Activity One- Introduction to persuasive speech/argument

 

Within this first activity/lesson the teacher shall introduce the topic of persuasive speech and argument as an oratory method. That is, the spoken argument. For ease of understanding this activity/lesson is placed in an order of sequence. This may be changed at the need/desire of the teacher. This short series of activities can be used as an introduction themselves or as a broader introduction for the entire subject

 

Activity One: A- Viewing and investigating persuasive speech/argument

 

The art of oratory should be approached with energy and vigour.  The following resources can be used as good examples of persuasive speech of speeches that captivate and intrigue. Aim to view at least three of these resources completely. You may watch several others for a short period. Make some notes about what you are feeling when you watch and listen to the resource.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These speeches are certainly not a limit to those that can be used. However, they provide a good basis for you to see different types of speeches.

 

 

Activity One: B- Identifying a persuasive speech/argument

 

This short activity is designed for you to hunt down your own persuasive speech that you like. You should be aiming to find a speech that appeals to you, not others. Collect your speech, make sure you save a link to it, and dissect the speech in the following ways. Answer the following questions to dissect the speech. Use any prior knowledge you have of speech and public speaking to help you.

 

• What is the topic of this speech?

• Why does this speech speak to me? What makes it interesting for me?

• Would it matter if I was interested, or does the speech just appeal to me?

• What skills does the speaker use to captivate me?

 

As this is a short activity, you do not need to answer these questions with two paragraphs each. Account for how long you have had to research to find your favourite speech and answer the questions appropriately. Ask your teacher for guidance.

 

 

Activity One: C- Brainstorming/Mind mapping a persuasive argument/speech

 

Use this short activity to introduce persuasive speech/argument. Listen to the video that your teacher will choose from the list in Activity One: A- Viewing and investigating persuasive speech/argument. Close your eyes and don’t think about anything else. Just listen to the speech and the audience’s reaction. Don’t try and answer questions. Just close your eyes and listen.

Now, create a mind map looking at the following key points. Reflect on what you just heard. Don’t revisit the video. Just reflect. When a speech is delivered well, you should walk away from it and remember what you

loved about it, now, what do you remember?

 

• What are the skills the speaker uses?

• What do they do that appeal to you?

• Do you like it? Why/Why not?

• What topics do they discuss?

• Is the audience they are speaking too responding?

 

Once you have completed your mindmap contribute to the following class discussion with answers that you came up with. If you someone else picks up on something you didn’t, add it to your mindmap.

KEEP YOUR MINDMAP!