Visual Aid(s) – the use of at least one visual is required.
Time limit: 6 minutes (safe range 5:30 – 6:30, outside of that you start to lose points)
Delivery Form: extemporaneous
Research: Basic research requirements: At least two separate sources with sources cited within the text of the speech, with parenthetical references (or endnotes or footnotes) and with a works cited page.
Objective:
IMPORTANT: All speech topics must rise to the level of being Civic Engagement. That specifically means a topic that has beneficiaries (or benefits, or impacts) someone or something beyond your audience. So for example, persuading us to get more sleep is not Civic Engagement, this topic only seeks to benefit the audience. Persuading us to help combat food insecurity by donating to a food bank does rise to Civic Engagement. Or persuading us that we need to raise the minimum wage. Apply this logic to any topic you chose.
Option A: A speech of 6 minutes designed to persuade the audience on either a Question of Fact or a Question of Value. This speech will require research and skillful handling of the methods of persuasion. Individuals who speak on Questions of Fact will need to give special attention to evidence and reasoning. Those who speak on Questions of Value must be sure to identify their standards for judgment and to justify their value in light of these standards. This speech will require research and a skillful use of the methods of persuasion. Special emphasis should be given to evidence and reasoning.
Option B: A speech of 6 minutes designed to persuade for or against a Question of Policy. Speakers may seek either passive agreement or immediate action from the audience, the latter being encouraged as long as there is an appropriate action for the audience to take. In either case, speakers should be sure to deal with all three basic issues of policy speeches – need, plan and practicality. This speech will require research and a skillful use of the methods of persuasion. Special emphasis should be given to evidence and reasoning.
* The speech must be timed to no more than six minutes. All grading will stop at nine minutes and the speaker will lose points for any aspects of the speech not covered due to being over the time limit.
