Effective Speaking In A Debate
GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT: 9-12 Debate
OVERVIEW:
Debate students need to understand that how they say something, is just as important as what they say. Making effective persuasive arguments, by dealing with stage fright, will bring success to every debate team.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this lesson, is to improve debating skills by confronting stage fright, thereby, allowing the debater to effectively present winning arguments.
OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to:
RESOURCES/MATERIALS: Tape recorder and video camera
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
B. Give them each a list of 3 groups of impromptu topics.
Examples - Concrete words - Xmas tree, plane, skates
- Abstract words - sorrow, joy, hope
- Quotations
C. The students will pick a word and take turns speaking about that word in front of their small group.
D. They will do this 3 times with one concrete word, abstract word and quotation.
E. The advanced speakers in each group will give a helpful and kind verbal critique of each novice speaker. The advanced speakers will congratulate them on their speaking strengths and give suggestions to improve their stage fright weaknesses.
F. The beginning speakers should list on paper their speaker strengths and weaknesses and suggestions for improvement.
G. On a follow-up day, activity 4 could be repeated in front of the entire class.
H. On a follow-up day, activity 4 could be implemented with tape player or video camera.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:
Your class, teacher and debate judges want you to do well. Every debater, novice or advanced, is nervous and must constantly deal with stage fright. Emphasize your strengths and work on neededimprovements.
Practice, practice, practice! Success will follow!