Persuasive/INSPIRATIONAL Speech EVENT:
Speech must be memorized. Index cards, cue cards, or audience giving the speaker prompts are not allowed.
This event combines two different types of speeches and the student speaker can choose either
Inspirational OR Persuasive.
Scroll down to view the following six sections:
1) Video Examples
2) Evaluation/Judging
3) How to write your persuasive or inspirational speech
4) Hand Gesture/Body Language Tips
5) Learn from an expert (parent should preview first before allowing their student to view videos in this section because intended audience is high school)
6) Evaluation forms for the Persuasive/Inspirational event:
These are the evaluation forms the judges will use. Be sure to examine all three because each judge will be evaluating a different aspect of the speech.
To print judge forms, go to the "DOWNLOAD FORMS" page.
This event combines two different types of speeches and the student speaker can choose either
Inspirational OR Persuasive.
Scroll down to view the following six sections:
1) Video Examples
2) Evaluation/Judging
3) How to write your persuasive or inspirational speech
4) Hand Gesture/Body Language Tips
5) Learn from an expert (parent should preview first before allowing their student to view videos in this section because intended audience is high school)
6) Evaluation forms for the Persuasive/Inspirational event:
These are the evaluation forms the judges will use. Be sure to examine all three because each judge will be evaluating a different aspect of the speech.
To print judge forms, go to the "DOWNLOAD FORMS" page.
Evaluation/Judging the Persuasive/Inspirational speech:
Below indicates the weight of each judging criterion.
15% Each:
1)**Volume - Speakers should be heard by all audience members, especially those sitting in the back of the venue.
2)**Content - Five paragraphs. See below under, "Writing the Persuasive OR Inspirational Speech:"
10% Each:
1) **Eye Contact - Throughout the entire speech, the speaker should maintain eye contact throughout the entire speech. If speaker intentionally breaks eye contact for dramatic effect 2 or less times, that is o.k. (example is looking to the heavens etc.) If the speaker's eyes leave the audience, the judge will write on tally mark indicating one eye contact mistake. In other words, for every second of lost eye contact = 1 tally mark.
2) **Enunciation - Speaker should speak clearly
3) **Length - (see judge form #3 in the DOWNLOAD FORMS page). Optimal time is 5-6 minutes. A white warning card will be waived at 5:50 and a red penalty card will be waived at 6:01. Speakers going over 6:20 or speakers having a speech shorter than 2:00 will be disqualified.
(2 - 2:59 = 5 points) (3 - 3:59 = 6 points) (4 - 4:59 = 8 points) (5 - 6:00 = 10 points, which is a perfect score)
4) **Inflection - Speaker's pitch should change throughout their speech and support the emotion/content of the speech
5% Each:
1) **Personal Introduction/Personal Conclusion
Introduction - Speaker provides first and last name, title of the story, and author of the story
Conclusion - Speaker thanks audience
2) **Pace - Speaker should not speak too quickly. Intentional pauses are allowed for dramatic
effect, but are to be used sparingly.
3) **Not Having Distracting Behaviors -
If speaker exhibits distracting behaviors:
6 times = (1point) …............5 times = (2 points)...............4 times = (3 points)
2-3 times = (4 points).......…1 - 0 = (5 points & perfect score).
Distracting behaviors include, but are not limited to the following: space fillers like “um”, fixing
clothes, fixing hair, fidgeting, picking or scratching, laughing, pausing, hair covering eye/s, and
repeating the same word one after the next, swaying, nervous leg movement, distracting hand
gestures (gestures that are too quick, slow, or exaggerated)
4) Hand Gestures - Hand gestures should emphasize what is being said. They should not distract from what the speaker is saying. Hands should not placed in pockets, behind the back, or clasped. Scroll down to read more about hand gestures.
5) Attire - Attire should follow school district dress code guidelines (see below). Attire should be viewed as appropriate to all age groups and categorized as dress/casual. T-shirts or shirts with no collar should not be worn unless it is a school T-shirt worn by a number of students on the same team OR a plain T-shirt worn under a sweater (cardigan, argyle, v-neck, vest sweater etc.). Dress shirts are preferred. Clothes in disrepair will not be permitted. No sweat pants, no pajamas, or
any attire resembling those will be permitted. Leggings are only permitted if worn under a skirt or dress. If the speech meet dress code isn't followed it will result in the student being disqualified from receiving an award.
2.5% Each
1) Stage Movement - Speakers should utilize the stage and should refrain from standing in one spot. Speech length and content should be taken into consideration when planning the speaker's stage movement. The speaker's movement should naturally flow across the stage. Speakers should NOT pace or prance, but their walk should be natural. In order to earn a top score in this criterion, one must start at the center of the stage, then go the two sides of the stage within the time they deliver their speech (right and left or left and right). For example: 1) begin at center, 2) go to one of the sides, 3) go to center, 4) go to other side, and 5) conclude at center.
2) Pronunciation - speakers should pronounce words clearly in their speech.
15% Each:
1)**Volume - Speakers should be heard by all audience members, especially those sitting in the back of the venue.
2)**Content - Five paragraphs. See below under, "Writing the Persuasive OR Inspirational Speech:"
10% Each:
1) **Eye Contact - Throughout the entire speech, the speaker should maintain eye contact throughout the entire speech. If speaker intentionally breaks eye contact for dramatic effect 2 or less times, that is o.k. (example is looking to the heavens etc.) If the speaker's eyes leave the audience, the judge will write on tally mark indicating one eye contact mistake. In other words, for every second of lost eye contact = 1 tally mark.
2) **Enunciation - Speaker should speak clearly
3) **Length - (see judge form #3 in the DOWNLOAD FORMS page). Optimal time is 5-6 minutes. A white warning card will be waived at 5:50 and a red penalty card will be waived at 6:01. Speakers going over 6:20 or speakers having a speech shorter than 2:00 will be disqualified.
(2 - 2:59 = 5 points) (3 - 3:59 = 6 points) (4 - 4:59 = 8 points) (5 - 6:00 = 10 points, which is a perfect score)
4) **Inflection - Speaker's pitch should change throughout their speech and support the emotion/content of the speech
5% Each:
1) **Personal Introduction/Personal Conclusion
Introduction - Speaker provides first and last name, title of the story, and author of the story
Conclusion - Speaker thanks audience
2) **Pace - Speaker should not speak too quickly. Intentional pauses are allowed for dramatic
effect, but are to be used sparingly.
3) **Not Having Distracting Behaviors -
If speaker exhibits distracting behaviors:
6 times = (1point) …............5 times = (2 points)...............4 times = (3 points)
2-3 times = (4 points).......…1 - 0 = (5 points & perfect score).
Distracting behaviors include, but are not limited to the following: space fillers like “um”, fixing
clothes, fixing hair, fidgeting, picking or scratching, laughing, pausing, hair covering eye/s, and
repeating the same word one after the next, swaying, nervous leg movement, distracting hand
gestures (gestures that are too quick, slow, or exaggerated)
4) Hand Gestures - Hand gestures should emphasize what is being said. They should not distract from what the speaker is saying. Hands should not placed in pockets, behind the back, or clasped. Scroll down to read more about hand gestures.
5) Attire - Attire should follow school district dress code guidelines (see below). Attire should be viewed as appropriate to all age groups and categorized as dress/casual. T-shirts or shirts with no collar should not be worn unless it is a school T-shirt worn by a number of students on the same team OR a plain T-shirt worn under a sweater (cardigan, argyle, v-neck, vest sweater etc.). Dress shirts are preferred. Clothes in disrepair will not be permitted. No sweat pants, no pajamas, or
any attire resembling those will be permitted. Leggings are only permitted if worn under a skirt or dress. If the speech meet dress code isn't followed it will result in the student being disqualified from receiving an award.
2.5% Each
1) Stage Movement - Speakers should utilize the stage and should refrain from standing in one spot. Speech length and content should be taken into consideration when planning the speaker's stage movement. The speaker's movement should naturally flow across the stage. Speakers should NOT pace or prance, but their walk should be natural. In order to earn a top score in this criterion, one must start at the center of the stage, then go the two sides of the stage within the time they deliver their speech (right and left or left and right). For example: 1) begin at center, 2) go to one of the sides, 3) go to center, 4) go to other side, and 5) conclude at center.
2) Pronunciation - speakers should pronounce words clearly in their speech.
Writing the persuasive OR inspirational speech:
Choose the persuasive speech topic of your choice: hero, urge people to action, etc.
* Word web to show thesis and reasons etc.
* 5 paragraphs
Hero Speech Introduction :
“Good (morning/afternoon) the title of my speech is __________ (If Hollywood made a movie of the person's life whom you have chosen as a hero, and they ask you to create a title, what would be the title?).”
One Introductory Paragraph –
Sentence #1 – Grab attention of the audience (story works great, funny, mysterious, shocking, or anything that
would draw the audience into your speech.
Sentence #2-4 – Hint why this topic is important/details surrounding topic.
Sentence #5 – Thesis: Giving three reasons why you chose the person as your hero. Begin with the weakest
reason and end with the strongest reason
Three Body Paragraphs-
These are written in order according to the thesis. 3-5 sentences each. Idea-Provide one short story for each/a reason, which shows the person has the characteristic mentioned in the thesis, is a great way to support each idea. This is also an easy way to add interest to your speech.
PERSUASIVE OR INSPIRATIONAL
1. Argument 1. Reason given in thesis
2. Counter Argument 2. Detail to back-up paragraph main idea
3. Rebuttal 3. Detail to back-up paragraph main idea
One Conclusion Paragraph-
Sentence #1 – Repeat thesis
Sentence #2 -3 - Summarize main points.
Sentence #4 & 5 – Why is this topic important? Who cares?
* Word web to show thesis and reasons etc.
* 5 paragraphs
Hero Speech Introduction :
“Good (morning/afternoon) the title of my speech is __________ (If Hollywood made a movie of the person's life whom you have chosen as a hero, and they ask you to create a title, what would be the title?).”
One Introductory Paragraph –
Sentence #1 – Grab attention of the audience (story works great, funny, mysterious, shocking, or anything that
would draw the audience into your speech.
Sentence #2-4 – Hint why this topic is important/details surrounding topic.
Sentence #5 – Thesis: Giving three reasons why you chose the person as your hero. Begin with the weakest
reason and end with the strongest reason
Three Body Paragraphs-
These are written in order according to the thesis. 3-5 sentences each. Idea-Provide one short story for each/a reason, which shows the person has the characteristic mentioned in the thesis, is a great way to support each idea. This is also an easy way to add interest to your speech.
PERSUASIVE OR INSPIRATIONAL
1. Argument 1. Reason given in thesis
2. Counter Argument 2. Detail to back-up paragraph main idea
3. Rebuttal 3. Detail to back-up paragraph main idea
One Conclusion Paragraph-
Sentence #1 – Repeat thesis
Sentence #2 -3 - Summarize main points.
Sentence #4 & 5 – Why is this topic important? Who cares?
Hand Gesture / body language Tips:
(If links don't work then copy/paste in your browser)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOQQOQdhH8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_UfPtnQStM&feature=related (What four mistakes did this speaker make?)
When presenting a speech one must use their hands to enhance the content of their speech. One’s hand gestures shouldn't be distracting. During a speech one should AVOID the following: 1) putting them in pockets, 2) standing at parade rest, 3) playing with clothing/sleeves, 4) itching or scratching or rubbing, 5) cracking of the knuckles, 6) tapping, 7) fidgeting, or 8) fixing one’s hair. The speaker should wear a hair style that does not hide nor get in the way of the eyes. If a speaker cannot refrain from doing the distracting hand gestures above then the fig leaf hand position should be used or having the hands behind the back, despite it not being the optimal position either. The fig leaf position is where the speaker clasps their hands in front of their body below their belly button with arms relaxed. This position isn't optimal, but it's far better than distracting the audience with the above gestures. The reason why it's not encouraged is because it communicates a defensive position and subtly shows fear or hesitancy. It's desirable to not have the hands in front of the body or arms folded in front of the body.
Head position:
During a speech, one should not tilt the head like a dog hearing a high pitch noise nor should one’s head twitch or swing to get one’s hair out of their eyes. Prepare your hair so it doesn’t cover your eyes when you speak. One's head should be kept level and should face the audience straight on.
Stance (How should a speaker stand?):
A speaker should keep both feet flat on the ground and apart. An adult who is 5'10" should keep their feet about 12 inches apart and a child should be less. The distance (in.) between a speaker's feet should be about 17% of their height (in.). Speaker should face forward with knees not locked. People presenting a speech shouldn't rest their weight on one hip nor should they sway back and forth.
Source for the below:
http://samconnerspeaks.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/shaping-your-speech-hand-gestures/
[First printed in the Burke Conservator in July 2000]
Next, consider the text you have prepared. Tailor your gestures to match your remarks. If you mention digging, then pretend to dig. If you mention someone running, you might pump your arms to illustrate the point. Mention carrying-well, you get the idea. Use your imagination to create a useful gesture or act to enhance your comments. Be sure the gesture not only matches what you are saying, but the circumstances. Tone and movement appropriate to a pep rally might not go over well in a sales presentation.
Consider also the size of audience you will be speaking to. A small group will better receive less expansive gestures. On the other hand, if you will be in front of a large group you should increase the breadth of a gesture. A perfect example is seen in the first filmed political speeches. The stemwinding political speech of yesteryear always included big, wide gestures. See on film today, they sometimes seem ludicrous. But remember these speeches were given pre-television, and were given in front of crowds of hundreds and thousands of people who did not have the luxury of in-house screens to better see the speaker. The speaker had to use “large” gestures so that the people at the far reaches of the audience could tell what he was doing.
Be aware also of the smaller gestures, and be sure they make the impression you intend. A perfect example is President Bill Clinton. Watch him speak. When he wants to emphasize a point, or to make a combative declaration, he points his index finger at the audience. A strong, powerful, forceful gesture making a point without reservation. When he is making a point in a less aggressive manner, he will gesture toward the audience by holding his hand as most do to push their ATM card into the machine. Here he is able to make some emphasis, but without confronting or seeming to order the audience.The smaller gesture also gives a visual flow to the speech. Work through your text and look for opportunities to add small gestures to help add flow to your presentation. An example: you mention a negotiation, a process of give an take. At the same time, you alternatively gesture to the left with your left hand, and to the right with your right hand to illustrate the back and forth between sides. While not a huge gesture, it illustrates the process you are describing and allows you to keep your hands in motion. Another factor is whether or not there is a lectern. If there is no lectern, you should always have some type of gesture in play, otherwise your hands are just at your side. The presence of a lectern gives you a place where you can rest a hand on occasion and simply use one hand to make a point.
Hand gestures are not the most important part of a speech. They may not be the second or third most important part of a speech. Gestures comprise a tool that if used correctly will add a sizeable boost to your presentations. Gestures add emphasis, flow, and visual impact to the spoken word. The next time you hear a speaker, watch how the hands are used. If he is sticking his hands in his pockets or crossing his arms, just think about how much better he would be if the speaker added some action to his speech and used his hands to illustrate and emphasize his point.
FOR THE INTRODUCTION USE STAR:
S - Startle with an attention grabbing statement (misleading or false statements are not suggested)
T - Tell a story
A - Ask a question. (This is the weakest of the 4 choices, unless question is humorous or unique.)
R - Recite a quote, proverb, or saying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2oZRNl0Zk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOQQOQdhH8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_UfPtnQStM&feature=related (What four mistakes did this speaker make?)
When presenting a speech one must use their hands to enhance the content of their speech. One’s hand gestures shouldn't be distracting. During a speech one should AVOID the following: 1) putting them in pockets, 2) standing at parade rest, 3) playing with clothing/sleeves, 4) itching or scratching or rubbing, 5) cracking of the knuckles, 6) tapping, 7) fidgeting, or 8) fixing one’s hair. The speaker should wear a hair style that does not hide nor get in the way of the eyes. If a speaker cannot refrain from doing the distracting hand gestures above then the fig leaf hand position should be used or having the hands behind the back, despite it not being the optimal position either. The fig leaf position is where the speaker clasps their hands in front of their body below their belly button with arms relaxed. This position isn't optimal, but it's far better than distracting the audience with the above gestures. The reason why it's not encouraged is because it communicates a defensive position and subtly shows fear or hesitancy. It's desirable to not have the hands in front of the body or arms folded in front of the body.
Head position:
During a speech, one should not tilt the head like a dog hearing a high pitch noise nor should one’s head twitch or swing to get one’s hair out of their eyes. Prepare your hair so it doesn’t cover your eyes when you speak. One's head should be kept level and should face the audience straight on.
Stance (How should a speaker stand?):
A speaker should keep both feet flat on the ground and apart. An adult who is 5'10" should keep their feet about 12 inches apart and a child should be less. The distance (in.) between a speaker's feet should be about 17% of their height (in.). Speaker should face forward with knees not locked. People presenting a speech shouldn't rest their weight on one hip nor should they sway back and forth.
Source for the below:
http://samconnerspeaks.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/shaping-your-speech-hand-gestures/
[First printed in the Burke Conservator in July 2000]
Next, consider the text you have prepared. Tailor your gestures to match your remarks. If you mention digging, then pretend to dig. If you mention someone running, you might pump your arms to illustrate the point. Mention carrying-well, you get the idea. Use your imagination to create a useful gesture or act to enhance your comments. Be sure the gesture not only matches what you are saying, but the circumstances. Tone and movement appropriate to a pep rally might not go over well in a sales presentation.
Consider also the size of audience you will be speaking to. A small group will better receive less expansive gestures. On the other hand, if you will be in front of a large group you should increase the breadth of a gesture. A perfect example is seen in the first filmed political speeches. The stemwinding political speech of yesteryear always included big, wide gestures. See on film today, they sometimes seem ludicrous. But remember these speeches were given pre-television, and were given in front of crowds of hundreds and thousands of people who did not have the luxury of in-house screens to better see the speaker. The speaker had to use “large” gestures so that the people at the far reaches of the audience could tell what he was doing.
Be aware also of the smaller gestures, and be sure they make the impression you intend. A perfect example is President Bill Clinton. Watch him speak. When he wants to emphasize a point, or to make a combative declaration, he points his index finger at the audience. A strong, powerful, forceful gesture making a point without reservation. When he is making a point in a less aggressive manner, he will gesture toward the audience by holding his hand as most do to push their ATM card into the machine. Here he is able to make some emphasis, but without confronting or seeming to order the audience.The smaller gesture also gives a visual flow to the speech. Work through your text and look for opportunities to add small gestures to help add flow to your presentation. An example: you mention a negotiation, a process of give an take. At the same time, you alternatively gesture to the left with your left hand, and to the right with your right hand to illustrate the back and forth between sides. While not a huge gesture, it illustrates the process you are describing and allows you to keep your hands in motion. Another factor is whether or not there is a lectern. If there is no lectern, you should always have some type of gesture in play, otherwise your hands are just at your side. The presence of a lectern gives you a place where you can rest a hand on occasion and simply use one hand to make a point.
Hand gestures are not the most important part of a speech. They may not be the second or third most important part of a speech. Gestures comprise a tool that if used correctly will add a sizeable boost to your presentations. Gestures add emphasis, flow, and visual impact to the spoken word. The next time you hear a speaker, watch how the hands are used. If he is sticking his hands in his pockets or crossing his arms, just think about how much better he would be if the speaker added some action to his speech and used his hands to illustrate and emphasize his point.
FOR THE INTRODUCTION USE STAR:
S - Startle with an attention grabbing statement (misleading or false statements are not suggested)
T - Tell a story
A - Ask a question. (This is the weakest of the 4 choices, unless question is humorous or unique.)
R - Recite a quote, proverb, or saying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2oZRNl0Zk&feature=related
BELOW ARE EXPERT VIDEO CLIPS OF SPEECHES.
CONTENT IS AIMED AT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND ADULTS.
PARENT PREVIEW IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BEFORE ALLOWING STUDENTS TO VIEW THE VIDEO CLIPS.
Judge Evaluation forms:
To view/print judge forms go to the "DOWNLOAD FORMS" page for the pdf version.