Emotion & Nonverbal Communication
#1: Pet Peeve
A speech encouraging you to express your frustration and anger is the pet peeve speech.
A pet peeve is anything that upsets you - a thing which causes you anger. When you
speak about it, your blood begins to boil from the mere mention of it. This speech will
allow you to display great emotion, both vocally and physically.
Instructions:
1. Choose a (school-appropriate) topic about which you feel very strongly.
2. Write a 2-minute speech expressing your personal feelings about the topic (this
cannot be a personal attack).
3. Make sure you provide a solution; no one likes a “whiner.”
4. Note cards are to be turned at the conclusion of the speech.
Topic Suggestions:
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people who bite their fingernails
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someone scratching on the chalkboard
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someone chewing gum or food with the mouth open
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people who constantly interrupt
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people who don't properly care for their animals
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hypocrites
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people who are always late
#2: Unforgettable Moment
Moments from our lives that stand out in our minds are called “indelible moments.”
Some are heartwarming or funny, some are frightening, and some are bizarre. In the end,
both the speaker and the audience can appreciate the importance this specific moment has
had on an individual’s life.
Instructions:
1. Choose an indelible moment (school-appropriate) that stands out in your mind.
2. Write a 2-minute speech relating this moment and its significance to your life.
3. Make sure to include specific details/descriptions of the event and its emotional
connection to you.
4. Note cards are to be turned at the conclusion of the speech.
Topic Suggestions:

vacation or family trip

first date

first time alone in the house
#3: Fears & Phobias
What makes you nervous? Everyone deals with fears – some are silly and some are very
serious. Here is your opportunity to share your fears with your classmates. What makes
you nervous? Share your apprehension with your classmates. What have you done to
deal with those fears?
Instructions:
1. You may either choose to focus on three different fears, or you may describe one
fear in detail.
2. Write a 2-minute speech relating this fear and its significance to your life.
3. Make sure to include specific details/descriptions of how your fear has influenced
you.
4. Note cards are to be turned at the conclusion of the speech.
Grading

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
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Make sure your speech has a solid beginning, middle, and ending.
Make sure your topic is easily identifiable, and you provide several examples to
illustrate your opinion/situation.
To express your emotions, use strong gestures and facial expressions.
Remember to express your feelings through your voice.
I will look at your delivery for strengths and weaknesses for the remainder of the
term.
Identifiable Structure: Beginning, Middle, End ___/5
Examples used to illustrate- at least 2 minutes____/5
Command of the 5 Vocal Elements
____/10
Feelings expressed through voice
____/10
Strong gestures and facial expressions
____/10
Total
____40
Preparation:
Use of class time and note cards ____/10
Sample Note Cards:
Introduction:
You're driving along, and it's a beautiful day. The sun is
shining and the wind is blowing in your hair. You are off
to meet some friends at the beach, and you are making
great time. And then, all of a sudden, it happens. You're
behind a car that's going 20 miles per hour, while the
speed limit is 55. You can't get around them because
everyone else behind you is moving on by. Sound
familiar? Nothing annoys me more than a slow driver
who doesn't drive even close to the speed limit.
Body (Preview the 2 to 3 reasons or details, and then
explain)
I.
The speed limit is posted for a reason - safety.
Going slower than everyone else can be just as
dangerous as going faster.
II.
The habitually slow drivers can contribute to the
increase in driver anxiety and frustration in other
drivers on the road.
III.
If speed is related to their driving ability and
confidence, than maybe it's time to take the bus.
Conclusion:
So let's go back to that drive to the beach. Maybe I do need to
enjoy the ride and relax. But, I do know that if the other
drivers around me are driving safely and aware, my trip will
be a safe one, too.