Outside Speech Critique Assignment

Observe a speech outside of class. This could be an event on campus, on television, video, at your work, church, or other community event. (You may also use a written speech if all else fails.) The most important criteria is that it is a speech (one person talking to a group), not an interview or debate.

Write a 2-3 page, double-spaced paper critiquing the speech by using the guidelines that follow. Submit the paper as a Microsoft Word document in the Assignments section. See calendar for due date.

Guidelines

Description: Give a brief description of the speech using the following categories. I would recommend one sentence per item. Do not evaluate here!!! Calling the language “good” or “appropriate” would be an evaluation. Calling it “formal” or “conversational” would be a description. Please write a one sentence description of each of the following: purpose of speech; type of supporting materials; types of sources of supporting materials; type of organization used; type of language used; type of delivery (vocal/physical).

Context: Give any important information about the history of the event, audience, occasion, speaker, or community which might have influenced the speaker’s choices of purpose, organization, language, etc.

Evaluation: Evaluate the same criteria you described in part one. Was the organization good/bad? Why? Delivery? Language? Support? Use examples and explain your critique.