Finding your topic for an informative speech

As we wrap up our introduction speeches I'd like you to begin thinking about what topic you would like to explore for your next speech. As we've discussed in class, the speech will focus more on how you found the information, rather than on the presentation of information as if you are an expert on that topic.

Consider this TedTalk from Mr. Kamkwamba (if the video isn't working, visit Ted to see the video there):



William told us why he wanted to know more, how he learned more, and what his journey resulted in. I'd like you to consider a topic that allows you to do the same.

I also want you to read Chapters 4, 5, and 6 in the text book. Also, bring a thumbdrive/memory stick/external hard drive (USB friendly) to class so you can download a copy of your speech from my laptop and upload it to MySpeechLab.

Have a great weekend.

MySpeechLab profile

For Thursday, I'd like you to set up your MySpeechLab profile and connect with the class. If you complete your mission, you will get an extra + for your daily grade. Good luck.

I know some of you will struggle with the program, so I'm including this short video to cheer you up. Oh, here's an instruction sheet you can refer to as well.



Have the best Wednesday ever!

Introduce Yourself

I hope you were able to get some good feedback on your Prezi today. Remember to keep your audience in mind as you prepare your presentation. Keep us engaged.

For Tuesday, watch this video and be ready to introduce yourself to the class. There is no reading assigned this weekend. Email me if you have any questions.



Have a great weekend.

Prezi terms to consider; and don't forget Flow

I really enjoyed our ethics and communication models that we discussed in class and hope you find our conversation useful as you develop your introductory speech and listen to other speeches. You'll begin presenting them to the class on Tuesday, Jan 25.

As you develop your Prezi to go along with your presentation, I want you to consider the terms we discussed in class. Think about how each of these concepts can be used to keep your audience's attention and, most importantly, visually translate the emotion of your presentation to the class. Here's the Prezi we looked at in class with the terms:



For Thursday's class:

Get to work on your Prezi. We'll be talking about it in class on Thursday, so make sure you are ready to show what you are doing with small groups.

Watch this video about Flow. When do you experience this state?



Have a great Wednesday!

Playing with Prezi

Now that we know about Prezi, I want you to begin playing with the program to see how you can use it to introduce yourself to the class. Create an account using your .edu email. If my crash-course tutorial wasn't helpful, you can watch a great how-to video to introduce you to Prezi. You can also meet with me to talk more about Prezi or this assignment; just email me (shawn.apostel(at)eku.edu.

Remember, don't upload paragraphs to your Prezi. I'm looking for single words/short phrases and images (pictures/drawings) that help illustrate your story and/or help us make an emotional connection to your topic. Bring a sketch of your Prezi with you to class on Tuesday.

You'll also need to read chapters 1, 2, and 3 of your textbook. On each chapter, focus on sections you'd like to work on, things that will help you become a better public speaker. Think about how this information can be applied to your presentations in this class.

One last thing, watch this short Ted Talk. Consider how an event in his life helped him to re-think the way he viewed success.



Have a wonderful weekend. See you Tuesday.

Welcome to Public Speaking!

This is our class blog. I'll do my best to keep assignments and videos posted here, so check in when you need to know what's due for the next class. The long version of our syllabus can be read by clicking here, but this blog provides our daily class assignment.

To the right you'll see our class mascots. Feel free to feed them by clicking your mouse over the tank.

Our first assignment is a three minute introduction. I'd like you to talk about a person, place, or event that inspired or influenced you. Think about how you can discuss your topic with pictures. Come up with a few ideas and be ready to talk about them in a small group setting on Thursday.

For Thursday's class you'll also need to watch the video below:



Enjoy. See you Thursday.