Is There an Expert in the House?

These talks are intended to be well prepared but informal. If you need to pass a speech in order to meet graduation requirements, let me know in advance. Presentations that will be scored for state standards require a formal introduction and conclusion. All presentations should be in the 3-4 minute range. Your presentation should address all three of the elements listed below.

The schedule listed below is flexible. Your presentation will NOT be moved up, but it might be postponed. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience.

Required Elements:

1.     Just the facts, ma’am. Think SOAPStone. Who is the author? What is the context? What is the story or subject of the essay? What is the purpose?

2.     What is the dominant rhetorical strategy the author uses? For example, logos is the dominant rhetorical strategy Thomas Jefferson employs in “The Declaration of Independence.” (His tone, diction, and structure are significant as well.) Explain how this rhetorical strategy affects the reader and helps the author achieve his or her purpose. If you want to impress, you could also discuss one or two less important devices (but no more than three total, please).

3.     Why does it matter? First, how is this essay useful / irrelevant to readers today? Is the writer addressing an issue that still plagues us or a problem that we’ve solved? Second, how can you use this essay on an exam? 

Presentation Schedule:

Tuesday, May 3:

1. Kathleen

2. Philip

3. Lauren

4. Erin B
5. Emileigh
6. Whitney
7. Missy
8. Stevie

Wednesday, May 4:

1. Sarah

2. Erin C.

3.MeShine

4. Katie

5. Rachael
6. Mariah H

7. Morgan
8. Mackenzie
9. Jordan

Thursday, May 5:

1. Melanie

2. Kaleigh

3. Shaina

4. Stephanie

5. Nathan

6. Megan
7. Eliot
8. Taylor
9. Myria