Informative/Innovation Speech Assignment
Potential Structure:
I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter-try a story about someone utilizing the innovation
B. Thesis-One sentence which summarizes the significance of the innovation
C. Preview-list the main points of the body in the order that they will be presented
II. Body
A. The history of the innovation-how was it developed? What did we use or believe before the innovation? Who developed it? What challenges were faced? What was the cost?
(A quote here from one of the people involved in the development of the innovation would be helpful)
B. How does it work? What are its critical elements? If it is a process, describe the key steps. You may want to use visual aids here.
(Might use a visual aid of the innovation or its steps-should also use additional supporting quotations)
C. The advantages of the innovation-what does it do for us? How can we apply it in our lives? What future applications might be found?
(Again, use quotes from sources here)
D. The risk/drawbacks of the innovation-are there people critical of the innovation? Are there dangers or limitations to its uses?
(Additional quotes which describe limitations)
III. Conclusion
A. Summarize main points
B. Provide closure-perhaps by going back to opening story and completing it
Requirements
The topic: must be an innovation-should get my approval on the topic
Time limitation: 6-8 minutes
Sources: At least three quoted sources from published materials
Delivery: Should be extemporaneous-read the quotes but not the speech
Outline: Typed and due the day you speak
Extemporaneous Speech Assignment
Goal: Answer the question that you were given in class. You must take a position on questions that call for one (no fence setting). You have 6-8 minutes. You must quote three sources. You may use any quoted sources that you like, but you must quote Time, US News and World Report, or Newsweek, at least once. I have drawn the topics from the last three months of one or more of those magazines. A typed outline and bibliography are due the day that you speak.
I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter-could be a story that is analogous to the issues associated with your question.
B. Thesis: Read the question-give a short answer
C. Preview: What will the main body points be?
II. Body
A. First section might be background on the issues you are discussing. Really important if issue is complex or foreign to the audience.
B. Your first reason for your position on the topic.
C. Your second reason for your position on the topic.
III. Conclusion
A. Summarize
B. Closure-Finish with story, quote, etc.
6-8 minutes
Three Quoted Sources
Take a Clear Position on the Question
Outline and Bibliography (typed)
Persuasive Speech Assignment
Use Monroe’s Motivated Sequence to persuade us to do something about some controversial problem.
I. Attention Step-Introduction
A. Gain Attention (Find a startling statistic or emotion stirring story concerning your problem)
B. Thesis Statement-one line summarizing the severity of the problem
C. Preview-Reference to the specific problem areas and indicate some solution exist
II. Need Step-Develop the problem (number key problems, utilize statistics, quotations, and illustrations). Think in terms of quantity and quality of the problem.
III. Satisfaction Step-Provide a general solution. Review the general options involved. Address any possible problems with solvency (meet objections).
IV. Visualization Step-Describe the advantages of adopting the solution. Ideally, include evidence that indicates that the solution will be effective. Weigh any disadvantages against your advantages (meet objections).
V. Action Step-Tell us precisely what you want us to do. Think in terms of making clear, easy steps for the audience to take. The entire speech leads up to this point.
VI. Conclusion
A. Summarize key points
B. Provide closure (use story, quotations, etc.)
Be able to answer a couple of questions
Requirements
Controversial Topic
Monroe’s Sequence
Five Quoted Sources
Typed Outline-With Bibliography of Quoted Sources Only
6 to 8 minutes long
Instruction for Affirmative Side of Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Sample Topic: Prayer should be allowed in public school
Begin by establishing the problem:
My first argument is that: Moral decay is creating a need for prayer
Richard Ostling (Source)-Staff Writer (qualification), Time (Source), April 11, 2003 (Date) p. 60
“Anxiety over a breakdown in the nations moral values is fueling much state legislative activity as well. Georgia just enacted a law to permit moments of silence. Student-led prayers have been approved in Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Virginia. Similar legislation is under consideration in at least six more states.”
Then, show that the solution could work:
My second argument is that: A period of silence allows for moral introspection.
The California Educator Sept 1999 p2
“While it would be potentially easy for educators to run afoul of the constitutional separation of church and state by supporting a particular religion’s prayers, a moment of silence seems like a relatively innocuous method that might satisfy all parties. Furthermore, such a moment could help create a climate more conducive to moral introspection.”
Next, show the advantages to adopting the solution:
My third argument is that: A period of silence would be advantageous.
Steven Scheider-Director of Character Education Foundation. The Educator July 2001. p12
“Clearly character education must be a priority, not only at home, but in the school as well. On average, students will spend much more time in their school environment than they will with their parents. School prayer can be seen as one more tool in the moral development of students.”
Finally, preempt any obvious opposition arguments:
My fourth argument is that separation of church and state is not an adequate justification for a ban.
Ingrid Groller-Staff Writer-Parents Magazine, Sept 1999 p28
“Of course the issue of school prayer is a legal one, and an overwhelming majority of those polled, 77 percent, are aware that the Constitution states that the government shall neither establish a religion nor interfere with the practice of religion. But, the poll asked, is this provision for the separation of church and state an adequate reason to forbid prayer in public schools? 82% believed that it was not.”
Instructions for Lincoln-Douglas Debate (Negative Side)
Sample Topic: Prayer should not be allowed in public school
Begin by challenging the problem:
My first argument is that: Kids are not as bad as some say
Jennifer Warner (Source)-Staff Writer (qualification), Newsweek (Source), May, 2003 (Date) p. 42
“While some claim that our nation’s youth are all going to hell in a hand basket, the truth is that the vast majority of our children are good, honest kids. American children continue to be involved in charity organizations, scouting, and other groups that reflect the content of their character.”
Then, show that the solution won’t work:
My second argument is that: School prayer won’t correct problems..
The ACLU Newsletter, October 21, 2002 p2
“It is unclear that truly troubled kids will somehow become less troubled by a moment of silence. The entire proposal sounds like wishful thinking.”
Next, show the disadvantages to adopting the solution:
My third argument is that: School prayer will violate student’s rights.
Mary Rhoades-Director of the rights project-American Liberal Magazine, June 2003. p30.
“What may start out as a moment of silence, could end up in a very sectarian prayer. If you don’t subscribe to the majority religion, you may find yourself facing some very real pressure.”
Finally, preempt any obvious opposition arguments:
My fourth argument is that public opinion is not sufficient to justify violating rights.
Bob Roper-Civil Rights Attorney, New York Times Magazine, Spring 2003 pg 37.
“The fact that the majority of a community supports school prayer does not mean that it is legally justified. The Bill of Rights was intended to protect the minority from the majority.”