THREE-MINUTE PERFORMANCE



Introductory Speech Assignment

DESCRIPTION:

The goal of this assignment is to compose and perform a brief speech of (almost) any kind that will provide some insight into your character. The assignment is designed to offer a low-risk opportunity to “break the ice” of public speaking with some creativity and self-expression. It also offers a chance to see how I evaluate speeches: I’ll focus on aesthetic qualities (delivery, poise, conviction), organization (order, clarity, flow between beginning, middle, end) and the creativity of the approach. Speeches must be no shorter than 3 minutes and no longer than 7 minutes. (Practice with a timer!)

DUE: 1/27

GUIDELINES: The best speeches will all have the following features:

1. A central idea/thesis—The speech should have a unifying point or purpose, articulated in a single sentence. Let us know what you want to accomplish in the speech.

2. A series of balanced “main points.” Break your central idea/thesis into 2-4 component parts and develop each.

3. An ordered arrangement- At the basic level, a speech needs a Beginning, Middle, and End:

a. Beginning:

i. Grab the audience’s attention from the first line (not: “My speech is about…”)

ii. Introduce your topic and its themes

iii. Present the central idea

b. Middle

i. Present your reasons, examples, and/or narrative that develops the central idea

ii. Main Point 1: If you have divided your central idea into several main points, introduce and develop each.

iii. Main point 2: Main points should be balanced and taken together they should amount to a comprehensive development of the central idea

iv. Link your sections with transitions so the audience stays on track

a. End

i. Signal that the end of the speech has arrived

ii. Summarize and reiterate key points

iii. Leave the audience with a memorable last line

The best speeches often follow an outline (like this one) to guide the speech. This is recommended by not required for this assignment.

ADVICE

1. Say and do something that matters. Our time is valuable, but you have our attention, so use it well and make us glad we showed up to listen.

2. Prepare. Don’t just get up there and ad-lib…but try not to read a manuscript word-for-word. One approach: use a detailed key word outline (rather than a full-sentence manuscript).

3. Focus on delivery; rehearse in front of friends. Use your body and voice in a dynamic way to carry your message. Breathe and use your breath to improve your poise and rate of speech.

4. Feel free to say things you don’t believe or represent another point of view. We’ll take it all as experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new things and new roles.

5. Relax, have fun, be creative

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