GIFTS: Exercising Persuasive Speaking Through Mock TEDxPublic Speaking

• In Event: GIFTS: Great Ideas for Teaching Students

Abstract

Persuasive Presentation Assignment
Mock TEDxPublic Speaking
** Student Submission

Assignment Objectives:
• To effectively adapt a presentation to the audience and the occasion.
• To prepare a well-organized and fully developed formal outline and reference page.
• To choose appropriate persuasive strategies.
• To develop persuasive arguments using various forms of proof.
• To develop persuasive arguments using supporting materials that are well documented and supported in the presentation.
• To clearly organize a persuasive presentation.
• To use interesting opening and closing materials/strategies.
• To demonstrate effective vocal and physical delivery.

1. General Purpose: TO PERSUADE
To change an audience’s opinions or behaviors by using logical, emotional, personal, and/or narrative appeals.

2. TIME LIMIT: 4 to 6 minutes. Your speech is expected not to exceed six minutes nor be under four minutes. A wider range is given due to the experimental nature of this assignment. Time yourself in rehearsal so that you don’t go over or under time. If you go over or under time in practice, reduce or add material; don’t assume you’ll adjust for time problems during the actual presentation.

3. TOPIC SELECTION: For this assignment you will think of an idea for change you want to share with your classmates and try to persuade the class to take action. Use Monroe’s Motivated Sequence to construct your speech. The main elements of this assignment are announcement of the topic – draw our attention; the description of the issue – show us the need; present ideas for a solution – the satisfaction; show us what life would be like if the idea was implemented – the visualization; and tell us how we can adopt or implement your idea – the call to action – make this very clear and simple.

4. SUPPORTING MATERIALS: You must include in your presentation a minimum of three (3) different valid sources from research you conduct. Use a variety of sources; no more than one quote. Please remember: it is very important that you cite your sources orally during the speech, as well as in-text citations and a reference list that you turn in with your outline.

5. AUDIENCE ANALYSIS: Speaking effectiveness is greatly dependent upon how well you analyze your audience and adapt your speech to them. You may survey your audience to determine their attitudes, existing knowledge, and beliefs about your topic (best approach); you may research demographic data about students at UNM. Your speech must reflect audience analysis.

6. ORGANIZATION & WRITTEN WORK:
The organizational pattern that you must use for this speech is Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. If you really feel this organization pattern doesn’t work for your speech, please ask me in class to give you guidance after you’ve selected one of the other structures from the textbook. Structure your ideas and draft an outline, using supporting material for substance. The presentation should be clearly organized. It should include an attention gaining strategy, a central idea or thesis statement, a preview of your main points, appropriate supporting materials, and a memorable conclusion. The typed outline you hand in the day you speak should conform to the format provided in class. Also include a References page of all sources used in your speech. For this format, refer to the APA style information provided in the back of your text or using the online links provided in your syllabus. You can also find information online at www.apastyle.org or other websites we have discussed in class.

7. DELIVERY: Dress the way TED speakers dress – usually professionally or tied in to your idea - on the day of your presentation. Remember, this is NOT a manuscript speech; thus, you should not read your speech! Most TED speeches are memorized, but you are not required to do this. Your notes should contain brief key words to cue your memory. Your best delivery is extemporaneous. It is especially important to engage your audience for a persuasive speech. You must use charisma – PATHOS.

8. VISUAL AIDS: Visual aids enhance any speech. Typical TED speeches have minimal or no visual aids. You can use them, but make sure they are necessary, simple, and specific. Objects used to demonstrate your idea are welcome. Additionally, consider the effectiveness of the words you use enabling the audience to create a visual image in their mind.

9. SPEAKER INTRODUCTION: You are required to write your own intro to be used the day of the speech. The intro should be 3-5 sentences and written on a notecard or half-sheet of paper to be turned in the morning of your speech. The intro should include your speech title and your name. Example:

Think about what makes you comfy and cozy. Is it a warm, fuzzy blanket? Is it when you’re in your sweet spot at work? How about when you’re relaxing by the beach? Our next speaker, a recovering comfort-seeker will challenge our thoughts about comfort and show how we can have a better life by Embracing the Uncomfortable. Please welcome Kimm Oostman.

10. EVALUATION: A 0 to 5 point scale rubric will be used to evaluate your persuasive speech. This speaking assignment is worth 45 points plus 15 points for your outline. (Note to reviewer: the rubric was included with the original assignment.)

**Overall, this assignment was a favorite with the students because they stood on a red circle rug and shared ideas they were passionate about. Another surprising success was the introductions students prepared. One designated student was the MC reading the intros. This approach helped with the flow and feeling of a realistic TED event.

Author

• Kimberly Oostman, U of New Mexico