Speeches

Class & Akonui Speech Competition
You are expected to present a speech between two and a half and three minutes long in **Week 4 (14th & 15th August)** on a topic of a your choice in the persuasive genre. This is where you are presenting one side of a argument that you are passionate about. The Martin Luther King Jnr "I have a Dream" speech of August 23 1963 is a good example of this:

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The Speech Formula

 * 1) __Wake up your Audience__ - Make them sit up! Make the pay attention with a good introduction!
 * 2) __Involve the Audience__ - Now you have gained their attention, you must keep it otherwise they will thinking "So what? Who cares? What's that got to do with me?" This is where you need to carefully think about the audience you will have when you select your **topic**.
 * 3) __Give Examples - Prove it__ - If you have finished 1 and 2 successfully, you are not at the "Let's get down to business" stage. You now have to covince your audience, to make them believe the claims you made in 1 and 2. Give examples to back up your first statements. This is important, otherwise you are only asking your audience to agree with your opinion. Here's where you offer the facts and opinions of other to 'back up' and 'prove' your agruement. Your aim here should be to convince your audience that they should agree with your point of view.
 * 4) __Finish with a Good Conclusion__ - Perhaps this section, as it is the final word, is most important of all. Try to sum up with a firm conclusion, preferably one that still involves the audience.

Use this planning sheet to start mapping out your speech.

[|Topics for Persuasive Speeches] There are some ideas at the above link for persuasive speeches. Remember to consider your audience when choosing your topic.

Some Do's and Dont's of preparation

 * 1) Do take care the choice of a speech. My brother or mother as a topic becomes inappropriate when the speech degenerates into a 'put down' of family members.
 * 2) Excessive use of slang does not make for high standards.
 * 3) Choose a refreshing topic.
 * 4) Don't make opening remarks which upset your audience or makes them hostile. You want your audience with you, not against you.
 * 5) Don't lay down the law as though you are an authority. There are always two sides to every question.
 * 6) Do appeal to people's emotions.

Judging Criteria
1. Speech Construction 2. Presentation and Delivery 3. Content of Speech 4. Language 5. Effectiveness 6. Vocal Inclination
 * Introduction, body of speech, conclusion
 * Organisation of the speech
 * Main points developed well
 * Facial and body gestures must enhance not distract from the speech
 * Use of eye-contact
 * Relaxed stance
 * Use of pause to allow the audience to assimilate the message
 * Variety of pace
 * The message of the speech
 * Is it relevant, meaningful clear and concise?
 * Does it have the audience “hooked”?
 * The use of grammar, punctuation and word selection to enhance
 * The use of visual imagery to ensure that the message is delivered
 * The impact on the audience
 * Judges will be watching and assessing the audience’s reaction
 * Modulation and volume of voice in delivery of the speech
 * Vocal interest