In this module, you'll be introduced to more about informative writing, theme, main idea, summarizing, and speech organization.
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Lesson 2.01 Informative Writing
Informative writing seems to tell you it's purpose in the name. Inform- to give/tell information. I'm sure you can easily recall a time you have informed someone of something. When crafting an informative speech, you'll need certain ingredients.
You'll begin with a hook, which you have learned is a way to capture the attention of the audience.
There are three different hook types to choose from. One could be a quote relating to your topic/question.
For example, if writing about the best government system, one might use this quote as a hook: FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, Third Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 1941 , "The democratic aspiration is no mere recent phase in human history. It is human history. "
Another hook might be some interesting fact about your topic. For instance, According to dictionary definition, "The word democracy comes from the Greek word demos, which means people. "
Another hook that can be used is an anecdote. An anecdote is an interesting, funny, or sentimental story that happened in real life. Anecdotes are very short. Make sure your anecdote relates closely to your topic and thesis. For instance, When people turn 18, they earn the right to vote in elections in a democratic society. In high school during an election year, it is common to see those of age wearing "I Voted" stickers.
Whichever hook type you choose, you'll only pick one.
Then the final part of your introduction will be your thesis. The thesis is the main idea of the speech. Remember, main idea and central idea are used interchangeably and they both mean the main (overall) point.
Example thesis: There are many ways to run a government, but autocratic societies are facing problems such as rising resistance and the solution is democracy.
The thesis above is formatted to show problem, who it affects, and solution.
The middle of the speech with focus on your reasons and researched reliable evidence. It will also include transitions. Transitions help flow of your speech and help move from one idea to the next.
Example: Body paragraph #1- Problem of autocratic society, Body paragraph #2- who it affects, Body paragraph #3- Solution
Example transitions: To begin, Next, Finally, however, but, secondly, after that
The ending of the speech will conclude with your rephrased thesis, summed up points, and memorable clincher statement.
Example clincher: Statement of Hope- Hopefully in the future, these societies put a voting system in place to elect leaders of their choosing.
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Lesson 2.02 Informative Famous Speeches - Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" will be analyzed and discussed
Many times in speech or even talking, we use a figure of speech. For instance, perhaps we are listening to a politician giving a speech during an election year and she says, "I am a beacon of hope for this country." Stating she is a beacon of hope is a figure of speech. She is not literally a beacon. Figures of speech can add depth to our writing and speaking. It also varies language used so both literal and figurative language are present.
Figurative language is creative and playful. Literal language is the true meaning.
Common types of figurative language are:
1)Personification- Giving something inanimate (non-living) human like qualities or characteristics.
Example: The kite danced in the sky.
2) Simile- Comparing two things using like or as.
Example: She is as bright as the sun.
3) Metaphor- Comparing two things directly (not using like or as).
Example: He is a beacon of hope.
4) Hyperbole-Exaggerated statement.
Example: She was so hungry, she could eat a horse.
There are different ways to organize thoughts in speech and writing too.
Some common ways to organize information are problem/solution, cause/effect, and chronological order.
Problem solution presents problem and then discusses solution.
Cause and effect presents the why/cause and then the effect.
Chronological order discusses something in order of occurrence (first happening to most recent).
In module 1, we briefly reviewed connotation and denotation. Remember, this will also be present in speeches. You'll notice some words sound better or more positive than others that may have the same definition. This is the connotation. Connotation is that idea or feeling associated with a word. The denotation is the dictionary definition of the word or the literal meaning of the word.
Example: He was a genius versus he was a know-it-all. Genius sounds more positive than know-it-all.
The way words are used contributes to the tone of the text too. Remember, tone is the feeling conveyed through word choice.
Please watch the following speech and then complete assignment 2.02.
Click here to watch MLK - I have a Dream Speech
MLK Speech written to read - https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/i-have-dream-address-delivered-march-washington-jobs-and-freedom
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Lesson 2.03 Theme Part 1
In module 1, you looked briefly at theme and central idea. In this lesson, you'll be identifying the two in a speech. It's important to remember how these two concepts differ.
We have previously worked on the parts of a speech (particularly for speech and debate :))
We will look at these again since the next step (next week) is your first attempt at a speech (you can do this)
For the purposes of this week we will focus on the: Hook, Introduction, Main idea/theme, Supporting Evidence and conclusion.
Hook:
What makes a good hook for a speech, that is a tough question but you already have knowledge on this topic. Have you ever seen a commercial for a movie (of course you have) or an advertisement to an item to buy (you certainly have again). These, in there own way is a HOOK.
A Hook in a speech is what "primes" your mind to know what is coming next and HOPEFULLY it is interesting. The more interesting, the more someone WANTS to listen and KNOWS what is coming.
Introduction:
You may have told the listener a GREAT hook, but they still do not know who you are or what the official topic is. In your introduction, you get to introduce yourself (easy enough) AND the central idea or theme of the topic. Introductions are usually short, but very important since YOU are the most important part of your speech.
Main idea (also known as central idea) is the overall point the author is making.
The main idea is supported throughout the entire text or speech with details that back up the speaker's point.
Theme is the life lesson or lesson the author wants you to learn.
Theme is developed in the story being told- how does the conflict(problem) resolve or what are possible solutions? What can be learned from that?
Supporting Evidence:
Every good hook, central idea and introduction needs one more key element to make a great speech; EVIDENCE.
Supporting evidence is the information you provide to the reader believes your hook and introduction. This is your PROOF. The supporting evidence is what makes people believe you and really understand your point.
Please what the following video and then take the quiz. The video is of Toast Masters International winning speech.
In your quiz you will be asked to identify the hook, theme, introduction and supporting evidence. It is very entertaining (I think) and you can certainly watch it more then once.
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Lesson 2.04
When watching, listening, or reading a speech, it is always a good idea to summarize it so you can fully understand it.
A summary is a shortened version of important information in which you restate key points in your own words. Knowing how to summarize effectively is an essential communication skill. Life is filled with requests for you to recap things in a concise and logical way. (From LA Course)
To formally summarize, you should do the following:
Identify title/author (speaker) and the overall main idea or theme
The main idea is what the writing or speech is mostly about. The theme is the message, lesson, or moral of a book. By asking crucial questions at before you read, while you read, and after you read a book, you can determine the main idea and theme of any book you are reading!
Sum up main points.
Write a conclusion statement restating the main idea or the theme.
Always write summaries in your own words and it should be shorter than the original speech (if reading the speech).
Module 2.5 - Root Words for understanding
It is CRITICAL to PREpare for debates by speaking AUDibly in front of a mirror to practice methods that are BENEficial to my success. Using the correct GRAPHics helps explain to the AUDience the argument/reasoning.
I have also learned that I am not like Akeelah, from Akeelah and the Bee (the movie still makes me cry with joy) with her ability to memorize so many different words. I attempt to CIRCUMvent my PHOBIA of not knowing by working to understand the ROOT of the matter.
Root words- they help me understand, words I might find confusing.
Here is a list of Root words that will help:
2.6 DBA (Discussion Based Assessment) - NO appointment is needed - just text me so we can arrange a good time to speak :)
It is time for us to review what you have learned so far in Speech and Debate. This is a review from Unit 1 and Unit 2.
Remember the goal of the DBA is to ensure you understand the material and the Material was your work and your knowledge.
I will be asking you about the previous lessons, just for an overview on your thoughts on the assignments, where you struggled and what resources you may need in the future.