Speech 1: Introductory Speech 

Due Date: Starting Tuesday, Jan. 10                              Length: 2 minutes                              Grade: 50 points

Assignment: Introduce yourself to the class by describing an object and telling how that object has a special meaning for you. Go into detail by explaining how the object came to be important to you and the values or beliefs it represents in your life. Your purpose is to give your audience a glimpse into the kind of person you are and what is essential to know about you.

Disclaimer: do not choose an object that would cause you to reveal details about your life that are too personal, ones that you would not be comfortable having strangers know about you. Also, use caution in picking something that brings up an intensely emotional response in you, one that might make you lose your composure.

Procedure:

1. Look for an object that is meaningful to you among your possessions or in your home or other environments. If the object is small enough, you may bring it to class to show during your speech. If you cannot or do not want to bring the object to class, you should bring a picture (photo or drawing). Having the object in class for your speech is encouraged, but not required. Do not bring an item that is not appropriate for the school setting or one that is too valuable to have at school.
2. Following directions given in class, jot down notes on what you want to say about the object and yourself in order to introduce yourself to the class. Make sure that you . . .

·           State your name, clearly and slowly, so everyone can hear and understand it

·           Identify the object (Ex: “My object is a baseball”) and then describe it in detail. Details should include size, shape, color, material (what it is made out of), texture, type or kind (such as brand name, if appropriate), sounds, smells, or taste associated with it (if appropriate), unique characteristics, and its use and history (how long you have had it, where you got it).

·           Explain the significance of the object and tell what it reveals about your personality, background, values, or beliefs.

·           Conclude by stating your name again and telling your audience what you want us to remember most about you because of the object you have brought.

3. Practice at home: stand up, look around the room as you talk, and speak aloud, using your notes as a guide.
4. Bring the object and your notes with you to class on Monday, Jan. 9, and every day after that date until you give your speech. If you can bring the object only one day, please let the teacher know. Remember, you do not have to have the object with you to do the speech, so forgetting the object is not a good reason for not doing the speech when called on to do so.
5. On Monday, practice your speech in small groups and have the group members make suggestions. Practice again if time allows.
6. Presentations begin Tuesday, Jan. 10. Deliver your speech. Each small group will be called up together to give these speeches. You will be doing your speech to the entire class, but you will have your small group standing up there with you. You may use your notes, and you can ask a group member to hold the object while you talk.

Grading: Students will be graded individually (not by group), based on completion of the assignment. Make sure you include all the bulleted items listed above, use your notes, and speak for at least 2 minutes.