CRHS
PUBLIC SPEAKING 2015/2016
MRS. WRIGHT’S ENGLISH CLASS
STUDENT NAME: ________________________________
CONTENTS & STEPS TO COMPLETE:
PAGE #
Choosing a Topic
(Mrs. Wright’s
approval)
Public Speaking
Format &
Procedures
Persuasion Map
Sample Outline
Writing First Draft
Persuasive Speech
Checklist
Writing Second
Draft
Self-Evaluation of
Speech
Sample Speech
Persuasive Writing
Strategies/Handouts
PRESENTATION –
DATE OF SPEECH!
DEADLINE/DUE DATE
1&2
Dec. 11 in class
3&4
Read together Dec. 11 in
class
5
6
Monday December 14
COMPLETED?
READ INSTRUCTIONS?
(Check off when it’s done)
**
7
**
8&9
**
10 & 11
12-14
**
DO NOT LOSE THIS BOOKLET OR ANY OF YOUR WRITTEN WORK.
Persuasive Speeches: Choosing a Topic!
This year in secondary three you will take part in a CRHS tradition: Public Speaking!
You will be writing a persuasive speech, and delivering it in front of the class. This year
your speech needs to be 3 minutes long when you present it. Your written speech will
be 5-6 paragraphs. The topic must be an issue that has two sides, and can even be quite
humorous. This will be a major evaluation for term 2. It is now time to start thinking
about and selecting your topic.
In order to get started, complete this sheet, and return it to Mrs. Wright to approve
your topic.
1. Spend about 15 minutes researching possible persuasive speech topics. Use the
following links as a starting point:
https://www.udemy.com/blog/interesting-persuasive-speech-topics/
http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/writing/persuasive-essay-topics/
http://homeworktips.about.com/od/essaywriting/a/100-Persuasive-EssayTopics.htm
https://theteachingfactor.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/50-persuasive-speech-debatetopics-relevant-today/
2. Based on your research, list 3 topics that peaked your interest:
-_____________________________________________________
-_____________________________________________________
-_____________________________________________________
3. Spend about 15-20 minutes doing some research about the 3 topics you are
interested in. After your research, cross off one topic from your list.
4. Watch this video that reviews how to write a good thesis statement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wxE8R_x5I0
It’s a great video, and hopefully it helps you to understand how a thesis should be
written. Here are a couple of examples:
a) (School uniforms) (should be mandatory at CRHS) (because they are cost effective, save time, and can prevent
discrimination and bullying.)
b) (Fast food is killing Canadians.)(The government should go to great measures to prevent teens from eating this
garbage.)(Better health education, higher taxes and scare tactics can help us to survive this epidemic.)
5. Now that you have narrowed down your list to 2 possible topics, take some time
and brainstorm possible thesis statements for each topic.
(topic + opinion/position + reasons)
Topic #1:
____________________
___________________
Possible thesis statement:
Topic #2:
____________________
____________________
Possible thesis statement:
6. Now take a minute to think about these topics. Make a decision. Which one do
you feel more passionate about? Which one will be easiest to share in front of the
class? Which one can you best support with facts and examples?
7. My speech topic is:
_______________________________________________________.
8. My thesis is:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.
Now all you have to do is write your speech and deliver it. Easy peasy…
Mrs. Wright’s signature to approve your topic: _______________________
PUBLIC SPEAKING FORMAT & PROCEDURES –
SECONDARY 3
By now you should have chosen a topic that interests you. You should
have a strong opinion about this subject and want to share this with the
class. A persuasive speech is one where the speaker introduces an issue and convinces
the audience of their position on this issue.
Your speech is expected to be 3 MINUTES (+ or – 30 seconds).
BEING PERSUASIVE
Your Goal:
 get your audience to agree with you and your arguments
 to get your audience to take action
Example: If your topic is “gossip”, the idea is that you want to convince your audience
harmful and to get them to stop gossiping.
In order to be persuasive you need to explain your point of view clearly and in terms
that your audience can relate to. Using examples from the world (or your school/city)
helps to get your audience involved with your topic. The idea is to get the audience to
put themselves in others’ shoes and share your opinion.
To persuade your audience, you should be doing the following:




Stating your position with facts
Giving arguments that support your position
Addressing any contrary opinions openly
Restating your position firmly
EVALUATION
- The text of your speech will be counted for 25% of your production mark in
Term2.
- The delivery of your speech will count for 50% of you oral/talk marks.
In class we will be starting to write the text. You are expected to use the class time
wisely. Students who waste time will be deducted marks. You are also expected to work
on this major assignment at home.
** It is advisable to have your speech saved on the portal and/or USB key so it can be
easily transferred between home and school.
PROCEDURE
1. Choose a topic (should already be done)
2. Have your topic and thesis approved by Mrs.Wright
3. Do any necessary research.
4. Fill in “Persuasion Map” handout. (given separately)
5. Write first draft of speech.
6. Have first draft edited by a peer, parent or teacher.
7. Make any changes to speech.
8. Write second version.
9. Practice delivering speech. Determine the length of time it will take to give
the speech. Make any final adjustments to the text. Shorten or lengthen as
need be.
10. Do third draft of speech.
11. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE…MEMORIZE YOUR SPEECH!!!
12. Deliver your speech. 
NERVES:
It’s very common to experience some nervousness before presenting a speech.
However, you will be much less anxious if you’ve given yourself the time to write a
strong speech and to practice it. You need to rehearse. A LOT.
Other strategies to incorporate include:
- Getting rest the night before.
- Eating breakfast and drinking water.
- Going to the bathroom (to get rid of that nervous feeling).
- Don’t be concerned with perfection. It needs to be good, not perfect.
- Focus on positive things.
- Act confident (even if you’re faking it a little). The audience will support you.
- Remember to breathe!!
SAMPLE PERSUASIVE SPEECH OUTLINE
Introduction




Addresses audience
Grabs audience’s attention with a “catchy” start
States position (thesis statement)
Lists supporting facts
Body
 Supporting Argument # 1
 Explanation of argument using facts and examples
 Transition to next argument
(Use transitional words, ex. However, in addition, on the other hand, etc.)




Supporting Argument # 2
Explanation of argument using facts and examples
Transition to next argument
(Use transitional words, ex. However, in addition, on the other hand, etc.)




Supporting Argument # 3
Explanation of argument using facts and examples
Transition to next argument
(Use transitional words, ex. However, in addition, on the other hand, etc.)
Optional:
 Address the contrary argument
 Smash down the contrary argument by explaining what is wrong with it.
Conclusion





Re-state your position
Appealing to your audience with a challenge (call-to-action)
Perhaps refer to your title
Leave them with something memorable
Expression of gratitude (Thanks for listening…)
WRITE YOUR SPEECH!!!!
TYPE IT UP!
DEADLINE: _________________________________
PERSUASIVE SPEECH CHECKLIST
Before delivering your speech to the class, practice in front of a friend or family member
and have them fill out this checklist as you give your speech. You can also video tape
yourself and answer the questions upon playback. It’s also important to time yourself.
**CONTENT**
 Did I address my audience and grab their attention?
 Did I state my position clearly?
 Did I list my supporting facts?
 Are my main points clear?
 Are all the ideas backed up?
 Did I use appropriate vocabulary and persuasive words?




Did I re-state my position firmly?
Did I summarize my speech?
Did I leave my audience with a challenge or something to think about?
Did I thank my audience?
**DELIVERY**
Voice
 Did I speak loud enough to be heard but not shout?
 Did I speak clearly with a natural tone and pace?
 Did I pause without filling space with ‘um’ or ‘like’?
Body
 Did I stand straight but not rigid?
 Did I control my body so that I wasn’t pacing or fidgeting?
 Were my gestures natural and helpful?
Eyes
 Did I make eye contact with my audience?
 Did I glance at my cue cards without reading them?
TIME OF SPEECH: _________________
English 306
Name: ______________________
SELF- EVALUATION OF PERSUASIVE SPEECH
Please answer the self-evaluation questions below.
If you need to make changes to your speech as you go, please feel free to do so.
Remember, the text of your speech is evaluated as part of your production marks.
Order of papers to give in:
1. Your good copy of the speech (most recent good copy, and the one to be
marked)
2. All your rough work (edited copies, notes, research, drafts etc…)
3. This Public Speaking Booklet
SELF EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Analysis of the text
1. What is the title of your speech?
_________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the “catchy” start to your speech? (If you don’t have one…write one!!)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. What is your thesis statement?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
4. What do you think is the most persuasive line in your speech?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
5. What are three things that you learned about your topic?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
6. What is the strongest part of your text? Why?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
7. What do you feel is the weakest part of your speech? Why?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
8. What did you find most difficult about writing a persuasive speech?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Preparation for Presenting
1. Do you know your speech by heart? ____________________________
2. Will you know your text by heart? _______________________________
3. Have you prepared cue-cards? ____________________________________
(The substitute teacher has some if you need)
4. What have you done to practice/memorize your speech?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
*** NOW PRACTICE YOUR SPEECH! ...REHEARSE!
*** Do this now!!
5. What is the time of your speech? ______________________________
*** If you need to add, or delete, make final changes now.
Name/Signature of someone in the class who has timed you:
____________________________________________
SAMPLE SPEECH
The Perfect Companion
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a
hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was
peace.” (Milan Kundera)
Good afternoon Mrs. _________________ and class! When we think of the perfect
companion we often think of finding that special someone to share the rest of our life with. People are
often unreliable, and complicated. Human relationships, although necessary and valuable, are hard work.
Often pets make better companions than humans; particularly dogs. As the old saying goes, a dog is
indeed a man’s best friend. Throughout the course of my life, I have been both a cat owner and a dog
owner. Based on my personal experiences, I am here today to tell you that: Dogs make better family
pets than cats. Firstly: Dogs are more affectionate than cats. And secondly: Dogs have the ability to
improve the quality of our lives. Let me begin by showing you that dogs are more loyal and loving than
cats.
There are many advantages to owning a feline friend: they require less attention, they are more
independent, they require less time and care etc… Despite these advantages to owing a cat, dogs are the
superior pet. Yes, it is true that dogs require more time and care than cats, but you get more in return!
Many of us decide to get a pet because we love animals, and we believe that they make us happier. We
love them and we care for them. Unlike cats, dogs will reciprocate that love. When you get home from
school or work a dog will greet you at the door, be excited to see you, wag their tail, lick you and be
genuinely happy to see you. When you call them, they will come. They will cuddle with you (for hours if
you let them), and they will never tire of it. In short, dogs are very affectionate; it’s part of their DNA.
According to Cesar Millan “Dogs are pack animals. They want to belong to a pack, whether it's made
up of dogs or humans, or pretty much any animal…Dogs are also naturally affectionate. Their
instinct is to want to bond.” When a family decides to get a dog, that dog, becomes a member the family,
and the family becomes the dog’s pack. A dog will love you unconditionally, and they will show you that
they love you by being affectionate. When a cat rubs up against you, it’s not that they are being
affectionate, they are marking their territory. You don’t own a cat, it owns you. This leads me to my next
point which is that dogs can actually improve your quality of life.
Life can often be complicated and stressful. Owning a dog can actually help reduce stress induced
by school or work. It is scientifically proven that being near a dog increases your levels of oxytocin (a
hormone that makes you happy). According to the website care2.com, “Dogs can sense subtle changes
in your energy… (They are) always eager to provide support and affection, a dog could make a
stressful time in your life a little more manageable.” (http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-waysyour-dog-can-improve-your-life.html) On top of that, being a dog owner forces you to get daily exercise.
Dogs need a healthy dose of exercise every day. They love to go for long walks, or runs. Dogs will be more
than happy to follow you on a hike for the afternoon. Many dogs also enjoy a good swim in the lake or a
pool. My Boston Terrier enjoys a good game of soccer, and I can walk or hike 10 kilometers with her
without even worrying about her getting tired! It is also a well-known fact that exercise also increases
your levels of oxytocin; dog + exercise = more happy hormones!! Being outside and active is great for the
whole family, and dogs give us a reason to get up off the couch. I’d like to see anyone here take a cat out
on leash for a 10 kilometer walk. Good luck with that! Many cat owners don’t even allow their cats to go
outside which kind of puts a damper on the whole getting exercise with your pet concept. So let’s recap
why dogs make better family pets than cats.
Even if a dog is more work than a cat, you get more out of owning a dog. Dogs will love you back. Cats will
let you love them when they feel like it. Having a dog relaxes you and helps reduce stress. Cats can also
be therapeutic, but good luck getting any exercise with your cat (there’s a reason cats get fat as they get
older). Therefore, because dogs are affectionate, and they increase your levels of oxytocin, they improve
your quality of life. So when your family decides to get a pet, join team DOG and remember: “A dog is the
only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” (Josh Billings)
THANK OU FOR LISTENING.
PERSUASIVE WRITING STRATEGIES
Rhetorical question
A question that is asked which makes the reader think.
Repetition
Words or phrases are repeated so that they stick in the
reader’s mind. e.g. remember what it was like to be at
e.g. How would you feel is you had 2 hours of
homework every night?
school, remember how much work you had.
Emotive Language
When words are used to make the reader feel a certain
emotion, like sadness or anger. e.g. We are the poor,
helpless children who are forced to do hours and hours
of homework every night.
Exaggeration
When information is given that is over the top, or
slightly untrue. e.g. If I get set one more homework I am
going to move to the moon!
Facts and Statistics
When truthful information is given to back up a point.
Groups of Three
When 3 adjectives or phrases are used to emphasise a
point. e.g. Homework is boring, dull and uninteresting.
e.g. 95% of pupils feel that there is too much
homework.
PERSUASIVE WRITING: KEY WORDS
TRANSITIONAL PHRASES
INTRODUCTORY
PHRASES
In my opinion
I believe
It is my belief that
CONCLUDING PHRASES
For the reasons above
As you can see
As I have noted
In other words
On the whole
SUPPORTING OPINIONS
First
Furthermore
Second
In addition
Third
Also
Finally
Last
INTRODUCING DETAILS
For example
In fact
CAUSE AND EFFECT
Since
Because of
Due to
For this reason
Therefore
If…then
COMPARE AND
CONTRAST
Similarly
Compared to
In like manner
On the other hand
Although
Even though
COUNTERING
I realize you
I understand you
Even though you
Although you
Some people
It may be that you
Your idea to ____
deserves some merit
There is no doubt that
From my point of view
It seems to me that
I question whether
I (dis) agree with
I maintain that
In short
To be sure
Without a doubt
Obviously
Unquestionably
In brief
Undoubtedly
In any case
Summarizing
In any event
Equally important
In the first place
Likewise
Besides
Next
Moreover
For instance
As evidence
In support of this
Caused by
This results in
Consequently
Accordingly
As a result of
Leads to
In effect
Brought about
Made possible
As might be expected
Give rise to
Was responsible for
Likewise
In the same way
Contrasting
On the contrary
As opposed to
Rather than
Nevertheless
As well as
Have in common
All are
The same as
Conversely
Whether or not
In spite of
Believe
Feel
Maintain
Want
Favour
Support
Argue
State
But
Yet
However
I doubt
I question
Let me explain
On the other hand
Nevertheless
Further
Again
Similarly
TRANSITIONS
When you want to start an example or illustration:
She loves fine clothes. For example, her prom dress cost nearly two hundred dollars.
Jim sometimes becomes bored easily. For instance, I remember something that
happened last summer.
When you want to contrast one thing with another:
Mary is one of my best friends. However, she sometimes makes me angry by being
late.
Jack is a good swimmer. Even so, he has never won a trophy,
I saw her once when I felt awful. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful time.
When you want to add another idea:
Tom is crazy about his motorcycle. Furthermore, he does all the maintenance on it
himself.
Mr. Johnston is an excellent teacher. Moreover, he is very popular with his students.
Everybody likes Lou. In addition, he seems to like everyone he meets.
When you want to show that one thing causes another:
Sam isn't very organized. Consequently, he sometimes doesn't seem to know what he
is doing.
One time he forgot his wife's birthday. As a result, she was very angry.
Al jogs three miles a day. Therefore, he is in good shape. .
When you want to summarize or generalize:
That really bothered me. But on the whole, he is a pretty good guy.
He is sensitive, warm, and considerate. In short, I love him.