The document provides instructions for a public speaking class assignment where students will present at a "Poet's Corner." Students are asked to research a poet of a different ethnic background than their own, choose one of that poet's poems, and write a introduction explaining how the poem inspires them and how the language transcends ethnicities. Students will upload their introduction, poem, and an image slide of the poet to the online classroom platform. The document also provides examples of draft introductions and an evaluation rubric for the presentations.

1. Public Speaking
Poet’s Package
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2. Our Public Speaking Class Will Host A POET’S Corner!
In order to prepare for the Poet’s Corner, you are required to research the following:
 Examine poets from various ethnic backgrounds, and then select a poet of a different
ethnic background that “speaks” to you
 So how do you “self-identify” ? If you are African-American—you will examine a poet
who is German, Scottish, Native American, Cuban….etc…but not African-American
 Once you have researched a Poet of a different ethnic background, pick a poem (from
his/her collection of work) that “speaks” to you
 Once you pick the poem…ASK YOURSELF….Why am I inspired by this poet and
poem?
 Your inspiration is then translated through written word (on paper) and it becomes your
Introduction to the Poem
 In your Introduction create a story for your audience with the following:
(BUT NOT IN THIS ORDER):
Attention getter(s)
Greeting
Title of the Poem
Why the Poem and/or Poet inspires you
Your Poet’s Name and Ethnicity
Your name and ethnicity
Explain how the language in the poem transcends ethnicities/look for
commonalities in the written word of expression
Introduction is a paragraph or more
Please make sure that your introduction is creative and original
 Upload your introduction & poem into D2L drop box (Check your calendar for due
date)
 Next, select a picture of the poet and create ONE slide/ NO WORDS/Upload your slide
into D2L drop box (Check your calendar for the due date)
Locating Poets/Poems
To aid you in your search for poets by ethnicity, go to the library website, www.hgtc.edu/library.
To use Literature Resource Center to find poets by ethnicity:
1. Click the tab “Databases/Articles”.
2. Click “Databases A to Z”.
3. Click tab “L”.
4. Click “Literature Resource Center”.
5. At the top of the page, click “Person Search”.
6. In Gender, you may choose the poet’s gender by highlighting your choice.
7. In Nationality, you may choose a poet’s nationality by highlighting your choice.
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3. 8. In Ethnicity, if you are choosing an American poet, you may choose the poet’s ethnicity by
highlighting your choice.
9. In Occupation, click on Browse, type “Poet” in the search box. Select the term “Poet” by
checking the box and click “Select”. Then click “Submit”.
10. In Genre, click on Browse, type “Poetry” in the search box. Select the term “Poetry” by checking
the box and click “Select’. Then click “Submit”.
11. There are other options you may choose. Please consult with your instructor before narrowing
your search any further.
12. Click “Search”.
13. A list of poets that fit the criteria you entered will now be shown.
Then LitFinder can be used to find poems written by your chosen poet:
1. Click the tab “Databases/Articles”.
2. Click “Databases A to Z”.
3. Click tab “L”.
4. Click “LitFinder”.
5. In the Basic Search box, enter the name of your poet (last name, first name).
6. Click “Person – By or About”.
7. Click “Search”.
8. Click tab “Primary Sources & Literary Works”.
9. Check “full-text” box under tabs.
10. A list of poems by your selected poets will appear. Click on the name of the poem to access it.
Here are two additional links: http://www.famouspoetsandpoems.com/
http://www.poemhunter.com/poets/
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4. Examples of (Draft) Introductions to Poetry
Introduction to Speech #3
Good evening, my name is Janet Smith. My cultural background is Italian and Irish, so
during my search to find a poet whose ethnicity differs from my own, I was met with a vast array
of options to choose from. Have you ever felt like you were led to find something by a Higher
Power? While researching poetry for our assignment, I stumbled across a biographical excerpt
for Faye Diane Kilday who explains herself to be an angel-inspired poet. Instantly intrigued by
the self-imposed title, I was eager to read the work of this imaginative New Zealander. Although
individual faiths may differ, I believe their inspirational messages are capable of transcending all
religious and cultural barriers. I found her insightful words to be both refreshing and comforting .
I have chosen a heartwarming poem entitled Do You Hear the Angel Speaking to share with you
all today. I hope you enjoy it.
Introduction to Speech #3
Some days it feels like life is at a standstill. No matter how hard I try to move forward and make
those dreams come true it still feels like I am stuck in the same place I was the year before.
Hello, I’m Dina Ray, a Caucasian American. Alicia Keys, whose ethnic background consist of
Italian, Scottish, Irish and African American, wrote a poem that sums up those times in life
where things seem to stand still. Although, we have had completely different life experiences and
do not share a similar ethnic background, we have shared a similar state of mind. The poem is
called “Constant Evolution of Going Nowhere”.
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5. Poet:
Introduction
(Vocal Variety/ Conversational style/Facial
Expressions, etc) Did the student convey the
message of how the language in the poem transcends
ethnicities(look for commonalities in the written word
of expression)?
Comments:
Vocal Variety/ Conversational style/Facial Expressions
Comments:
Gestures
Comments:
Eye Contact
Comments:
Voice Projection
Comments:
Strategic Pauses
Comments:
Portfolio/Slide
Comments:
Notes:
Poetry Evaluation
Up to 25 Points
Up to 25 Points
Up to 10 Points
Up to 10 Points
Up to 10 Points
Up to 10 Points
Up to 10 Points
Grade:
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