Speech due 2/14 or 2/15
Lorax (Commemorative) Speech - Example Speech
Below you will find an example of the type of speech you will write and deliver. Pay attention to the way the purpose of
the speech – the Lorax Award- has been worked into the speech. Please note the use of repetition, parallelism,
alliteration, simile, and metaphor in these speeches. Additionally, note the format of providing a thesis, the main points
that you want to develop by sharing specific examples that illustrate your opinion of your person.
Imagine a beautiful summer’s day. The birds chirp their individual songs; the wind breezes through the glowing green grass.
The flowers sparkle like diamonds against the bright blue sky. But now imagine all this beauty being taken away from you. You can
no longer hear the birds or see the flowers. You can no longer see or hear anything. Have you ever wondered about what it would be
like to lose one of your senses? How about two? Well, this is what happened to Helen Adams Keller after succumbing to scarlet
fever at the mere age of 18 months. Yet in spite of this hardship, Keller was able to triumph over hardship. She is an admirable
woman of power who deserves the Lorax award. We can admire Helen Adams Keller for her determination, intelligence, and
inspirational life.
First, Helen Keller’s life exhibits a determined spirit. Although she became a deaf and blind at the age of 18 months, she
didn’t seems to let this handicap get in the way of her achievement. With the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan, Helen learned how to
sign numerous words. Although these words didn’t mean much to Helen at the time, she continually, and most of the time willingly,
practiced them until she could become a fluent communicator. Also, later in her life she was equally determined to always exceed her
potential. She went to college, wrote books, and even tried to tackle the incredible challenge of speaking words again.
Next, Helen Keller’s life exhibits an intelligent mind. For example, before her teacher, Anne Sullivan entered her life; Helen
wasn’t completely shut off from the word. She did realize she was different, but she persevered to work past this handicap. She
developed her own form of communication. This included such signs as pretending to cut a loaf of bread if she was hungry for a slice.
Moreover, after Anne entered Helen’s life, Helen learned sign language. Remarkably, her first comprehendible word was “water.”
She grew up to be an eager student, attended Radcliffe, obtained outstanding grades, and even wrote several books.
Finally, Helen Keller’s life exhibits a model of inspiration. It seemed once language opened the door for Helen she was
unstoppable. She always worked hard to better other people’s lives. Helen traveled the world with Annie Sullivan by her side. She
gave countless inspirational speeches to her audiences. We may often think life is tough, and I bet on those nights with never-ending
homework, you may feel like you have it pretty rough. But then maybe once think about how it had to be without seeing or hearing.
This is what Helen faced. However, she accepted it and overcame it. In fact, she once exclaimed, “The public must learn that the
blind man is neither genius, nor a freak, nor an idiot. He has a mind that can be educated, a hand which can be trained, ambitions
which it is right for him to strive to release, and it is the duty of the public to help him make the best of himself, so that he can win
light though work.”
Thus, Helen Keller is indeed a woman of extreme power. She overcame dire obstacles to show determination, intelligence,
and inspiration in her life. She knew that life was only as good as you make it. She overcame obstacles that many will never face,
learned to take great leaps of blind faith and achieved. For these reasons, Helen Adams Keller deserves my Lorax Award. So the next
time you are doing that endless homework, try not to complain. At least you can see it and hear it. Someone probably has it worse
than you. Likewise, the next time you are outside on a beautiful summer day, listening to the noises of summer and admiring nature’s
beautiful handiwork, be grateful because you can.
Commemorative Evaluation Rubric (Use this to evaluate your own speech.)
ORGANIZATION
___Introduction gained attention and sparked interest
___Introduced subject clearly
___Provided a clear thesis and established person is a worthy recipient of the Lorax Award
___Main ideas (factors/categories) clearly found throughout the speech
___Used specific examples to develop each of the three main ideas
___Prepared audience for ending
___Reinforced thesis and main points in the conclusion
___Ended with a strong final thought
___Language is clear and concise. Avoids words like “good” and “thing” and vague examples.
___Word choice is vivid with use of language devices: (Simile, Metaphor, Alliteration, Parallelism, Repetition)
___Developed strong pathos
DELIVERY
____Began speech without rushing.
____Maintained strong eye contact with all of the audience
____Avoided distracting mannerisms—touching hair, clothes, rocking, nervous movement
____Used vocal variety in rate, pitch, volume to add impact
____Incorporated platform movement
____Used gestures effectively
____Articulated words clearly
____Poised and confident: held script away from body
____Communicated enthusiasm for the topic
____Developed strong ethos
Lorax award directions and rubric
Your commemorative award should be unique and created by you rather than an award that you may have received in
previous years. Think about the accomplishments the person you have chosen has achieved and the impact he or she has had on
the world. Consider the role this person has played in society, and go from there.
Creativity
44-40
Some of the elements
of the award are
unique, but 1 element
may be copied from
source material.
39-35
Some aspects of the award
are unique, but several
elements are copied from
source materials or other
students.
The award shows that
the creator took great
pride in his/her work.
The award shows that
the creator took pride
in his/her work.
The design and construction
were planned.
The design and
construction look
planned.
The design and
construction look
somewhat planned.
Totally original design.
The award is symbolic
of the person.
Craftsmanship
The award is neat.
The award has several
flaws that detract from the
overall look.
34-25
The award is a copy of an
award seen in source
material or one made by
another student (80% or
more of elements are
copied).
The award looks thrown
together at the last minute.
It appears that little design
or planning was done.