ASSIGNMENT 07
SP180 Principles of Public Speaking
Directions: Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to
Ashworth College for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences,
and be sure to use correct English, spelling and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA
format. Your response should be four (4) double-spaced pages; refer to the "Assignment
Format" page for specific format requirements.
Project: Written Speech
1. Submit your speech with a title page, your name, and date submitted.
2. Your response should be a minimum of two (2) double-spaced pages to a
maximum of four (4) pages in length; refer to the "Assignment Format" page
located on the Course Home page for specific format requirements.
3. Develop your speech based on the preparation outline you submitted for
Assignment 6.
4. Write your speech using tips, techniques, and guidelines studied in the lesson.
5. Create a reference list that includes any and all sources you use to locate
information.
6. Review the Speech Grading Criteria.
Grading Rubric
Please refer to the rubric on the next page for the grading criteria for this assignment.
CATEGORY
Introduction (15
points)
Exemplary
15 points
(1) Gets attention, (2) clearly
identifies topic, (3)
establishes credibility, and
(4) previews the main points
Satisfactory
12 points
Meets any three of the four
criteria
Unsatisfactory
8 points
Meets any two of the four
criteria
Unacceptable
5 points
Meets only one of the four
criteria
Body (20 points)
20 points
Main points are clear, fully
developed and well
supported,
sources are documented
15 points
Main points are somewhat
clear and developed, some
support, some
documentation
10 points
Main points need clarity
and support lack of sources
and documentation
5 points
Main points are not clear
and have no support and
no sources or
documentation
8 points
Use of language good but
lacks imagination and
creativity
5 points
2 points
Use of language causes
Use of language is
potential confusion, unclear inappropriate
8 points
Speech well-organized with
no clear use of identified
organizational method
7 points
Meets any two of the three
criteria
5 points
Speech somewhat
organized
10 points
Meets any two of the three
criteria
5 points
0 points
Meets any one of the three Meets none of the three
criteria
criteria
8 points
5 points
2 points
Student makes 1-2 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
8 points
The paper is written in
proper format with only 1-2
errors. All sources used for
quotes and facts are credible
and most are cited correctly.
Student makes 3-4 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
5 points
The paper is written in
proper format with only 3-5
errors. Most sources used
for quotes and facts are
credible and cited correctly.
Student makes more than
4 errors in grammar or
spelling that distract the
reader from the content.
2 points
The paper is not written in
proper format. Many
sources used for quotes
and facts are less than
credible (suspect) and/or
are not cited correctly.
Use of Language (10 10 points
points)
Use of language contributes
to effectiveness of the
speech, demonstrates
imagination and creativity
Organization (10
10 points
points)
Speech flows very well,
demonstrates identified
organizational method
Style of writing (10 10 points
points)
(1) Ties main points and
central idea together
effectively, (2)effective use
of transitions (3) approach is
original and inventive, use of
stylistics techniques as
narratives, examples,
quotes, etc.
Conclusion (15
15 points
points)
(1) Summarizes central idea
and key points briefly, (2)
concludes in a memorable
fashion with impact, (3) calls
for some action
Mechanics (10
10 points
Points)
Student makes no errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Format (10 Points) 10 points
The paper is written in
proper format. All sources
used for quotes and facts are
credible and cited correctly.
THIS IS THE END OF ASSIGNMENT 7.
2 points
Speech is disorganized, no
logical flow
3 points
0 points
Meets any one of the three Meets none of the three
criteria
criteria
Lecture Notes
Crafting Your Introduction
In the public speaking writing process, writing speech introductions follows the outline
creation. For speech writing, the introduction of a speech is one of the most essential parts.
It can make or break the rest of the speech. This is the attention-grabber where you’ll get all
eyes of the audience focused on what you are saying.
But wait, how can they focus on your words? Quite simply, your words have to paint a
picture. Your words have to arouse the interest of the audience. Your words have to make
your public speaking become more than just words.
The introduction is the most critical part of the speech. A strong introduction sets the tone
for the rest of the speech. It creates a favorable first impression with the audience. The
audience is there to hear what you have to say and whether your speech has information
that is important to them. The introduction, then, should do the following.
1. Gain attention and interest of the audience.
a. Startle the audience with a blunt statement, a quotation or brief story, but these should be related to the speech.
b. Relate the topic to the audience up front and you build the connection.
c. State the importance of the topic.
d. Arouse the curiosity of the audience with your first statement.
e. Ask a question.
f. Involve the audience in an exercise.
g. Establish credibility and goodwill.
a. Be well-prepared.
b. Dress appropriately and appear poised and confident.
c. Speak clearly and immediately establish eye contact.
d. Speak of your qualifications as it relates to the topic.
2. Preview the speech.
a. Tell the audience what to expect from the rest of the speech.
b. Call attention to important points in the speech.
c. Provide a smooth transition to the rest of the speech.
Things to consider in the Introduction are as follows.
Appropriate to the theme - The introduction also needs to be focused on the theme,
central idea or thesis.
The Right Length - The proper length is somewhat subjective. Generally speaking, a four- to six-minute introduction is
appropriate for a 60-minute talk. A 15-minute talk may only have a two-minute introduction. A five-minute talk may
only have a one-minute introduction. These are not rules. Consider them suggested guidelines.
Introduction to be linked with the Conclusion - To create a coherent speech, the introduction needs to be linked
throughout the talk. It also especially needs to be tied into the conclusion. This will give the entire talk coherence. The
introduction is the means to capture the attention of the audience and hold it captive until the conclusion of the talk.
Recommended Reading
TEASE ‘em: 5 Ways to Start Your Speech
http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/how-to-start-your-speech/#more-2829
Developing Your Conclusion
Once you complete the body, it is time to create the conclusion of a speech. This is where
you will reinforce what you said in your talk to get the response you had hoped to gain.
Just as important as the introduction is your conclusion. This part of the speech is your last
chance to make sure your audience understood the message of your speech. It needs to be
strong and conclusive. Your conclusion should achieve the following.
1. Summarize your main points – To reinforce your audience’s remembrance and understanding of your central idea.
Keep it brief.
2. Signal the end of the speech – Use a statement, story, or quotation that dramatically or logically brings the speech to
a close. You can also intensify your pitch, tone, and volume, and move or pause to signal closure.
3. Repetition in the conclusion would seem to help a public speech be more memorable. A call to action would
encourage putting the information to use and further the retention of the information.
Recommended Reading
10 Ways to End Your Speech with a Bang
http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/10-ways-to-end-your-speech/#more-2910
Achieving Style through Language
How you say something can be just as important as what you say. This is called style. But
what does it mean to write "with style"? Is style a quality that writers can add or remove as
they please? Is it, perhaps, a gift that only some writers happen to be blessed with? Can a
style ever be good or bad, correct or incorrect? Or is it more a matter of taste? Is style a
kind of decorative sprinkle that's added to a piece of writing -- or is it instead an essential
ingredient of the writing?
Style in speech is not about adding something to the content of the speech to achieve style.
Rather, it is inherent in the speech itself. It is a strategic decision that is based on
accomplishing your purpose as a speaker by taking advantage of opportunities to promote
your purpose, and minimizing constraints in your speech that get in the way of achieving
your purpose.
You notice there are certain speakers whose use of language is so effective that their
message is intensified by the words they use to express their ideas. The use of words is the
tool of a speaker’s craft in achieving style. Good choice of words gets the job done in a
speech. Some adept speakers are aware of the obvious and subtle meanings of words they
use. With the use of appropriate, vivid, and accurate language, they are able to transform a
dull speech into a memorable one.
It is essential then to be aware that words have different meanings.
Denotative meaning – This is the objective, literal meaning of the word as the dictionary
would define it. For example, the dictionary might define word “home” as the “physical
structure within which one lives, such as a house or apartment.”
Connotative meaning – This is a more subjective meaning of a word. The meaning
gives the words their intensity and emotional power. Taking the example above, the
word “home” connotes a meaning of something that is “loving, full of memories, warmth,
and safety” or it may be that of “emptiness and pain.”
Requirements of Effective Style
Use Language Accurately – Sometimes people have a tendency to use words that are almost similar. Take the word
“persecution” and “prosecution.” It may seem easy to confuse these words, but the variance of meaning is so vast
that making this mistake may ruin the content of your speech. Another way is using a similar sounding word in the
wrong context as in “holding a nation hostile” when the word meant is “hostage.” The unintentional but possibly
meaningful confusion of use of words is called malapropism. Such confusion can have a devastating effect on one’s
speech.
Use Language Appropriately -- This means using language that is appropriate to the audience and situation. For
example, if you are speaking to an audience made up of ordinary people, probably not all highly educated, avoid
using abstract words and technical jargons. Not only will they not understand, they might resent your arrogance and
perceive these words as insult to their intelligence. Another situation is the delivering a kind of doom-and-gloom
speech in a wedding. Such occasion calls for celebration, not doomsday.
Using Language Clearly – A speaker’s meaning must be so clear that there is no room for misunderstanding or
miscomprehension. You can master this by using simple, concrete words versus abstract words and avoiding too
many unnecessary words that will only clutter the speech.
Using Language Vividly – There is a difference between clarity and vividness in language. Your language may be
clear, even accurate, but may still end up being uninteresting. Vividness is using language that is full of imagery and
color. Vividness enables the listener to create pictures of what they are hearing in their minds.
Using Inclusive Language – It is always important to be mindful of the diversity in your audience and to use language
that does not discriminate or exclude some people because of their differences. Some examples:
“He”
“Man” when referring to “men and women”
Stereotyping jobs and social roles by gender
When in doubt about the use of language that is exclusive, it is better to research many
guides on the Internet regarding this topic.
Other guidelines to keep in mind about style:
To be credible, choose language that commands authority. For example, instead of saying “I hope you will ….,” say, “I
know you will ….”
Make the audience a part of your presentation by addressing them in the second person (“you”).
Establish a bond by using the jargon of the people you are addressing, if appropriate. For example, if addressing a
group of computer programmers, use technical language.
Keep the audience’s attention by keeping your language action-oriented. Use words in the active voice. For example,
instead of saying “the poem was written by ….,” say, “Robert Frost wrote the poem ….”
Creating imagery and rhythm in our speech
Analogies, stories, and examples are powerful ways to give punch to your speech. They
can stir the emotions, stimulate thinking, persuade a change in thought, and motivate to
action. Because of the way our minds work, they are a great tool to enable the audience to
remember the speech.
Analogies and stories work best if they have some emotional or spiritual significance and
appeal to the listeners. They go beyond logic in motivating and persuading.
Stories – A story is familiar narrative form that is powerful in painting images. It permits
listeners to “see” what is going on. Audiences may identify with the story and thus generate
empathy.
Analogies – An analogy is reasoning or explaining from parallel cases. Normally an analogy
compares substantially different kinds of things and reports several points of resemblance.
Examples:
"I am to dancing what Roseanne is to singing and Donald Duck is to motivational
speeches. I am as graceful as a refrigerator falling down a flight of stairs." (Leonard
Pitts, "Curse of Rhythm Impairment." Miami Herald, Sep. 28, 2009) "This is your brain.
This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?" (The Partnership for a Drug-Free
America)
Stylistic Devices
Stylistic devices, also called rhetorical devices or figures of speech, make your speeches
more interesting and help to get and keep your audience’s attention. Some of the more
common figures of speech are as follows.
A simile is a figure of speech in which the subject is compared to another subject.
Frequently, it is marked by use of the words “like” or “as.”
"The snow was like a blanket." "The deer ran like the wind."”The raindrops sounded
like popcorn kernels popping." "The lullaby was like the hush of the winter."
A metaphor compares two different things in a figurative sense; an implied comparison
between two unlike things that actually have something important in common. Unlike in a
simile (A is like B), “like” is not used in metaphor (A is B).
Example: Through much of the last century, America's faith in freedom and
democracy was a rock in a raging sea. Now it is a seed upon the wind, taking root in
many nations.
A hyperbole is an extravagant statement; the use of exaggerated terms for the purpose of
emphasis or heightened effect.
Example: “I am
starving!” (Source: http://grammar.about.com/od/rhetoricstyle/u/RhetoricStyle.htm#s1)
Recommended Reading
Add Impact with Rhetorical Devices
http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-preparation-6-rhetorical-devices/#more-223
How to Use the Rule of Three
http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/rule-of-three-speeches-public-speaking/
Writing Your First Draft
http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-preparation-4-first-draft-writers-block/
Effective Writing Podcast. (2011). KUWC Library. (Requires Quicktime Player)
http://www.screencast.com/users/KUWC/folders/Effective Writing Podcasts
%282011%29
Format Requirements
Use the following format requirements on all submissions.
Writing Style
APA (American Psychological Association)
Note: To find detailed information on APA manuscript style guidelines on the Internet, go to www.apastyle.org.
Margins
1” all sides
Paragraphs
The entire document should be double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11")
Headings
Bold
Type Style and Size
Times New Roman, 12 point
Software
MS Word
Student/Assignment Information
The following information should be on the first page on the top left side of the page in the format provided below. Do not
provide a cover sheet (unless the assignment requires one).
Student Name
Student Identification Number
Course Number and Title
Assignment Number and Title
Date of Submission
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