Sunday, September 6, 2009
Creating An Impression
The goal of this assignment is to help you acquire in class this semester the skills needed to produce an effective speech presentation. Find a clip of a presenter (celebrity, athlete, politician, etc.) on Youtube or some other video outlet available to you on the Internet, and evaluate why you feel he or she makes an impact on you through his/her speech. We will be using an assignmentd feedback form in class when we present our speeeches to evaluate your peer's presentations, but for right now share your present understanding of what is effective and ineffective in your chosen subject's delivery and message. This presenter can be making a speech, giving an interview or in a film as a character who makes an impact on you. The clip should not be more than two minutes (it is just a small part of the whole presentation). Place the url address of the link in the blog for me and your peers to look at as they review your posting. Additionally, be prepared to share why you chose this person in our class meeting on Friday, Sept.11 (so, you must post by our next class meeting. No late posting after this date will receive homework points.) As stated, you can use Youtube, news site (CNN.com, msnbc.msn.com) live.com/video, TED Talks site or some other video sharing location on the web.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alhbu0Xj2Mk
ReplyDeleteThere are many qualities that define a great public speaker. Among those are poise, confidence, and a passionate yet strong. The truly great ones are able to convince people who know nothing of their cause previously to rally to their side. In There Will Be Blood, Daniel Day-Lewis’ character does this exact thing. He goes to a town that knows nothing about oil, and convinces them to let him dig in their area. While speaking to the town there, he exhibits many of the qualities discussed in class. He shows a great awareness, which in the first principle of great communication. He talks to the people of the town like they are equals Also, in between talking about oil, he adds comments about education and bringing wealth to the town, two topics important to the townspeople. He shows a keen awareness of the final three principals; nonverbal, listen, and adapt. Even though he does not personally believe in the church, he realizes he will not be able to win over the people without supporting it. Therefore, during the question and answer section at the end of his speech, he sees how the people nonverbally respond to the question about the church, and adapts his answer to make himself appear pro-church. Then, by watching the feedback by the crowd after he is finished answering the question, he realizes that if he stays any longer, his message would become less effective. Therefore, he leaves the crowd, and due solely to his ability to influence by public speaking, he wins over the admiration of a town.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w8BfH1Q_zM
ReplyDeleteI chose the clip from the movie Rudy because listening to the coach before the team goes out for the last game, the coach tells them to believe in one another and don't let anything stop them from winning.. That was big for me because that is my motto for my life because I don't let anything stop me from doing my dreams. The speaker was effective because he had every one's attention when he was speaking. Also his voice was very loud and his hand motions were directed to the team and not all over the place. To be honest with everyone I could not find anything wrong with the speech.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRGUqd_M6Mg
ReplyDeleteThis is a clip from the movie Independence Day, when the president of the U.S., actor Bill Pullman, makes a speech about the human race fighting back to survive. I chose this speech, because every time I watch the movie and hear it I am struck by how great the speech is.
What makes it so great to me is the delivery. The entire speech seems to grow louder and more passionate as it goes on, until at the end the entire audience is cheering for the speaker's cause. Also, the actor speaks very naturally in his speech. It seems as if it was thought up on the spot. This gives the effect of realness to the audience. He also pauses naturally, but it gives the speech a dramatic effect that keeps the audience listening.
The speech also exudes passion. The audience can tell how much passion the president has toward his cause. The president's look on his face is very serious, and his voice grows louder to the point of shouting phrases that he wants to emphasize.
All of these tactics made this speech stand out in my mind. I could not find anything that was bad about his speech in both content and delivery. Therefore, Bill Pullman acted out a flawless speech in my opinion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYN4jnA8fKs
ReplyDeleteI believe to be an effective public speaker one must engage the audience in a positive and constructive way. When trying to get a point across the speaker should not yell or get angry with their audience but speak calmly and purposefully. The video clip I chose is from the movie Friday Night Lights. It is a half-time speech given by the head coach of the high school football team. The team is losing and desperately needs inspiration and motivation to finish the game without their star player. This coach made an impact on me because he consistently delivers his speech with confidence and ease. He lets the players know exactly how he is feeling without pacing, stuttering or getting off topic. He maintains eye contact and posture that is open and inviting to his players. All of these qualities make a successful public speaker. However, the content of the speech is just as important as the delivery. Throughout this speech the coach uses repetition and parallel sentences. This really helps the audience quickly understand the most important points in the speech. Overall, the simplicity and personal anecdotes make this speech effective and persuasive. The football team was definitely ready to play a great second half after this speech.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZLvSnr6s50&feature=related
ReplyDeleteMartin Luther King was a leading figure in the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 60s. His "I Have a Dream" speech was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Considered one of the finest speeches in the history of American oratory, it powerfully and eloquently expresses King's desire for a future in which blacks and whites can live harmoniously as equals. By speaking the way he did, he educated, he inspired, and he informed not just the people there, but people throughout America and unborn generations. His passionate and eloquent call for equality and tolerance inspired millions around the world. The way he approaches his audience by knowing what kind of people he was talking to and how not to offend them. He also emphasis on his words by the ton of his voice and gesture really inspires me personally.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2bLNkCqpuY
ReplyDeleteClass, you only need to view my clip from 1:15 to 3:00 if you do not wish to view the whole clip.
This is a clip from the AMC series "Mad Men", which revolves around an advertising executive on Madison Avenue in the early 1960's. The main character, Don Draper, is pitching an advertising campaign to Kodak for a slide projector. Don is an effective public speaker for three reasons. First, Don begins by using a personal anecdote, thereby making what he says more persuasive because he demonstrates his first hand knowledge. Second, his spoken word is clear and articulate. Don is able to pause regularly without his narrative losing steam. Third, the speaker connects to his audience on a personal level by evoking emotions and feelings that are relatable and everyone has experienced. These are all effective tactics to use in public speaking.
Of these three traits, being articulate and clear is the most important in public speaking. The speaker in this clip controls both tone and inflection with the way he speaks. Through just the style and pace of his speech he is able to effectively convey emotion and emphasis. While what Don says is in itself powerful and resonates with the other characters in the scene, without being able to control how the words actually sound the pitch would lose much of its power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zrJhtH-SHY
ReplyDelete"We Are Virginia Tech" is the famous speech given by Nikki Giovanni, a Virginia Tech professor and author, after the April 16th, 2007 shooting. This speech is a very powerful speech. Although it is scripted, using "we" throughout the speech, still enables Giovanni to connect with her audience. The speech is organized, authentic, and passionate. The speaker is speaking from her heart, and the audience can feel it. A good speech evokes emotion and offers a lesson, it leaves the audience accountable to take some action. "We Are Virginia Tech" is inspirational as well as motivating. It captures the feelings of the survivors at Virginia Tech.
http://www.spike.com/video/300-speech-to/2823727
ReplyDeleteThis speech is from the 2007 film 300. In this scene Queen Gorgo speaks to the council in hopes of getting a back up army for her husband, King Leonidas. I chose this speech because I felt the speaker displays a strong female character. I found her strengths to lie in how she delivers her speech. For instance, her eye contact is strong and direct; her eyes do not wander about the room. Instead, her head and her eyes work together. In the video, it is evident how she will turn her head in a very mechanical but sturdy fashion that then allows for her eye contact to change. I feel this makes her speech empowering because it is obvious she wants to include everyone in this speech as she nods her head in various directions. Her use of nodding not only helps acknowledge every section of the room as she stands in the lower center of the room, but it also helps maintain her pace. I know that I tend to speak too fast so techniques like these are very helpful in maintaining a steady pace and still keeping the audience captivated.
Another strong skill is her use of words. For instance, part of her speech reminds me of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech “I have a dream.” I believe one crucial part of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech is his use in repetition. In his speech he constantly repeats the opening “I have a dream…” In addition to, he increases volume and displays of emotion when repeating these four opening lines. In Queen Gorgo’s speech she repeats the words “send” and “hope.” She repeats “send” only a few times but each time it is used, it is used in the beginning of consecutive sentences. This ingrains and emphasizes her goal with the council. She wants them to agree in sending more armies to help her husband and thus continues to repeat what she wants making it very clear of her goals. Following the word “send” is “hope.” Though only used twice, “hope” is a manipulative and yet powerful word because it’s an emotionally strong word in which everyone in her audience can relate to. No one in the audience wants to be in war and no one in the audience wants their fathers, brothers, and sons at war. Hope is what they need and by emphasizing this word, she is able to connect with her audience by showing she wants the same as them.
The only problem I have with this speech is her nonverbal messages, such as her facial expressions. In the beginning she says “We are at war gentlemen.” With this statement she smiles and makes a sarcastic laugh. Unless this smile and laugh were supposed to be an ironical hint, it is definitely not a strong opening. Personally if I were in the audience, I would have been annoyed by this use of sarcasm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Ntqg2BiVg
ReplyDeleteIf you do not wish to view the entire clip, please begin at 40 seconds.
The following clip is from the film Dead Poets Society starring Robin Williams. As you will see, Mr. Keating (Robin Williams) plays the part of an English professor at the Welton academy for boys. Wanting his students to reject the idea of conformity, Mr. Keating offers words of wisdom that translate into the Latin term “Carpe Diem.”
Not only is this short clip inspirational, it depicts various aspects of a successful speaker. As Mr. Keating delivers his speech he effectively utilizes vocal tone to emphasize certain points. These points are also complimented by facial expressions (i.e. raising eye brows, smiling etc.) that convey the emotions he wants his audience to feel. Although some may find the constant pacing of a communicator a distraction, I feel the speaker utilizes movement to his advantage. As you will see his movement is slow and adapts to the various tones in his voice.
In addition, Mr. Keating maintains eye contact with all his students. He stops to address individuals personally and looks at those standing in the back row. I feel that eye contact gives an audience member a feeling of importance since the speaker is addressing them directly.
In addition to delivery tactics, I enjoyed the characters attempt to create identification. Mr. Keating wanted the boys to identify with past students by showing them various pictures that resembled many of them in both personality and appearance. I felt this tactic heightened his chances for compliance since the boys realized their own mortality and need to “seize the day.”
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96vAbtpakLg&feature=related
ReplyDeleteThis clip can be started at 1:53 if you are not interested in viewing the whole speech.
Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the Florida Gators, and his teammates set a goal before the season began to go undefeated in 2008. This video clip is the emotional promise Tebow made after an unexpected 31-30 loss to the University of Mississippi. In his post game press conference speech Tebow apologizes to the fans of Gator Nation for the loss. He continues to promise that the country has never seen anyone as dedicated to their play and commitment to motivating his teammates as he will for the remainder of the season.
It is clear that throughout the speech, Tebow is extremely emotional. He is not only well known for his tremendous athletic accomplishments but also for his ministry work in correctional facilities and abroad in the Philippines. A key factor in this speech was his ability to transfer his emotion from himself onto the viewers. Tebow uses effective public speaking skills when he keeps his voice steady. Although he is upset, he maintains to keep his voice and tone understandable. Even though this was a remarkable speech, he seemed to pause for too long at times with a lack of eye contact. In addition, right before his dramatic closing he touched his face and it may have taken away from the delivery slightly.
Although some critics were unsure of how much he could follow through with his promise, he proved them wrong. This speech undeniably lit a fire under the team in terms of motivation. Instead of sulking in the misery of the loss, the team’s leader used this speech to propel them to be the best in college football that year. After his inspiration speech, the Gators went on to win the rest of the season and a national championship. The University of Florida believed that “The Promise” speech deserved to be commemorated after such an incredible remainder of the season that it was put on a plague outside of the football complex.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyvDW1rinfs
ReplyDeleteThis speech comes from the film "Legally Blonde" where the main character, Elle Woods is giving her graduation speech. Throughout the movie Elle transforms from a sorority girl who was never taken seriously to one of the best law students in her class. This speech shows how she has transformed as an individual.
I thought that this speech was both written and given well. Elle speaks calmly the entire time. She spreads her words out enough that she is pausing but not too much so that the audience gets bored. She keeps good eye contact with the audience and moves her eyes around instead of staying on just one spot. When she addresses her teacher in the speech she glances over to her. Elle keeps an animated smiling face the entire time. Because she had memorized the speech and did not have to read off paper she was able to puts stresses on certain words that she wanted to stand out.
Her words are also inspirational, as any graduation speech should be. She uses good quotes that flow well with the rest of the speech. She is also getting positive feedback from her peers who are nodding in approval and clapping before and after she speaks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1L8y-MX3pg
ReplyDeleteThis clip is of Dr. Martin Luther King's final speech, delivered the day before he was assassinated. This speech was given on April 3, 1968 in support of striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee. Perhaps one of the most prominent speakers, Dr. King is competent and confident, two of the many qualities a great public speaker should possess. In this clip, Dr. King was not reading from a paper and kept eye contact with the audience at all times. He had great voice infliction and emphasized certain words in the proper places. I admire the way his speeches always seem to flow with ease; they were more like conversations than speeches. His speeches always engage me; I am always on the edge of my seat when listening to him. The imagery he uses and the powerful way he delivers his words is captivating and always gets his point across.
If you do not wish to view the entire clip, please begin at 1:50
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rFx6OFooCs
This is a clip of the halftime speech given by Al Pacino’s character in the movie Any Given Sunday. Pacino delivers a passionate and compelling speech to his team in order to evoke emotion and to motivate his players. He starts in a calm manner but gradually picks up the intensity and volume of his pitch. His repetitive phrases and powerful tone resonates with the players. His speech is hopeful, inspirational, and engages the crowd.
The delivery is the main reason why this speech is so effective. He is able to stress the importance of his message through the use of hand motions and the passion seen on his face. The gradual increase in his tone really grasps the attention of his team. His eye contact is direct and he focuses on the entire team instead of one player. He maintains a good pace and keeps the team captivated with his firm voice. He is confident and delivers the speech with ease.
His message is clear, simple, and persuasive. I chose this speech because it motivates me and the intensity in his voice gives me chills. My field hockey team has listened to this clip in the past before big games to get inspired and pumped up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?=E_HFCYz4x6o&feature=related
ReplyDeleteI chose Coach Boone's speech to his team during football camp from Remember the Titans. This is one of if not the turning point of the movie because prior to this segregation split the team into whites and african americans. The players didn't get along on or off the field and therefore the success of the team was in jepordy. But after this speech the team little by little started getting it together and playing and acting like a team. By the time they got home race was no longer an issue for the team.
I think Denzel Washington was a great actor for this role and his speech was obviously effective because he was able to bring two groups together on the football field and change the attitudes of many people in their whole town. He used appropriate voice volume as well as inflection when he wanted to express emotion. He made impact by bringing the team to that particulary spot and then relating what happened in Gettysburg to what was currently happening to the team. Granted most speakers probably don't have the choice in their venue, he did have that opportunity and I think it was very well chosen as opposed to just staying at camp.
He didn't use constant eye contact, but I think that looking away to the grave sites and back to the team added the importance of what he was saying.
I particularly like the last few lines..
"If we don't come together, right now on this hollowground, we too will be destroyed. Just like they were. I don't care if you like eachother or not. But you will respect eachother. And maybe, I don't know, maybe...learn to play this game like men."
He is basically trying to say that the team has to learn to get past their differences and concentrate on the game or they will not win. But in order for that to happen respect must be shown.
You can tell from the looks on the players that they were listening to him and taking in what he had to say.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBdbldsnSxE
ReplyDeleteHey guys, this is a clip from one of my favorite movies, Thank You For Smoking. The clip is of a big tobacco lobbyist named Nick Naylor pitching a marketing idea to a group of executives. Although it is just a simple pitch in a meeting Naylor uses his charisma and his persuasive abilities to paint a picture in the mind of every member of his audience.
I think that the main reason that this speech is so effective is how confident and charismatic he is. His excitement is so strong and contagious that you cannot help but accept every word he says. As he moves around the room he is conscious of every part of his composure: he stands strait, maintains eye contact, and uses engaging hand gestures.
I understand that this clip is not the classic example of public speaking but I still feel that it is a great example of a persuasive speech. Without actually providing any supporting evidence Nick manages to convince his audience that his idea is exactly what they need.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arNYCyTJ-DM
ReplyDelete(0-1:21)and (3:01-4:45)
Al Pacino is one of my favorite actors. He always draws me into the scene, especially when he is delivering a speech.
I believe that a great speaker does more than just capture audience's attention. He/She must be able to move an audience and motivate them. Their poise must comfort and their words must induce passion in ones heart. I also believe a great speaker knows how to tell a great story and this is exactly what Al Pacino illustrates in the movie "City Hall".
Pacino begins the speech in a very calm manner. He uses eye contact to engage a personal connection with each person in the church. His word selection and use of analogies add power to his message. For example, "That boy was as pure and innocent as the driven snow". I also like Pacino's use of hands. He moves his hands a lot, but it isn't distracting. He tells a story. His calm demeanor escalates to a powerful and moving roar. As the audience becomes more passionate so does Pacino. His last couple of lines is what I think put this speech over the top and captures the audience completely. Behind the coffin of a fallen boy, Pacino roars with passion:
"Join me, rise up with me; rise up on the wings of this slain angel. We'll rebuild on the soul of this little warrior. We will pick up his standard and raise it high! Carry it forward until this city -- your city -- our city -- his city -- is a palace of God! Is a palace of God!"
Just an amazing speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmIUd-b_iNk&feature=channel
ReplyDeleteHey everyone,
I know Professor mentioned not everyone using Obama as an example so i had to go with a clip on a speech given by Michelle Obama.
In this clip, Michelle delievers an informative speech about her husband Barack Obama. She begins her speech with a smile which welcomes the audience as well as showing signs of passion about her subject matter. She also shows how serious and passionate she is by the calmness in her face and the intensity in her voice. She also made sure to connect with the audience as a whole by making eye contact and through her continuous hand motions. Throughout her speech she also emphasizes certain words to make a point and pauses when necessary.
I think Michelle delivered an effective speech primarily because of her style and delivery. She shows her audience that she truly believes what she's talking about through her enthusiasm as well. Another reason why I give credit to Michelle Obama on her speech is because she knows how to connect with her audience and keep them engage by using examples throughout her speech in which they could relate to. The audience seem to also be pleased and agree with Michelle as they give her positive feedback and support.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w8BfH1Q_zM
ReplyDeleteI chose the clip from the movie Rudy because listening to the coach before the team goes out for the last game, the coach tells them to believe in one another and don't let anything stop them from winning. That was big for me because that is my motto for my life because I don't let anything stop me from doing my dreams. The speaker was effective because he had every one's attention when he was speaking. Twice during the speech he paused to make sure the team was focused. Also his voice was very loud and his hand motions were directed to the team and not all over the place. He never actually told the team what to do, but he gave them advice to inspire them to do the best they can. To be honest with everyone I could not find anything wrong with the speech.
@ Phil H
ReplyDeletePhil, I was wondering how you thought the lessons you took from "Rudy" apply to public speaking in other situations. Are pauses and hand gestures enough to command a room's full attention, or are there other techniques the coach uses to get his point across? Thanks for the insights.
Gideon,
ReplyDeleteYou allude to the fact that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke passionately during his speech. However, in your opinion, what makes you feel that he is passionate? Are there specific hand gestures, verbal and/or nonverbal cues? I feel that you quickly touch upon that what he said was passionate but are vague in explaining how when you say "By speaking the way he did." I think it would be more informative if you may provide some examples.
Other than that, fantastic choice in speech - I almost went with that speech, as well.
Lelya:
ReplyDeleteIn the speech “We Are Virginia Tech” by Nikki Giovanni, you said a good speech offers a lesson and leaves the audience accountable to take some action. I am curious as to what lesson and actions you think she was trying to instill in the audience that day? You also said the speech was passionate; I am just interested as to what were some examples of her passion in the speech that stand out to you? I think you brought up an excellent observation with her ability to use the word “we” but still have the country relate to the tragedy that occurred there. Great choice in a speech!
-Jess
Mike C:
ReplyDeleteYou said that you admired Nick Naylors speech Nick from the movie "Thank You for Smoking." Having seen this movie many times I was wondering what role you thing ethics plays in the way he gives his speech. Where most people would have guilt in delivering the "false" message that cigarettes will not harm them, Nick does not seem to be as phased with the challenge.
Great movie and speech!
-Jessica V
Jessica, what do you admire about Tim Tebow's nonverbal communication? Posture, hand gestures, facial expressions, etc.?
ReplyDeleteCait-
ReplyDeleteThis is a great speech, I almost used this particular one myself. What cues do you think Denzel used in his speech to show that he was passionate? Also what about this speech do you think was the trigger that really touched the players and made them put their differences aside?
Dan:
ReplyDeleteI noticed that your admired speaker does not have the pressure of being physically in front of the audience during his speech. He is presenting from the back of the room while the audience looks at the projector. Do you believe that this fact could have an effect on the delivery of the speech? Is it more difficult to give a speech in the dark with everyone turned away or with a spotlight on in front of everyone? Do you believe Don makes up for the lack of non-verbal cues in his speech with the content and delivery of his speech? I think that he certainly does, his speech was quite moving, good choice!
- Kathleen Ward
Cait –
ReplyDeleteOne of the most important nonverbal messages of a speaker is their eye contact. Our book points out that “direct eye contact enhances others’ perceptions of your credibility, self-esteem, and emotional control or calmness, all perceptions that enhance leadership effectiveness” (Beebe & Mottet, 2010, p.62). With that said, do you believe that Denzel’s lack of eye contact decreased his credibility in any way? Do you think the speech could have been more persuasive if he had given more attention to this use of body language? You mention that his lack of eye contact adds to the importance of his speech. In what ways was less eye contact more persuasive?
Also, I happened to notice Denzel’s physical appearance. Although it would be silly for the coach to wear a professional suit in the woods for a meeting, was there something about his appearance that may have increased his chances of compliance. For example, do you think that his clothing gave the perception of being equal with his audience?
In addition, I liked your comment on the “venue” chosen for his speech. Perhaps develop this idea a bit further. What emotions did the Gettysburg site evoke that would have otherwise been absent in a locker room or stadium? If the speech was given at another site, do you think Denzel could have evoked the same emotions with just references to the battle?
Beebe, S. A., & Mottet, T. P. (2010). Business and professional communication: Principles and skills for leadership. (9th Ed.). New York: Allyn & Bacon
Mike C-
ReplyDeleteI also think that the Nick Naylor speech is a great example of persuasive speech, and I agree with all of your points. However, there are a few additional questions I would ask.
Do you think that Nick Naylor's rhetorical style, at least in this particular speech, would work as well with a larger crowd of 100+?
Since Nick Naylor is pitching an idea to his coworkers, instead of people who oppose his viewpoint, do you think that makes the speech slightly less impressive, or even more impressive because it shows a keen awareness of his audience?
Great speech and a great choice.
K Malcom,
ReplyDeleteI think you chose a good speech. I have never seen the movie before but it seems like he knew what he was talking about. Could you just explain one thing please...
"Even though he does not personally believe in the church, he realizes he will not be able to win over the people without supporting it."
Is he pretending to believe in something he doesn't just to gain approval? Because I don't know if that would be very appropriate speech making. But I may have just misunderstood since like I said I don't know the movie.
I did specifically like the part in the part in the beginning when he clears up rumors.
Dan
ReplyDeleteThis is Phil answering your questions, I took the stuff from Rudy because I do public speaking myself and sometime I use hand motions to show the abutments that I am passionate about the message I am trying to get across to them. A big thing I did forget to mention before was that the coach used good eye contact with his players. Dan I hope this answered your questions thank you.
Phil H.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you one hundred percent that this speech is really inspiring. I feel like the simplicity of the speech is the key. The coach does not over speak, he keeps it simple and to the point. The only issue that I had was that I felt like his calm demeanor and relatively low volume made it seem like he was unenthusiastic. How do you think he conveyed passion in the speech? Do you think that in this instance his words were enough to motivate his team?
Thanks for the great clip. It was a really great example of how a speech does not need to be long to be powerful.
Gideon,
ReplyDeleteI too chose Martin Luther King Jr. for this assignment. He is considered to be one of the most prominent orators of all time and I am continually amazed every time I hear or see a video of him giving one of speeches. It astounds me that someone could grab and keep the attention of an audience so well and for the entire length of time that they are speaking. To me, it even seems that after he is finished speaking, he leaves the audience wanting for more, and I have never seen any speaker be so efficient at getting their point across or have that type of effect on their audience. What do you think sets him apart from all other public speakers? Why do you think his way of speech was so effective in grabbing the attention of the audience and in getting his point across?
Erin-
ReplyDeleteI also believe that speech from independence day was a good one. It was full of passion. However, what do you think of the president's poise in this situation? How does his use of words unite the people? During a time when all signs point to the worst, how does he reassure and uplift the crowd, giving them hope again?
Love this movie!
Jess-
ReplyDeleteIn the speech “We Are Virginia Tech” by Nikki Giovanni, you said a good speech offers a lesson and leaves the audience accountable to take some action. I am curious as to what lesson and actions you think she was trying to instill in the audience that day? You also said the speech was passionate; I am just interested as to what were some examples of her passion in the speech that stand out to you? I think you brought up an excellent observation with her ability to use the word “we” but still have the country relate to the tragedy that occurred there. Great choice in a speech!
Thank you for the comments, and questions!
Nikki Giovanni does her best to place courage in students' heart's. The shooting brought along fear and anxiety, and Giovanni tells us that as long as "we" are together and there for each other, "we" can make it through.
I think the speech motivated students, and families, to be there for each other, and keep each other safe.
The passion comes from her tone of voice, as part of the audience, I can tell that she is speaking from her heart and that she means every word she is saying. This speech is very short but it is also very powerful.