PREPARED SPEECH
Speech/presentation
One-way communication where you produce language actively in front
of an audience. It can be neatly planned speech performed with an
exact wording from a well-rehearsed script, (like a weeding speech) or it
can be any situation in which you present a topic to an audience.
Debate
A situation in which you argue a point of view according to a fixed
procedure. There are one or more opponents who do not share your
views and the point is either to try and reach an agreement or to
convince the audience of your point of view.
ARGUMENTATIVE SPEECH
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Goal: to make people believe in your ideas!
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Often political (taxes, education etc.) or emotional/ethical topic (animal
testing, death penalty etc.)
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Showing that you are passionate about your idea while not getting too
carried away is the key to success!
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Clear structure and preparations needed.
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Let body language reinforce your message.
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Same outline as an argumentative essay:
Thesis statement + three main ideas
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Use of rhetorical devices such as metaphors and similes.
RHETORIC
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The art of persuasion!
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Three cornerstones:
* Ethos (Greek for character): using character, credibility and
ethics to persuade.
* Pathos (Greek for suffering or experience): using emotions and
passion to persuade.
* Logos (Greek for word): using logical reasoning and evidence to
persuade.
DEFINING ETHOS, PATHOS, LOGOS
”I was not born a rich man, but I am an honest man, and I am a man of morals. The rich have
us plough their fields, feed and care for their cattle, and reap their harvest – for their profits,
not for our own. What do we get? A roof over our heads, true, but what else? We hardly even
have any food on our plates!
Just last year, my youngest died of starvation in the field, working for the benefit of the rich
farmer. He faded in my arms pleading to me to save him, but I could not. All this while I could
see the rich people’s house gleaming of candle light over the dinner party that was given that
night!
We see so many riches go through our hands each day, only to end up in the hands of our
masters who give us nothing in return. How is this fair?
My brothers; the rich are but a handful in number, but look at us; we are scores! We are
strong! We are angry! Let us fight back and over through the people threatening our very
existence and lives!
I see around me, honest working men who strive to feed their families, just as I do, and I see
them suffer, just like I do. Come with me! We are the power of this land, let us take what is
rightfully ours by labor and sweat – let us claim our lives back from the ones who are holding
us back!”
RHETORICAL DEVICES
#1 Metaphors
#2 Similes
#3 Personification
#4 Hyperbole
#5 Alliteration
#6 Triad
#7 Repetition
#8 Parallelism
#9 Rhetorical question
#10 Emotional language
RHETORICAL DEVICES #1
METAPHORS
A figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to
which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance.
Implied rather than introduced by ”like” or ”as”.
Example1
His hair was a lion’s mane (to describe someone’s look and compare
him/her to a powerful beast)
Example 2
The pile of dirt is high, but we have many shovels (to show that a
problem can be solved even if it looks hard)
RHETORICAL DEVICES #2
SIMILES
A”milder” form of a metaphor; a comparison is usually introduced with
the words as or like. By making a comparison you emphasize the
content of your own words and produce a strong picture in your
audience’s mind.
Example1:
You are as beautiful as a rose.
Example2:
His arms were weak and felt like noodles.
RHETORICAL DEVICES #3
PERSONIFICATION
A particular way of using a metaphor or simile to emphasize an idea. To
make a personification, you take a ”dead” object and give it life by
describing it as if it were alive. Thereby you have a stronger chance of
gaining empathy from your audience.
Example 1:
His hat sat on his head like a curled-up animal.
Example 2:
Racism in our society is spreading like wildfire (to describe a societal
problem and its severity).
RHETORICAL DEVICES #4
HYPERBOLE
An exaggeration that you use to illustrate just how grave you consider
your point to be.
Example 1
I will love you till the starts stop shining.
Example 2
There are at least ten thousands reasons why we need more solar
energy.
RHETORICAL DEVICES #5
ALLITERATION
The repetition of a letter or a sound at the beginning of a word or a
phrase. Alliterations make ut easier for a listener to remember, and also
to believe in your idea.
Example 1
They are part of the finest fighting force that the world has ever known.
Example 2
The have served tour after tour of duty in distant, different and difficult
places.
RHETORICAL DEVICES #6
TRIAD
Three of something. A very compelling device when used in the right
place.
Example 1 (triad of words)
Our main objectives are: Progress, Proceeds and Production!
Example 2 (triad of phrases)
Everyone’s goal in life is to prosper; to lead a long and healthy life, and
finally; to be free!
RHETORICAL DEVICES #7
REPETITION
By repetition of one word or phrase you can make the audience
remember your message more easily.
Example 1
Our nation needs this debate, we want this debate, we will win this
debate!
Example 2
We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we
shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills, we
shall never surrender.
RHETORICAL DEVICES #8
PARALLELISM
In parallel structures you build your sentences in a particular way. The
idea is to introduce two lines of thought at the same time and
emphasize one by opposing it to the other. This creates a rhythm and a
feeling that they belong together.
Example 1
To show empathy is good, to show hatred is evil.
Example 2
They enjoy giving money to the rich without handing any money out to
the poor.
RHETORICAL DEVICES #9
RHETORICAL QUESTION
Simply put, a rhetorical question is one where you do not expect an
answer. The purpose is simply to make your audience think about what
you have just said.
Example 1
Can we really expect teachers to grade all these papers?
Example 2
Is it not expected of our government to address these kinds of issues?
RHETORICAL DEVICES #10
EMOTIONAL LANGUAGE
Using very emotional language is sometimes seen as the lowest form of
rhetoric and considered a little bit ”dirty” by some strict worshippers of
classical rhetoric. But still, it can be quite effective if used sparsely.
Example 1
Imagine it was you who was being thrown out into the freezing cold
snow!
Example 2
What if it was your friends, or even your own children who had to grow
up under those circumstances?
SPEECH ANALYSIS
Your task is to analyse Barack Obama’s victory speech from 2008. You
will be assigned one specific part of the speech and your task is to find
out why it is a perfect example of a persuasive speech. Focus on ethos,
pathos, logos and which rhetorical devices he uses.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBv4-TCs3Lg
Transcript:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7710038.stm
FAMOUS SPEECHES
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Winston Churchill – We shall fight on the beaches (1940)
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Martin Luther King Jr – I have a dream (1963)
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Mary Fisher – A whisper of AIDS (1992)
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Barack Obama – Victory speech (2008)
THE WORKING PROCESS
1. Brainstorm
2. Define your purpose and limitations
3. Research
4. Discuss with a partner
5. Create a structure and a draft
GUIDELINES FOR SPEECHES
1. Introductory paragraph
2. Body paragraph
3. Body paragraph
4. Body paragraph
5. Concluding paragraph
PERFORMANCE
1. Linking words and transition
2. Register
3. Variation
4. Pace
5. Pauses
6. Intonation
7. Pronunciation
8. Body language
9. Breathing
10.Cue cards
11.Visual aids
PERFORMANCE #1
LINKING WORDS AND TRANSITION
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Invented to connect our thoughts logically.
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Make our ideas easier to follow.
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Use them when talking about one topic, as well as when connceting
different topics.
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Example 1
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My opinion is that we should introduce school uniforms in Swedish
schools. Not only do they look cool, they also create a sense of
belonging.
PERFORMANCE #2
REGISTER
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To adapt your language to the situation.
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From informal to extremely formal.
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Best trick is to become a linguistic chameleon and fit in with the social
context.
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Example 1
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Well, you know, if animals don’t feel too good in a lab, there’s nothing I
can do about it, is there? Also, I think it’s good that companies try their
new stuff on rats instead of people.
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Example 2
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Even if animals may suffer in a laboratory setting, it is not the
individual’s responsibility to stop it is, is it? Also, I believe that testing
new drugs and procedures on animals rather than on humans is a more
decent way of reaching our goals
PERFORMANCE #3
VARIATION
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When you have rehearsed your presentation a few times, take a new
look at the actual words and phrases in your script. Repetivite use of the
same wording is boring!
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Especially overused by Swedish students are the words and, I think, then
and stuff.
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If you are aiming at sounding even more advanced, review your script to
see what other common words you can find more sophisticated
synonyms for.
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Example
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Make  render, produce
Think  suppose, believe, assume
Nice, good  gorgeous, splendid, fabulous, amazing
PERFORMANCE #4
PACE
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The information that is known to you is often totally new to your
audience.
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Take care to speak extra slowly when rehearsing.
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Ask someone else to listen to you, or record yourself to check your
speed.
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Time yourself when rehearsing and make sure you have plenty of time.
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Timing yourself will also help you find your rhythm.
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Take the time to pronounce all the individual words. If you rush it
pronunciation will also suffer.
PERFORMANCE #5
PAUSES
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As important as pace!
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A quick pause gives the audience a chance to take in what you say, and
it gives you a second to think of your next words.
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Look through your script to find your most important points. That is
where you need to make a brief pause, before and after.
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Mark the pauses in your script, and include them when rehearsing.
PERFORMANCE #6
INTONATION
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Avoid to go flat; starting and ending each sentence on the same note.
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Use your voice actively to underline important information, vary your
pitch and volume to add some drama, and at the same time, try to
sound natural.
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Try listening to the voice of a native English speaker.
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Vary your voice (agreement, happiness, anger, agitation?)
PERFORMANCE #7
PRONUNCIATION
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Use words that you can pronounce to keep a good flow than risk
stumnling on complicated words and ruin your rhythm.
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To replace words that are hard to pronounce: look for synonyms or other
ways of expressing the same ideas.
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To keep them: check the pronunciation of the tricky words, practice
saying them over and over again, both seperately and in the actual
sentences.
PERFORMANCE #8
BODY LANGUAGE
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Very important part!
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Let your body underline what you are saying in words.
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Rehearse in front of a mirror, try out different poses, look up every now
and then to check:
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Do I look confident?
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Is my chin up?
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Are my shoulders down?
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Where are my hands? (Never in your pockets!)
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Can I have eye contact with myself?
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Also thinkk about: should I stand still, or move a little? Where will I look?
If I get so nervous that my hand shake: what do I do with them?
PERFORMANCE #9
BREATHING
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Remember to breathe!
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Keep calm and carry on.
PERFORMANCE #10
CUE CARDS
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Don’t readsstraight off the script – use cue cards!
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Note down words or short phrases on discrete cards.
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Make sure that the cue cards are in the correct order (number them!)
PERFORMANCE #11
VISUAL AIDS
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Something to look at makes it easier for the audience to follow.
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Objects. Appealing to the senses of your audience will make the topic
come to life!
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Whiteboard. Write the title of your presentation, important numbers,
sketch graphs etc.
DEBATE
1. Open strong and finish strong!
2. Be slightly aggressove but still polite.
3. Use the crowd.
4. Disagree politely.
EXPRESSING AN OPINION
Express your opinion:
Personally, I think
I believe that
I feel that
Agreeing
I agree
I couldn’t agree more
That’s exactly what I mean too
That’s a very good point
In my opinion
In my view
The way I see it
I may be wrong but…
What I mean is that
As far as I’m concerned
I would like to point out that
A personal reflection is
Disagreeing
I don’t agree
I disagree
You can’t be serious
I understand what you mean, but
In a way, however…
True, but on the other hand
I see your point, but you forget that
Even though I agree to some extent,
it is also the case that
SPEAKING EXERCISE #1 – THINGS BEGINNING
WITH…
Work in pairs. Challenge each other to come up with as many
English words as possible starting with the same letter. All word
classes are OK.
Time limit: 1-2 minutes
Example: things beginning with F? Fish, frisky, float, fantastic,
fraternity…
SPEAKING EXERCISE #2 – THE MARTIAN
Work in pairs. Welcome an alien to Earth by explaining to them
how things work around here. It can be very fundamental things,
like defining what objects on Earth are edible, teaching them how
traffic lights work or why the sun goes down at night. It is not as
easy as it sounds!
SPEAKING EXERCISE #3 – WORD HOOKS
Work in pairs. Write a noun (physical or abstract, like rock, heroes
or imagination). Put the noun in a circle with six ”hooks” attached
to it. Now, quickly find six other words to put on the hooks, all
associated with the original word. Then, talk for 1 minute about
your noun, using and exploring all the ”hooked” words.
SPEAKING EXERCISE #4 - PERSUASION
Work in pairs. Pick one topic below. One of you is pro, one is con.
Try to convince your partner on why you are right.
Same sex marriage
Adoption
TV violence
Learn a foreign language
Exercise
Cloning
Breast feeding
Vegetarian lifestyle
Morning-after pill
Drug testing on the job
Legalizing marijuana
Donate blood
Sex education in school
Public transportation
Scholarships for athletes
Go to the museum
Reality TV
Spam
Facebook
Street racing
SPEAKING EXERCISE #5 – THE TELLING OFF
Work in pairs. Quickly decide what relationship you have and
imagine a situation in which you get very upset. Come up with a
reason for why you are angry – then tell your partner off for 1
minute without using foul language (that is, no cursing!) or
getting too loud.
Think about your tone and your body language!
SPEAKING EXERCISE #6, PT1 - PICTURES
SPEAKING EXERCISE #6, PT2 - PICTURES
SPEAKING EXERCISE #6, P3 - PICTURES
SPEAKING EXERCISE #7, PT1 - PICTURES
SPEAKING EXERCISE #7, PT2 - PICTURES
SPEAKING EXERCISE #7, P3 - PICTURES
SPEAKING EXERCISE #8 – WHO WANTS A…?
One of you is going to receive a present. However, only one
student will receive the present. In order to receive this present,
the student must convince you through his / her fluency and
imagination that he or she deserves the present.
SPEAKING EXERCISE #9 – HIDE AND SPEAK
In the classroom, there are 10 hidden post-it notes. Search the
room for the notes. When you find one, bring it to me and answer
the question on the notes If you answer correctly, you earn the
note for your team. If your answer is incorrect, you must get
someone else from your team to help you find the answer. Once
you have correctly answered the question on your note, you can
search for another note. The team with the most notes in their
possession wins.
SPEAKING EXERCISE #10 – GIVE ADVICE
I didn’t pass the driving test. What should I do?
I need to save money at the supermarket. Can you give me advice?
I just arrived in the US. What should I do?
I found 50 kr in the school hall. What should I do?
My sink is leaking. What should I do?
A friend asked me to lend her some money. Can you give me advice?
My job is very tiring and stressful. Can you give me advice?
I feel homesick. What should I do?
I have a broken heart. What should I do?
SPEAKING EXERCISE #11 – PERSUASION
Quietly list three things you hate doing.
Swap lists.
It is now your job to persuade your partner that these are brilliant things to do!
Quietly list three things you would never dream of buying or you would never want to
own.
Swap lists.
Now, try to sell these products to your partner!