VCE English – Oral Presentation

TASK: Create a speech that presents a point of view on a topical issue (Year 11 – 6 minutes and Year 12 – 8 to 10 minutes).

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Use a series of persuasive devices in a natural and authentic manner.
  • Employ an effective tone and tonal shift.
  • Present with an audible and clear voice. Use expression and intonation to engage the audience.
  • Clearly research the topic and have a clear contention.
  • Have evidence of a well thought-out argument and a logical sequence and ordering of points.
  • Effective use of evidence/ examples and persuasive techniques.
  • Clear features and elements of a speech – the presentation is not to sound like a speech or other text ‘read out’.
  • Use of relevant, Australian sources to create a knowledge base (at least 3 no older than October 2015)
  • Effective use of the time allowance.
  • Effective use of non-verbal cues and body language.
  • Use of non-verbal cues or visual prompts to support arguments – not detract from arguments.
  • Clearly addressing the needs of and engaging the audience.

SUGGESTED TOPICS:

  • Inquiry into the ‘Safe Schools Coalition’.
  • Climate change research
  • Australian policy to place asylum seekers on Nauru/ Manus Island
  • Building a nuclear waste dump in South Australia
  • Australian policy regarding foreign fighters against ISIS
  • Doctor’s response to Australian asylum seeker policy
  • Australian policy/ actions to Indigenous affairs and the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign
  • Ethical business practices – shifting manufacture offshore
  • Australia’s commitments in Syria
  • Gonski funding discussions
  • Inappropriate sporting cultures – poor spectator behavior
  • Late night lockout laws
  • Sexism in sport – treatment of female sportspeople and journalists

PLANNING

Don’t take this assessment task lightly. Plan each and every part of the presentation carefully. Things do go wrong, and the person who rehearses will be able to deal with last second hiccups. Adopt a persona if that helps you, but don’t let it detract from your speech. Here are the essentials of planning your presentation:

Introduction

Begin with a Hook, something that will ensure that you have the full attention of your audience. i.e. a key quote, a shocking/surprising statement or statistic, a short and relevant anecdote.

Background: Explain the issue. How and why did it become an issue in the media? Who are the main players, places and events that have been central in this issue?

What is your contention? Define or explain any terms that are contentious or open to interpretation. What is your opinion, that is, what is the point of view will you try to persuade your audience to accept? You can also give a brief overview of the reasons for your opinion.

Use personal pronouns sparingly. It is more effective to state your position with authority, as opposed to saying, “I think … I believe”, etc.

Body

Signpost each of your paragraphs, (that is, each of the reasons you will be using to back up your opinion). If this was an essay, you would use a really strong topic statement. However, the audience don’t have a written piece in front of them so you have to help them follow the structure in your speech.

Find facts or statistics that back up your reasons. Look for quotes by experts. Use persuasive techniques such as rhetorical questions, repetition of key words etc. Use your voice, lowering and raising your tone to emphasis and stress key ideas. Use of a medium such as power point to display your evidence can be crucial here as your audience will not be able to see any small tables or pictures. It is inappropriate to pass these items ‘around’ during your speech.

Mention the source and publication details of your quotes such as “As the Age editorial stated, …

Critics like The Australian’s Jones, who believes that “All …

Try to look at the wider implications of your issue when discussing your reasons. This may mean you suggest areas for improvement or alternative courses of action.

Your speech should be a series of points that reiterate your original contention. These points will be given strength with the evidence presented.

The stronger your vocabulary, the more powerful your speech will be. Deliver each aspect with gusto!

Your speech is not to be a series of facts and evidence that is not linked to any other points other than the original contention. It is your point of view you are to put across, not the point of view of others.

State your contention in a variety of ways and be clear with the actions you expect your audience to take. Address the audience constantly and make them feel a part of your speech.

Rebuttal

Take note of any opposing arguments and point out their shortcomings. (Ignore extreme arguments that you cannot answer) Hammer those that you can. Adopt a firm TONE and TONAL shift – be critical, accusatory, and vitriolic if it suits your purpose.

Conclusion

Be emphatic, be confident and hard-hitting. Remind the audience of your view point and how it has been supported. Give them a final thought or statement that will stay with them after you have left the room. It is important to display your reference list and bibliography at this stage, allowing you audience to follow up any points if need be.