Advanced Speaking Practice

Objective:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Deliver well-structured presentations and impromptu speeches.
  • Use effective presentation language and persuasive techniques.
  • Comprehend and analyze speech transcripts, rhetorical strategies, and presentation tips.
  • Listen to and analyze speeches by native speakers.
  • Script and present persuasive speeches with visual aids.

Duration:

90 minutes

Materials Needed:

  1. Speech transcripts, rhetorical strategies, and presentation tips.
  2. Audio or video recordings of speeches by native speakers (TED Talks, political speeches, etc.).
  3. Writing materials for students.
  4. Visual aids or images related to public speaking and presentation skills.
  5. Worksheet (provided below).

Vocabulary: Presentation Language

Rhetorical Strategies and Speaking Tips

Course: Public Speaking

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

  • Objective: Introduce the importance of formal and professional writing.
  • Discuss the relevance of formal writing in business, academia, and professional settings.
  • Ask students to share experiences with formal writing or professional communication.

Speaking Practice (20 minutes)

  1. Debate Activity:
    • Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
    • Assign debate topics (e.g., “Remote work vs. office work,” “The value of academic degrees in professional growth”).
    • Students prepare arguments and counterarguments for 5 minutes.
    • Conduct structured debates, ensuring formal language is used.
  2. Feedback:
    • After each debate, students provide constructive feedback on speaking skills, language use, and argumentation techniques.

Vocabulary Enrichment (15 minutes)

  1. Formal Language and Terminology:
    • Introduce a list of formal vocabulary and phrases, explaining their contexts and usage.
    • Examples: “We appreciate your consideration,” “It is imperative to,” “In light of the recent developments.”
  2. Interactive Role-Play:
    • Use visual aids or context cards to simulate scenarios (e.g., introducing a business proposal, academic presentation).
    • Students practice using formal language in these scenarios.

Reading Comprehension (20 minutes)

  1. Text Analysis:
    • Provide excerpts from business emails, academic journals, or professional correspondence.
    • Students read individually or in pairs.
  2. Discussion Questions:
    • Identify examples of formal language and terminology.
    • Discuss the structure, tone, and purpose of the texts.
  3. Group Discussion:
    • Share insights on communication strategies and effectiveness.

Listening Activity (15 minutes)

  1. Audio Analysis:
    • Play recordings of a business meeting or expert presentation.
    • Students take notes on key points and examples of professional language.
  2. Discussion:
    • Review the main ideas, communication techniques, and vocabulary used in the recordings.

Writing Practice (10 minutes)

  1. Writing Assignment:
    • Students write a formal report, business email, or academic essay.
    • Topics could include professional scenarios or academic questions (e.g., “Write an email proposing a new project,” “Draft a report on improving workplace efficiency”).
  2. Guidelines:
    • Provide a structured outline or checklist to help organize ideas.
    • Encourage clarity, professionalism, and accuracy.

Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

  • Summarize the key vocabulary, techniques, and strategies discussed.
  • Encourage students to continue practicing formal writing in real-world contexts.

Worksheet:

Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________

Part 1: Vocabulary Review
Match the phrases with their function in a presentation.

Phrase

Function

“Let me start by…”

1. Introduces a new point

“In conclusion…”

2. Signals the end of the talk

“As I mentioned earlier…”

3. Restates a point made earlier

“This leads me to…”

4. Connects ideas together

Part 2: Rhetorical Devices
Identify the rhetorical device used in the following sentences:

  1. “We are facing a crisis, and we must act now!”
  2. “Let’s consider a world where everyone has equal access to education.”
  3. “This is the most important decision of our lives.”

Part 3: Listening Comprehension
After listening to the speech, answer the following questions:

  1. What was the speaker’s main argument?
  2. Name two persuasive techniques used by the speaker.
  3. How did the speaker engage the audience?

Homework:

  • Assign students to watch a TED Talk or a public speech of their choice.
  • Write a reflection on the speaker’s delivery style, persuasive techniques, and overall effectiveness. Encourage students to note any specific strategies they would like to adopt in their own speeches.

Assessment:

  • Speaking: Observe students’ presentation skills and provide feedback on their use of persuasive language and techniques.
  • Reading: Assess comprehension through students’ responses to questions about the speech or article.
  • Listening: Evaluate listening skills based on note-taking and class discussion.
  • Writing: Review the clarity, persuasiveness, and effectiveness of students’ scripted speeches.

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