14 Leading a Discussion // Due the week of Feb. 24, 2015

Hi Everyone!

If you have not yet led your class discussion, that will be done next week. We will also be doing an improv activity with the elementary class next week.

Thanks and have a great week! —No homework if you're done with your class discussion.

13 Leading a Discussion // Due the week of Feb. 10, 2015

Hi Everyone!

Next week, you will be leading a class discussion on a topic of your choice!

You will:

1. Give a 1-2 minute intro, in which you: 
1. Introduce your topic in an interesting way
2. Provide a few key facts about your topic
3. Briefly show both sides of the topic
4. **You can use visuals if you'd like, but it's not required
2. Lead a 5-7 minute discussion in which you:
1. Bring conversation back to the main point if it gets way off topic (I'm okay with a little off topic—mostly I like good discussion here)
2. Have 4-5 questions prepared to push people further if the conversation is a little slow
3. Call on people who haven't said much

When choosing the topic, consider the following things:

1. Controversy is exciting—so it's okay to pick real topics. Just remember, the more intense the topic, the more people will get worked up, so be careful—because you'll have to be ready to handle the intensity!
1. My only two topics that are not allowed because they're just too intense and I don't want any major fights are:
1. Abortion
2. Gay Marriage
2. Make sure you are not so passionate about one side of your topic that you could not play the devil's advocate. 
1. IE: If your topic is dogs vs. cats and you can't even imagine why people like dogs—not a good topic. What if everyone else only likes cats—you'll have to be ready to defend dogs to get conversation going
2. Mentally prepare yourself to defend both sides, so you're ready for anything
1. I suggest making a T-Chart so you have several good arguments for both sides

Email me if you have questions!

12 No Homework this Week // Due the week of Feb. 2, 2015

Hi Everyone!

I didn't get a chance to explain any homework this last week after the great activity with the younger classes—so no homework!

By the way, it sounds like the younger kids really enjoyed it and felt great about it afterward! Great job being welcoming to them and showing them your mad skills at public speaking!

11 Monologue or Children's Story // Due the week of Dec. 16, 2014

Hi Everyone!

For our next speech assignment, you will have a choice between two assignments—however, you will eventually have to do both (it's simply a question of which you want to do first).

The options are:

1. Monologue: 
1. Pick a pre-written monologue from a movie, book, TV show, etc. in which a character is talking for 1.5-2.5 minutes about something dramatic, funny, clever, sad, etc.
2. You can search for monologues online by searching for famous movie monologues—or sometimes you can find a book at the library with a variety. **Not all things online will be school appropriate. Be sure to either pick one that is, or to adapt one to be school appropriate.
2. Children's Story:
1. Pick a 4-5 minute (when read aloud) children's story, in which you could have a very dramatized exciting voice.
2. Check out the library if you don't have any at home.

For next week, I just want you to bring one of these to class—you don't need to do anything with them yet. Memorization will come later.

Thanks and email me if you have any questions!

10 Self-Critique // Due the week of Dec. 8, 2014

Hi Everyone!

In class this week, you all performed a 1 minute speech that we video-taped on your own phones so you could have it for later.

For homework, write a paragraph for the speeches that critiques what you did well, or what you could have done better.

If you were absent this week, you can wait until next week and we'll videotape you giving a speech.

Thanks!

09 Ted Talk Critique // Due the week of Dec. 2, 2014

Hi Everyone!

Hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving Break!

For this week's homework, it's pretty basic: I just want you to watch 2 more Ted Talks at Ted.com, but this time, I want you to critique what how the speaker speaks. How are their movements, eye contact, gestures, voice tones, speed, etc?

Also, I'd like to videotape you all giving a speech when you come back, so will you email me if you do not have a video phone that could take a video of you for yourself?

Thanks!

08 Ted Talk

Hi Everyone!

Next week, your Ted Talks are due! While we may not get through everyone, I may choose the order randomly, so be sure you are ready to go if I call on you :)

Criteria for Ted Talks:

• Explains an idea that you think would help improve the world
• Lasts from 5-10 minutes long
• Is said extemporaneously
• Seems prepared and practiced
• Works to create eye contact with the audience
• Extras:
• You can have a visual presentation like a powerpoint, but it is not required
• Try to think of your gestures and how they affect the speech

Email me if you are confused!