Unit(s): Public Speaking
Purpose:
The purpose of this activity is to emphasize the value of preparation in increasing confidence and poise in a presentation.
Objective:
The student will be able to relate an interesting personal experience in narrative form.
Materials:
Handout "Personal Story"
Procedure:
- Assign a 3-4 minute speech a few days in advance.
- Encourage students to focus on one event, to tell it in chronological order, and to include their personal feelings and reactions.
- Remind students to prepare an interesting introduction and a definite conclusion.
- Allow a maximum of 50 words on an index card for speaker's notes, but require a full sentence outline to be handed in to the teacher.
- This is an excellent activity for a first assignment and is also a good one to videotape.
Name ___________________________
Select from one of the following to tell to the class:
The most frightening experience of my life was when . . .
The time when I was the most embarrassed was when . . .
The happiest day of my life was when . . .
The funniest thing that ever happened to me was . . .
You won't believe the most unusual thing that happened to me . . .