a defining moment speech
you can make up a speech on something a high schooler would happen to in america, let me know beforehand on what you will be writing about
Introductory Speech Assignment Information
Time: 2-3 minutes
Points: 50 points (P/F)
This assignment requires you to research, prepare, and practice a two- to three-minute introductory speech in which you tell us about a defining moment in your life.
A defining moment is one that forever changes a person. Often, it is an event or activity from which a person gains insight about himself or herself, others, or society. Sometimes this occurs literally in a moment; other times it occurs over an hour, a day, or a few days. Whatever is learned or discovered as a result of that defining moment becomes integrated into a person’s core values and guiding philosophy. This speech requires you to tell a story by discussing the events surrounding the defining moment and explaining how it affected you.
Some advice about this speech:
- You only need to discuss a defining moment of your life, not the defining moment. This means you decide what to tell the audience; how much you want to reveal about yourself. Only discuss what you feel comfortable discussing.
- The goal of this speech is to have you present a story (with a beginning, middle, and end) and then explain the significance or meaning of the story to you to the audience. Don’t start the speech with “Hi, my name is —- and this is a defining moment in my life.†Start with the story.
- DO NOT read your speech. The best way to avoid reading your speech is to use an outline or bullet points for your notes. DO NOT write out the speech word-for-word. This is not an essay. This is an extemporaneous speech. You are conversing with the audience, not reading to them.
- Don’t forget that you need to end your speech with finality. Practice the end of the speech as much as you practice the beginning of the speech.