Rotary Public Speaking competition has been running in Wynnum since 1978 when introduced by Wynnum North State School’s ex Principal Harold Armstrong. Almost 40 years later the competition’s importance has continued to grow as education has placed more and more emphasis on children being able to communicate. Public speaking helps the speaker to gain self-esteem; enables the speaker to improve critical thinking skills; helps in the future for career advancement and decreases the fear of impromptu speaking. The Rotary Public Speaking competition gives students the competitive chance to hone these skills.

An added bonus is that Rotary presents each student reaching the semifinal with a Certificate of Excellence. The winner and runner-up receive trophies and all six finalists receive a money prize.

The winning student’s school is presented with a perpetual trophy so all competing students from that school can feel they have contributed to the win.

The Rotary Public Speaking competition fits in very well with the year 6 English units in C2C. Throughout the year and throughout the units the students study and write persuasive stories and speeches.

The Rotary competition is also a persuasive speech with an extra element, that of entertainment.

In the C2C unit persuasive speaking emphasizes arguments to back a point of view. In the Rotary competition the choice of topic is such that the student still argues a point of view but with a touch of humour.

Style of Speech

1. The speech is a persuasive argument not a mini lecture. Its role is to convince the audience and at the same time entertain.

2. The speech generally comes in 2 forms.a. Humorous persuasion. A topic such as “Men are better than

women”.b. Uplifting persuasion. A topic such as “Heroes and their value”.

Each speech type has its own particular value through the humorous speech appears to be more popular.

3 Pick a topic which will be suitable for the intended audience of adjudicators and Rotarians- an adult audience.

A good speech will entertain both school children and adults.

Where Do You Get The Topics?

1. The students mostly come up with their own ideas, whether through parental guidance or their own interests.

2. Any idea can be turned into a persuasive speech. I have heard good speeches on Hair, Smoking, Why Men Fish, Why Boys Like Justin Bieber …All are unusual ideas but they worked.

3. Articles from the newspaper can be a good source of material. Pieces from the colour supplement on Saturday and Sunday where writers give their opinion on a wide range of topics can lead to an interesting persuasive speech.

4. Obviously, the internet is a major source of information. It is excellent for quotes, facts and arguments.

Below is a list of topics that have been done over the years. Because they have been presented before doesn’t mean they need to be discounted. A novel, fresh approach will make the topic come alive again.

Humorous UpliftingLies The Power of Positive ThinkingIt’s a Dog’s Life Australia - The Lucky CountryTV. Friend or Foe! Make Good Health A Good HabitWhat’s in a Name SuccessHelp! Pride in Our NationIt’s Our Home Too! Things Money Can’t BuyWhat a Dilemma! AmbitionDad’s Cooking Our HeroesSibling Rivalry

Bad habitsGet Off the GrassGimmicksNeighboursFashion

1

The Format of a Persuasive Speech

Persuasive speeches have a set format. There is an introduction in which your viewpoint is stated; a body in which arguments are made to support your viewpoint and finally a conclusion which sums up your ideas. In the following pages an outline and examples are given for each area.

Introduction

Aim: To grab the attention of the audience.

The introduction is to make the listener want to hear more. Therefore your information has to be unusual, novel and unexpected. Length: 20- 30 seconds

Acknowledgement: Either at the very beginning or the end of the introduction, the chairman, Adjudicators and audience should be acknowledged.

Title of speech: As part of the introduction the title of the speech should come up; however, do not say, ‘I am going to speak to you today about …’

Techniques: The C2C units have a whole range of literary techniques that can be used to spice up all writings. Below is a table showing some of these ways.

Rhetorical questions IdiomsAlliteration HyperboleTricolons Sarcasm

Similes PersonificationMetaphors QuotesAnalogies HumourOnomatopoeia Emotive LanguageJuxtaposition Modality

Examples of an introduction

‘Do we really need men?’ by Chloe 2011. [An example of a humorous speech.]

Speech Literary TechniquesYou have heard of Cro-magnon man Homo erectus Homo sapien.Man has evolved over millions of years. Have you noticed there are no women?No Cro-magnon woman!No Womo erectus!No Womo sapien!Why chairman, ladies and gentlemen?

Because women have been perfect from the very beginning!

Tricolon and repetition

Rhetorical question

Tricolon and repetition

Acknowledgement and rhetorical question

Humour and title implied

‘Ambition!’ by Angela 1994. [An example of an uplifting speech.]

Speech Literary TechniquesJulius Caesar had it!So did Queen Elizabeth the First!Christopher Columbus!Gandhi!Mandela!Sister Theresa!What did they have?Chairman, ladies and gentlemen- Ambition!

Modality

List

Rhetorical question

Acknowledgement and title

Body

Aim: To argue your topic’s point of view in a logical and entertaining way.

Arguments: 3- 4 points should be made

Length: 30-40 seconds each argument

Format: The basic format is the same as taught in the C2C syllabus.

Lead/theme sentence

Followed by an argument to support the statement

An example to enhance the idea- it is here where the humour can be applied

Better writers are able to vary and adapt this format for more effect.

In each argument/paragraph the speaker must stick to the point. (The teacher should help in this area when conferencing and editing.)

Once again all the literary techniques stated previously should be used to make the body more dynamic. Examples of a body

‘Fashion’ by Thomas 2000

Speech Literary Techniques

Fashion started out with the cavemanWearing nothing was not a good sight.Too coldToo embarrassingToo dangerous.So bits of bushes and leaves were introducedThen gradually- the fur.Thank heavens there were no animal activists back then.

Lead sentence

Arguments including modality, tricolons, repetition.Acting out situation

Humour

‘The Great Truths of Life’ by Katie 1999

Speech Literary techniques

Truth 2.You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.I tried.The milk was close, convenient, quick and easy.But milk is white and the green showed through.Then of course, there was a problem when mum said,‘Finish your milk!’

(Ends section with a gagging sound.)

Lead sentences

Alliteration, list and acting

Quote and voice modalityOnomatopoeia and humour

Conclusion

Aim: To round off your argument and leave the audience satisfied you have achieved your purpose.

The speaker needs to have a definite ending where the main idea is summed up and the title referred to again. Length: 20-30 seconds

Last word/s: Do not thank anybody as your final words. The audience thanks you with a round of applause.

Your ending should be ‘Chairman!’

Styles of ending: There are 2 distinct types of endings

a. The ending is linked back to your introduction.

b. A separate ending standing by itself on its own merits.

Both styles have their benefits. In my examples both styles will be given.

‘Mass Hypnosis-Advertising’ by Rachel 1993. An example of linked conclusion and introduction.

Speech AnalysisIntroduction:Chairman, ladies and gentlemen,Look into my eyes!You are falling into a deep sleep.Relax!You are under my command.Concentrate on me.I am different.My hair is not done by Stefan.I am not dressed by Esprit.I wear no brand names at all.I am free. I am not a victim of

The speech was about advertising.The idea was to emphasize advertising is hypnotic. So as part of the introduction the speaker pretended to have a pendulum rocking back and forth, thereby hypnotizing the audience into listening.

mass hypnosis- advertising.Conclusion:Look into my eyes.You are under my command.Whenever you see an advertisement, you will mentally switch off and not be hypnotized.When I snap my fingers you will come out of it.Snap!Chairman!

Whereas in the introduction the speaker firstly hypnotizes the audience, in the conclusion, the last action sees the speaker dehypnotizing the audience.

‘Smile!’ by Natasha 1993. An example of unlinked conclusion and introduction.

Speech AnalysisIntroduction:Chairman, ladies and gentlemen,I have a mission!To spread the word!I take it very seriously!I’ll fill you in.What is the word?Smile!

The introduction is simply a lead into what the speaker is going to argue.

Conclusion:Ladies and gentlemen,Since I’ve been talking about what a smile is and how it helps us,How about we try a group smile?Step 1: Close your mouth!Step 2: Curve the end of your mouth upwards.Step 3: Open your mouth!And you have it.You have yourself a smile.Smile and the world smiles with you! Chairman!

There is no referral to the introduction.The speaker goes in another direction wanting the audience to practice what she has tried to convince them about.

Editing

Editing is an important process in the development of a good speech.

The speeches performed at school are not perfect and will never be perfect; however, they can be improved and tightened. This editing is done just as you would conference any other writing the students do throughout the year.

Often the chosen three students edit each other and when practicing later in front of a class, the other students often add suggestions. I would ask the class for suggestions and ideas or ask them to choose between 2 ways of saying a particular section.

Questions to ask when editing:

1. Can a better selection of language be used?

2. Do sections need to be cut out? When the speakers slow their presentation then parts are often cut out so that the time limit is respected.

3. Do sections of interest need to be expanded?

4. Do more specific examples with humour need to be included?

5. What literary techniques need to be added to enhance the argument?

6. Can a rearrangement of a sentence improve the effect?

7. Is the modality correct so that the correct emphasis is given to the argument being made?

Editing examples:

‘An Impossible State’ by Ada 2014

Original Section

They are spread across the magazine. Their flawless faces, blinding smiles and gorgeous windswept hair cover the latest issues and they tell us this is perfection.

Edit ReasonsThey are spread across the magazine.Their faces flawless!Their smiles blinding!Hair windswept and gorgeous!They cover the latest issues and they show us this is perfection.

1. The speech is naturally slowed.2. The tricolon is emphasized.3. It allows the ideas to be acted out more easily.4. Show fits better with the idea of a magazine.

Public Speaking’ by James 2013

Original Section

Here’s a tip. Try speaking in front of a mirror. I know it sounds embarrassing but if you lock the door so no one can see you, you can rehearse in peace with no rude comments.

Edit Reasons

(All of the above was kept. James then pretended he was in front of a mirror.)Oh you’re looking beautiful! (Slicked back his hair)You’re looking fine! ( Acts suave in front of mirror)(Then remembers he should be practising his speech.)No! No! Concentrate!

The body format was there but a humorous example simply added to the effect of the speech.

‘Boys Love Justin Bieber’ by Claudia 2012

Original Section

Boys are jealous they aren’t as good looking or as cool as Justin Bieber! They are jealous because he is famous and girls are in love with him.

Edit Reasons Boys are jealous they aren’t as good looking or as cool as Justin Bieber! They are jealous because he is famous and girls are in love with him- just like you used to adore Paul McCartney.

The children loved this speech; however, the most important audience was made up of adults. So throughout the speech little asides were given so the audience could relate to their era.

Editing examples:

‘An Impossible State’ by Ada 2014

Original Section

They are spread across the magazine. Their flawless faces, blinding smiles and gorgeous windswept hair cover the latest issues and they tell us this is perfection.

Edit ReasonsThey are spread across the magazine.Their faces flawless!Their smiles blinding!Hair windswept and gorgeous!They cover the latest issues and they show us this is perfection.

1. The speech is naturally slowed.2. The tricolon is emphasized.3. It allows the ideas to be acted out more easily.4. Show fits better with the idea of a magazine.

‘Public Speaking’ by James 2013

Original Section

Here’s a tip. Try speaking in front of a mirror. I know it sounds embarrassing but if you lock the door so no one can see you, you can rehearse in peace with no rude comments.

Edit Reasons(All of the above was kept. James then pretended he was in front of a mirror.)Oh you’re looking beautiful! (Slicked back his hair)You’re looking fine! ( Acts suave in front of mirror)(Then remembers he should be practising his speech.)No! No! Concentrate!

The body format was there but a humorous example simply added to the effect of the speech.

‘Boys Love Justin Bieber’ by Claudia 2012

Original Section

Boys are jealous they aren’t as good looking or as cool as Justin Bieber! They are jealous because he is famous and girls are in love with him.

Edit Reasons Boys are jealous they aren’t as good looking or as cool as Justin Bieber! They are jealous because he is famous and girls are in love with him- just like you used to adore Paul McCartney.

The children loved this speech; however, the most important audience was made up of adults. So throughout the speech little asides were given so the audience could relate to their era.

Now Get Ready To Speak

Realize it is in the delivery that a speech comes alive. Written words on the paper may seem dull, however, when spoken with gestures, inflection, drama… the words take on a new dynamic.

Hints to engage the audience

The speaker must:

1. Project personality.

2. Smile! Smile! Smile! The audience wants to like you so give them a reason to.

3. Enjoy presenting the speech and the audience will be won over.

4. Ask yourself, ’What will the words/ideas allow me to do?’

5. Slow down. Speed kills the meaning of the words and the mood of the situation.

6. Make effective use of pause. The audience needs time to appreciate what is being said.

7. Act out a section if the words call for it.

8. Vary your voice in rate, pitch and volume.

9. Speak clearly and enunciate your words. Don’t leave off the endings of words.

10 Project your voice. The everyone needs to hear.

11 Include the audience.

a. Point to the audience.b. Scan the audience with your eyes and actions, however, return to the

adjudicators regularly.c. Take a small step in any direction.

12 Practise! Practise! Practise!a. Practise every day.b. Practise all the delivery features each time you say the speech.c. Practise in front of a mirror to watch actions.d. Practise with an audience even if it’s only one person.

13 Learn your speech off by heart. Don’t use palm cards.

REMEMBER

1. Give a persuasive speech. Convince the audience of your viewpoint.

Don’t give a lecturette.

2. Be different in your approach.

Don’t state the obvious.

3. Give the title of your speech as part of your introduction.

Don’t introduce your topic. Don’t say, ‘I am going to talk to you today about...’

4. At the end of the speech finish by acknowledging the chairman.

Don’t say ‘Thank you’ at the end of the speech.

5. Practise your oral delivery with gestures.

Don’t go overboard with gestures and drama. It is still a speech..

6. Know your speech. Don’t use palm cards. They take away your audience contact

7. Practice! Practice! Practice!

Don’t say, ‘It’ll be right on the day!’ Practice will make it right.

Public Speaking Format Used At Manly State School

Manly State School regards the Rotary Public Speaking competition as an important part of its school life. Term 3 is used for the writing and the presentation of such speeches.

A revision of persuasive writing and speaking from earlier units is undertaken. The teacher models examples of what is required; the students practice the format and then are given some time in class to write their drafts which are then finished in their own time. Towards the end of the term the speeches are performed. This usually takes place around week 8 so that the last weeks can be used for editing and refinement of the speeches.

1. Each class holds its own round of speeches. Each child must perform a speech and marks are kept for their report card. Usually all the students in all the classes of the top two grades are encouraged to take part.

2. In the next round, selected students are asked to perform in front of the classes.

3. Usually up to 30 children who have been selected or who have volunteered to perform, take part.

4. Three children are then selected to represent the school.

In selecting students, several factors are taken into account.

a. Who has a good speech? b. Who has the personality to impress an audience?c. Who has the voice that stands out?d. Who has that quality, whatever it is, that will appeal to the

adjudicators?

The ideal speaker fits all the above factors. Sometimes you have to work on the speaker because one of the ingredients is missing. That effort made by the teacher is rewarding for both the speaker and the teacher.

5. A teacher then takes responsibility for the students’ further progress. It must be pointed out that in no way are the students fully up to standard – yet. Progress involves conferencing to edit the speech and regular practice in the techniques of delivery.