Cultural Artifact or Autobiographical Speech

 

The purpose of this assignment is to introduce students to the process of public speaking.  One of the first problems beginning speakers face is deciding what to talk about.  Sometimes the best thing to talk about is something that you are completely familiar with. For this speech you have two basic and similar choices.

 

Cultural Artifact Option: Because culture plays an important role in the way people live their lives, I would like students to discuss culture in this first presentation.  Culture relates to language, values, traditions, dress, and music. It is therefore, not restricted to ethnicity. Through this activity you will learn about other cultures and increase your understanding of public speaking. Bring to class an artifact or object that symbolizes your cultural identity and explain it to the class.  This visual aid is REQUIRED and you are to relay three main points about the significance of the artifact to your life. (e.g. how you obtained it, how it changed your life, why it is important to you or your family) The artifact can be food, clothing, photos, music or anything that helps to demonstrate to the class the importance of culture in your daily life.

 

Autobiographical Option:  Sometimes the best thing to talk about is ourselves. Since the idea of culture can scare some students I also offer the opportunity for students to present two or three aspects of their lives. Again a visual aid is REQUIRED to help visually assist your presentation. You must have three main points to present regarding your life. (e.g. history, interests, accomplishments, influences or aspirations)  The three points may or may not be connected. Make sure to emphasize why you chose those specific points out of the many in your lifetime.

 

Procedures:

 

  1. Use an introduction that captures the attention of the audience, has a clear thesis and a preview of main points.

 

  1. Use an extemporaneous speaking style. (you may have note cards or a copy of your outline)

 

  1. Speeches are to be 2 to 4 minutes in length. Due to time constraints you will be given signals so that you can end your speech on time.

 

  1. Outlines are always required and are due one class day before the first scheduled speech. (NO ONE can give a speech without an outline! Please note that you will not be given a speech time slot without submitting your outline ON TIME - ALL OUTLINES MUST BE TYPED !!!! )

 

  1. Audience participation is vital to all speeches therefore everyone will be assigned audience evaluation sheets on the days they are not speaking. These sheets must be completed in class and turned in before leaving.

 

  1. Reflection papers are due one class day after the last scheduled speech and will not be accepted late. They are to be 2 PAGES in length focusing on strengths, weaknesses and suggestions for self-improvement. These MUST be TYPED.

 

 

RETURN TO SPEECH IDEAS PAGE