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

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!

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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

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!

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.

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.

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.