Name: _________________________________________
#: _____
Famous American
Biography Report/Speech
Important Dates:
Book Assigned:
Rough Draft Due:
Written Report Due:
Speech Practice:
Monday, January 4th
Tuesday, January 19th
Tuesday, January 26th
Jan. 21th -28,
Delivery of Speech in Costume:
Friday, January 29th
A biography is an account of a person’s life written by another person. The
chief purpose of a biography is to inform the reader about the subject’s life and
character. The most important element of a biography is its truthfulness.
This is an American History project. You will read a biography about an
American who has made a significant contribution to the betterment of society,
excelled in their field, and/or has overcome great barriers--not just a famous athlete
or movie star. In our class we will study Americans that come from historically
marginalized groups. You must read the book that is assigned in class—Internet
information can only be used to supplement your book.
You will take notes as you read the biography and write a report that
will also serve as your speech. You will write your report/speech as if you are
the person you studied. When delivering your speech, you will wear an outfit
to look as much as possible like your subject.*
This report must be in your own words. Copying sections from a book or a
website is a violation of copyright laws. This is plagiarism.
Please do not go out and buy items for dressing up as your subject. We
will find creative ways to help everyone find an outfit that works.
You will have some time to read and take notes about your person in class,
but you should plan on reading and doing research at home as well. You will
have some class time to write your report, but you will also have to write some of
it outside of class. Your report must be typed. Please use your Google app4pps
account so that you can work on this project at school and at home, as well as share
it with me.
You will also create a small figure of the person you researched. We will
create this little figure entirely in class before our reports are due.*
*As you read your biography book, look for pictures or illustrations that
will help you to create an outfit to wear for your speech and help you to create a
small figure (little person) that is an accurate portrayal of your person.
Things to Consider While Reading and Taking Notes:
*Hint: Create a time-line of important events in the life of your person while you
read and take notes. This will help you when you write your report/speech- -but do not
make your report/speech just a listing of dates and events 
What was his/her childhood and young-adult years like?
 Where and when was this person born?
 Who were his/her parents? Did this person have any siblings?
 What was this person’s home-life like?
 What was his/her education like? Where did this person go to school? Did he/she
learn things outside of a school setting?
 What was happening in the country when this person was growing up? (Slavery?
Segregation? War? Great Depression?)
 Were there any events or situations from his/her childhood that may have shaped
his/her future?
What was his/her adulthood like?
 Where did this person live during his/her adult life?
 Did they have a significant other? Children?
 What kind of work did this person do?
 Who did this person work for or learn from?
 Who did this person help? Who helped this person?
 What were the obstacles for this person? Did this person have any setbacks?
 What are his/her major successes, achievements, accomplishments, and awards?
 Is he/she still living? Or, when did he/she die?
 If he/she is still living, what is he/she up to now?
What is this person’s legacy?
 How has society been affected by his/her contributions? Has this person made life
better/easier for others?
 What would this person most like to be remembered for?
 Are there any places, streets, awards, monuments, etc. named in honor of this
person?
 What do you think we should learn from this person’s life or work?
Written Report
Due: Tuesday, January 26th
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Must be written in the first person…I am Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and I was a Civil
Rights leader………….
Must be typed
Must be well-edited (Check for punctuation, spelling, and capitalization!)
Must have a title as well as your name
Must have an engaging introduction (the hook)
Must contain comprehensive information in chronological order with strong
transitions. Don’t make it a list of events and/or dates!
Must have a conclusion that reiterates the importance of the individual’s life
*IMPORTANT*
Keep a copy of your final written report so you can practice for your speech.
Speech Guidelines
Formal Speech Date in Costume:
Friday, January 29th
You will be presenting your biography speech to the class as if you are the person you
researched. (In the first person- -same as your written report.) This will be a formal speech
and you may not read from your report; however, you may glance at note cards that have
key words and phrases written down- -not whole sections from your report. Your note
cards should be brief key points that will allow you to elaborate on the important events in
your person’s life.
Your speech and report can be the same thing as long as it does not exceed the
maximum time limit of 5 minutes. Just like your report, your speech should contain an
engaging introduction, so that the audience will want to listen to your topic, a middle
section with information in chronological order, as well as a conclusion that informs the
listener of your person’s life story.
Prepare for this speech each night after you have written your report. The more
familiar you are with this person’s life, the easier it will be to present. Read through your
biography to get the “feel” of the person. Practice your speech until you can present it
smoothly. Make sure you can correctly pronounce all the words in your speech!
Practice giving your speech in front of the mirror as well as to other members of
your family several times. If you can, record or video yourself giving the speech so that
you can listen/watch yourself and make adjustments. You may want to practice wearing
your costume so that you are comfortable and will not be distracted. The more you
practice, the more confident you will be!
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Stand up straight
Hold your head up
SMILE 
Have frequent eye contact with your entire audience- -don’t just look at the
teacher!
Use your hands for gesturing or hold them still in front of you
Use your body and facial expressions to show your subject’s feelings
Pause to emphasize important points
Speak loudly and clearly enough to be easily understood
Practice pronouncing difficult words
Don’t rush it!
Show enthusiasm for your subject
Become your person; act as if you are telling the story of your own life
Additional Notes:
In class we will look at different systems for taking notes as well as how to take
notes.