Grade 8
Author Study/Public Speaking
➢ Read five books by one author. You may have a maximum of three books in a series. The other two books may NOT be first books in two different series, but it is better if they are not part of any series.
➢ Research your author to find appropriate information.
➢ Use the books and the author information to develop an Author Talk to present to the class.
Public Speaking Standard
This standard shows your ability to speak or present formally in front of a group.
You must:
● Speak audibly in front of the class.
● Make eye contact with members of the audience.
● Use props/visuals to make your speech more interesting.
You will use your author study to develop an Author Talk to meet this standard.
Your Author Talk will be 4-6 minutes long.
You are expected to use one note card to jot down important information and help you keep your talk on track. OR Develop a slide show to serve as your notes.
The Author Talks will be given in class during the weeks of 5/21- 6/5.
Use the directions below to develop your presentation. Except for numbers 1 and 7, your talk should be given in this order.
1. Be creative; no one wants to listen to a dull presentation. Make your author appealing to the audience. This is where you will lose points for being under or over the time limit. Make sure you have an interesting lead and strong conclusion. ("That's it," is not an effective conclusion.)
2. Give a brief biography of your author. Include any interesting facts concerning his or her writing.
3. Identify the five books you chose to read. Give a very brief description of the books. Information to include here may involve: ease of finding the books, if any are in a series, number of other books available, etc.
4. Choose two of the following elements: theme, main character or characterization, genre, setting, elements of plot, or style. Bring out any similarities or differences among all or most of the books. Address one element before moving on to the second.
5. Choose a passage (at least 3 paragraphs but no longer than one page) from one of the books to read aloud to the class. Identify the passage. Tell why you chose this particular passage (vivid descriptions, importance to plot, insight into your character, etc.). Practice reading this out loud before your Author Talk. You will be scored on your expression, flow of reading, keeping your place, and ability to be heard.
6. Clearly tell why you chose this author. Consider elements such as genre, characters, connections, etc. Use more than one sentence to accomplish this task. Also tell if you would recommend this author to others. Explain why or why not.
7. Be creative in your choice and use of props or visuals in your talk. If you choose to make a slide show, do not read the slides as part of your talk.
Things to consider as you develop your talk. You do NOT need to answer these questions.
✗ Devices the author uses to accomplish his or her purpose
✗ The effect of the author's style on the text (how it brings out an emotional response from the reader)
✗ Ways in which the author introduces and develops characters
✗ Are the characters and/or plot believable?
✗ Can you enter the hearts and minds of the characters?
✗ Can you see through their eyes? Relate to them? Care about them?
✗ Can you make connections to the characters, events, and/or theme?
✗ Does this author create suspense? How?
✗ Does the author tend to write in a particular point of view? Why?
✗ The author's effectiveness and/or grace of language.
Points For Effective Public Speaking
✔ Practice giving your talk to someone at home or in front of a mirror. Time yourself.
✔ Maintain eye contact with your audience – do not read your talk.
✔ Vary your voice – avoid speaking in a monotone and demonstrate enthusiasm for the author.
✔ Use a loud voice and enunciate your words clearly.
✔ Use physical gestures appropriately but don't overuse them.
✔ Stand up straight – no leaning, etc.
✔ Stay within the time limit.