Attention Grabber: Are you aware that HIV and AIDS have taken the lives of over 19 million people since
it was first recognized on December 1, 1981? (thebody.com)
Thesis Statement: During the 1990’s the general public held misconceptions and myths regarding the
HIV virus, but on November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson stood before the world and admitted that he too,
had contracted the virus, and erased all misconceptions. (CNN)
I. During the latter stages of the 1990’s, the general population still held misconceptions regarding the
HIV Virus.
A. The HIV virus was thought to be associated with drug addicts and homosexuals. (CNN)
1. The public was concerned about the virus when they discovered that a superstar athlete such as
Magic Johnson could acquire it.
2. “And you know sometimes you’re a little naïve about it and you think it could never happen to you.”
(speech)
B. Magic later went on to campaign throughout the country letting the people understand the dangers
of unprotected sex and the HIV virus. (CNN)
1. He has provided better living conditions for our nation also, building movie theaters and malls for
inner-city youths.
II. Exigence
Magic Johnson unexpectedly retired from the game of basketball on November 7, 1991, as the world
watched in shock.
A. His monumental speech demonstrated his positive attitude regarding life, and also provided
inspiration in others.
1. By him simply standing in front of media reporters and other members of the audience, he shows that
he will not be fazed by the situation. He explains the truth of his actions outside of basketball.
2. He accepts fault in his own actions, yet remains as a role model to others, and his celebrity status
proves to others that the disease could strike anybody.
B. Magic decided to retire from basketball due to fears of spreading the virus through blood to blood
contact. (CNN)
1. Even some basketball players from opposing teams were against playing with someone who
contracted the disease, such as Karl Malone. (Wikipedia)
2. However, others supported him through his trials and tribulations, and are mentioned in his speech
for their encouragement. (Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Michael Cooper, Larry Drew)
C. Even though the disease caused him to retire from basketball, he still remains positive throughout his
speech stating that he will continue to live a long, healthy life.
1. Magic remains resilient during his press conference. He clearly states that he will not let the disease
control his life. He will become a spokesman of HIV.
2. By him just standing in front of the audience and admitting that he has the virus, he breaks certain
myths concerning HIV. It can happen to anybody, including a person of his magnitude.
3. His speech has many messages, but an imperative point provided in his speech indicates that the
younger generation needs to understand the importance of practicing safe sex.
III. Audience
A. This speech is intended for two different types of audiences
1. First, for those who follow basketball and have witnessed Magic Johnson change the game of
basketball.
2. Second, for those who were infected by the HIV virus. This speech brings confidence and
encouragement to those who are scared to come out and tell others that they too, contracted the virus.
3. It basically affects the entire nation due to the anomalies of the virus. The speech brings truth and
facts to the situation and warns the public that it could happen to anyone.
IV. For Magic Johnson, there is another side to life, outside of basketball.
A. Magic Johnson was an unparallel basketball player and one of the 50 Greatest Basketball Players of
All Time. (Wikipedia)
1. He won awards on every competitive level ranging from his High School Championship, to the Most
Valuable Player Award.
2. He represented a new generation of basketball with his cheery and uncanny personality on and off
the court.
3. That personality helped him remain optimistic about the future and his life.
B. His personality has helped him turn defeat into personal victory by exposing the ways of staying
positive and living a healthy life, even when statistics and failure are weighed against you.
1. Ten years after this historic speech, Magic is still alive and well, making appearances on television,
and can be seen at every Los Angeles Lakers game. (CNN)
2. He even made a “comeback game” during the 1992 season, in which an audience nation wide tuned
in to witness Magic Johnson playing basketball just one more time. (Wikipedia)
V. He was against plenty of odds, but he kept on fighting, no matter what.
A. Inspiration can come in many ways, but Magic inspired others by his charming smile. (New York Times)
1. He would smile when faced with defeat after a basketball game, and that same smile appeared during
the press conference.
2. By standing before the entire country, Magic Johnson’s speech demystifies the stereotypes regarding
the HIV Virus, by admitting that he is infected with the disease.
3. Life as a celebrity is one that most people will never quite fully understand, but a celebrity as real as
Magic Johnson can relate to the general public, and is also why he is still greatly appreciated world wide.
American Foundation for AIDS Research. “Facts About HIV/AIDS.” 2001. 2 Feb. 2008.
< http://www.thebody.com/content/art32981.html >
Berkow, Ira. ”Sports of the Times; Magic Johnson’s Legacy.” The New York Times 8 Nov. 1991. 2 Feb.
2008.
<http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE2DE163BF93BA35752C1A967958260&scp=5&s
q=November+8%2C+1991+Magic+Johnson&st=nyt >
“Then & Now: Magic Johnson.” CNN. 22 June 2005. 2 Feb. 2008
< http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/01/17/cnn25.tan.johnson/index.html >
“Magic Johnson.” Wikipedia. 2008. 2 Feb. 2008
< http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson >
Comments:
Liza ~McKenna: I liked how you started off with a question and I think you had a good topic. Your
voice projection seemed really good but you looked down a lot and were swaying a bit at first. You
seemed to improve throughout the speech though so that was good.
From Nicole Ritschel: You have a good speaking voice, and you were interesting to listen to. I liked
your topic andyour speech had great content and was interesting. Good points. I didn't write a lot
down because I was listening to you!
Tim Neubert: Your attention getter was good. You need to work on eye contact with the audience. I
am not trying to be argumentative but I honestly do not follow the logic of your thesis statement.
Overall I thought you speech was good.
Scot Brown: Good speech, but you seemed a bit nervous. I don't think it really affected the quality of
your speech though. However, to an audience that is not as receptive as ours, nervousness can be
more of an issue.
Christina G: You had a very interesting speech and topic. I liked your attention getter particularly
because you started off with a question and a fact at the same time. I really enjoyed the speech
overall.
Joe D:
-very nice attention getter
-good eye contact
-you often repeat your ideas which hinders the fluency of your dialect
-nice wrap up at your conclusion
Chris Shin
I like how you started off your speech by asking about AIDS. Also, a lot of citations and outside source
enrich your speech, but need an awareness of Wikipedia since sometimes it gives wrong information.
Your delivery was nice.
Good job.
Ryan Wendt:
Your speech was good, and was well delivered. You had good eye contact as well, but you seemed to
be a bit repetitive at times, which isn't too bad if you're trying to hammer in a point. You might want
to work on your sources though, as I didn't really notice any.