Of Mice and Men
Final Thoughts…
Your assignment is to identify a theme from Of Mice and Men. Then, locate a song or write
a poem that has the same theme as the novel. Your job is to explain how the song or poem
and the novel have the same theme. You will discuss how particular conflicts and characters
from the song/poem and novel are similar in expressing this theme. You will then present
this information in an oral presentation using the Essentials of Effective Public Speaking.
Requirements:
1. You must identify a theme from Of Mice and Men.
2. You must provide the lyrics to the song, the song itself, or the printed poem.
3. You must explain HOW this particular song/poem connects with the novel using
conflicts and characters from both sources.
4. You must develop an oral presentation that discusses and explains your theme and
your supportive evidence.
5. Practice delivering your presentation to ensure you have the proper format of an
introduction, body, and conclusion.
Grading:
The following will factor into your final grade:
1. Time Management: Your presentation must be between 2 and 4 minutes.
2. Visual/Auditory Aid: You must include a visual or an auditory aid. The aid could be
a poster or overhead with the lyrics or a tape/CD of the song.
3. Introduction: You must have a clear introduction that states your chosen theme.
Suggestions for getting started…ask a question, use a direct statement, list adjectives,
verbs, ask your audience to imagine…be creative!
4. Body: This is where you are connecting the theme to specifics from both the novel
and the song or poem. You will explain how certain characters and conflicts from
both sources help communicate the theme. You may also select specific lyrics or
specific lines from the song/poem and explain to the audience how it relates to your
chosen theme. You will not simply play a song and that’s it. You NEED TO MAKE
CONNECTIONS USING conflicts and characters!
5. Conclusion: You must have a distinct conclusion. Reinforce WHY you chose this
song/poem. Summarize the main ideas from the body of your presentation.
6. Delivery: Your delivery will be graded. Pay close attention to The Essentials of
Effective Public Speaking.
Have fun with this assignment. It is worth 100 points. You will be expected to present on
the day you are assigned. No excuses!
Presentations begin:__________________________________!
Top 10 suggestions on how to improve your
Public speaking…
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VOLUME – will help with slowing down, enunciation, inflection, confidence energy
Slow down – can add length to your speech
Enjoy the words, the alliteration, and poetic language.
Use energy, inflection in the voice, and enunciate.
Relax and have fun!
Rehearse – will help gain confidence, allow you to have more eye contact, and
guaranteed time management.
Don’t ever end with, “And that’s it!” or “I’m done.”
Use your introduction to help write a complete conclusion.
Don’t say, “UH, UH!” and “Like, ya know.”
Don’t talk to the board when showing your visual aid.
Essentials to Effective Public Speaking
To be an effective public speaker, it is important to remember the following…
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Present ideas clearly and effectively
Organize your content
Have confidence
Pace
Time management
Volume and voice projection
Pronunciation
Emotion
Variety of tone
Appropriate vocabulary
Nonverbal communication (body language)
Eye contact
Listening
Visual aids
Preparation-rehearsal
Appearance
Energy and enthusiasm