Formal Speech Assignment: narrate inform argue

1. Formal Speech
Learning Targets:
● to choose a topic related to my Independent Reading book choice that interests me and
allows opportunity for research, critical thinking and discussion.
● to achieve the intended purpose for speaking (inform, narrate, argue)
● to use specific evidence from credible sources to support my thesis or claim
● to create an MLA properly­formatted works cited page listing all resources used in my process
● to speak clearly, audibly, and professionally, making eye contact with my audience
○ to speak without interruption, interjections, mumbling or other “uhms”
● to organize a verbal speech that will last 3­5 minutes in length
● compose and submit a written outline, organizer and/or essay to prepare and structure the
contents of your speech (10 pts)
Scoring & “Points”​:
❖ Speech­ ​20 points ​*see rubric
❖ MLA formatted works cited page listing ALL resources used to compose the speech­ ​10 pts
❖ a detailed, written outline or essay of your prepared speech submitted on time, before
speaking­ ​10 pts
Presenting Your Speech: 4 Options
You are required to speak for ​3­5 minutes​ in your speech, completing each of the 4 necessary
components. ​How​ your speech is presented will depend on your choice, accessibility, technology use
and preference.
Below are 4 presentation options from which you may choose:
1. Sign­up for one of the time slots available to present to Mrs. Tolin privately during a mutually
available planning period, lunch period, or after school, live and in person (first come­first
served; limited slots available). ​ ​(still needs to be created)
2. Sign­up for one of the time slots available to present to a class, live and in person (first
come­first served; limited slots available). ​ ​(still needs to be created)
3. Use your own visual recording device to record your speech and post your video to the
shared google slide assigned to your class period.
4. Sign­out a flip camera, owned by Nordonia High School, in room 308 with Mrs. Barwidi. She is
available throughout 3rd and 7th periods, or at the very end of other class periods. You will be
permitted to sign out a camera for 2 days and will be responsible for any/all damages or
losses. You can then insert the USB port, or the camera’s memory card, into the computer’s
drive and upload it to your google drive or YouTube, ​before​ posting it to the shared google
slide assigned to your class period.
Regardless of your choice, your speech MUST BE completed and submitted BY the following date:
___________________ and will be graded using the same​ rubric​.​ ​(still needs to be created)

2. Organize/Prepare your Speech with the Following 4 Components:
1. Beginning (introduction): ​Your speech will begin with the following as your hook:
● NARRATE:​ ​to engage the audience
○ Perform a dramatic reading, narrating a scene from your Independent Reading book
that relates to your topic as an introduction.
○ Check this out! If you’re familiar with LeBron James’ “redemption” letter to Cleveland when he
returned in 2014, and if you know who Morgan Freeman is, and/or have seen the movie Shawshank
Redemption, check this out: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=68&v=fj9Ei7FGQgg​ It’s a “dramatic
reading” of Lebron James’ letter read by ‘Morgan Freeman’ (an impersonator of Morgan Freeman​)
2. Transition: Communicate your thesis or claim.
● Explain the connection between your narrative reading (Independent reading book) and the
topic of your speech. This transition can be explosive, exciting, another “hook”... or just a
boring statement. But make sure the connection is clearly communicated.
● Introduce your thesis (for informative speeches) or your claim (for argumentative speeches).
● AT NO TIME IN YOUR SPEECH SHOULD YOU SAY, “MY SPEECH IS ABOUT…” OR “I’M
GOING TO TALK ABOUT...” or anything similar to that effect.
3. Middle (body):​ Choose ​ONE​ of the following purposes to complete as the “bulk” or body of your
speech:
★ INFORM:​ to teach, explain, provide facts about a topic that’s introduced as a thesis (a preview
to what will be proven/taught/explored).
○ choose a specific topic related to your Independent Rdg book and explore it through
research. “Teach” ​(to achieve the purpose of informing​) that topic to your audience
by focusing your speech around a clear, informative, prove­able thesis.
★ ARGUE:​ state an original, arguable claim then cite evidence to support it in order to convince
audience members ​to do​ something, ​feel ​something, or ​change their mind about​ something
related to you topic.
○ choose a specific topic related to your Independent Reading book to learn more about,
in order to determine your position on that topic. Then, prepare a speech that will both
inform and support your position on that topic for the purpose of argumentation; that is,
aim to persuade your audience that they should agree with your position and ​do
something, ​feel ​something, and/or ​change their mind about​ something related to that
topic. Be sure to acknowledge opposing viewpoints in order to discount them using
facts, research, and explanation.
○ ie: If you read a book about a character who
4. End (Conclusion):
● End your speech on a high note!
○ Follow one of the 10 provided techniques
(templates) and turn the podium (or your standing
post) into your personal fireworks platform.

3. SOME IDEAS TO GET YOUR MIND THINKING ABOUT A TOPIC...
Inform:
★ ie:​ If you read ​Thirteen Reasons Why​, you could research teen suicide (statistics, warning
signs, resources of help; mental health, etc.)
★ ie:​If you read ​Zomburbia​, you could research the history of the word­­its use, its meaning,
etc.Who/Where/When were the first “zombies”? Where did that idea come from? Do people
really believe in them? etc.
★ ie:​If you read a book by an author you enjoyed, you could research the author’s life and what
inspired him/her to write that book­­were there any characters that mimicked a real­life person
in the author’s life?
★ ie: ​Did a character (or the author) of your book experience a significant event in his/her life
that parallels with another well­known person’s achievements or events? Research that, and
teach us! (ie: The events in the life of the main character in the book ​Speak​ runs a parallel to
the life of famous poet Maya Angelou.)
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Argue:
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