Attend a symposium or panel discussion on campus. Prepare a brief analysis of the proceedings. First, study the role of the moderator. How does she or he introduce the topic and participants? What role does the moderator play thereafter? Does she or he help guide and focus the panel discussion? Does she or he summarize and conclude the proceedings at the end?

Second, observe the participants. Are the speeches in the symposium well prepared and presented? Which speaker (or speakers) do you find most effective? Least effective? Why? Do participants in the panel discussion share talk time? Does their discussion appear well planned to cover major aspects of the topic? Which panelist (or panelists) do you find most effective? Least effective? Why?

On your paper, write each verb phrase that appears in the following sentences. (Two of the sentences have more than one verb phrase.) Put parentheses around the auxiliary verbs in each phrase. (A word or words that interrupt a verb phrase are not considered part of the verb phrase.)
Computer games can entertain children and adults.

Attend a speech on campus. You may choose either a presentation by a guest speaker from outside your school or a class session by a professor who has a reputation as a good lecturer. Prepare a brief report on the speaker’s delivery.

In your report, first analyze the speaker’s volume, pitch, rate, pauses, vocal variety, pronunciation, and articulation. Then evaluate the speaker’s personal appearance, bodily actions, gestures, and eye contact. Explain how the speaker’s delivery added to or detracted from what the speaker said. Finally, note at least two techniques of delivery used by the speaker that you might want to try in your next speech.

Using one of the periodical and newspaper databases discussed on pages 122–123, find three magazine or newspaper articles on the topic of your next speech. Prepare a preliminary bibliography entry for each article. Read the full text of the articles and assess their value for your speech.

Each statement below uses one or more stylistic devices: metaphor, simile, parallelism, repetition, alliteration, and antithesis. Identify the device (or devices) used in each statement.
a. “We are a people in a quandary about the present. We are a people in search of our future. We are a people in search of a national community.” (Barbara Jordan)
b. “The vice presidency is the sand trap of American politics. It’s near the prize, and designed to be limiting.” (Howard Fineman)
c. “People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power.” (Bill Clinton)
d. “I speak so those without a voice can be heard. Those who have fought for their rights: Their right to live in peace. Their right to be treated with dignity. Their right to equality of opportunity.” (Malala Yousafzai)

Why is determining the specific purpose such an important early step in speech preparation? Why is it important to include the audience in the specific purpose statement?

On your paper, write each verb phrase that appears in the following sentences. (Two of the sentences have more than one verb phrase.) Put parentheses around the auxiliary verbs in each phrase. (A word or words that interrupt a verb phrase are not considered part of the verb phrase.)
People who have used these games have actually improved their spelling.

What are the three kinds of examples discussed in this chapter? How might you use each kind to support your ideas?

On your paper, write each verb phrase that appears in the following sentences. (Two of the sentences have more than one verb phrase.) Put parentheses around the auxiliary verbs in each phrase. (A word or words that interrupt a verb phrase are not considered part of the verb phrase.)
In another game the player could turn a single into a tag at second base.

Here are several specific purpose statements for classroom speeches. Identify the problem (or problems) with each. To inform my audience about Portugal. To persuade my audience that something has to be done about the problem of corporate tax loopholes. Donate blood. To inform my audience why square grooves are superior to U-shaped grooves on golf clubs. To persuade my audience that the U.S. government should increase funding for the national parks and send an astronaut to Mars by 2025. What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

What are the three stages of a research interview? What should you do in each stage to help ensure a successful interview?

What are five tips for using examples in your speeches?

An excellent way to improve your vocal variety is to read aloud selections from poetry that require emphasis and feeling. Choose one of your favorite poems that fall into this category, or find one by leafing through a poetry anthology.

Practice reading the selection aloud. As you read, use your voice to make the poem come alive. Vary your volume, rate, and pitch. Find the appropriate places for pauses. Underline the keywords or phrases you think should be stressed. Modulate your tone of voice; use inflections for emphasis and meaning.

For this to work, you must overcome your fear of sounding affected or “dramatic.” Most beginning speakers do better if they exaggerate changes in volume, rate, pitch, and expression. This will make you more aware of the ways you can use your voice to express a wide range of moods and meanings. Besides, what sounds overly “dramatic” to you usually does not sound that way to an audience. By adding luster, warmth, and enthusiasm to your voice, you will go a long way toward capturing and keeping the interest of your listeners.

If possible, practice reading the selection into a digital recorder. Listen to the playback. If you are not satisfied with what you hear, practice the selection some more and record it again.

Plan to conduct an interview for one of your classroom speeches. Be sure to follow the guidelines presented in this chapter for effective interviewing. Afterward, evaluate the interview. Did you prepare for it adequately? Did you get the information you needed? What would you do differently if you could conduct the interview again?