Introduction to Public Speaking: Style & Persuasion

World Schools

Agenda

• Warm Up (10 min)
• Intro (5 min)
• Watching and discussing a WSD speech (10-15 min)
• Parts of style (5 min)
• Exercises (20 min)
• Mini Speeches (if time)

Warm Up: Conspiracy Theories

1. Place students in groups of 3-4.
2. Everyone will (individually) create a ridiculous conspiracy theory to defend (Example- The sky is green or We are on the moon).
3. Each person will read their theory.
4. The other debaters in the group must then come up with questions to ask to disprove the theory.
5. The debater responding to the questions must answer them without lying while still attempting to defend the original ridiculous claim.
6. The game ends when the debater can no longer defend the initial statement.

Who remembers: What percent of your World Schools ballot is made up by “Style”?

In Worlds, 40% of your final score is based on “Style”

This makes Worlds very different from other types of debate (like policy)!

BUT it makes Worlds way more realistic. In the real world, the way you present something is often just as important as what you present.

Turn and talk: What makes someone a “good speaker”?

Let’s Watch a World Schools Speech Together!

Motion: This House believes that governments should actively prevent gentrification.

After you watch, discuss:

• How was her volume?
• Eye contact?
• Pace?
• Enunciation?
• Posture/ gestures?
• What did she do well?
• What could she improve?

Watch from 0:30 to 8:30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjgxH8wDdWc&list=PLq1nyVjmbMsm1--KEgzFSHt6VfIiVDywU&index=2

Elements of Style

There are many elements to effective public speaking. Here are a few:

• Pace- Did the speaker speak slowly enough that you could actually understand them? Did they pause at the right times for dramatic effect? (When you get nervous, you often go too quickly)
• Volume- Was the speaker loud enough? (You usually have to be way louder than you think!)
• Eye Contact- Did the speaker look up at their audience/ judge instead of just reading from notes or staring at the ceiling/ floor?
• Enunciation- Can I hear and understand all the words the speaker is saying? (They are not mumbling or running words together).
• Body Language- Is the speaker standing up straight? Do they use their hands effectively? Are their facial expressions adding to the message?
• Energy/ Confidence- Could the audience feel your passion?

Any other elements of “style” you can think of?

Quick Note- World Schools Etiquette

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG5EMIwwY9A

We are going to practice some elements of public speaking!

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These drills might feel awkward or silly at first, but they help us practice specific skills.

Volume

Volume Exercise

Pick some volunteers to present:

1. First, whisper, “Thank you for being here today.”
2. Then, say “Thank you for being here today” in a normal speaking voice.
3. Finally- PROJECT (don’t yell) but speak like you would if you were talking to someone across the room. “Thank you for being here today!”

In a debate round, you should speak louder than you think you need to (without yelling).

Pace

Pace Exercise

Turn to a partner. You will use this sentence: “Good afternoon. My name is [name], and I am so proud to propose this motion.”

1. First, say it too fast
2. Then, say it too slow
3. Finally, say it at an appropriate speed. Include a pause after your name!

Gestures and Facial Expression (Drama)

Gestures and Expression Exercise

Select 3 volunteers: Each one should come to the front of the room and deliver the following line with dramatic facial expressions and gestures. (The more over the top, the better).

“The only winning side of this debate is the opposition. We are the only ones in this room who advocate for human rights and dignity.”

Gibberish Exercise

Gibberish Exercise

Remember, sometimes what you say is not as important as how you say it. Let’s put that to the test by reading some gibberish with great pace, eye contact, volume, etc. Choose 3 (different) volunteers to read from a gibberish generator to the room.

https://thinkzone.wlonk.com/Gibber/GibGen.html

Give kudos: what was good about each person’s delivery?

Mini Speeches (if time)

Mini Speeches

Take 5 minutes to write a 30 second “mini speech” to deliver to the room. It can be on the topic of your choice. The delivery is what is important. If you are feeling uninspired, here are some potential topics:

• Favorite animal/ person/ subject/ food
• Your hobby
• What you would do if you won the lottery

Deliver speeches!

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Focus on your style!

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Each person gets only 30 seconds

Give kudos again: what did you like about other people’s style/ delivery? (Not their content)