This resource was initially designed as a series of lessons, to introduce students to public

Transcription

1 Teaching notes This resource was initially designed as a series of lessons, to introduce students to public speaking and how it works. If possible, arrange a demonstration from a team from another class (or use a video/dvd). The tasks are designed for students to work in teams on one specific proposal together. This could work well as preparation for presenting a written argument instead or as an extension task. Ideally, the structure of the lesson is that students will research a chosen topic, and plan the development of the argument using the argument tree. As a warm-up activity, you could stage the mini-arguments included. Students are then set the main task, where they are assigned roles using the chairperson, speaker and proposer cards, and develop their argument as a team to incorporate persuasive techniques before presenting their arguments. You could use the assessment sheet for self, peer or teacher assessment Page 1 of 5

2 Argument tree Write your proposal on the trunk. Summarise your main arguments on the branches. Use the twigs and leaves to note key points, facts, quotes and other supporting information Page 2 of 5

3 Warm-up activity Get into a group of three. Decide who will be A, B and C. 1. Student A has two minutes to persuade student B that hotdogs are better than hamburgers (even if you don t agree!). While they are speaking, student C should make a note of the persuasive techniques that student A uses both verbal (e.g. language) and non-verbal (e.g. gestures and facial expressions). 2. Now swap roles. This time student B has two minutes to persuade student C that we should abandon Christmas presents this year and give money to charity instead. Student A should make a note of the persuasive techniques student B uses. 3. Swap roles again. Student C is the speaker this time. They must address student A and try to convince them to give them something from their pencil case or school bag! Student B should take notes. Finally, compare the notes you made when you were observing/listening to other members of your group. What techniques do you think were most successful when trying to persuade? And be honest: who resorted to begging?! Persuasive techniques You may find some of these techniques are useful to include, to strengthen your arguments when you present your main topic: use of first person address (I/We) addressing the audience directly (you) rhetorical questions lists of three (adjectives, benefits or emotive words) strong adjectives strong verbs emotive language or anecdotes (stories to make your audience feel guilty) a range of evidence (facts, statistics, case studies, anecdotes or expert opinions) repetition a slogan or catch-phrase Page 3 of 5

4 Role cards Chairperson You are the first person to speak so need to make a good impression. You ll need to include: a welcome an introduction to your team, including their names and roles in the speech, and if appropriate to their credentials for speaking on the subject an introduction to the topic a summary of the main lines of argument an explanation of any complex terms or issues that your team are going to raise, for example: Before I hand you over to [Speaker] I would like to make sure that everyone understands what euthanasia actually is a handover to the Speaker. When the Speaker has finished their speech you need to stand up again and invite questions from the floor (audience). Sometimes you might want to rephrase the question for your Speaker for thinking time, or for the audience to hear clearly. Most importantly, you must not let the question session become a general debate. It is the views of your team that matter, not the audience. When the questions have finished you need to introduce the Proposer. When the Proposer has finished then you should start the applause! Speaker You are the key member of the group. You speak for the longest and will need to think on your feet when answering questions from the floor. You ll need to: research and write your speech be informed watch the news, read the papers, trawl the internet for interesting facts and keep some surprise information up your sleeve ready for the question session make sure your team know exactly what you will cover break down your main argument into three or four key points and deal with each of these separately include persuasive techniques break down your speech into key points and words that will prompt your memory practise your speech, and sound like you mean what you say! be convincing when you deliver your speech, with positive body language acknowledge opposing views when you are challenged in the questioning session, but make it clear how and why you are still sticking to your opinion Page 4 of 5

5 Proposer of the Vote of Thanks You are the last person to speak but your role is still important. Your job is to summarise the main points of your team s argument and ensure that the audience remember what you have said. After the questions, the Chairman will introduce you. Stand up and begin your speech. Summarise the key points of the main speech. Refer to one or two questions from the floor and the answers that the speaker gave (you will need to listen carefully and make a note of the questions that are asked). For example: I would like to thank the gentleman in the red jumper for making that important point about As [name of Speaker] explained in his/her answer You can also add a final thought or question to make the audience think. Thank the team and the audience. Wish the audience good morning/good afternoon. Public speaking assessment Rate your performance on a scale of 1 to 5, using the chart below. 1 = not very good 5 = excellent. Be honest! I spoke confidently and clearly I used Standard English I used a variety of vocabulary I used appropriate persuasive devices (e.g. emotive language, rhetorical questions, lists of three) I used a range of strategies to engage my listeners (e.g. varying my expression, pausing after key points, making eye contact) I was effective in my role (e.g. managing question session as the Chairperson) I was able to adapt my talk to a formal situation I listened carefully when other groups were speaking I asked helpful questions to other groups Page 5 of 5