from lecture, discussion, and considerable in class practice and
will cover topics such as composition, dynamic delivery, critical thinking, audience analysis,
persuasion, and how to cope with anxiety. Students will also learn communication theories
relevant to public speaking. With a constructive outlook and sincere effort, you can expect a
rewarding, educational, practical, and entertaining experience in this course. Your aim is to learn
how to construct and deliver original, dynamic, and critically thought out messages and
understand the crucial role of public dialog in society.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
1. Text: The Art of Public Speaking. Stephen E. Lucas. 10th edition.
2. Index cards to be used for speaking notes.
3. Mini DVD+RW: You are required to purchase a mini DVD+RW to record your
presentations. NOTE: You MUST purchase the +RW format (–RW format requires
extensive amounts of time to finalize and thus, cannot be accommodated). The recordings
will be used as a learning tool for you to view and evaluate your presentations.
4. Various visual aids (please bring 2 formats of data files to class).
I.
GENERAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. Presentations: Students are required to deliver four presentations individually, and
one as a group effort. Presentations will comprise 70% of your grade. Two of the
presentations (informative {20%}, and persuasive {20%}) will require a full
sentence typed outline, accompanied by a clear bibliography (number of sources and
acceptable types of source material will be assigned for each speech). Outlines must
be completed the day of your speech, prior to delivery. The first speech
(Narrative {5%}) will be graded on a pass/not pass basis and will be a springboard
for future presentations. Each presentation will be accompanied by a detailed
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assignment sheet (attached at the end of this syllabus). Students who are unable to
perform a speech on their assigned day should immediately contact the
instructor in advance of the speaking date. Regardless of the reason for missing
the presentation (excusable absences will be made at the instructor’s discretion) the
COMPLETE SPEECH OUTLINE SHOULD BE EMAILED TO THE
INSTRUCTOR THE DAY YOU WERE ASSIGNED TO SPEAK IF YOU
WILL BE MISSING CLASS. Simply missing your presentation and not making
acceptable arrangements with the instructor will result in assignment failure!
·
B.
C.
D.
E.
Collaborative Chapter Presentation: Class periods not reserved for major
speaking assignments will begin with chapter presentations. Details of the
collaborative will follow, but the emphasis will be on teaching and facilitating
a chapter from the class textbook (as well as external materials) and most
importantly getting the audience involved! Each collaborative will be a
partnered exercise and will be worth 15% of your course grade.
· Commemorative Presentation: Your final presentation will call upon you to
praise, honor, recognize, or pay tribute to a person (10% of course grade).
· Impromptus: After every class, 2-3 students will be randomly assigned to
present on a topic (chosen by you on the first day of class) at the start of the
class. If your name is called, and you are NOT in class, you will receive a
0 for that impromptu speech.
· Topics: Mature and sophisticated topics are not only imperative, but selection
will affect your grade. Choose topics you are interested in and familiar with. It
is strongly encouraged to follow an inductive reasoning approach when
developing a thesis to encourage open minded research and ideation. You are
required to submit your topic for approval to your instructor on a specified
date. Sample topics (informative and persuasive) will be included on your
forthcoming assignment sheets to stimulate ideas.
Self-evaluations: You are required to evaluate your performances on both your
informative and persuasive speeches after watching your speeches on video. Both
your self-evaluations will be due the second class after your informative and
persuasive presentations. These are worth 5% for your informative and 6% for your
persuasive. Details to be found at the end of this syllabus.
Exams: There will be no exams given in this class, as this is an applied course. Your
knowledge of course content should be demonstrated in your presentations, selfevaluations, and final project.
Final project: You will be required to create a 2-3 minute persuasive video on why a
student should sign up for SP251 (Public Speaking). The video (due on the final day
of class) will be submitted on a Facebook group page created by the instructor for this
class. This project is worth 6% of your grade. You will be graded based on
originality and your application of course content throughout the semester. Further
details of this final project will be discussed in class.
The Speech Department uses the SONA system to manage opportunities to
participate in research conducted within the Speech Department. In order to
participate, students will need to create an account at http://hawaii-speech.sonasystems.com. Once an account is established, students will be able to sign up for
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F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
II.
a variety of research projects and the system will keep track of the student’s
participation.
Class Participation/Attendance/Policies: Part of your grade will be based on your
active participation in classroom discussions as well as attendance (10%).
Attendance will be taken each class period. Not only will attendance (physical
presence) be considered, but most importantly your active presence (active listening,
questioning, taking part in activities...) will affect your participation grade. You will
be required to provide at least one insightful question on each persuasive
presentations day. If you are NOT in class, you will be marked down for
participation! 10 points will be deducted for every unexcused absence. Make sure
you are fully aware of the attendance policies. Attendance is especially important
on all speech days! Respect your classmates’ work and be a punctual and attentive
audience member when you are not speaking! ANY use of cell phones during class
is strictly prohibited!
Grading Criteria: Each assignment will be introduced with an assignment sheet
detailing what is expected of you. Make sure you are very clear on the criteria and do
not be afraid to ask questions if you are not! All assignments should be typed and
free of grammatical errors. Visuals aids should be computer based (E.g. PowerPoint).
No poster boards!
Make-up work and exams: Late work will NOT be accepted. If your printer breaks,
send your outlines to your instructor’s email address the day of your presentation to
prove it was completed on time. Even if that is the case, you are still required to
deliver a hard copy of your outline to your lab instructor as soon as possible.
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity: Plagiarizing any part of any speech is
unethical and will result in failure of the course. All academic work depends on the
respect and acknowledgement of the research and ideas of others. You are expected
to have full knowledge of the University’s Student Conduct Code (available at the
Office of the Dean of Students in the Student Service Center).
Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the
KOKUA Program for information and services. Services are confidential and free for
students. Contact KOKUA at 956-7511, kokua@hawaii.edu or Student Services
Center, Room 13.
Grading Scale
97.5-100% = A+
92.5-97.4% = A
89.5-92.4% = A-
III.
87.5-89.4% = B+
82.5-87.4% = B
79.5-82.4% = B-
77.5-79.4% = C+
72.5- 77.4% = C
69.5- 72.4% = C-
67.5-69.4% = D+
62.5-67.4% = D
59.5-62.4 = D-
Grade Breakdown
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Assignment
Points Possible
Narrative
Assigned Group Chapter Presentation
& Class Discussion
Impromptus
Informative
Self-evaluation I
Persuasive
Self-evaluation II
Commemorative
Final Project
Research Participation
Attendance & Class Participation
50 (pass/not pass)
150 (20 Powerpoint, 75 presentation,
50 discussion, 5 peer review)
20
200 (50 outline, 150 presentation)
50
200 (50 outline, 150 presentation)
60
100
60
10
100
Total Points
1000
Ø A note about effort level and evaluation: Your work is on display for the entire class.
Your instructor makes it a point to reward those students who clearly challenge
themselves and provide stimulating material for their classmates. ORIGINALITY AND
EFFORT LEVEL ARE ESSENTIAL TO RECEIVING A HIGH GRADE!
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
Please note that sometimes it is necessary to make changes in the schedule in terms of
material to be covered. Changes to the syllabus, including additional assignments, will be
announced in class. Readings should be completed by the date listed below.
Week
Date
Topics
Reading
1
5/23
Course introduction, syllabus review
Group assignments/impromptu topics
5/24
Impromptus
Ethics and public speaking
Anxiety discussion
Chs. 1 & 2
5/25
Delivery and visual aids
Chs. 12 & 13 and
“Using
Powerpoint” (pp.
285-297
5/26
Narrative presentations
5/27
Narrative presentations
4
Week
Date
Topics
2
5/30
Memorial Holiday (No class)
5/31
Speaking to inform
Outline introduced; Informative signups
Ch. 14
6/1
Choosing topics and purposes, analyzing
the audience
Chs. 4 & 5
6/2
Audience analysis questionnaire due
6/3
Gathering and using supporting materials
Chs. 6 & 7
6/6
Organizing the speech
Chs. 8 & 9
6/7
Workshop period – Informative
6/8
Informative presentations
6/9
Informative presentations
6/10
Kamehameha Day (No class)
6/13
Informative presentations
6/14
Introduction to persuasive speaking
Outline introduced; Persuasive signups
6/15
Audience analysis questionnaires due
6/16
Methods of persuasion
Ch. 16
6/17
Listening to speeches
Ch. 16
6/20
Workshop period – Persuasive
6/21
Persuasive presentations
6/22
Persuasive presentations
6/23
Persuasive presentations
6/24
Persuasive presentations
6/27
Commemorative speaking
3
4
5
6
Reading
Ch. 15
Ch. 17
5
Week
Date
Topics
Reading
6/28
Using language effectively
Ch. 11
6/29
Commemorative speeches
6/30
Commemorative speeches
7/1
Final project due
Important Policies and Procedures
1. On your speaking date, be sure to come to class at least 10 minutes
prior to 12:00PM to load your Powerpoint and/or prepare your other visual
aids. Your speaking time starts as soon as you make it to the front of class
no matter what technical issues you may be faced with.
2. It is advisable for you to have two media for your visual aids (ex. email,
flash drive) to ensure that at least one works on the day of you
presentation. No late visual aid submission will be accepted.
3. Be aware of the attendance policy, especially for your speaking dates.
4. Make up presentations will NOT be given unless the absence is excused.
5. Do not text message or otherwise disturb the class with the use of cell
phones, food, or other obvious and rude interferences. Laptop usage
should be for taking notes only. Please close them when you are not
taking notes.
6. Be attentive to the speaker regardless of whether they are the instructor or
a peer.
7. Be aware of all course policies.
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Narrative Speech Assignment
Goal: The goal of this presentation is for you to be introduced to public speaking, to become
familiar with being in front of an audience, and hopefully to deliver an entertaining and poignant
speech. In addition, the assignment is geared toward a personal topic so you can challenge your
speaking anxiety with a little more confidence and so you can receive qualitative non-graded
instructor feedback.
Ø A narrative is a story that has a beginning, middle and end. The way you tell the story is
your interpretation of the events, which invariably has an ethical dimension.
Ø What you have learned from the story is more important than the story itself! This is
known as the ethics of memory and is the thematic continuity for the class.
Requirements: The speech should be between 5 and 7 minutes in length. Make sure you
practice your speech to make it smooth and so you will abide by the time limits. You may use a
visual aid.
Choose one of the following options:
1. Describe an event, experience, or a relationship that had either an immediate or latent
impact on the development of your personality or on your perception of the world. Begin
with a quote.
2. Write/Tell an original story that has some significance to you personally or a folk story that
someone has passed down to you. Begin with a quote.
Ø Although the speech should have some structure, it should be delivered in a conversational
tone. Tell us an important story to you as if you were speaking to a group of friends.
Ø You are not expected to present any information you do not feel comfortable presenting or
which would make the audience uncomfortable hearing! However, a candid story is usually
appreciated and far more entertaining and relevant.
Ø Use clear and concise language, add sensory details to spark interest, speak bravely and
sincerely, attempt an effective delivery style, and most of all…be interesting, interested and
have fun!
Narrative Speech Evaluation
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Student:
Pass/Fail
Projected Grade:
Goal: To be introduced to public speaking, to become familiar with being in front of an audience, and to deliver an
entertaining and poignant speech.
Content
(dynamic opening quote, story has a clear beginning, middle, and end; developed narrative theme and message,
sensory details)
Comments:
Delivery
(extemporaneous, enthusiastic and lively, direct eye contact, expressed with candor and sincerity, conversational
tone, vocal variety, clear and concise language)
Comments:
Overall Effectiveness
(5-7 minutes in length, 1/2 page typed prompt turned in with thesis stated, effort level, visual aid)
Comments:
Time:
Group Chapter Presentation & Class Discussion
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Prepare a Powerpoint for your presentation - 20 points
• Be sure to include key learning objectives, important definitions, and examples.
• Email to class account (SP251.Summer@gmail.com) by 6:00 pm the day prior to your
assigned presentation date. Email heading should look like this: Anxiety (May 24)
• Turn in one hard copy to the instructor prior to beginning your presentation.
Presentation - 80 points
• Time minimum: 25 minutes, maximum: 35 minutes.
• Must include supporting materials such as video clips, news articles, illustrations,
statistics, research data, etc. (Refer to Chapter 11 for details regarding supporting
materials.)
• Refer to Chapters 12-14 for important details regarding organizing and outlining your
presentation, delivering your presentation and speaking to inform. You will be graded
accordingly.
Class discussion and/or activity - 45 points
• Time minimum: 10 minutes, maximum: 15 minutes
• Prepare a minimum of 5 quality questions to prompt class discussion and/or create an
activity for the class to get involved in (ex. Jeopardy game)
• The goals of this portion of your presentation is to:
1) check audience understanding of your material
2) create audience participation in your class
Note: Each student assigned to the group chapter presentation and class discussion must equally
participate in this assignment. You may divide preparation and organization responsibilities as
you choose. However, it is critical that ALL group members speak for equal portions of time
for both the presentation and class discussion/activity. Individual grades will be assigned to
each group member. You may or may not receive the same grade as your partner(s).
Peer Review – 5 points
• A peer review of your partner(s) will be required AFTER your presentation date. You
MUST turn this peer review in via email to the instructor BEFORE the next class period
to receive full credit for it. No late reviews will be accepted.
• In your review, include: what both of you did, how the work was divided, overall
experience with the collaboration, things you would want to improve on in the future.
Feel free to include other information that you deem relevant in your review.
• Please be honest and thorough. Your answers will be kept STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
and will only be seen by the instructor.
Collaborative Chapter Evaluation
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Speaker’s names:
Speaker’s topic:
Powerpoint/visual aids (20 points possible)
Points earned_______
(Sent to class email by 6:00PM prior to speaking date, turned in hardcopy to instructor on
speaking date, creative and effective use of Powerpoint and/or other visual aids)
comments:
Content (50 points possible)
Points earned_______
(Audience adaption, clarity, sophistications, quality research, met high ethical standards,
effective use of examples and analogies, clear and correct reasoning, demonstrated in-depth
knowledge of material, credible and diverse supporting material)
comments:
Presentation (25 points possible)
Points earned_______
(Creative format, followed assignment, opinions articulated thoughtfully, main points were easy
to follow, lively extemporaneous delivery, conclusion summarized information well):
comments:
Class discussion and/or activity (45 points possible)
Points earned_______
(Creative and thoughtful format, well facilitated session, questions floored well, provoked
student responses, tested students’ knowledge of material, active participation):
comments:
Peer review (5 points)
(Turned in by next class period via email to the instructor)
Points earned_______
Time:
Points deducted for under/over time_______
Overall points earned_______
Informative Speech Assignment
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Purpose:
The purpose of this assignment is to inform your audience about a topic that you find
SIGNIFICANTLY INTERESTING and present novel and captivating information to your
audience in an effective way. A central part of this information is a visual narrative that
illustrates an underlying thesis. Your speech should be educational, relevant to your specific
audience, original, delivered with clarity and dynamism, and should reflect a personal interest.
You must not only care about your topic, but you should make it obvious why we should care to.
Unique and challenging topics are encouraged! 20% of your course grade. Note: This is NOT a
‘how to’ speech!
Time:
Your presentation should be between 6-8 minutes in length. You are required to deliver your
speech on the day in which you sign up. A complete full content outline and PPT/Keynote deck
should be sent to the instructor’s email if for some reason you cannot make it on your assigned
presentation day.
Sources:
You are required to have at least 4 CREDIBLE sources to accompany your visual essay.
Specific information and evidence should also be cited during your speech (Internal citing). As a
general rule, cite each of your sources at least once during the course of your presentation.
Visual Aids:
You are required to have at least 10 visual images that guide the informational narrative. Embed
the visuals into a PPT/Keynote presentation. You may also use some video, but keep them short
(1-2 minutes tops!) and relevant. Only :30 seconds of a video may count towards your speaking
time. Make sure your visual aid follows the guidelines as discussed in your text and in class.
The images may contain some text, but limit slides to one or two lines at 20 pt. font or larger.
Even though the audience focus will on the screen a lot of the speech, make sure you do not turn
your back on the audience.
Outline:
You are required to hand in a formal outline prior to giving your speech. It must be typed, full
sentence, and full content. Make sure that your outline has an introduction, a body, and a
conclusion, just as a story has a beginning, middle, and an end. The thesis should be written on
the top of the first page. Pay close attention to organizational guidelines as learned in class, your
text, and hand-out examples. Your outline should clearly label your central idea, introduction,
body, and conclusion. Make sure to proofread it as well.
5. Included in your formal outline should be a summary of your audience analysis
(approximately ½-1 page). Your analysis should answer the following questions:
A. What are the demographic and situational audience characteristics that may be significant
to the construction and delivery of my speech? (knowledge, attitudes, race, age, political
paradigms, interest level, etc.)
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B. How did I tailor my speech to be “audience centered” such that my informative
presentation is truly informative, interesting, novel, and appropriate?
Speaking notes:
You are required to utilize note cards from which to speak from. Thus, you are encouraged to
speak extemporaneously and not by memorization or by reading. Your index cards should be
used as reference such that you can refer to them, but the primary focus (at least 75%) should be
on your audience.
Sample Topics
Great Pacific garbage patch
Everglades clean up
Indigenous peoples
Aung San Sui Chi
David Bowie
Blackwater
Cults
Libertarian party
Hamas
Andy Warhol
Chritiania
CGI
Woodstock
Burningman
Malcom Gladwell
Witchcraft
Paganism
Evangelical Christianity
Orientalism
History of espionage
Matahari
Slack lining
Wing suits
Japanese tea ceremonies
The Chinese zodiac
Plastic surgery
The paparazzi (celebrity journalism)
Reality TV
The Stasi
Terracotta warriors
Courtesans
Serial killers
Blue ring octopus
Blood diamonds
Cheyenne medicine
Human trafficking
The Angel Makers of Nagyrév
Pacifism
Civil disobedience
Expansion of democracy
History of the internet
Dubai
The Manhattan project
Communes
Self-fulfilling prophecies
The Boat
Shark attacks
Ethnography
South Africa
Frida Kahlo
How airplanes work
Utilitarianism
Duckbill platypus
Orchids
Carnivorous plants
Nihilists
Beijing Olympics
Ayers rock
Harry Houdini
The artificial heart
PTSD
Parkour
George Carlin
The six wives of Henry VIII
Cthulhu mythos
Impressionism
Pheromones
Jesse Ventura
Carbon credits
Slash and burn agriculture
Lost boys of Sudan
Buying locally
Olympics (prosthesis, age, regulations ...)
Laughter
Study abroad
Higher life expectancy
Shaman
San Pedro
UH life
Carl Jung
Rail transit
New years traditions
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Speaker’s Name:
Informative Speech Evaluation
Speaker’s Topic:
Introduction (15 pts/10%)
Points Earned_______
(dynamic attention getter, audience relevancy, credibility establishment, specific preview)
comments:
Organization (30 pts/20%)
Points Earned_______
(clear delineated main points, clear transition from intro, logical arrangement, balanced)
comments:
Supporting Material (30 pts/20%)
Points Earned_______
(all points supported, novel and interesting info, at least 4 internal cites, variety of sources, effective visual
aid with 10 images, appropriate level of sophistication, developed each point thoroughly)
comments:
Vocal and Physical Delivery (30 pts/20%)
Points Earned_______
(extemporaneous, direct eye contact, gestures, movement, dynamism, appearance, good volume,
conversational, enthusiastic, articulate, language, minimum verbal fillers, appropriate rate, vocally variant)
comments:
Conclusion (15 pts/10%)
Points Earned_______
(transition from body, summary, memorable with a feeling of completion, action step)
comments:
Overall effectiveness (30 pts/20%)
Points Earned_______
(quality of work in relation to peers, effort level, audience-centered, respected differing viewpoints, 6-8
minutes in length, originality, topic selection, dynamism, breadth and depth)
comments:
Presentation points earned _______
Points deducted for under/over time_______
Time:
Overall points earned_______
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Informative Speech Outline Evaluation
Comments:
Outline points earned: _________
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Informative Speech Self-evaluation Paper
The purpose of this paper is to critique your performance on your informative presentation
based upon what you’ve learned in class, from reading, and from watching your peers present.
Please review your speech video prior to writing the paper and reference specific examples taken
from your performance to guide your writing. In light of what you’ve learned in Speech 251 so
far this semester, critique your presentations with the following areas of analysis in mind:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Organization - theses, transitions, logical arrangement, etc.
Evidence - diversity, citing, quality, etc.
Delivery - verbal and non-verbal
Theory - audience adaption, emotional contagion, ethics, etc.
Evaluation criteria:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
1-2 pages in length
Insightful analysis of the four areas listed above
Use of specific examples from personal video recorded presentation
Application of specific 251 material (text, lecture, etc.)
This paper is worth a maximum of 50 points or 5% of your overall grade in Speech 251. It is due
the second class after your informative presentation.
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Persuasive Speech Assignment
Purpose:
The purpose of this assignment is to persuade your audience to think differently. You should choose a
topic/issue that you find stirring and present novel, credible, and compelling RESEARCH AND
INTERPRETATION. Your speech should present imaginative arguments on non-mainstream issues.
Your presentation should be distinctly relevant to your specific audience as audience-centeredness is
crucial to persuasion. Focus your topic on something you care about and make it distinctly tailored to
your class, but also focus on a reasonable goal to achieve. Offbeat, obscure, and challenging topics are
encouraged (PLEASE be original!) Think of your persuasive speech as a RESEARCH
PROJECT...what are you interested in forming an opinion of and developing expertise in? Try to
avoid the confirmation bias…refrain from going in with your mind made up as to what you'll be
persuading the audience of! 20% of your course grade. Some additional evaluation points:
•
•
•
How were ethos, pathos, and logos utilized?
Did the structure follow a problem, cause, solution pattern?
How were theories of influence and types of evidence leveraged?
Time:
Your speech should be 7-9 minutes in length. You are responsible to go on the day you sign up. If you
fail to show and neglect to make an arrangement with the instructor in advance, you will fail the
assignment. A complete full content outline and PPT deck should be sent to the instructor’s email
if for some reason you cannot make it on your assigned presentation day.
Sources:
You are required to have 4 CREDIBLE sources. They must be of at least 3 differing types and must be
listed in your outline and cited smoothly when speaking (Internal citing). At least 2 of your sources
should be from academic databases such as Academic Search Premier, CQ Researcher, or LexisNexis.
Visual Aids:
You are required to have at least one visual aid (e.g. a ppt deck or overheads). They should look
professional and should complement rather than detract from your presentation. Simple (read: NOT
overloaded with written content!) Power point slides are encouraged, especially to lay out important
arguments and evidence.
Q & A Session (2-3 minutes):
Be prepared to answer at least 3 questions from the audience pertaining to your topic. In delivering a
persuasive speech, you will be faced with audience members who do not agree with your stance. This Q
& A session is designed to help you face challenges from the audience with poise and sophistication. It is
also your duty during this session to facilitate the discussion session (i.e. remember who had their hand up
and call upon the audience member when you are done answering a question).
Outline:
You are required to present a formal outline prior to giving your speech. It must be typed, full sentence,
and full content. Pay close attention to organizational guidelines as learned in class, your text, and handout examples. Basic organizational structure should be mastered at this point. Your outline should
clearly label the parts of your speech. Make sure to proofread it as well.
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Included in your formal outline should be a paragraph summarizing your audience analysis and
PERSUASIVE STRATEGY (approximately 1/2-1 page). Your analysis should answer the following
questions:
Ø What are the demographic and situational audience characteristics that may be significant to the
construction and delivery of my speech? (Knowledge, attitudes, age, political paradigms,
values).
Ø How did I tailor my speech to be as persuasive as possible contingent on my analysis?
Persuasive speaking notes:
3. You will be evaluated largely on creative and original audience tailored persuasiveness.
4. Be aware of due dates for topics and audience analysis materials.
5. Utilize note cards and speak extemporaneously (at least 75% focus on audience).
6. Common and non-challenging topics will NOT be permitted.
7. Bring your outline with works cited page (review outlining handout), visual aid, and
audience analysis on your designated speech day.
Sample Topics and Specific Purpose statements
Alternative energy: To persuade the audience to support the use of nuclear power.
Alternative medicine: To persuade the audience to support that the option of alternative medi
Cheating: it brings down the value of everyone's education when one person cheats.
Civil Disobedience: Civil disobedience is the highest form of democracy as it participatory communication that has
the power to greatly influence society.
Consumption: To persuade the audience to bake their own bread.
Democracy: To persuade the audience to believe that democracy is not the best form of government.
Democracy: We are not living in a true democracy because of problems with free expression and the voting system.
Dieting: Carbohydrates should be completely eliminated from our food intake.
Drug use: Moderate alcohol and drug usage is more beneficial than complete sobriety as it lets you empathize with
those with problems, still be social, and not experience major health side fix.
Eldercare: We should care for our parents in our own home.
Elderly: As cultural vessels and social treasures, the elderly should be revered and cherished far more in our society.
Ethnic diversity: Societies with ethnic homogeneity have fewer problems than societies with more diversity
because they alleviate fear of the unknown and community insecurity.
Feminism: Feminism has run its course and now serves to separate/alienate women rather than raise their status in
society.
Gender roles: Women have stayed home for many centuries now, therefore roles should be reversed and men
should stay at home while women work outside.
Gender roles: We have lost many of our social cues as to
Giving: Philanthropy and altruism should be the cornerstones of the global village.
Health: you should strive to live a healthy life out of respect for your friends and family.
Internet: The internet will lead to a homogenization of cultures.
Internet: The internet is a tool that enhances our communication with our loved ones, therefore helps to maintaining
communities worldwide.
Justice system: The American legal justice system does not give access to justice.
Language and bilingualism: Due to linguistic imperialism and the global loss of language, bilingual education is
becoming a waste of time.
Language and bilingualism: In order to increase cultural sensitivity as well as cognitive development it is
important offer bilingual-bicultural experiences to our children.
Media: To persuade the audience that the media should censored.
Online dating: Online dating gives individuals the opportunity to meet potential mates that they would not have
met otherwise.
Public or Private Schooling: Due to the constant change of educational standards and poor training requirements
for teachers, the public school system needs improvement.
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Persuasive Speech Evaluation
Speaker’s Name:
Speaker’s Topic:
Introduction (15 points possible)
Points Earned_______
(dynamic attention getter, audience relevancy statement, credibility establishment, specific preview)
comments:
Organization (30 points possible)
Points Earned_______
(clear delineated main points, strong transitions, logical arrangement, balanced)
comments:
Supporting Material (30 points possible)
Points Earned_______
(all points supported, novel and interesting info, at least 4 internal cites, variety of sources, quality visual aid,
appropriate level of sophistication, balance of evidence and opinions, developed each point thoroughly)
comments:
Vocal and Physical Delivery (30 points possible)
Points Earned_______
(extemporaneous, direct eye contact, illustrative gestures, purposeful movement, dynamism, few verbal fillers, good
volume, conversational tone, enthusiastic, articulate, clear, appropriate rate, vocally variant)
comments:
Persuasiveness (15 points possible)
Points Earned_______
(audience-centered, effective ethos, logos & pathos, Monroe’s motivated sequence, respected differing viewpoints,
convincing)
comments:
Conclusion (15 points possible)
Points Earned_______
(summarized, feeling of completion, ended with strong information to remember, recency/action step)
comments:
Overall effectiveness: Q&A Session (15 points possible)
Points Earned_______
(answered questions in a sophisticated manner, answers were thoughtful and relevant, well facilitated discussion)
comments:
Points deducted for under/over time:_______ Presentation points earned _______
Time:
Overall points earned_______
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Persuasive Speech Outline Evaluation
Comments:
Outline points earned __________
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Persuasive Speech Self-evaluation Paper
The purpose of this paper is to critique your performance on your Persuasive presentation in
comparison to your Informative presentation. Your critique should be based upon what you’ve
learned in class, from reading, and from watching your peers present. Please review both your
speech videos prior to writing the paper and reference specific examples taken from your
performances to guide your writing. In light of what you’ve learned in Speech 251, compare
your presentations with the following areas of analysis in mind:
1. Organization - transitions, logical arrangement, use of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, etc.
2. Evidence – diversity of sources used, citing, quality, etc.
3. Delivery - verbal and non-verbal
4. Persuasiveness - audience adaption, use of ethos, logos, and pathos, persuasive theories used
Evaluation criteria:
I. 2-3 pages in length
II. Clear compare and contrast between persuasive and informative presentations using the first
three areas listed above as guidelines. Fourth area can only be elaborated with examples from
persuasive.
III. Use of specific examples from personal video recorded presentations (from both informative
and persuasive)
2. Application of specific 251 material (text, lecture, etc.)
This paper is worth a maximum of 60 points or 6% of your overall grade in Speech 251. It is due
the second class after your Persuasive presentation.
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Commemorative Speech Assignment
Purpose:
Commemorative speeches praise, honor, recognize, or pay tribute to a person, an event, an idea,
or an organization. They are usually given in formal settings, such as receptions, retirement
parties, and memorial services. The two most common types of commemorative speeches are: 1)
speeches of tribute to honor and 2) speeches of award that are given to present specific awards.
Both highlight qualities of exceptional value, along with contributions and accomplishments.
You may choose either of these two types for your speech presentation. Regardless of the type
of commemorative speech you choose, your speech should be organized around two goals:
1. Help the audience appreciate the importance of a person
2. Illustrate the unique achievements and special influence of a person
To accomplish these goals, a speech of commemoration should do the following:
I. Identify who you are commemorating.
II. Identify and describe the qualities or activities that make this person special.
III. Identify and describe any obstacles that were challenges to success as well as his/her
accomplishments.
IV. Identify and describe your relationship to the person being commemorated.
Grading Criteria. Please review the Instructor’s Evaluation Form for specifics. 100 points are
possible for this assignment. The time limit for the presentation is 4-6 minutes.
General criteria include:
A. Have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Although structure isn’t as specific as other
formal speaking genres, this basic pattern is essential.
B. Share what is unique and special: You should definitely share your personal
experiences and use diverse evidence (E.g. examples, stories)
C. Commemorative language. Tell compelling stories and anecdotes, use rich language
that brings to mind vivid images, and when appropriate, express deep emotion. You
should also recite quotations either used by the commemorated or which are thematically
appropriate.
D. Visual aid. No specific criteria are mandated, but use general visual aid guidelines to
decide what to add visually that will support your message.
E. Dynamic delivery. Extemporaneous and sincere delivery is paramount.
F. Appeal to your audience: This is not an informative speech, but your commemoration
should relate to your crowd in some way.
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Commemorative Speech Evaluation
Speaker’s Name:
Speaker’s Topic:
Organization (20 points possible)
(clear beginning, middle and end, thesis developed, easy to follow)
comments:
Points Earned_______
Content (40 points possible)
Points Earned_______
(shared unique and special attributes, presented challenges faced by the commemorated, identified
relationship with the commemorated, used stories, vivid language, anecdotes, and quotations. Appropriate
and effective visual aid)
comments:
Delivery (30 points possible)
Points Earned_______
(extemporaneous, direct eye contact, dynamic, purposeful movement, strong volume, sincere tone, clear,
few verbal fillers, vocally variant, expressed appropriate emotions)
comments:
Overall effectiveness (10 points possible)
Points Earned_______
(quality relative to peers, effort level, inspirational, 4-5 minutes in length, audience centered)
comments:
Time:
Overall points earned______
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