You will choose to view either a political speech or a televised editorial. While you watch the speech, make notes about the speech’s content, the speaker’s delivery, and the non-verbal gestures he or she makes, on the Speech Analysis Worksheet. If you miss some of the categories on the first viewing, re-watch the speech and try to pay closer attention to more subtle details.
You may choose to watch a speech on television or find one online to view. Below are some sites where you can find a variety of political speeches.
Martin Luther king Jr
American Rhetoric: Top 100 Speeches
The History Channel – Political Speeches
YouTube – Political Speeches
Upon completing the Speech Analysis Worksheet, which can be downloaded below, you will write a one page analysis of the speech. Was the speaker effective overall? Was the speech convincing? Using information from the completed worksheet, write a detailed and insightful account on the effectiveness of the speech.
Please save your speech analysis as a Word ( ) document.
2.8Communications Workshop: Evaluating a Speech
1
Speech Analysis Worksheet
Content
Purpose:
Speaker’s background knowledge:
Influences (traditional, cultural, historical):
Listener’s background knowledge:
See the “Types of Arguments” table on page 412 for more information.
Arguments Evidence/Support Possible flaws
1. A. A.
B. B.
2. A. A.
B. B.
3. A. A.
B. B.
4. A. A.
B. B.
5. A. A.
B. B.
2.8 Communications Workshop: Evaluating a Speech
2
Delivery
Repeated words:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Emphasized words/phrases:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2.8 Communications Workshop: Evaluating a Speech
3
Tone:
Word choice (positive or negative language):
Rate of speech (fast, moderate, slow):
Appropriateness for audience, subject, occasion:
Non-verbal gestures
Eye contact:
Facial expressions:
Gestures:
Pauses:
Increases or decreases in speaking volume:
Overall Impression
Speaker:
Speech:
