Pre Spring Break Language Challenge

As we turn our public speaking focus towards word choices and language gadgets (metaphors, analogies, vivid adjectives and more) let's practice honing these skills together, virtually! Let's work with metaphors-They can be tricky but really add a level of sophistication to any speech or essay. Visit http://www.rhlschool.com/eng3n26.htm for a few tips and read our text chapter on language. Then try your own metaphoric statement. I'll go first:

"His life was that river, sort of simple and sweet, meandering on an indirect route and always dividing two rough banks but connecting them at the same time. All the while, it surged forward towards the source." Be sure to read the other selections by your classmates before posting so you don't use some one else's metaphor--there are plenty to go around! Sometimes a metaphor can be so similar to what it describes, the writer or speaker doesn't even have to state the connection, for instance, guess what I am evoking in this metaphor: "It had stopped him and he couldn't continue or even see past it. He stood there frozen, literally stopped in his tracks. The mountain was right there, literally blocking his path to the beautiful city he'd been looking for. It was steep, enormous and covered with thick underbrush. There was no way to get around it. He shook his head and sighed deeply." I could use a story and language like this without saying that an obstacle in life, such as facing addiction or taking on an enormous challenge, is that mountain in one's life. If the language is powerful enough and the imagery is clear, you can suggest the metaphoric relationship without even stating it, let the audience or the reader sense the relationship. Metaphors rule!!!

Film Follow Up

Hi Everyone--It was fun to watch the film Iron Jawed Angels with you all! Those banners and chants used in the film were all actual excerpts from Suffrage speeches, fyi--Also, women were the first group to ever picket the White House, and the way they avoided getting arrested was by using Woodrow Wilson's own presidential quotes, his claims about why we had to stay alert and ready for war to protect human rights and spread democracy, which seemed odd to the suffragists as on the homefront in the domestic US, half the population (female) was not allowed to own property, could not have custody of the children they gave birth to themselves and couldn't have their own financial security! Anyway, when the US joined the war, everything changed (the rhetorical situation became emotionally charged and patriotism was now questioned) Picketing during war time was considered treason, so that's when the arrests and hunger strikes kicked in.

For this blog give and example of a person or group you know or are a part of or have studied that made sacrifices to gain their legal voice and rights. How did public speaking play a role in that fight? Be sure to read the previous entries so you don't repeat someone else's comment idea--Have a great week, let me know if you had any questions after watching the film.

Another great film is Rabbit Proof Fence, have you seen it? It is a true story about the abroginese outback and Australia/New Zealand, human rights and slavery, an amazing journey on foot by 3 young girls following the 2,000 mile bunny fence which was built to keep rabbits, emus and Kangaroos from eating the farm crops. You can watch it and write up a half a page for 3 points of extra credit if you'd like, due in 2 weeks please. Just in time for Eatser...see how I magically worked in a bunny theme? No extra charge ladies and gentlemen! Wink--Sandra

Special Occassion Speech

Hi Class! This week you'll let your breath out (I hope) and relax a bit since you have completed the difficult group speech--yeah! Coming up in the next few weeks we have

March 13: Homework: Read chapters 7, 8 and 9. For your special occassion speech, research, locate and print out or copy a suffrage speech and bring a copy to class 3/20 along with reference info. Visit the website for the film we'll watch at http://www.hbo.com/films/ironjawedangels/ and you might also enjoy http://womenshistory.about.com/ or http://www.nwhm.org/about/visiting.htm and/or http://womenshistory.about.com/od/suffrage/a/suffrage.htm as places to start tracking down a good suffrage speech. Also--start memorizing the class outline for the midterm. Be prepared for a quiz on current reading.

March 20th: We will watch a film called Iron Jawed Angels followed by discussion and selected Special Occassion readings from suffrage speeches as part of CRC Women's History Week. I will also lecture on some highlights from chapters 7, 8 and 9 and handout the midterm details. Bring to class: Your speech from the suffrage movement along with author and source citation. Be prepared to read a brief selection from this speech for the class (50 points) and for a quiz on current reading. Your homework will be to memorize the class outline and review impromptu information in the textbook on pg 45, 46 -284, 285 in book. Also, read chpt. 10.

March 27th: Midterm: Impromptu speeches, topics to be drawn from a secret envelope (very general) and grade based on organization and delivery in that order (content doesn't count)--(70 points)--Group speech feedback and grades distrubuted. Lecture on chpt 10.

FOR THIS BLOG ENTRY: Post title of speech you plan to share and who wrote it/why you chose it. If 2 people choose the same Suffrage speech, that's ok--but no more than two ok? Smiles--S

GROUP SPEECH ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

Hello Class! This week you'll begin to work in groups on issues surrounding the current economic crisis and attempt to connect outside of class as well as construct group speeches--you'll use the outline I require throughout this class including the following elements

INTRODUCTION
Attention Getter
Thesis
Purpose
Preview main pts 1,2 (3)
Connect with audience
Credibility demonstrated
Transition to body

BODY
Main point 1 w/support/citation/visual/example
Main point 2 w/support/citation/visual/example
Transition to end

CONCLUSION
Review main points using CONCLUSIVE language
Restate thesis
End memorably

REFERENCES
Alphabetical using APA OR MLA style guide

Group speeches should include:
Individual times of 2-3 minutes
All outline details
A copy of group outline (same for all members) from each speaker, including individual highlights/directions/details on his or her copy ONLY. Speech is worth 100 points, as always I'll grade on content, organization and delivery of each speaker--grades are not given by group, but awarded to individuals--typical speech breakdown should include: 4 or 5 members, one speaker takes the intro, 1 takes main point one, 1 takes main point two and one speaker concludes, all using equal time and information. Review group speaking in your textbook for help and feel free to email me. Below, post for this week's blog

1.) One good question about this speech and/or anything you've read for class so far.
2.) One funny example of working in a group (either real life or movie/tv)

5-7 lines total please!
Thanks!
Sandra

Blog #2: Cultural Awareness

As an ethical audience we must respect cultural differences--but how can we do this when we don't have exhaustive knowledge of cultural practice and custom? Share a unique cultural practice or custom for you with the class and explain how a classmate's speech could connect with it in some way--For instance--Respect, body language, word choice, type of visual aids chosen and even a topic for a speech can either be inclusive or leave individuals "out of the conversation"--Have a great week! Review your ethics and speech anxiety chapters in the book--Smiles--S