Why Teachers Should Not give Homework. Public Speech Contest
15th Annual Bnei Akiva Schools Public Speaking Contest 15th Annual Bnei Akiva Schools Public Speaking Contest Who? All students of both Ulpana and Or Chaim, in Grades 9-12 What? As part of a school-wide public speaking competition, each student will be required to prepare a 2 ½ -3 minute speech on any SUBSTANTIVE topic of his/her choice (subject to teacher approval) and to deliver it clearly and confidently on his/her assigned presentation date. After every member of a class has given a speech, each student will choose (in a secret ballot) his/her top 3 favourite speeches from his/her class. The top speaker from each class will advance to Stage 2 of the competition, the finals, where all the finalists from all of the classes in both schools will present their speeches to parents, fellow students, and a panel of judges. There will be prizes awarded to the finalists. Where? All Stage 1 speeches will be done electronically through your English class. Why? Because knowing how to communicate effectively is a crucial skill that will help you in high school, in university and in life! Also, because your speeches will be evaluated and given a grade, which will be part of your English mark for this year. Topic? Why teachers should not give homework TIPS: 1. Structure your speech like a mini-essay. Start with an attention getter (e.g.- quotation, anecdote, statistic, definition) and be sure that you clearly state what you will be talking about. Next, expand upon your topic in the middle of your speech. Finally, sum up your speech by referring back to the points you made in the middle and offering a final thought on the topic. Write the good copy of your speech on cue cards. 2. Practice, practice, practice!!! Once you have your speech completed, be sure to practice it plenty of times until you feel confident with what you have to say. Time yourself to make sure that you are within the time limit without going over so you don’t lose marks. 3. Train yourself to speak in front of a camera. Speak clearly and slowly, maintain eye contact with your audience throughout your speech, and be still while speaking. These are all important guidelines for making an effective speech. 4. Realize that everyone is nervous to some degree when speaking in public. Ease your nerves by practicing so that you feel confident in what you have to say. REMEMBER: It is not just what you say, but HOW you say it that is important! Speech Intro - a creative, compelling and highly relevant opening that immediately aroused audience interest. It could be a rhetorical question, a quote, a quip, the use of a prop of some sort, an image … - Introduced topic clearly: topic and the angle taken is introduced in an interesting and succinct manner - the scope of the speech is clear - Credibility: establishes authority/right to speak on topic unequivocally - Previewed body of speech: succinct, logical, entertaining overview of the speech to come, creating interest and eager anticipation - Gets attention - Clearly identifies topic; - Establishes credibility; Previews the main points Body of Speech - Main points clear:- main points were interesting, surprising ... and apt for topic and audience - Main points supported: main points successfully supported through a wide variety of credible methods/sources: anecdote, expert witness testimony, facts and figures, props, diagrams ... - Main points logically presented: main points presented logically, sequentially yet creatively in order of importance fitting the purpose of speech - Transitions clear & effective:transitions varied, (call-backs, summaries, questions), always interesting, audience centered and effective - Main points are clear, - well supported, and - sources are documented Conclusion - Transition to end signalled: transition signposted in interesting, creative and engaging manner - Summary of principal points: summary concise, interesting, compelling and related to audience - Effective close/call to action: closed speech with an audience clincher - a bang - an arresting call to action - (1) Reviews main points - (2) Brings closure - (3) Memorable - (4) Original (not cliché) - Organization Ideas are clearly organized, developed, and supported to achieve a purpose; the purpose is clear. The introduction gets the attention of the audience and clearly states the specific purpose of the speech. Main points are clear and organized effectively. The conclusion is satisfying and relates back to introduction. (If the purpose of the presentation is to persuade, there is a clear action step identified and an overt call to action.) Content The purpose is clear and captures the listener’s attention. The content is organized logically with fluid transitions to capture and hold the listener’s attention throughout the entire presentation. Important details add to the interest and depth of the presentation; details work to connect the listener to the speech. Relevant examples or stories work to interest the listener and further develop main ideas. The conclusion unites the important points of the presentation and encourages future discussion. Topic Knowledge Student has a clear grasp of information. Citations are introduced and attributed appropriately and accurately. Supporting material is original, logical and relevant. Student demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration. Speaking outline or note cards are used for reference only. Audience Adaptation The presenter is able to effectively keep the audience engaged. Material is modified or clarified as needed given audience verbal and nonverbal feedback. Nonverbal behaviors are used to keep the audience engaged. Delivery style is modified as needed. Topic selection and examples are interesting and relevant for the audience and occasion. Language use Language is familiar to the audience, appropriate for the setting, and free of bias; the presenter may “code-switch” (use a different language form) when appropriate. Language choices are vivid and precise.