Speech ideas

[jhoward]

I am a high school speech teacher, and am looking at ways to make my class more enjoyable to the students. Any ideas? I am wanting to do some kind of speech with a power point, possibly a persuasive speech. This is my first year to teach speech, so I am very open to suggestions.

I would appreciate any information

J Howard

[awaxler]

Hi,

Just an idea, but have you ever thought about doing some kind of interdisciplinary project.

I teach middle school social studies and often integrate projects with language arts that invovle speaking presentations.

I do this in a fun way, so the kids actually enjoy giving their presentations.

For example, I do something called the "Interview Project". Students work in pairs and pretend they are hosting a television show called "Timeline" where they go back in time to interview someone famous from the past.

One student is the host of the show (interviewer). The other is the famous historical person (interviewee).

Students create the scripts, use props and costumes, and we even film the show.

I also do variations of this theme for other units. For example, I have kids pretend they are running a television news program, with an anchor person, and an on-the-scene-reporter.

If you are interested in these types of projects I have more in my ebook: http://www.teaching-teacher.com

Hope that helps,
Adam Waxler

[Unregistered (Shelley)]

Ack...I wish I had your job! I love speech, and I would love to be a speech teacher someday! I realize it's already November, and this post may be old, but I thought I could maybe still pitch some ideas at you. I loved doing Monologues...you could have them choose from famous ones or write their own. For example, I did a monologue of an English-woman who is having a guest over for tea and she tries desperately to use different accents. It was hysterical because I was terrible at all of them (including the English accent), perfect for the monologue! One girl chose a part from Romeo and Juliet. Another thing we did was retell a children's story in our own words...and we had to use voices! It was so funny!

A good excersise to do is impromptu. Have each of your students write down a random topic...anything they want. Then, have them go one at a time...picking out a topic from a hat or bowl...and then tell them to talk on it for a few minutes! It's a blast! Hope these are a few ideas to get them laughing...speech can be such a ball!

[Unregistered]

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[Robert Oliver]

Hello:

I just found this site. I have been teaching public speaking for the past 30 years, and have loved every minute of it. I know it has been quite a while since you posted your request, but here are a few ideas.

Have your class pick a theme, such as being a city council, and let everyone stand and speak for one to two minutes on a question under consideration in your area. After everyone has spoken, ask the students to evaluate both the content and delivery.

Another idea might be to ask each student to pick a logo. Then using PowerPoint, show the logo and discuss whether or not it is effective, and why. Again, I believe it is good to ask students for general critiques of what took place.

Bob

[terirose22]

I had a college professor who would take quotes from a book. Often they were random, sometimes they were on a certain topic or subject (quotes on love for Valentine's Day, etc). Then each student would have to give a short 2-3 minute impromptu speech responding to the quote using only knowledge that they had, so there was no research time. It was a great way to become comfortable with speaking in front of a group, and could be a really good warm up.

You could also choose several really provocative quotes that you think your students would be able to research and broaden for longer, more formal speeches. The topics that students tend to choose are so worn out and there is little fresh research on them, so anything out of the ordinary would be a nice change!

[Unregistered]

I haven't taught Speech in abut 6 years but there are a couple of things that I did that sticks in my mind
* Early on I'd assign a group speech. I'd give the students a speech (it was usually an inagu. speech since I wanted them to become more aware of the world) and in a group they would rewrite the speech and then give it with each student giving one paragraph. They wouldn't freak as much because they were up there together and were comfortable with the words.

*One of the most fun speeches (especially for Freshman and Seniors - don't ask me why) was the object speech. The student would select an object and give a "prepared talk" about their day. One of the funniest was the student who was the school intercom system.

[Unregistered]

My most rewarding and memorable speech class memory was having to memorize and recite a poem. I also remember having to memorize and recite a favorite speech.

[Unregistered]

I know that it has been a long time since you posted this--hopefully you still are looking for input.

One topic my students enjoy a great deal is the "shared topic" speech. Teams of three work together in class to start. Student teams choose a topic: Football, buying a car, a romantic dinner to remember, new shoes, whatever they want. Together they develop the outline of the points they want to make in the speech, then each student prepares the speech at home. If possible, each team should have one prop which they each use in the talk. On the speech days, students are amazed at what happens as they give their speech. (I separate the teams members talks so they don't go one after the other.) Even though they worked together, had the same topic and the same general outline, THEY ARE ALL DIFFERENT TALKS. It always happens that way. The effect of the speech is different depending on who gives it. Some are hilarious, some are very serious, or informative, or whatever....

The point of the exercise, of course, is that each person is unique. Each person has their own viewpoint and their own 'take' on the subject. A speech is NOT the same if it is given by another person! Speeches celebrate that uniqueness.

Another fun topic is: Your school has invited you back as a distinguished alumnus and role model twenty years in the future to inspire today's students. What do you say? What do you wear? (Students dress up for this).

And a culminating topic: Your school is presenting you with a prestigious award and scholarship in Speech. Give your acceptance speech. Make the speech as formal as possible. (In my college classes, we meet in the College President's board room. In my Junior High and High School classes, we meet in the Principal's meeting room.) The speeches are filmed. Students receive a small trophy and a certificate in speech. All students behave formally.

By the way: I always have students do an audience analysis sheet ahead of time: Who is your target audience? How many people will hear me? Who is your contact person? Who will introduce you? How long are you expected to talk? Will you have a microphone? Etc.

The other thing to be sure to do: Be sure that the audience knows what they owe the speaker: Their undivided attention. They should always be courteous and attentive!!!

Best wishes with your classes! Being willing to 'go the extra mile' to create good topics for speeches inspires students to also go the extra mile....

[Madeleine]

Perhaps you would be interested to know that your local VFW sponsors the VOD or Voice of Democracy contest which offers scholarships to participants. The topic changes from year to year, but this is a wonderful opportunity for young people to speak to relevant issues.

[Unregistered]

I have a wonderful Debate Unit that I have developed which enlists many English language arts reading skills. Basically, the students decide on a timely issue for the debate & then I divide them on the affirmative & negative sides of the issue. They must then research their respective positions for the team and compose their 5 research cards to be used for the outside judged debate. A post activity are authentic letters to the editor (requiring one research citation) that are published in the newspaper Editorial Section with excerpts from the best of each team's letters. My students work so hard to produce authentic research, to speak persuasively and cooperatively to help their team and love the selected excerpts that are published with their name in the local newspaper. A wonderful unit !!

Lori Vliet, Pitcher Junior High, Covington, Louisiana

[Unregistered]

You've gotten many wonderful suggestions. Here's my 2-cents worth, and several months late! I don't believe I saw anyone address your desire to have the students make a speech with PowerPoint, so I'll add a comment here. I recently attended a workshop on making presentations in which the dynamic presenter adhored the reliance we place on PowerPoint, that it's overused and misused, and should be used only to emphasize things like a table of data or map. I think knowing PowerPoint is an important and essential business skill, but it will teach the students more if they don't rely on this technology and instead learn to be effective themselves. The presenter should be the "visual," therefore needs to develop effective delivery skills. Local toastmaster groups may be a helpful resource.

[Unregistered]

The key is to get all of the students involved and here are a few suggestions:
Toastmasters International puts out several workbooks with information on aall types of speeches. Thees are called projects and each one builds upon the other. You could have the students each take a project and produce a speech. The students who do not have that particular speech evaluate all other speeches which will not only help them recognize what the speech could have to improve, but also gives them an opportunity to present an oral delivery. The Toastmaster projects gives guidlines on what the evaluators should look for. If you can not contact a local TM club, contact me and I will be glad to provide you with some material. You can contact me at kwoods@price-entities.com or in my office 619-795-2036 mon.- fri. 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM PST.

[Unregistered]

can you suggest a program for imbibing lovefor reading in students of grade 8

[Unregistered]

Have you checked out the National Forensic league? They host competitions among high school speech and debate teams across the country. Dramatic interpretation, Oral interpretation, Extemporaneous speaking, Play reading, Children's Literature, Original oratory and Debate are some of the categories. I had a great experience in high school with a wonderful coach and success at the state level.

[Unregistered]

perhaps your speeches should be on gum chewing in school and how it helps students get higher test scores

[Unregistered]

I once had my students write a persuasive paper to a writer friend of mine. They read one of his stories and then had to explain in a letter what they thought he should change and why. He then came in and responded to their comments--they loved it! You might be able to get someone from a college creative writing class to volunteer to come in, and your kids could give speeches on either what to change in a story OR what the person should write about.

For that matter, maybe you could get them to give speeches to the principal or school board members to change the curriculum in some way. They might enjoy the opportunity to really be heard, and it's a great chance to emphasize the importance of presentation: if they look sloppy or look/sound disorganized, the administrators won't value what they say as much.

Hope these help!

[Unregistered]

You could actually divide the class into groups and make them debate on a subject they can get information on they will obviously improve the presentation skills

[May]

When your doing speeches with kids, it's impotant to get to know the kids and let them work with you and soon you find out what they like and their personalities. Its good to start of with a few games and exercises and then ease them into the work so that they feel more comfortable and confident in the enviroment to stand up and speak about something that means alot to them.

[Unregistered]

I can not believe I actually found this site. I have been teaching high school credit speech to 8th graders for several years now and have a difficult time finding new and fun projects. I will share ideas soon and will try some of the ones I found here. Does anyone know of other places to find good lessons???

[manda]

hey everyone. i am a student at a high school and i am in a speech class... i have to give a multimedia speech... BUT i have no clue what to do it on... so if anyone wants to make any suggestions e-mail me at baileyismygal@hotmail.com thanks
~manda

[Unregistered]

Hi Manda,
You could do one on a career of your choice. So some research on the web on the career; like the history, how much it pays, what is the demand (is that particular career in demand almost anywhere in the world)? You could also check what famous people are in that field, the advantages, disadvantages. Download or scan pictures from a magazine or other periodical (you may want to give credit from your sources during your speech)
Another presentation you could make is a collage about yourself. Be creative and shape the collage into what you want to become and add pictures of your likes, dislikes, hobbies, favorites, etc. For example, if you want to become an airline or fighter pilot, you could shape that into a big cardboard jet; if you want to be a rock star, take a large cardboard and shape it into a live size and add pictures of famous rock stars on it. This is really more creative and fun to do as well as listen to. At some point in your speech, hold the guitar in a playing position. The possibilities are endless. Try making your collage in 3D form.
Hope this helps.

Dolly

[Unregistered]

I found http://www.goodpersuasivespeechtopics.com helpful

[Unregistered]

I created 30 slides of different simple objects...an apple, a leaf, a cat, a tree, etc. For the first speech, a student picks any slide, then creates 3-4 slides about that picture. They have 90 seconds to present their "show." The catch is that while the slides are in English, they have to present their speech in a "made-up" language. The results are hilarious and it gets kids over their intial fear of being in front of a group. By the end of the class, the kids need tissues to wipe away the tears from laughing so hard.

[Unregistered]

i suggest to do your speech on bubble gum and to make a new kind of bubble gum

[Unregistered]

hi ppl im a person i have no ideas so im just writin like i would on msn but i have a class so if u hve any ides for me about speeches woul you e-mail me at kelly_soccergirl_25@hotmail.com thanks bye my ppl

[Unregistered]

Don't force them to do speeches. Allow them to do speeches. Give them some topic ideas. Thank-you for your time.

[Martin]

Hi. You have very nice website! Beautiful design and very interesting content.

[SnowDay]

I was hoping to teach the public speaking class at my school this year, but not enough students signed up for it, so the class isn't running.

I was going to mention the "impromptu" idea because I think its a good way to see how students can think on their feet. Give them a few minutes to prepare on the topic and then randomly call them to speak.

Also: I think a demonstration would also be a good idea. It lets them work with props, talk about something that interests them, and teach at the same time. Some students might put a recipe together while others might teach a swimming stroke (that's what I did in school -- I remember lying across two desks to explain the stroke -- I really got into it and it was the best speech of the class for that topic).

I'm assuming you have students critique each others speeches as well. Assign a "best speech of the week/topic" award. It builds a healthy competition among the students and helps keep motivation high.

Also: I would play some games with students to build their nonverbal skills...charades, etc.... maybe even do some skits similar to the show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Students would have fun and get more comfortable being themselves in front of others...which is what you want in public speaking.

Good luck!

[Unregistered]

Hi,
I'm a grade 7 french student.
I need help finding 2 fun, interesting speech title ideas.
But they also have to be somthing that my teachers would like!


~~~~~~~~~~~If you have any ideas pls e-mail me! (tey don't even have to be good ideas they just need to be ideas!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My e-mail address is soccer_rox_5@hotmail.com

THANKS!!

[Unregistered]

Well. I would not give any homework in my point of view. Kids already have alot of homework. They have a life just like you and they don't have time for allt aht crap homework. Homework is for vagina heads.

[jeanyfoxycoxy@yahoo.com]

Help!!! I'm in trouble. I have a to do a speech in English it is going to be due on wesnesday. But I don't have any ideas. It has to be informational. Can anyone give me some ideas and fast. I want it to be interesting that way my class will listen to me and not fall asleep. Also my speech has to be 3 minutes long so nothing short like how to clean your room or how to brush your teeth. I also want something people aren't famliar with. Help please!

[Unregistered]

I am a high school speech teacher, and am looking at ways to make my class more enjoyable to the students. Any ideas? I am wanting to do some kind of speech with a power point, possibly a persuasive speech. This is my first year to teach speech, so I am very open to suggestions.

I would appreciate any information

J Howard

Well the key to good speech writing is getting high. You no get baked, toasted, stoned. Then all these ideas will come rushing to ur head!

[Unregistered]

Probably one of the worst computer programs invading schools today is the PowerPoint; it leads to monotonous reading and irrelevant special effects that deter from the presentation. I am a college student and I hope that teachers stop making mandatory PowerPoint presentations because the sheer disconnection and lack of creativity it encourages. Most people do not appreciate someone reading off of a screen when they can do it themselves. If a PowerPoint is needed, at least make students only use pictures and graphs making it more enjoyable to listen to the speaker.

[awaxler]

I agree for the most part that powerpoint presentations are overrated...although there are good ones and bad ones. I think what has happened is that more and more teachers use them as a way to incorporate technology into their lessons, but there are much better ways of doing so.

I just made a post on my blog about the use of technology in the classroom and my next few posts will be on the same topic. You can check out my blog and make comments here: http://www.teaching-tips-machine.com/blog

--Adam

[Unregistered]

I'm having lower level high school seniors do presentations in my math class. Suggestions about something specific I can ask from the "audience" to help increase the liklihood they actually pay attention to their peers?

I know, I know - 3 weeks left until graduation and I'm making them speak about math. I'm not sure if that makes me a sadist, a masochist, or both.

Shirley

[Unknown.]

Hi. I'm doing a speech about Bubble Gum and I don't know any good, interesting ending for it. The ones that can catch people's attention. If you know any good conclusion sentences, please e-mail me: baby_vanillaa@hotmail.com. Thank you. BTW. I need the whole speech done next week.

[PamB]

Greetings All !

I've been reading your wonderful, creative ideas for teaching speech! I'm so impressed by everyone's talent here! And find myself wishing that I had you all as speech teachers when I was a kid.

I will admit I was lucky to have a wonderful speech teacher in high school who was able to really help me past my shyness. I have so much respect for speech teachers!

Today, I'm an actress and a professional presenter for corporations at conventions. I would love to possibly teach speech some day - to both children and adults. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what the credentials are to teach speech at a high school level? College? Does anyone combine speech pathology and teaching speech? I know you all are extremely busy professioinals, but if you can provide any advice, I would be so incredibly appreciattive!

Keep up the great work - you all sound absolustely delightful as outstanding teachers!

Pam

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the great ideas. I'm starting a speech club next year in hopes of developing interest in a speech class later.

[Unregistered]

Hi, I have been teaching speech for several years, and each year I change up my assigned speeches--they have to do five to six different speeches a term. Last year a friend shared her favorite speech technique, and the kids love it.
They pick a poem or song or movie to analyze. It has to be appropriate in content and for the target audience. For the intro they must research and present information about the poet/author or director, actors, screenwriter, etc. Also, they must analyze their emotions or feelings about the song/poem or movie.
For the body of the speech, they must transition into presenting the song/poem or a clip of the movie, while playing interpretative music behind the poem and/or using visuals to interpret the piece as well. This is not an oral interpretation--the song/poem or movie can be played along with the visuals or music. The clip is timed separately 3-6 minutes.
For the conclusion, again they must have a vocal transition and present their opinion of the piece, the artist(s) and a personal recommendation to the audience. The entire speech is also timed and should be 6-10 minutes long.
THe kids love interpreting their songs/poetry and movies. I give them a rubric with everything outlined for points possible in each aspect of the speech.
I just got on this site, so my tip may be well overdone by now. But good luck any way. Any questions? contact me at bevers@mesa.k12.co.us

[Unregistered]

I am a high school speech teacher, and am looking at ways to make my class more enjoyable to the students. Any ideas? I am wanting to do some kind of speech with a power point, possibly a persuasive speech. This is my first year to teach speech, so I am very open to suggestions.

I would appreciate any information

J Howard

This may seem simple but it's a good beginner for a number of reasons. Have learners bring a small picture of themselves and choose an incident from their lives (you could provide appropiate scaffolding as needed for your class).
Let them plan the "speech" in sections - possibly intro, 3 points, conclusion. The incident may or may not relate to the picture, the picture is a focal point or touchstone. Remind or assist them with elaboration techniques-anecdote,analogy, famous quote or not so famous quote as in, " My mother used to always say, 'Do your best to pass the test'. Now I say to you the spelling bee of 2004 was a stellar..." (frightening_whatever-using emotions is another way to elaborate).
You will get to know something about the student as will classmates. The student will be able to flatfootedly stand and introduce himself and his ideas, (sharing is so wonderful, isn't it). This little speech can serve as fuel for more extensive topics-Why spelling bees should be banned from elementary schools; or expand spelling bees and free tickets for everyone to see Akillah and the Bee. Okay, I hope this helps. It could be fun.

It's going to be my opener first day with my tenth graders, in fact I've already posted bring a picture on our homepage and I'll include details in the syllabus and ...ta dah, it going to help me with those 150 new names.

Rhea D.

[Unregistered]

I am a long time Toastmaster and have collected 1000 speech ideas. To find this, search the web for "1000 Speech Ideas compiled by Ron Clark" Good luck, Ron Clark, DTM

[louise@mail2white.com]

help me I NEED TO DO A SPEECH ON HOMEWORK AND I HAVE NO IDEAS

[coolieo]

I am a 7th grader so i don't know if this idea is really good for this type of grade education but in my opinion it is good for all ages I think a good topic would be media influence.

[Unregistered]

hello, im a student and i need some ideas for a speech i have to present. It must be 3-5 minutes in length and can be about anything? Anyone have any ideas for topics?

[Unregistered]

you guys **************** but

[Unregistered]

let their imaginations run wild let them pick a topice and tell that they they have to have a visual aid you can email me back because i dont have this i am looking for a topic...can you help me out

Desiraesoullas@sbcglobal.net or if u have a myspace
www.myspace.com/softball_volleyball (lol)

thanks so much!

Desirae

I am a high school speech teacher, and am looking at ways to make my class more enjoyable to the students. Any ideas? I am wanting to do some kind of speech with a power point, possibly a persuasive speech. This is my first year to teach speech, so I am very open to suggestions.

I would appreciate any information

J Howard

[Unregistered]

Hi How Do You Clean your room in 10 mins?? i need to know now