Introduction
Imagine standing at a podium. A hundred faces look up at you, waiting. Your heart pounds, your palms sweat—but your voice is steady. You have something important to say. Something that could change minds, spark action, or give voice to those who cannot speak.
Throughout history, powerful speeches have moved nations. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed aloud. Malala Yousafzai spoke for girls' education. Greta Thunberg demanded climate action. Now, it is your turn.
You have been invited to compete in the Youth Voices Speech Competition. Your mission: identify an issue you care deeply about, research it, and deliver a persuasive speech that moves your audience to action.
Task
Individually or in pairs, you will:
1. Write a persuasive speech (3-5 minutes) on a topic of your choice
2. Create a rhetorical analysis of your own speech, identifying at least three persuasive techniques you used
3. Deliver the speech to the class (or record a video presentation)
Your speech will be evaluated on content, structure, rhetorical effectiveness, and delivery.
Process
Step 1: Choose Your Cause (Day 1)
Select an issue that genuinely matters to you. Consider:
· School-related: bullying, mental health, dress codes, school lunches
· Community-related: public libraries, local environment, youth programs
· Global-related: climate change, equality, education access, digital privacy
Step 2: Analyze Great Speeches (Days 1-2)
Study the resources provided. For each speech you watch or read, answer:
· What is the speaker's main argument?
· What persuasive techniques do they use?
· How do they engage the audience emotionally?
· What makes their delivery effective?
Step 3: Research Your Topic (Day 3)
Gather:
· Facts and statistics to support your argument
· Expert opinions or credible sources
· Real-life examples or stories
· Counterarguments and your responses to them
Step 4: Write Your Speech (Days 4-5)
Structure your speech:
Section Purpose Your Notes
Hook Grab attention (question, story, shocking fact)
Introduction State your topic and why it matters
Body Present 2-3 main points with evidence
Counterargument Address opposing views respectfully
Conclusion Summarize and call to action
Step 5: Apply Rhetorical Techniques
Incorporate at least three of these:
· Ethos (credibility) – Why should the audience trust you?
· Pathos (emotion) – How will you make them feel?
· Logos (logic) – What facts and reasoning support you?
· Repetition – Repeat key phrases for emphasis
· Rhetorical questions – Make the audience think
· Parallelism – Use similar sentence structures
Step 6: Revise and Practice (Days 6-7)
· Exchange drafts with a partner for feedback
· Practice delivery: eye contact, volume, pacing, gestures
· Time your speech (3-5 minutes)
Step 7: Present (Day 8)
· Deliver your speech to the class
· Submit your written speech and rhetorical analysis
Evaluation
|
|
Criteria Excellent (4) |
Proficient (30 |
Developing (2) |
Beginning (1) |
|
CONTENT |
Content Clear, focused argument with strong evidence |
Clear argument with adequate evidence |
Argument is present but weak |
No clear argument |
|
STRUCTURE |
Structure Logical flow with engaging hook and strong call to action |
Organized with clear introduction and conclusion |
Some organization but parts feel disconnected |
Disorganized or incomplete |
|
RHETORIC |
Rhetoric Skillfully uses 3+ techniques effectively |
Uses 2-3 techniques adequately |
Attempts techniques but not always effective |
Little or no use of rhetoric |
|
LANGUAGE |
Language Vivid, precise language; appropriate tone |
Good word choice; consistent tone |
Basic language; tone may vary |
Weak or inappropriate language |
|
DELIVERY |
Delivery Confident, engaging, excellent eye contact and pacing |
Clear delivery with good eye contact |
Hesitant delivery; some eye contact |
Difficult to hear or follow |
|
Total Points: ___ / 20 |
Conclusion
You have stepped into the shoes of speakers who have shaped history. You researched a cause, crafted a persuasive argument, and found your voice. Whether you spoke about a school issue or a global crisis, you practiced the art of rhetoric, a skill that will serve you in debates, presentations, and everyday life.
Remember: your voice matters. The issues you care about deserve to be heard. Who knows? Your speech might be the one that sparks real change.
Credits
|
CATEGORY |
RESOURCES |
DESCRIPTION |
|
SPEECHES TO ANALYZE |
American Rhetoric: Top 100 Speeches Audio, video, and text of historic speeches
Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have a Dream" Malala Yousafzai UN Speech |
TED Talks: Persuasive Modern examples of persuasive speaking
Full text and audio Text and video |
|
RHETORIC |
Purdue OWL: Rhetorical Strategies |
Guide to ethos, pathos, logos |
|
RESEARCH |
Google Scholar
Pew Research Center
|
Find credible sources for your topic
Statistics and data |
|
SPEECH WRITING |
The Writing Center: Speech Writing |
Structure and organization tips |
|
DELIVERY |
TED: How to Speak So People Listen |
Tips on delivery and vocal technique |
Teacher Page
Overview
|
WebQuest Title |
Voice of change: A persuasive speech project |
|
Subject Area |
English Language Arts/ Speech and Communication |
|
Grade Level |
8-10 (ages 13 -16) |
|
Duration |
Eight class periods (45 to 60 minutes each) |
|
Standard Alignment |
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8-10.4, SL.8-10.5, SL.8-10.6; W.8-10.1, W.8-10.4 |
Learning Objectives
By the end of this WebQuest, students will be able to:
· Analyze persuasive techniques used in famous speeches
· Research a topic and gather credible evidence
· Structure a persuasive speech with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
· Apply rhetorical strategies (ethos, pathos, logos) effectively
· Deliver a speech with confidence, appropriate pacing, and audience awareness
· Reflect on their own writing and speaking process
Target Learners
This WebQuest is designed for intermediate to advanced English Language Arts students. It can be adapted for:
· Struggling learners: Provide sentence frames, reduce speech length to 2-3 minutes, allow pair work
· Advanced learners: Require additional rhetorical techniques, longer speech, or video production
· English Language Learners: Offer scaffolded templates, allow bilingual delivery options, focus on simpler topics
Prerequisites
Students should have:
· Basic essay writing skills (thesis, supporting evidence)
· Familiarity with conducting simple online research
· Ability to work independently and in pairs
Standards Alignment
Common Core Standards:
Standard Description
SL.8-10.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points with relevant evidence and clear organization
SL.8-10.5 Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations
SL.8-10.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks
W.8-10.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasoning and relevant evidence
W.8-10.4 Produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose, and audience
Resources Needed
Technology:
· Internet access for research and viewing speeches
· Projector or screen for class viewing
· Devices for recording speeches (optional)
Materials:
· Printed copies of rubrics for each student
· Speech outline template (provided below)
· Peer feedback forms
Lesson Plan Overview
Day Activity Duration Materials
1 Introduction to WebQuest; choose topic 45 min WebQuest intro, topic brainstorming sheet
2 Analyze famous speeches 60 min Video/audio clips, rhetorical analysis worksheet
3 Research topic; gather evidence 60 min Research guide, credible sources list
4 Speech writing: hook and introduction 45 min Outline template, sample speeches
5 Speech writing: body and conclusion 45 min Outline template, rhetorical techniques guide
6 Peer review and revision 60 min Peer feedback form, revision checklist
7 Practice delivery 45 min Delivery tips handout, timing device
8 Final presentations 60 min Rubric, recording device
Differentiation Strategies
For Struggling Learners:
· Provide sentence starters for each speech section
· Allow students to work in pairs throughout
· Reduce speech length requirement
· Offer pre-selected topics with provided resources
For Advanced Learners:
· Require incorporation of 5+ rhetorical techniques
· Extend speech to 5-7 minutes
· Add multimedia elements (slides, video clips)
· Require annotated bibliography of sources
For English Language Learners:
· Provide bilingual dictionary access
· Allow speech delivery with note cards
· Focus on simpler persuasive techniques
· Offer one-on-one writing conferences
Assessment
Formative Assessment:
· Rhetorical analysis worksheet (Day 2)
· Research notes check (Day 3)
· Draft review (Day 4-5)
· Peer feedback (Day 6)
Summative Assessment:
· Final written speech (rubric-based)
· Speech delivery (rubric-based)
· Rhetorical analysis submission
Rubric Summary:
Category Weight
Content 25%
Structure 20%
Rhetoric 20%
Language 15%
Delivery 20%
Teacher Reflection
After completing this WebQuest, consider:
· Which topics did students gravitate toward?
· Which rhetorical techniques were most challenging?
· How did the peer review process impact final quality?
· What adjustments would you make for next time?