Your Two Cents’ Worth: Preparing and Presenting a Speech and a Slam Poem on a Controversial Issue
Value: 15% of Final Grade
- Obtain an editorial on a controversial topic that is of interest to you. After reading the
editorial, compare your stance on this topic to the author’s position.
2. Your speech should be approximately three-five minutes in length, and should, first and foremost, discuss your own stance on the topic in question. However, even though your speech will be based on your own opinion, it must also be informed by your research to include relevant statistics, facts, examples, and other supporting materials. In your speech, you must address your chosen editorial’s position and support or refute at least one of the arguments made by the author of the editorial.
- Your speech should be prepared in advance and memorized to the best of your ability.
Cue cards are acceptable. You are also responsible for handing in a copy of your speech to
the teacher before giving your speech. Although your speech is not being assessed for
proper spelling, grammar, etc., this copy will be used to assess how much effort has been put
into both planning and memorizing the speech. Make your speech as interesting, informative, and engaging as possible. Remember to focus on the quality of your verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Reading the entire speech off your cue cards warrants a mark of level one or lower for communication (see attached rubric).
- Write a poem of 10-25 lines that expresses your opinion/emotions on your chosen issue.
It must contain at least three different poetic devices. Practice a dramatized reading or
declamation of the poem and slam it after your speech. You must submit a separate copy of
the poem with your speech before your presentation.
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