Speaking Topic 3 – A Machine or Process - Hints

Task:

In 3 minutes, recite an English narrative poem or (maybe part of) a famous English speech. The idea in this topic is to develop your skill in speaking English in a fluid and rhythmic way. Later I will give you some examples of poems or speeches you might learn. You will certainly need to practice before the class!! PREPARE BEFORE THE CLASS!

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Hints:

>>> Read the hints from earlier classes!!

1. On the Index page, look at Websites with Examples of Speeches and Websites with Advice about Public Speaking.

2. Study "The speech that made Obama President". Youtube online @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFPwDe22CoY . Even if you don't like his politics, Obama is a public speaking genius.

3. There are many kinds of poetry and many kinds of speeches. Few of them are spoken like normal, everyday speech. However, practicing them is very good for improving "language fitness". It is a bit like physical fitness. If your body is fit, you can meet unexpected challenges. It is the same with your mind, and with speech. Nothing comes free though: you have to work at it.

4. Recite a story-poem from your FIRST LANGUAGE. Think about how your voice and body moves when you do this. Now find a story-poem (we call that "narrative poetry) in ENGLISH. Think of how the voice music is different from you first language. Youtube is a good place to look on the Internet (e.g. "Narrative poems for recitation". Youtube online @ https://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=narrative+poems+for+recitation&search
_sort=relevance&search_category=0&page=

5. Maybe you have learned some English songs. Learn several English poems or parts of famous speeches for recitation. This will really impress your friend in a karaoke bar!

6. How you move your body is often important in speeches and poetry recitation. Think about that. Watch video examples. Practice. It is a kind of acting.

7. Modulate your voice. Don’t talk in a flat, boring way. Project ("throw") your voice. Watch your listeners to be sure they understand.

8. An actor puts herself or himself into the shoes of another character. When you recite a poem or famous speech, "leave" your normal body and mind. Take your imagination to the special place being described.

9. The recorder on your phone is your friend; (if there is no recorder, download a recording app'). Tell the recorder a story or poem. Listen to it. Delete the recording. Do it again - better. Keep doing this until you are satisfied it is perfect.

10. Imagine the normal world you are living in is a theatre. Make the ordinary into something extraordinary. Look at each person you pass on the street. Make up an interesting story about each of their lives. Play with these stories in your imagination. Can you make a poem, a story, a speech, a song from them?

index of speaking topics

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Articles by Thor May