Lesson 7: Become a Presentation Superstar
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Scenario for Superstar Challenge
Imagine that your school has decided to cut funding for arts programs, including music, theater, and visual arts. As someone passionate about the arts, you feel frustrated and upset by this decision. You learn that the school board is meeting to discuss this decision and that everyone is invited. You decide to write a speech that will change their minds, but you also realize that you must improve your public speaking skills to make the most significant impact. You ask a trusted friend for help, and she recommends taking a short introductory public speaking workshop. In the workshop, you learn several techniques to effectively communicate your thoughts and how to inspire and influence others.
Objective: To create a persuasive speech that effectively communicates your thoughts and ideas on the importance of arts programs in schools, using various public speaking skills.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, participants will be able to
Evaluate and provide constructive feedback on their own and others' speeches, using criteria such as content, delivery, and audience engagement
Use feedback to improve their own speaking skills.
Prepare and deliver a final speech demonstrating effective public speaking skills, tailored messages, and persuasive techniques to achieve a specific goal or objective.
Summary of main points
Preparing and delivering a final speech demonstrating effective public speaking skills, tailored messages, and persuasive techniques is important for any public speaking workshop. Here are some tips on preparing and delivering an effective final speech:
Define your purpose: The first step in preparing your speech is clearly defining your purpose. Are you trying to inform, persuade, or entertain your audience? Once you have defined your purpose, you can tailor your message to meet the needs and interests of your audience.
Know your audience: You should also take the time to understand your audience. What are their interests, concerns, and needs? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your message and delivery to capture their attention and keep them engaged throughout your speech.
Organize your speech: A well-organized speech is easier to follow and understand. You should begin with an attention-grabbing introduction, provide supporting evidence in your speech, and end with a clear and memorable conclusion.
Use persuasive techniques: Persuasive techniques can influence and persuade your audience. Use these techniques sparingly and strategically to avoid overwhelming your audience.
Practice, practice, practice: Practice is key to delivering an effective speech. Practice your delivery, timing, and pacing to ensure your speech flows smoothly and is easily understood. You should also practice your body language and facial expressions to ensure your nonverbal cues are consistent with your message.
Get feedback: Finally, seek feedback from others to improve your speech. Ask for feedback from your peers, friends, or family, and be open to constructive criticism.
Defining Helpful Feedback
Remember, feedback is a gift. There are two components to a helpful review: truthfulness and specificity.
Truthfulness
For example, you might have received a review that you stood in front of your slides during your presentation. Think about if you did that. If you did, then the feedback is truthful.
Specificity
Listen to specific feedback, not general. For example, don’t listen to feedback saying you did a great job. That is not specific feedback and doesn’t explain why it was great.
Instructions for Superstar Challenge
Start by researching the benefits of arts programs in schools. Look for statistics, studies, and personal stories demonstrating the value of music, theater, and visual arts education. Choose a topic related to arts programs you are passionate about and think will resonate with your audience.
Brainstorm ideas for your speech. Consider your message, your main points, and the evidence and examples you will use to support your argument. Organize your thoughts into an outline with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Write your speech. Use persuasive language and strong arguments to make your case for arts education. Be clear and concise, and use storytelling, rhetorical questions, and humor to engage your audience. Make sure to address any potential counterarguments or objections your audience may have.
Practice delivering your speech. Work on your delivery skills, including eye contact, vocal variety, gestures, and body language. Speak clearly and confidently, using appropriate pacing and pauses. Time your speech and make sure it fits within the allotted time frame.
Present your speech to peers or classmates, and ask for feedback on your delivery and content. Use a rubric or checklist to evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Revise your speech based on feedback from your peers and the rubric. Make sure to address any weaknesses or areas for improvement.
Practice delivering your revised speech, incorporating the feedback you received. Work on your delivery skills and timing.
Present your final speech and have someone evaluate your performance using the rubric below.
Also, share your completed speech with us to the email from which you received this workshop, and you will receive your final certificate of completion!
Rubric for Superstar Challenge Speech
Criteria for evaluation:
Content (40%)
The speech is persuasive and effectively communicates the importance of arts programs in schools
The speaker uses strong arguments and evidence to support their points
The speaker addresses potential counterarguments and objections
The speech is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
The speaker engages the audience with storytelling, rhetorical questions, and humor
Delivery (40%)
The speaker maintains eye contact with the audience
The speaker uses vocal variety, including appropriate pacing and pauses
The speaker uses gestures and body language to enhance their message
The speaker speaks clearly and confidently
The speech fits within the allotted time frame
Preparation (10%)
The speaker has clearly researched and prepared for the speech
The speaker has practiced the speech and is well-prepared
The speaker has incorporated feedback from peers and the rubric
Overall Impact (10%)
The speech inspires and influences the audience
The speech effectively communicates the importance of arts programs in schools
The speaker leaves a lasting impression on the audience
Post-Assessment
Please complete the post-assessment so that you can see your public speaking progress.
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Workshop created by Darcy Rice
or try a prompt below!
