Creative and Critical Thinking

ASSIGNMENT 8: PROJECT - Writing and Performing a Monologue or Speech

Learning Target (Curricular Competencies):

  • Use writing and design processes to plan, develop, and create spoken language and other texts for a variety of purposes and audiences. 
  • Demonstrate speaking and listening skills in a variety of formal and informal contexts for a range of purposes. 

Podcast

Develop a monologue or a speech on a topic that interests you.  You might consider this an opportunity to prepare for a dramatic role and develop a monologue for the stage.

Here are some suggested topics.

Consider these techniques:

Tone of voice

  • Facial expression
  • Intonation and emphasis
  • Level of voice
  • Speed of talking
  • Gesture
  • Body language
  • Eye behaviors
  • Orientation in space (facing toward or away from listeners)

Read this wiki-how on writing monologues that also provides samples.  You've already seen speech examples in this unit, but you can watch this Slide Share on 15 Oral Persuasion Techniques to review.

Now, develop a piece of writing and record it.

Here are some tips on persuasive writing.

Record your writing in podcast format using Audacity http://audacity.sourceforge.net/, GarageBand, iMovie or other recording software with capacity to edit sound. Add either sound effects or music or both to augment your voice reading.
Be sure to export as an mp3 format file and upload here...

Free sound effect and music sites:

  1. https://www.pacdv.com/sounds/
  2. http://www.findsounds.com/types.html
  3. https://freemusicarchive.org/
  4. https://freeplaymusic.com/
  5. https://free-loops.com/
  6. http://danosongs.com
  7. https://incompetech.com
  8. https://www.seabreezecomputers.com/tips/freemusic.htm#links … an example from this site:
  9. https://www.taylorhayward.org/

Assessment:  Below you will find the exemplary criteria used to assess the assignment.  

Learning Target: (Exemplary 6/6): Exemplary comprehension of the task and clear accomplishment of the objective.  Final product demonstrates exemplary ability to access information for diverse purposes and from a variety of sources to inform writing and  to explore the relevance, accuracy, and reliability of texts.  Student demonstrates exemplary ability to use acknowledgements and citations to recognize intellectual property rights.

Content/Ideas:  (Exemplary 6/6):  Content contributes to the central idea and makes insightful connections.  There is a clear main idea with relevant and persuasive support.  Student demonstrates exemplary ability to synthesize the information from the sources into a persuasive argument. 

Organization:  Exemplary (6/6):   Speech flows with an interesting introduction, easy to follow points and an engaging conclusion.  Topic is logically developed to suit purpose.  Accomplishes the purpose with originality, individuality, maturity, and sophistication.  

Technical Production:  Exemplary (6/6):  Spoken word can be clearly heard without distraction and is delivered with appropriate passion and inflection to support the overall message.  Engages and entertains the audience.  Student demonstrates exemplary speaking skills in a persuasive podcast.  The audio is recorded in a quiet environment without distracting background noise.  Podcast length keeps the listener engaged and interested.

Submission: 

Use the "1.8 PROJECT - Writing and Performing a Monologue or Speech" link on the main page of this section of the course to upload your assignment to your teacher for marking.