Reading and Writing Workshop
Reading & Writing Workshop: Speaking and Debating with Rhetoric
Assessment: Deliver a persuasive speech and participate in a classroom debate
Session 1: The Art of Public Speaking (Tone, Pace, Gestures)
Objective:
Introduce the fundamentals of public speaking: voice modulation, pacing, body language, and eye contact.
Readings:
Session 2: Crafting Persuasive Speeches
Objective:
Learn how to structure and write a persuasive speech using rhetorical strategies.
Readings:
Session 3: Famous Speeches in Action
Objective:
Analyze rhetorical techniques used in landmark speeches.
Readings:
Session 4: Debate Fundamentals – Structure and Strategy
Objective:
Explore the components of formal and informal debates, including argument construction and rebuttal techniques.
Readings:
Session 5: Speech Delivery and Debate Day
Objective:
Present final speeches and engage in formal debates.
Readings:
Final Assessment:
Assessment: Deliver a persuasive speech and participate in a classroom debate
Session 1: The Art of Public Speaking (Tone, Pace, Gestures)
Objective:
Introduce the fundamentals of public speaking: voice modulation, pacing, body language, and eye contact.
Readings:
- The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie (public domain)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16317
- Analyze Carnegie’s recommendations on tone, pace, and gestures.
- Practice short, improvised speeches using Carnegie’s advice.
- Peer feedback on delivery, focusing on voice, body language, and pacing.
Session 2: Crafting Persuasive Speeches
Objective:
Learn how to structure and write a persuasive speech using rhetorical strategies.
Readings:
- Aristotle’s Rhetoric (Book I - Appeals: Ethos, Pathos, Logos)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6762
- Break down Aristotle’s three appeals in sample speeches.
- Write the first draft of a persuasive speech, applying ethos, pathos, and logos.
- Group sharing of drafts for constructive critique.
Session 3: Famous Speeches in Action
Objective:
Analyze rhetorical techniques used in landmark speeches.
Readings:
- JFK’s Inaugural Address (1961) - public domain via U.S. government
https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/historic-speeches/inaugural-address - Ain't I a Woman? by Sojourner Truth (1851)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14975 (in Narrative of Sojourner Truth)
- Identify rhetorical appeals and stylistic choices (repetition, parallelism, metaphor) in both speeches.
- Small-group discussions on emotional and logical appeals in both texts.
- Students revise their drafts using insights from the speeches.
Session 4: Debate Fundamentals – Structure and Strategy
Objective:
Explore the components of formal and informal debates, including argument construction and rebuttal techniques.
Readings:
- Debate: The Art of Controversy by Arthur Schopenhauer
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10715
- Discuss Schopenhauer’s “38 stratagems” for argumentation.
- Practice forming affirmative and negative cases on simple prompts.
- Simulate informal debates with peer feedback.
Session 5: Speech Delivery and Debate Day
Objective:
Present final speeches and engage in formal debates.
Readings:
- Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address (1863) - public domain
https://www.loc.gov/resource/rbpe.24404500/?sp=1
- Warm-up: Analyze brevity and impact in the Gettysburg Address.
- Deliver persuasive speeches to the class.
- Participate in structured classroom debates (formal style with moderators and judges).
Final Assessment:
- Deliver a 3-5 minute persuasive speech.
- Participate in a formal classroom debate on a current issue or literary topic.