Introduction
To become a competent public speaker you must be able to critically analyze speech examples in search of positive and negative qualities.
What makes a speaker good? What makes a speaker bad? What can you do to become a better speaker?
Task
TASK:
In order to become a great speaker you must be able to identify the qualities which make up a great speaker. You will work in groups of three for this activity.
Watch a series of speeches or clips and decide which one is the best and which is the worst. Each person will take on a different analysis role throughout the assignment and it will be your job as group members to collaborate and decide which speaker is of the highest quality.
Process
Process:
1. Decide which role you would like to approach this assignment from:
Body Language Specialist: Your main focus is on the speakers body language. Is their energy positive? Are they fidgeting? Do they know what to do with their hands? What is their posture like? Are they moving around? Do you feel comfortable/uncomfortable watching them? How consistent is their eye contact?
Language Expert: You are all about the content. If you read the speech would it be boring? Is the choice of language appropriate for the audience? Are the words over your head? Are the words too simple? Do you feel like you are being talked down to? Is the language positive or negative? Does the message flow well? Can you follow along? Are they making any sense?
Vocal Coach: Can you hear them? Are they breathing? Are they speaking too fast? Too slow? Just right? Is the speaker stumbling over their words? Is he/she using vocalized pauses? Does the intonation change? Do you believe what they are saying? Does their voice make you think THEY believe what they are saying?
2. Watch the following videos and take notes on each video from your role's perspective. Only watch each video once. You may watch the videos individually or as a group. Be sure to remain on task if you choose to watch the video as a group and respect those around you who are trying to work. Do not talk about your individual ideas yet.
Follow the links below to your videos:
President Obama Campaign Speech Clip
Jennifer Lawrence Golden Globe Speech
Steve Jobs Standford Commencement Speech
Maid of Honor Speech
3. Discuss your findings as a group. Each person needs to share their best and worst rated speaker.
4. Come to a decision as a group on which speaker is the best.
5. Record your decision and rationale for your choice and present to the class.
Evaluation
Grading on the presentation of the info to the class
|
Poor 1 |
Fair 1 |
Great 2 |
Total | |
| Correctly does all 5 steps of the Process | Student does not do at least 3 steps of the process with the public speaking | Student only does 3 steps of the Process with public speaking | Student does all 5 steps of the Process with public speaking | |
| Provides a correct presentation about public speaking and what they have learned | Student does not correctly present their presentation over public speaking and what they have learned | Student presents presentation over public speaking but not what they have learned | Students presents presentation over public speaking and what they have learned |
Conclusion
Conclusion:
Through completing this activity you have experienced a more educated approach to speaker analysis.
Apply this practice when you are practicing your own skills and decide which areas you need more work on.
Credits
I would like to thank Dr. Hosseinali for teaching me the tools to be able to this webquest.
Teacher Page
By: Nicole Nicholson
This was designed so that students can have a better understanding of public speaking.