Impromptu Speeches – Definition Speech 1. You will pick 3 cards, one each from piles “A,” “B,” and “C.” • A = Famous quotations • B = Abstract noun (“idea” word; can’t be perceived through the senses) • C = Proverb (a saying that reflects the values of a culture) 2. You will be given 2 minutes and one note card to write a brief outline for the speech, which must include an introduction, the body, and a conclusion. 3. You may use your note card and the card with your word/phrase during the speech. 4. You must be in the 1:50-­‐2:10 range on this speech. 5. If you find yourself running out of things to say, add more examples in. 6. Do not start wrapping your speech up until 1:45. 7. Focus on both content and delivery during this speech. Include references to your audience, walk around, use gestures, use solid vocal variety, etc. Introduction • Attention getter (reference to the audience or occasion, startling statement, imagery, anecdote, analogy, GOOD question) o Hint: analogies to things that have THREE parts are good, so you can explain that when defining the word or phrase that you have been given, it needs to be examined from 3 different perspectives. • Bridging statement between attention getter and information on your card. • Thesis statement: include the word “define” or “definition” and whatever is on your card. Preview the three perspectives from which you are going to define this word. (If you have a famous quotation, make sure to cite the source of the quotation.) o Example: Walt Disney’s famous quote, “If you can dream it, you can do it” may be defined by looking at its meaning literally, figuratively, and personally. • It’s always easiest to pre-­‐plan your introduction as a “fill-­‐in-­‐the-­‐blank” option where you simply insert whatever is to be defined in the thesis statement. Body (Come up with THREE different ways to look at the definition of this word) • A – Perspective #1 – How are you going to first define the word, such as “literal” meaning? State the perspective from which you will be defining the word. • B – What does it mean from this perspective? • C – Give an example of what this means, applying this definition. •
D – Wrap up this definition and hint at another meaning existing. •
A – Perspective #2 – How else can this word be defined, such as the “symbolic” meaning? State the perspective from which you will be defining the word. •
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B – What does it mean from this perspective? C – Give an example of what this means, applying this definition. D – Wrap up this definition and hint at another meaning existing. A – Perspective #3 – How do you, personally, view the definition of this word? State the perspective from which you will be defining the word (personal). •
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B – What does it mean to you? Do not repeat anything from Perspective #1 and #2. Make it personal! C – Give an example applying this definition to your own life. D – Wrap up this definition Conclusion • Transition to indicate the conclusion of the speech • Summary of its definition from the 3 perspectives given • Final statement that refers back to the attention getter and leaves the audience with a final idea to consider.