: Students use this interactive tool to help them track their notes they take in preparation for their essay.
: Students use this worksheet to examine and answer questions regarding their peer's essay.
: This rubric is used as a guide for students as they are writing their essay, and for teachers to use as a grading tool.
Nearly everything we read and hear is an argument. Speeches are special kinds of arguments and should be analyzed as such. Listeners should keep in mind the context of the situation involving the delivery and the audience-but a keen observer should also pay close attention to the elements of argument within the text. This assignment requires students to look for those elements.
"Since rhetoric is the art of effective communication, its principles can be applied to many facets of everyday life" (Lamb 109). It's through this lesson that students are allowed to see how politicians and leaders manipulate and influence their audiences using specific rhetorical devices in a manner that's so effective that the speeches are revered even today. It's important that we keep showing our students how powerful language can be when it's carefully crafted and arranged.
Further Reading
This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.
This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.
This website contains audio of the Top 100 speeches of all time.
Included on this site is audio of famous speeches of the 20th century, as well as information about the speeches and background information on the writers.
The "Great Speeches Collection" from The History Place are available here in print and in audio.
This website includes information on finding and documenting sources in the MLA format.
Students will
Discuss the audience and the author’s manipulation of the audience. Consider posing questions such as
Martin Luther King, Jr. uses an appeal to pathos in his “I Have a Dream” speech through his historical allusion to Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation: “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.” This is particularly effective for his audience of people sympathetic to the cause of African American men and women who would have been especially moved by this particular reference since it had such a significant impact on the lives of African Americans.
Students explore the ways that powerful and passionate words communicate the concepts of freedom, justice, discrimination, and the American Dream in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
While drafting a literary analysis essay (or another type of argument) of their own, students work in pairs to investigate advice for writing conclusions and to analyze conclusions of sample essays. They then draft two conclusions for their essay, select one, and reflect on what they have learned through the process.
Useful for a wide variety of reading and writing activities, this outlining tool allows students to organize up to five levels of information.
This strategy guide clarifies the difference between persuasion and argumentation, stressing the connection between close reading of text to gather evidence and formation of a strong argumentative claim about text.
Home > Blog > How To Write a Rhetorical Analysis
In academic work, how you present your argument is arguably as crucial as your point itself. Enter: rhetorical analysis. This style of essay doesn’t look at the author’s argument, but instead, how well they present it. Think about it: it’s not always about what you say, but how you say it.
To write a strong rhetorical analysis essay, you need to dive deep into the author’s work. Your goal is to decide if they achieved their desired outcome–persuading the audience. But how?
Keep reading our comprehensive guide below if you want to learn how to write a rhetorical analysis that will impress your peers and teachers.
So what is a rhetorical analysis essay? It’s different from a conventional essay, which you might be used to writing. It aims to explore how the author (A.K.A. the rhetorician) wrote their work.
Crucially, the work you’re analyzing has to be rhetorical, which may differ a bit from academic writing. In other words, the author’s intentions were to persuade an audience – that’s what rhetoric is. Your analysis could be on any rhetorical situation:
If you’re analyzing these works, you need to try to:
These points form the main basis of your essay.
All rhetorical work appeals to Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle :
The famed philosopher developed this theory in the 4th century BC. The rhetorical triangle outlines the main ways that language can persuade an audience.
Crucially, these strategies are the foundation of rhetorical analysis essays. So, you can start your analysis by identifying where they show up.
Ethos is about the reputation of the author regarding the topic of their work. Think of it this way: you’re more likely to watch a movie if it stars your favorite actor. You already know you like their films, so you trust that you’ll enjoy their newest work!
Let’s explore a more professional example. You’re more likely to buy sneakers from Adidas than from a startup you’ve never heard of.
The ethical appeal relies on the authority of the author to persuade the reader. They may use various rhetorical devices:
Start by going through the text and highlighting any part where the writer establishes ethos. You can use three different colors to categorize the three appeals.
Pathos is all about emotions. Humans are emotional creatures, at heart. So, this rhetorical appeal attempts to elicit an emotional response from the reader.
Think about those charity ads you see on TV. They use upsetting, vivid imagery and passionate language, telling personal stories that compel you to donate money. This is what’s known as a pathetic appeal.
Go through the text with a different highlighter pen and highlight areas where pathos shows up in the text.
The last of the rhetorical techniques is logos or logic. Logos appeals to practical reasoning, supported by data and evidence. The author must use a reasoned argument that follows a logical structure. This is far more likely to convince their audience that they are correct.
Logos is what most academic texts rely on. Emotional appeals are out of the question. You don’t see academic researchers trying to tug at your heartstrings; they have to rely on actual analysis.
Again, you’ll need to go through the text and identify logical appeals.
The next step in a strong rhetorical analysis is to analyze the structure and style of the work. The way the author puts together the text can work to support their argument. Similarly, the style can appeal to a specific audience. Here’s what you should consider.
Is the text chronological or thematic? How has the author grouped their ideas? This can significantly impact how persuasive it is . For example, arranging a speech chronologically can help the audience follow a sequence of events. Meanwhile, a thematic structure can emphasize specific points.
You can also break down the text into different sections and paragraphs, understanding how each part contributes to the whole. For example, there might be an introduction that sets the stage, then body paragraphs that explore solutions. It might end with a powerful concluding statement that elicits hope or some other emotional response.
Finally, investigate the pacing. Is it fast-paced with short, punchy sentences , or slow and deliberate? This delivery method can impact its persuasiveness by indicating a different urgency of the message.
There are many ways to change the style of rhetorical appeals. The first is the author’s choice of words. Are they using formal or informal language? Technical jargon or everyday vocabulary? This can reveal the intended audience and the author’s attitude about the subject.
And what about their tone? Is it serious, humorous, sarcastic, passionate, or detached? The tone can influence how the audience feels about the message (and indeed, the author). A passionate tone, for example, can be inspiring and motivating.
You can also look at the imagery and descriptive language. Vivid descriptions can appeal to the senses, making the argument more memorable and impactful.
Steps 2 and 3 are all about going through the text, highlighting, and making notes. Now, it’s time to evaluate how effective these strategies are. Read through it as a whole, and think about it. Did their argument work on you? However, keep in mind that it could be intended for a different audience.
Start by focusing on the author, and think about what their purpose was when writing the text. But then, move onto the audience’s reason for reading the text. Who are they? What drives them? Then, re-read the text again and think about whether the highlighted sections would effectively persuade them.
At this point, you can make notes on:
Now, it’s finally time to write the essay. Follow these steps to get top marks.
Your rhetorical analysis introduction sets the stage for your entire essay. Here, you introduce the text you are analyzing, along with the author. Then, provide an overview of the author’s main argument and key concepts in their text.
At the end of your introduction, provide a hard-hitting thesis statement that demonstrates the main points of your analysis.
In the body of your essay, you need to write several paragraphs that provide a clear, coherent argument. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific element of the text you are analyzing.
For example, one body paragraph might focus on ethos techniques, while another focuses on logos.
Remember that, throughout the essay, you should use evidence of key rhetorical concepts to support your argument.
Finally, you need a rhetorical analysis conclusion. This should, like any conclusion, summarize the key points you made during your analysis. Restate your thesis, but present it in light of the evidence you have evaluated.
Then, discuss the significance of the strategies you mentioned in achieving the author’s overall argument.
Want to excel in your rhetorical analysis? These three tips will keep your essay on track.
First, you need to ensure that your analysis is detailed. Although you’re working within the framework of the three appeals, you still need to write the essay in your own words.
So, avoid superficial observations and be sure to provide in-depth analysis using specific examples and quotes.
Your essay is not a rhetorical situation. You don’t need to appeal to pathos! So, make sure your essay focuses on the rhetorical strategy of the author and not your personal opinion.
Keep your analysis balanced and fair.
Finally, make sure you stay organized. Keep the reader hooked from the first paragraph, before diving into your main idea in the body of the essay. The body should follow a clear and logical structure.
Also, make sure you transition smoothly between paragraphs or sections.
So, this is how to write a rhetorical analysis. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy!
Did you know that you can use artificial intelligence to help with your work? Smodin, for example, is a high-powered AI writer trained using academic data. Add your information to Smodin to receive a sample rhetorical analysis that illustrates all your key points. From there, you can humanize the text and create a compelling essay that will get you a high mark.
So, what are you waiting for? Try Smodin today!
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“People seldom refuse help, if one offers it in the right way.” — A. C. Benson.
Have you ever given suggestions that were subsequently ignored?
Have you ever given critiques that were not well received?
Have you ever wanted to give constructive criticism on something, but held back from doing so because you did not know how to convey your ideas across?
Today’s guide is on how to give constructive criticism to someone. Whether at work or in relationships, sharing and receiving feedback is part and parcel of improvement. If you have ideas on how someone can improve, don’t hold your ideas back — rather, share your criticism constructively.
Of course, to be sensitive to others’ feelings and offer feedback when you feel the other person is ready to take it. Otherwise, you may come across as imposing your views on others, especially if you repeatedly tell others what to do without them asking for your opinion.
The feedback sandwich method is a popular method of giving constructive criticism. It is often used in Toastmasters and in the corporate environment. I refer to the feedback sandwich as PIP, which stands for Positive-Improvement-Positive. I know there are people who use PIP to represent Praise-Improve-Praise which is different from my version of PIP. Read on.
With Positive-Improve-Positive , your feedback is broken down into 3 segments:
It’s called the “feedback sandwich” because you wedge your criticism between an opening and an ending — like a patty wedged between two buns.
Here’s an example: you want to critique someone on their website. Here’s how PIP can be used:
The feedback sandwich is a good framework for providing constructive criticism because by starting off with the positive comments (the first “P”), you let the receiver know that you are on his/her side and you are not there to attack him/her . You are also recognizing things that the receiver is doing right, rather than only talking about the issue areas which can come across as being rude — especially if both of you don’t really know each other to begin with. The receiver then becomes more receptive to your critique (the “I” in PIP).
After sharing the things you don’t like or feel can be improved, round off the criticism with more positive points (the last “P”). This helps your critique end off on a high note, rather than leaving the recipient with a sour taste in his/her mouth. It also reminds him/her what he/she is doing right and reinforces the benefits of acting on your critique.
The feedback sandwich method is most appropriate when you are giving criticism to people you don’t know or don’t know well. Otherwise you may come across as very aggressive and rude if you just jump right into the critique. This is especially true in the Asian culture. Over time though, you can go right into the critique if you have established a rapport with the recipient and he/she is familiar with the way you think.
Some people may dislike using the feedback sandwich as they think it’s silly to praise for the sake of it. But the point of the feedback sandwich isn’t to give false praise or to butter people up. People are often quick to criticize, judge, or even shame , and it downplays what others are doing well and the effort they have put into their work. I see the feedback sandwich as a great way to (a) practice emotional generosity , because we sure can work on being more generous in supporting people’s hard work, (b) help the person learn what he/she is doing well, and (c) use this as the foundation to share what can be improved on.
(Image: Pink Sherbet )
Constructive criticism focuses on the situation, not the person.
Example #1 : Giving feedback on a person’s presentation style
Example #2 : Giving feedback on a person’s character trait
How to apply this tip:
(Image: Joe Duty )
The third tip to providing constructive criticism is to be specific.
I receive a lot of feedback in running PE. The more specific someone is when giving the feedback, the more actionable it is for me. Here is an example of a vague vs. specific feedback:
The first feedback is very broad — “communication” is a very general topic. While I can identify some subtopics under communication like “networking,” “ body language ,” “ small talk ,” and “public speaking,” the subtopics that I choose may not be what the reader really wants.
With the second feedback, it is more actionable because it is so specific. It tells me right away that “Hey, there’s a request for public speaking articles,” after which I can then plan for an article or series on public speaking. There is no confusion.
That’s not to say that vague feedback is stupid or bad. It’s just that specific feedback helps me understand the user’s needs more easily, which makes it easy for me to serve his/her request. Likewise, it’s the same for you — if you want very actionable outcomes, if you want people to help you in a more targeted way, give specific vs. vague feedback. Specific feedback that doesn’t target the person as I shared in tip #2.
Here is another example of vague vs. specific feedback. Say you’re giving feedback on a report:
Here’s how to make your feedback specific and hence actionable:
The whole point of giving feedback is to help the person improve.
Hence, focus on the things that the person can do something about, rather than the things that are out of his/her control. Critiquing the former makes your criticism constructive; critiquing the latter just makes the person feel bad because he/she can’t do anything about these things even if he/she wants to. You can comment on latter if it is crucial, but be sure to bring the focus back onto the things that he/she can control.
Let’s look at an example. Say your friend is in a singing competition and she has entered the finals. She asks you to critique her performance. Here, actionable critique would be talking about her overall performance, her pitch, her body language, and perhaps even her song choice.
On the other hand, talking about how her voice is too husky probably isn’t very helpful because firstly, if she can get into the finals, it probably isn’t a real “issue” to begin with. Secondly, it’s not something she can change. Thirdly, such a feedback is highly subjective. There are people who like husky voices just as there are others who prefer other kinds of voices. While you can point out things that you don’t like (e.g. if you find her voice too husky), making it central to your critique probably isn’t very helpful for her.
In another example, say your friend just started a new restaurant. He has signed a rental lease for 12 months and the location has average foot traffic. He approaches you for advice to market his restaurant.
Saying things like “change your restaurant location” isn’t helpful because the lease has been signed. You should point out the problem with the restaurant location and recommend that he consider places with high foot traffic if it’s possible to change the location, but focusing 100% of your energy to bash his poor location choice isn’t really going to help.
On the other hand, suggesting ideas that can counteract or mitigate the average foot traffic will be helpful. Actionable ideas include to invite food bloggers for food tasting, to do a media launch, to give promotional discounts, to create a buzz-worthy event to get people to visit the restaurant, and to place advertisements in lifestyle magazines.
Knowing what’s actionable and unactionable requires you to be empathetic. Understand the person’s situation and his/her objectives, then provide your critique based on that.
When all is said and done, give recommendations on what the person can do to improve.
Firstly, your recommendations will tie up your critique in a nice bow. Everyone has varying perspectives, which means every critique can be interpreted in different ways. Giving recommendations will give the person a clear idea of what you have in mind. Secondly, recommendations provide a strong call-to-action. You want the person to act on what you have shared, not procrastinate.
With your recommendations, I recommend to (a) be specific with your suggestions and (b) briefly explain the rationale behind the recommendation.
Example : Giving feedback on a presentation
My final tip for giving constructive criticism is not to make assumptions. When providing criticism, do so within what you know as fact about the person and the subject. There’s no need to make any assumptions. Not only does it make the person look bad, it also makes you look bad — especially when your assumption is wrong.
Here are 3 examples to highlight the difference between an assumption and a critique/comment:
Example #1 on public speaking:
Example #2 on accents:
Example #3 on someone’s behavior:
As they say, when you assume, you make an “ASS out of U and ME.” Not having a presumptuous attitude will go a long way in any communication, not just in giving criticism.
Get the manifesto version of this article: The Constructive Criticism Manifesto
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Critique essays can help you understand areas of strength and weakness on a topic or subject. Writing a speech is a unique way to present meaningful information to a listening audience. Having both aspects come together to make a creative speech can be a tall order to fill, but depending on how you look at the situation, you may see the good in it after all after some time, patience, and thorough review. There are a few things to consider in getting more insight with critique essays and writing your speech.
You should be able to take the time to pull out the good details to use in your speech. This means you need to make notes about useful information and consider how it will fit into your speech. You may or may not have an idea on what your speech is about, but reviewing critique essays can at least give some direction for content you should consider. Think about the message you want to express, the length of the speech so you pull enough information, and how final points selected will come together.
Maybe you came across content that had negative feedback or for some reason; you got a negative vibe from reading it in the essay. Is there something about this information you can present from another angle? This may present another challenge in itself, especially if the negativity is related to the point you hope to get across in your speech. Try to come up with a few ways to make the negative feedback or feeling you obtained from the critique essay into something workable for your speech. Sometimes you may not be able to do this based on the content, or if it doesn’t make sense to do so, but it may not hurt to try.
As previously mentioned, a speech works to present meaningful details you want to audience to know. So what information would you want people to know from critique essays? This can be anything based on subject matter. Maybe you want to raise awareness about something or clarify a common misconception. Think about the information you have collected from the essay and how you would want someone else to learn about it.
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If you want to elevate your public speaking game, storytelling is one of the best ways to do so. By weaving captivating tales into your presentations, you’ll forge a powerful emotional bond with your audience in a way you can’t with mere data and statistics. Not sure where to begin? Look no further than these narrative speech examples , designed to spark your creativity and help you craft your own compelling narratives.
From personal anecdotes to historical tales, these examples will demonstrate the power of storytelling to engage, persuade, and inspire. You’ll also see how great speakers use vivid language, descriptive details, and relatable characters to draw their listeners in and keep them hanging on every word. So get ready to take notes, because you’re about to unleash your inner storyteller!
If you’ve ever been captivated by a great story, then you know the power of storytelling. A narrative speech is a type of speech that uses a personal story or narrative to engage the audience and illustrate a point. It’s one of the most effective ways to connect with your listeners on an emotional level.
So, what makes a good narrative speech? First and foremost, it needs to have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Your story should have a strong opening that hooks the audience, a compelling middle that builds tension and keeps them engaged, and a satisfying conclusion that ties everything together.
If you want your story to pack a punch, don’t skimp on the specifics. Describe what you experienced using the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. When you paint a vivid picture with your words, your audience will feel like they’re right there with you, experiencing every thrilling moment firsthand.
But why bother with a narrative speech in the first place? Because stories have the power to change hearts and minds. They allow you to connect with your audience on a personal level, making your message more memorable and impactful. Think about it—when was the last time a list of facts and figures moved you to tears or inspired you to take action? Probably never. But a well-told story? That can stay with you for a lifetime.
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Now that you’ve unlocked the potential of narrative speeches, the next step is selecting the perfect topic. Look for a narrative that not only resonates with you on a personal level but will also strike a chord with your audience.
Start by brainstorming speech topics that are meaningful to you. Think about pivotal moments in your life, lessons you’ve learned, or challenges you’ve overcome. Consider stories that highlight your values, passions, or unique experiences.
One brainstorming technique is to make a list of “firsts”—first love, first job, first big failure, etc. These moments often make for compelling stories because they’re relatable and emotionally charged.
Once you have a list of potential topics, it’s time to narrow them down. Ask yourself which stories are most relevant to your audience and the message you want to convey. Which ones have the most dramatic arc or the most valuable lessons?
You also want to consider your comfort level with each story. Some stories may be too personal or emotionally raw to share in a public setting. Others may not have enough substance to sustain a full speech. Trust your gut and choose the story that feels right for you.
Finally, make sure your chosen topic is engaging and compelling. A good story should have some sort of conflict or tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. It should also have a clear theme or message that resonates with listeners.
To determine if your story is a crowd-pleaser, put it to the test by sharing it with your inner circle. As you weave your narrative, watch closely for signs of engagement or boredom. Then, afterwards, ask for feedback on how you can improve your narrative speech—and don’t be afraid to ask for examples of how you might re-write specific sections. Jot down these suggestions and use them to fine-tune your story, ensuring it’s a hit with any audience.
Now that you’ve nailed down your topic, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and craft a speech outline . Trust us, having a clear roadmap will make all the difference when it comes to delivering your message with confidence and clarity.
Begin your speech with a hook, something that will pique your audience’s interest and encourage them to keep listening. Oftentimes, speakers like to use a shocking statistic or a captivating anecdote to kick things off.
For example, if your narrative speech is about overcoming a fear of public speaking , you might start with something like, “Imagine standing in front of a room full of people, your heart racing, your palms sweating, your mind going blank. That was me, just a few years ago.”
The body of your speech is where you’ll tell your actual story. Break it down into clear, chronological segments with smooth transitions between each part. Use vivid details and sensory language to bring the story to life.
As you’re writing, consider incorporating dialogue, humor , or suspense to keep the audience engaged. You might also use rhetorical devices like repetition or metaphor to drive home your key points.
As you wrap up your story, consider the bigger picture. What insights did this journey reveal to you? How have you grown as a person because of it? Think about the key takeaway you want to leave with your readers—something that will stick with them long after they’ve walked away.
End with a call-to-action or a thought-provoking question that encourages the audience to reflect on your message. You might also circle back to the opening anecdote or question to create a sense of closure.
To make your story more engaging, consider incorporating characterization techniques. This means giving your characters distinct personalities, motivations, and quirks that make them feel like real people.
Firstly, bring your characters to life through their conversations. The words they choose, their facial expressions, and even their body language can speak volumes about who they are and what makes them tick.
Secondly, to help your audience visualize your characters, use rich descriptions of their physical attributes, fashion choices, and distinct behaviors. Paint a picture of what they look like, how they present themselves through their attire, and any idiosyncrasies that define who they are. By bringing your characters to life, you’ll make your story more relatable and memorable for the audience.
In order to create a narrative speech that truly stands out , you’ll need to put in the time and effort to refine your craft. The reward? An opportunity to share a personal story that not only entertains but also motivates and inspires your audience, forging a connection that lasts long after the final word is spoken.
Before we get to narrative speech examples, let’s take a look at speech delivery. Speech delivery isn’t just about the words you say, but how you say them. Your body language, eye contact, and vocal delivery all play crucial roles in engaging your audience and making your story memorable.
In addition, practice until you can recite your story in your sleep. When you know your content like the back of your hand, you can focus on engaging with your listeners and making your words come alive.
Rehearsing your speech is of utmost importance. It’s a step that many speakers overlook, but it can make a world of difference in your delivery. When you practice, you familiarize yourself with the flow of your story, allowing you to speak more naturally and confidently.
One technique you find particularly helpful is recording yourself delivering the speech. When you watch the playback, you can identify areas where you need to improve your vocal variety, adjust your speaking rate , or refine your body language. It’s a powerful tool for self-critique and growth as a speaker.
When you take the stage, your focus should be squarely on those who have gathered to hear you. Eye contact is just the beginning; truly engaging your audience means creating a genuine connection and making them feel like they’re right there with you, experiencing your story firsthand. Try using words like “we” and “us” to make your audience feel included. Asking questions can also get them thinking about what you’re saying.
Your narrative speech may revolve around your words, but don’t underestimate the impact of a carefully selected prop or visual aid. These tools can make abstract ideas tangible, evoke strong emotional responses, and ensure your message lingers long after you’ve left the stage.
However, it’s important to use these tools judiciously. Overreliance on props or visuals can distract from your message and undermine your credibility as a speaker. When selecting props or creating visual aids, always ask yourself: does this add value to my story, or is it just a gimmick?
Even seasoned speakers get the jitters sometimes. Before stepping up to the mic, take a moment to ground yourself with some breathing exercises. Visualize yourself delivering your story with confidence and poise, and watch as that nervous energy transforms into pure charisma on stage.
Remember, your listeners are your biggest supporters. They’ve gathered to hear your unique perspective and leave feeling uplifted. Rely on the effort you’ve put in, breathe deeply, and allow your fervor for your message to radiate throughout the room.
Great speakers have always known the secret to capturing an audience’s attention: storytelling. Whether it’s an ancient Greek orator spinning a yarn or a modern-day TED Talker sharing a personal journey, the ability to craft a compelling narrative is what sets the best speakers apart. So, what do these narrative speeches look like in action? Let’s dive into some narrative speech examples that have educated, inspired, and motivated people across the ages.
Inspirational stories are those that uplift and motivate us to be our best selves. They often involve overcoming adversity, achieving a seemingly impossible goal, or making a positive difference in the world. Take, for example, Amy Purdy’s narrative speech about the power of imagination. In case you aren’t familiar with the name, Amy Purdy is a Paralympic snowboarder who lost both her legs below the knee due to bacterial meningitis. In her TED talk, she shares her journey of resilience and adaptation, showing how she turned a devastating setback into an opportunity to inspire others.
Want to instantly connect with your audience? Try sprinkling in some humor. A well-timed joke or absurd anecdote can break the ice and leave your listeners in stitches. Keep them on their toes with unexpected twists, and they’ll be hanging on your every word.
Darren LaCroix, a professional speaker, frequently uses humorous stories in his talks. Take a look at how he uses his stories of failure in this speech to motivate his crowd to chase their dreams.
Emotional tales have a way of grabbing our hearts and not letting go. These stories frequently revolve around individual challenges, the pain of loss, or powerful moments of clarity that reshape a person’s path forward.
One example of an emotional narrative speech is Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address , in which he shares three personal stories that shaped his philosophy on life and work. From his adoption story to his battle with cancer, Jobs’ tales are raw, honest, and deeply moving.
Ever heard a story that made you want to jump up and take on the world? That’s the power of a motivational narrative. These inspiring tales feature everyday people doing incredible things—conquering challenges, chasing their passions, and proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
If you want to hear an inspiring tale, check out J.K. Rowling’s Harvard Commencement Speech . She shares her personal journey of failure and resilience, and how she used her imagination to create one of the most adored book series ever. It’s a beautiful story about the power of storytelling and never giving up on your dreams.
Want to hook your audience, tug at their heartstrings, and spur them to action? Take a look at some narrative speech examples from those who’ve mastered the craft. But as you do, don’t forget: your story, told in your unique voice, is the most powerful tool you have. Share it boldly, and watch as it transforms lives.
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How do you start a narrative speech.
Kick off with a hook that grabs attention. Maybe share an unexpected fact, ask a thought-provoking question, or launch into the heart of your tale.
An example would be recounting how overcoming acute anxiety before a big job interview taught resilience and self-confidence.
Dive straight into setting the scene or introduce your main character in action. Let listeners feel they’re right there with you from the get-go.
Narrative speeches might explore personal growth through volunteering experiences or share humorous anecdotes about learning to drive. They weave personal stories to engage and enlighten audiences.
Storytelling is a timeless art that has the power to captivate, inspire, and transform. By studying these narrative speech examples, you’ve seen firsthand how weaving narratives into your presentations can create an emotional connection with your audience and make your message unforgettable.
In order to engage your audience, focus on your characters. Additionally, include details that engage the senses. And don’t be afraid to get a little personal. After all, your own experiences can be the most powerful stories of all.
With these tips in mind, go forth and tell your stories with passion, authenticity, and purpose. Your audience is waiting to be inspired by the narratives only you can tell. Happy storytelling!
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The first article of the Speech Analysis Series explained how to study and critique a speech .
In this second article, we examine how to improve your own speaking skills by teaching others in the form of speech evaluations.
You should regularly provide evaluations for other speakers — not only because it is a nice thing to do, but because the process of evaluating another speaker helps you improve your own speaking skills dramatically .
Speech evaluations are a core element of the Toastmasters educational program . After every speech, one or more peers evaluates how well the speaker delivered their message. Frequent feedback from peers helps speakers improve their skills.
However, speech evaluation is not limited to the Toastmasters program .
I recently led a speech evaluation workshop . In that workshop, we discussed the following tips for delivering helpful, encouraging, and effective speech evaluations .
Before the speech takes place, ask the speaker what their objectives are . Sometimes the objective is obvious, but not always.
Perhaps the speaker has just read the Presentation Zen book and is experimenting with a modern style of visuals which goes against common practice.
Evaluating the (very) inexperienced speaker: Treat novice speakers with extra care. Be a little more encouraging and a little less critical , particularly if they exhibit a high level of speaking fear. Compliment them on tackling their fear. Reassure them that they aren’t as bad as they imagine.
Be supportive. Ask them how they feel it went.
Evaluating the (very) experienced speaker : A common misconception is that you cannot evaluate a speaker if they are more experienced than you. This is false. Though you may have limited speaking experience, you have a lifetime of experience listening to presentations .
Your opinion matters. As a member of the audience, you are who the speaker is trying to reach . You are fully qualified to evaluate how well that message was communicated.
Every speaker, no matter how experienced, can improve. Perhaps more importantly, every speaker wants to improve. You can help.
That’s a good formula when you’re learning the art of delivering evaluations, but to really improve your skills, you’ll want to start assembling the many tools at your disposal:
If you did not like the speech, do not say that you did. If you did not like a component of the speech, do not say you did.
There is a tendency to want to be nice and embellish the positives. Dishonest praise will only damage your credibility and character .
Avoid speaking on behalf of the audience with phrases like “ Everyone thought… ” or “ The audience felt… ” You can only accurately talk about are your own thoughts and feelings.
On the other hand, suppose you observe a spectator crying as a result of an emotional speech. In this case, you can remark on this as evidence that the speech had emotional impact.
Magical phrases in a speech evaluation start with personal language: “ I thought… I liked… I felt… I wish… ”
There are very few public speaking rules . For every best practice, there’s a scenario where a speaker would be wise to go against convention. Phrases such as “ You should never… ” or “ One should always… ” should rarely be part of an evaluator’s vocabulary.
How can you make sure that the constructive criticism doesn’t completely outweigh the praise and end up discouraging the speaker?
The answer: be specific . Studies have shown that specific praise is much more encouraging than generic praise . This applies to criticism as well. Specific feedback (positive or negative) is more meaningful than generic feedback. e.g. “ I liked the dynamic opening of your speech. ” is better than “ I liked your speech. ”
In addition to being specific and tying comments to examples from the speech, it also helps to explain why you liked or didn’t like a particular aspect of the speech.
Consider the effectiveness of the following four statements:
Statement #4 is phrased in a positive manner, it is specific, it references an example from the speech, and states why it is good not to grip the lectern.
Evaluate how well the message is delivered, not the messenger. Keep your comments focused on the presentation.
Similarly, avoid evaluating the speaker’s objective . For example, suppose the speaker’s objective is to convince the audience that recycling is a waste of time. If you always reduce, reuse, and recycle, don’t let that influence your evaluation. (By all means, start a debate about it later, write an article, give your own speech, etc.) As an evaluator, your primary role is to help the speaker achieve their objective in the most convincing way possible.
Everything other than the speaker themself and their primary objective is fair game for your evaluation: content, speech structure, humor, visuals, eye contact, gestures, intangibles, etc. and everything else covered in the first article from this series .
All three elements are essential, but can be mixed in numerous ways. This is the focus for the next article in this series: The Modified Sandwich Technique for Evaluations .
This is one of many public speaking articles featured on Six Minutes . Subscribe to Six Minutes for free to receive future articles.
Image credit: Tools by Paul Downey ( CC BY 2.0 )
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25 comments.
True, there are few speaking rules that aren’t broken from time to time by the greats. But here are some that all should try honor:
1. Don’t bore the audience. 2. Don’t data dump. 3. Don’t be abstract. 4. Don’t leave out relevant examples. 5. Don’t leave out relevant stories.
TJ: You are not alone. Several of your guidelines were mentioned in the public speaking audience survey .
Great post about evaluations.
I like your model. Did you create it? It shows the often overlooked elements of speaking to help you improve as an evaluator.
Darren: Yes, I created the “You…Improve” model above for the speech evaluation workshop I conducted.
Dear Andrew Why can’t we print from the page, you have buttons for everything but a concise print page is missing? Thanks Mike
Hi, I am weak in the area of giving good critiques of fellow Toastmasters of Akron151 club in akron Ohio. I am an ATM-B. I am looking for feedback on giving better ones.
Robert: It’s a pretty common situation for many members. We can all improve. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
I find this very useful and handy in conducting speechcrafts for young students and in evaluating speakers in Toastmasters meetings. Effective evaluation opens positive opportunities for everyone.
ah…what a gift! I am scheduled to evauate a brilliant speaker tomorrow at our toastmasters meeting. Needless to say I’ve been feeling a bit apprehensive. You have resourced and empowered me…and I am grateful!
These articles are great. I am creating courses at the moment for drama undergraduates for whom English is a second, or third, language. I want to teach them techniques to evaluate dramatic speeches delivered by great models and each other, as a step towards being able to perform in English confidently and competently.
May I make use of some of your material? I would, of course, give you full credit and would comply with whatever restrictions you felt were appropriate.
Thanks for considering my request, regards, Kate
Check our permissions policy for restrictions on using article material.
Dear Andrew,
Thank you for helping me as a teacher who is and for the time going to teach a public speaking course. You website is really beneficial. After reading many public speaking articles from different sources, I found that some of them advocate that the speaker welcomes and thanks the audience and others like you for example don’t support this idea. As a listener or a speaker I would not mind if the speaker welcomes and/or thanks the audience. Most speeches especially classical ones include greeting and thanking statements. would you please give me your opinion about that? Thanks again.
I am neither strongly in favor nor strongly opposed to welcoming or thanking the audience. The decision depends a great deal on the nature of the event, length of the speech, cultural norms, and the comfort level of the speaker. Having said that, there’s a few things to consider:
[1] Lengthy welcome messages (“I’m pleased to be here… What a lovely day… thanks for inviting me… “) tend to be a weak way to open a speech. It is generally far more effective to launch directly into the speech. Occasionally, a short welcome statement can be used to transition into a powerful opening.
[2] I don’t oppose saying “Thank you” or “Thank you for your attention” to the audience, but there is rarely any need to say anything more verbose. A speaker’s last words should be a strong call-to-action… that’s what you want the audience to remember.
Hope this helps!
thank you for the article. it is informative and helpful; a good reference for my college students.
Sir/Madam; I am the VP PR of the 3500FT Toastmasters Club #1319, and responsible for our Newsletter. I find your comments & tips on speech evaluations enjoyable, very close to the mark. In particular, I loved the “thou shalt” graphic. May I use it in our March Newsletter? It would fit very well into a section dedicated to our newer members after a very successful membership drive. Please advise.
Sincerely, Bill Broens VP Public Relations 3500FT Toastmasters Club 1319, Calgary, AB
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I need to learn better evaluations…this helps.
This is what I have been looking for – on how to make evaluations more concise and precise !
Upon reading your corner, I found that it helped me in my speaking but I still need help in speaking and want to learn best tips! I am a member of Toastmaster but I still find I am not a great speaker and I want to be a great speaker with substance.
Fantastic articule. Very helpful. Im terrifying of evaluating and you explained well.
This was very well done! I could not have said it better myself/
excellent content
Thank you! Will use them for our Toastmaster’s meetings…
Great Article. Thanks
Very helpful info given here! New at being an evaluator and speaker! I appreciate all the information and the list of recommended reads! Thanks!
@Kiwiseabreeze Toastmasters have some really good guidelines evaluating speeches, perhaps adapt to general feedback https://t.co/ZyMtRDzNKo — @Pikiora Nov 15th, 2015
Speech Analysis #2: The Art of Delivering Evaluations https://t.co/9hxk0e08qT by @6minutes — @SaDagher Dec 30th, 2015
Getting ready for Evaluation contests at Area level? Here are some tips to win the contest- https://t.co/mwU6s58WE2 — D83 Toastmasters (@D83Toastmasters) Mar 2nd, 2016
Speech Analysis #2: The Art of Delivering Evaluations https://t.co/Wn1OtwXRjI — @TeriHS Mar 5th, 2016
Speech Analysis #2: The Art of Delivering Evaluations https://t.co/c1PE3dOV4I by @6minutes — Sleiman Skaf (@SleimanSkaf) Apr 20th, 2016
Speech Analysis #2: The Art of Delivering Evaluations https://t.co/2Xq2jSddms — PMG (@pmg1970) Jul 10th, 2016
How to Deliver Effective Speech Evaluations https://t.co/x5G7nrusBO by @6minutes #Toastmasters — @SeemaSonkiya Feb 16th, 2017
Speech evaluations are an important part of #Toastmasters and a crucial #publicspeaking tool… https://t.co/hPv4prVBHE — @natpresstoastDC Apr 4th, 2017
How to Deliver Effective Speech Evaluations https://t.co/K1WIbujvPs by @6minutes — @timleaman_sun Apr 5th, 2017
Speech Analysis #2: The Art of Delivering Evaluations https://t.co/HmZAbijDEg — @michelselim Apr 10th, 2017
Speak Schmeak — Mar 1st, 2008
Speech Evaluations | Plantation Toastmasters — May 27th, 2012
How To Give Stronger Constructive Feedback to Presenters « Creating Communication — Sep 18th, 2012
Effective Speech Evaluations « Rockingham Speaks — Nov 27th, 2012
Fall 2012 Club Contest | — Jan 13th, 2013
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By Olivia Goldhill Aug. 7, 2024
I n a speech earlier this year, former President Trump was mocking President Biden’s ability to walk through sand when he suddenly switched to talking about the old Hollywood icon Cary Grant.
“Somebody said he [Biden] looks great in a bathing suit, right? When he was in the sand and he was having a hard time lifting his feet through the sand, because you know, sand is heavy. They figure three solid ounces per foot. But sand is a little heavy. And he’s sitting in a bathing suit. Look, at 81, do you remember Cary Grant? How good was Cary Grant, right? I don’t think Cary Grant — he was good. I don’t know what happened to movie stars today,” he said at a March rally in Georgia. Trump went on to talk about contemporary actors, Michael Jackson, and border policies before returning to the theme of how Biden looks on the beach.
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This shifting from topic to topic, with few connections — a pattern of speech called tangentiality — is one of several disjointed and occasionally incoherent verbal habits that seem to have increased in Trump’s speech in recent years, according to interviews with experts in memory, psychology, and linguistics.
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Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled more details about her economic agenda in a speech Friday in North Carolina, proposing an “opportunity economy” as the Democratic nominee focused on lowering the price of groceries and prescription drugs and addressing the housing crisis with an eye on bolstering the middle class.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh, N.C., on Aug. 16.
Grocery Prices: The candidate would work in her first 100 days to help Congress pass a national ban on “price gouging” for food and groceries, as well as give the Federal Trade Commission and prosecutors authority to go after companies they determine price gouge, support small businesses in the industry, take a closer look at mergers between big grocery companies and “aggressively” investigate price-fixing in meat supply chains specifically.
Housing Costs: Harris wants to provide $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers and is calling for the creation of three million new housing units within the next four years, proposing a tax credit for developers who build starter homes and investing $40 million in an innovation fund to tackle the housing crisis.
Rental Costs: Harris would also expand a tax credit for housing developers who build affordable housing rental units, and is calling on Congress to pass legislation that would stop predatory investors who buy up rental homes and collude with each other to raise rental prices.
Child Tax Credit: Harris proposed giving families a $6,000 tax credit for newborns in their first year of life, and restore a pandemic-era tax credit of $3,600 per child for middle and lower-class families.
Taxes: Harris also wants to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit for workers in lower-income jobs, which would cut taxes by up to $1,250, and has previously said she would continue President Joe Biden’s promise not to raise taxes on American households earning $400,000 or less annually, and does support raising taxes for high earners and corporations, according to The New York Times.
No Tax On Tips: Harris has separately endorsed a plan to get rid of taxes on tips for hospitality and service workers, echoing a proposal by former President Donald Trump—which has been criticized by some experts—though a campaign official told CNN tips would still be subject to payroll taxes, and would include an income limit and guardrails to prevent people like hedge fund managers from taking advantage of the policy.
Prescription Drug Prices: Harris proposed a $35 cap on insulin and capping out-of-pocket expenses on prescription drugs at $2,000 per year on Friday, also saying she would speed up Medicare negotiations on the price of prescription drugs—after the Biden administration announced a deal lowering costs on 10 medications—and crack down on anti-competitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry that cause higher prices.
Healthcare: The Harris campaign also announced her intention to work with states to cancel Americans’ medical debt, and she proposed expanding subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans that would save health insurance customers an average of $700 on their health insurance premiums.
Paid Leave: Harris has not released a specific paid leave proposal, but she has previously co-sponsored 12-week paid leave legislation, Politico notes, with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., telling the outlet, “I absolutely believe that when they are in office, we will get a paid leave bill done finally.”
Minimum Wage: Harris called for raising the minimum wage in a Las Vegas speech earlier in August, but her campaign has not specified how high she believes it should be raised.
Fed Independence: Harris has vowed to maintain the Federal Reserve’s independence after Trump said he believed “the president should have at least [a] say” on the Federal Reserve’s decisions, with Harris telling reporters, “The Fed is an independent entity and as president I would never interfere in the decisions that the Fed makes.”
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Harris said Friday she’d be “laser focused on creating opportunities for the middle class” if elected president, calling for “an economy where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed.” “Now is the time to chart a new way forward, to build an America where everyone’s work is rewarded and talents are valued, where we work with labor and business to strengthen the American economy, and where everyone has the opportunity not only to get by, but to get ahead,” the vice president said.
Harris said in her North Carolina speech that she intends to unveil more economic proposals in the weeks ahead. The vice president has still not issued a full policy platform or unveiled proposals for policy issues beyond the economy, and those are also expected in the near future.
Harris’ economic policy agenda is largely in line with Biden’s economic platform, with some tweaks to emphasize causes that are more important to her, like the child tax credit. “Same values, different vision,” a Harris aide told The Guardian. “She’s not moving far away from him on substance, she will highlight the ones that matter most to her.” The initial plans from Harris’ campaign also suggest the vice president plans to be more aggressive in her policy approaches than Biden, however, as polls have suggested voters hold dim views of how the president has handled the economy. While Biden has also opposed price gouging, Harris’ proposal to enable the FTC and U.S. attorneys to go after companies that hike up prices goes beyond what the president has proposed, Politico notes , and her proposed $40 million investment in the housing crisis is double the amount the Biden administration spent.
Harris’ economic agenda released Friday didn’t go fully in depth about her proposals, which The New York Times reports is by design. The Times reported prior to Harris’ speech that the Harris campaign has adopted a “strategic vagueness” for her economic proposals, believing that being more of a “blank slate” will help ward off attacks and attract more support from business groups.
Trump’s economic agenda is largely focused on raising tariffs on imported goods, which Harris has said she opposes. The ex-president has also called for cutting taxes and regulations in hopes of lowering inflation, including lowering the corporate tax rate, and has encouraged increasing oil production in order to lower energy prices. In addition to his “no tax on tips” proposal that Harris has also endorsed, Trump has called for ending taxes on Social Security benefits, which Harris has not yet responded to. Experts believe the ex-president’s proposal could speed up Social Security and Medicare becoming insolvent, with the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget projecting exempting taxes on benefits would result in Social Security and Medicare receiving $1.6 trillion less in revenue between 2026 and 2035. The Trump campaign opposed reports of Harris’ economic proposals Wednesday, with spokesperson Steven Cheung saying in a statement, “Kamala Harris can’t hide from her disastrous record of skyrocketing inflation … Americans are struggling under the Biden-Harris economy, and now she wants to gaslight them into believing her bald-faced lies.”
42%. That’s the share of voters who trust Harris more to handle the economy, according to a Financial Times/University of Michigan poll released Sunday, versus 41% who trust Trump more. That’s down from Trump holding a six-point lead over Biden in July, though the poll also showed 42% believe a Trump presidency would leave them better off financially, while only 33% said the same for Harris.
Harris became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in July after Biden stepped down suddenly from the presidential race, following weeks of pressure over mounting concerns about his mental fitness. While the vice president has quickly garnered Democrats’ support and risen in the polls, Harris has released few concrete policy proposals in the first few weeks of her campaign—drawing some criticism as a result—with her speech Friday expected to be the most substantive remarks she’s given on policy so far. Her focus on the economy comes as polling has repeatedly shown it’s the most important issue to voters in this election cycle, with the vice president hoping to attract support amid low approval ratings for Biden’s handling of the economy. Harris’ speech also comes days after news that inflation fell in July to its lowest point in more than three years, with federal data released Wednesday showing inflation at 2.9% in July, the first time it’s been below 3% since March 2021.
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Donald Trump's recent promise to give an "intellectual" speech on the economy while campaigning in North Carolina on Wednesday resulted — somewhat unsurprisingly — in the former president and Republican presidential candidate waffling on about Joe Biden, Kamala Harris' laugh, and even Barack Obama.
"Girl, you gotta move on. He does not think about you," says Daily Show host Desi Lydic in the clip above, playing a sequence of clips from Trump's speech while offering her own exasperated commentary.
In the final clip Trump holds up two boxes of Tic Tacs, one bigger and one smaller, as an apparent example of "inflation".
"That is not an example of inflation, that's just two different sizes of breath mints," says Lydic. "I mean my understanding of macro economics is limited, but I do know for a f***ing fact that inflation is not defined as big Tic Tac, little Tic Tac."
For more Daily Show coverage of the election race, we've rounded it up here .
Topics The Daily Show Politics
Sam Haysom is the Deputy UK Editor for Mashable. He covers entertainment and online culture, and writes horror fiction in his spare time.
COMMENTS
It's natural for the audience's focus to lag as the speech carries on, so the closing should regain their attention by being powerful, thoughtful, deep, and concise. Both the speech and the speaker should exude confidence during the conclusion. This helps the audience gain confidence in the presentation. 6.
Studying other speakers is a critical skill, one of the 25 essential skills for a public speaker. The ability to analyze a speech will accelerate the growth of any speaker. The Speech Analysis Series is a series of articles examining different aspects of presentation analysis. You will learn how to study a speech and how to deliver an effective ...
Title. I Have a Dream. Venue. March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, August 28, 1963. Notable Elements. Given to a crowd of 250,000, "I Have a Dream" is considered one of the greatest speeches of all time. Read our Speech Critique. Speaker. Dalton Sherman.
Make sure your introduction includes a thesis sentence or purpose and previews the main points covered in the body. State the type of speech being analyzed and where it took place. Be specific. Make informed judgments and critiques of the speech. Make smooth transitions from paragraph to paragraph.
1. Determine the criteria. Before you write your critique, it's helpful to first determine the criteria for the critique. If it's an assignment, your professor may include a rubric for you to follow. Examine the assignment and ask questions to verify your understanding of the guidelines.
2. Focus on Delivery. Take note of body language, posture, eye contact, and gesture usage. A successful speech must have clear pronunciation, proper tone variation, pauses where needed, and suitable facial expressions. 3. Gauge Audience Engagement. Observe the audience's reaction during the speech.
Follow up and reflect. Be the first to add your personal experience. 6. Practice and improve. Be the first to add your personal experience. 7. Here's what else to consider. Be the first to add ...
As with any other essay, a written analysis of a speech should include a strong introduction and clear thesis statement, several body paragraphs with topic sentences and strong transitions that clearly support your analysis and an effective conclusion that summarizes your critique. Be sure that the essay is free of grammar and spelling mistakes ...
When writing a speech analysis, the first step is to determine the purpose and audience of the speech itself. The next step will be to make a claim of effectiveness based on the speaker's ...
A rhetorical analysis is a type of essay that looks at a text in terms of rhetoric. This means it is less concerned with what the author is saying than with how they say it: their goals, techniques, and appeals to the audience. A rhetorical analysis is structured similarly to other essays: an introduction presenting the thesis, a body analyzing ...
Summarize and Conclude. After dissecting and analyzing every facet of the speech, it's essential to bring it all together cohesively. Summarize the key points, reiterate its strengths and weaknesses, and offer a verdict. Your conclusion should encapsulate the essence of your analysis, providing readers with a clear perspective on the speech's ...
The teacher can adapt the questions based on the focus of the critique (movement, visuals, articulation, etc.) in order to create a more focused critique. Teachers could also use these questions in a jigsaw strategy, having small groups critique different aspects of a speech and then presenting these to the whole class. Weblink address (URL):
Before you start writing, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the work that will be critiqued. Study the work under discussion. Make notes on key parts of the work. Develop an understanding of the main argument or purpose being expressed in the work. Consider how the work relates to a broader issue or context.
In its simplest form, speech analysis or speech interpretation can be said to be the process of extracting important pieces of information that are contained in a speech. When carrying out speech analysis, there is usually a need to take note of some essential and necessary components of the Speech. These include; 1.
1. Give the speaker your undivided attention. You can't give someone feedback on a speech unless you hear it. Whether you're evaluating a speech for class, or you're helping someone else prepare for a public speaking engagement, sit quietly and listen to the speech as its given.
Many classes that focus on or include public speaking require critique papers to help develop your understanding of what makes a speech effective. These steps will help you pen a thoughtful paper critiquing a classmate's or coworker's speech.
1. Give the basic information about the work. The first paragraph is your introduction to the work, and you should give the basic information about it in this paragraph. This information will include the author's or creator's name (s), the title of the work, and the date of its creation.
- Most elements in a speech have at least one of these four functions: 1. To establish contact with the audience. 2. To place emphasis on certain ideas. 3. To present ideas understandably or memorably (illustration, memory aid). 4. To convey a certain image of the speaker (self-presentation). Writing a speech analysis
3) Critique the speech, not the speaker: Remember that speakers go out of their way to ask for your feedback. Make sure you're critiquing the content and delivery as opposed to the person ...
write an analysis of a speech with in-text documentation. Session One. Begin the lesson by asking students what needs to be present in order for a speech to occur. Though the question may seem puzzling—too hard, or too simple—at first, students will eventually identify, as Aristotle did, the need for a speaker, a message, and an audience. ...
For example, arranging a speech chronologically can help the audience follow a sequence of events. Meanwhile, a thematic structure can emphasize specific points. ... At the end of your introduction, provide a hard-hitting thesis statement that demonstrates the main points of your analysis. Write Body Paragraphs. In the body of your essay, you ...
Speech Critique Examples. Part of "The Speech Analysis Series," this web page contains links to 13 video clips of notable speeches, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s classic "I Have a Dream" and 10-year-old Dalton Sherman's "Do You Believe?" In addition to the videos, the website contains in-depth critiques of all 13 speeches.
Stay away from attacks. Don't use active voice; use passive voice. Example of active voice vs. passive voice: "You gave a bad presentation." vs. "The presentation you gave was bad.". Notice that the passive voice shifts the attention away from the person and brings it to the subject matter. Share how it affects you.
Writing a speech based on critique essays. Critique essays can help you understand areas of strength and weakness on a topic or subject. Writing a speech is a unique way to present meaningful information to a listening audience. Having both aspects come together to make a creative speech can be a tall order to fill, but depending on how you ...
Delivering Your Narrative Speech Effectively. Before we get to narrative speech examples, let's take a look at speech delivery. Speech delivery isn't just about the words you say, but how you say them. Your body language, eye contact, and vocal delivery all play crucial roles in engaging your audience and making your story memorable.
If you did not like the speech, do not say that you did. If you did not like a component of the speech, do not say you did. There is a tendency to want to be nice and embellish the positives. Dishonest praise will only damage your credibility and character. 6. Express your opinion.
I n a speech earlier this year, former President Trump was mocking President Biden's ability to walk through sand when he suddenly switched to talking about the old Hollywood icon Cary Grant. ...
Harris' speech also comes days after news that inflation fell in July to its lowest point in more than three years, with federal data released Wednesday showing inflation at 2.9% in July, the ...
"Girl, you gotta move on. He does not think about you," says Daily Show host Desi Lydic in the clip above, playing a sequence of clips from Trump's speech while offering her own exasperated ...
The vice president will chase his jet fumes down to the critical swing state on Friday, with the first major policy speech of her campaign, which aides say will provide answers on how she will ...