Daniel Cantrell
Daniel Cantrell
Professor of Communication & Forensics Coach
Communication
Office: 26D-1441 (forensics room)
Phone: (909) 274-6310
Email: dcantrell3@mtsac.edu
Homepage: https://faculty.mtsac.edu/dcantrell3

Declamation

 Top 100 Speeches Link

OVERVIEW:  In this speech, we will examine the history of American public address by focusing on important speeches that have helped shape our country.  Your presentation must consist of these five components:

I. A brief introduction (roughly 30 seconds)

Start with an attention getter, then a topic statement (who & what speech), significance statement (why does is this speech important), and finally a preview of your three main points

II.  A brief biography of an important figure from American history (roughly 1:00 min )

You may want to comment on the speaker’s early life, rise to prominence, key accomplishments, challenges, etc.  Choose the most interesting information that is also relevant to your overall presentation.

 III.  An analysis of one speech this person delivered (roughly 1:00 min)

Here, you must address:

  • The title of the speech, if known
  • The historical and/or current context in which it was delivered
  • The overall message of the speech
  • Why you chose this speech
  • Any other important information you wish to cover

IV.  A performance of one small portion of that speech (roughly 1:00 min).

Pick the most interesting part (can often be the opening, closing, or key passage in the middle).

V. Conclusion (roughly 30 seconds)

Recap your three main points, remind us of the lasting impression of this speech, and link back to your attention getter.

 

TIME:  4-6 minutes 

NOTES:  Limited notes (one side of one 3x5 notecard) are allowed for the first two parts of this speech.  The third portion should be memorized.

ATTIRE:  No appearance distractions

GRADING:  See rubric

POINTS: 50 points

 

Declamation Speech  Rubric Name _____________  Date ______________________

 

Criteria for Evaluation

Possible Score

Score

1. Speaker examined a significant speech and speaker from American history and also performed an excerpt

5 = meets criteria
0=does not meet

 

2. Speech was suitably long but under the maximum time limit.

5=speech is 4:00-6:00

3=speech is under or over time

0 = no speech given

 

3. Excerpt was memorized.

5=no pauses or flubs at all
4=slight hesitations/no ball drops

3=very spotty memorization and or ball drop/s

0=speaker used notes for excerpt

 

4.Original content in the speech gave information about the speaker, the speech setting, and the purpose of the speech

 

 

 

 

5=clearly meets all criteria. Information is compelling and delivered with confidence.

4=minor problems with original content

3=incomplete or confusing information given

0=does not meet criteria at all

 

5. Speaker commented on his/her personal reasons for choosing this historic speech

5=comments were sincere/insightful

3=a vague statement was provided

0=does not meet criteria at all

 

6. Speaker effectively used volume

5=voice filled the room/commanded attention

2=voice was merely audible

0=quiet

 

7. Speaker nonverbally conveyed caring with body energy, facial expressions and emotional vocal tone

5=passionate nonverbal connection throughout

2=a couple moments of nonverbal expression

0=speaker did not appear to care very much

 

8. Speaker demonstrated speaker’s stance (feet shoulder width apart, arms at sides, good posture, no hip lean).

5=ideal execution of all stance elements

3=a few areas could be improved

0=speaker stood awkwardly throughout

 

9. Speaker started strong: walked up confidently and smiling and made eye contact. Speaker ended strong: raised and then dropped pitch to indicate closure and waited before walking away.

5=started and ended strong

3=started or ended strong

0=both areas needed improvement

 

10. Speaker Feedback

5 = gave feedback to other students

0 = no feedback given

  

TOTAL

                          / 50

 

 

 

Additional Comments:

 

 

 

Last Updated: 6/3/19
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