The first impression could be the most lasting!!! 1st Constructive The first impression could be the most lasting!!!

Paragraph 1 ~Introduction~ THE “GRABBER” …something to get the audience’s attention!!! It’s the equivalent to a “warm-up” It’s boring to just start with the topic A “Grabber” can be any of these… A quote…(with a little explanation) A anecdote (story regarding you topic) A list of shocking statistics (w/ explanation) A rhetorical question to the audience (w/explanation)

Paragraph #1 (cont.) THE PROPOSITION After getting the audience’s attention it’s time to let them know what the debate is AND…what side you are on; Affirmative or Negative “Today’s proposition is (whatever it is)…and we (I) are on the (whatever side you are on.) Important Point: Make sure there is a link between the Grabber and the Proposition

Paragraph #2 ~Defining Key Terms~ Go through your proposition and pick out the key words in it Get real definitions of those words from a credible source Make sure that you say what that credible source is Find the definitions that play to the strength of your case Don’t define every single word, just the ones you have to

Paragraph #3 ~Criteria~ We already went over this…but here are some reminders… Start with the words “In order for…” Base it off of your Major Arguments At first, it should be general…don’t mention what or who you are fighting for Discuss each “value” in detail You have the option of incorporating your subject into the criteria at the end of the paragraph

Paragraph #3 (cont.) Example of Criteria Proposition: Mr. B is the best-looking teacher in VHS. “In order for one teacher to be considered the best-looking in a school, he or she would have to look professional, have a variety of chic clothing, and have outstanding physical features. Looking professional is important because… Clothing matters because… Having outstanding physical features… Mr. Baumann clearly exceeds his colleagues in all three of these areas. (Explain a little bit…)

Paragraph #4 ~The Preview~ Your side should have three major arguments At this point, you should give a brief preview of each argument Start by saying that you will be giving the first one Then mention your teammate and the two arguments he or she will be presenting *** Say something in regards to how each of you will prove your case ***you may not have a teammate, so just say that later on you will be giving the 2nd & 3rd args.

Paragraph #5 ~The 1st Major Argument~ Reintroduce your first main argument Make sure your argument is well-founded Know what you are talking about Feel free to verbally cite a source to give yourself more credibility Don’t do an improvisation routine (I can usually tell) Find the just the right amount of material to present (the three bears rule…juuussst right) Make sure you bring closure to your topic

Paragraph #6 ~Conclusion~ Even though it’s not the end of the debate, it is the end of your speech and you have to provide closure Make sure you reiterate the main points of your speech Tell the audience that there is more to come…mention your partner and his or her arguments (again) “Thank You.”

Things to Note Repetition – I know there is a lot, but remember, you’re giving a speech, so want people to remember the important parts A good criteria is important – it is the basis for your argument Each paragraph serves a specific purpose…don’t skip any