Tasks:

1.     Select a contemporary speech from a public figure or leader and analyze its persuasive techniques, structure, and rhetorical devices.

Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings.

Practical tasks for intermediate students to help them develop and master techniques for persuasive speeches:

1. Audience Analysis and Speech Adaptation:

   • Objective: Understand the importance of tailoring a speech to the audience.
   • Task:
     • Step 1: Assign students a general persuasive topic (e.g., "The importance of recycling").
     • Step 2: Divide the class into different audience groups (e.g., high school students, environmental activists, business executives).
     • Step 3: Have each student prepare a persuasive speech on the topic, specifically tailored to one of the assigned audience groups. They should consider factors such as the audience’s interests, values, and level of knowledge on the topic.
     • Presentation: Each student delivers their speech to the class, which will act as the assigned audience.
     • Discussion: After each speech, have a class discussion on how effectively the speech was tailored to the audience and what techniques were used to persuade that specific group.

2. Using Ethos, Pathos, and Logos:

   • Objective: Practice incorporating Aristotle’s rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) into persuasive speeches.
   • Task:
     • Step 1: Provide a brief explanation of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical argument).
     • Step 2: Give students a persuasive topic (e.g., "Why healthy eating should be promoted in schools").
     • Step 3: Have students prepare a short persuasive speech using all three appeals. They should clearly identify and label parts of their speech that utilize ethos, pathos, and logos.
     • Presentation: Students deliver their speeches to the class.
     • Feedback: After each speech, classmates and the teacher provide feedback on how well the student incorporated each rhetorical appeal and the overall effectiveness of the speech.

3. Developing Strong Arguments and Counterarguments:

   • Objective: Enhance the ability to construct and refute arguments.
   • Task:
     • Step 1: Assign a controversial topic (e.g., "Should college education be free?").
     • Step 2: Have students write a persuasive speech supporting their stance on the topic. They should include at least three strong arguments with supporting evidence.
     • Step 3: Students also need to anticipate potential counterarguments and prepare rebuttals for each.
     • Presentation: Each student presents their speech to the class.
     • Counterargument Session: After the speech, classmates play the role of the opposing side and present counterarguments. The speaker then responds with their prepared rebuttals.
     • Reflection: Students reflect on the effectiveness of their arguments and rebuttals, and discuss any challenges they faced during the counterargument session.

These tasks help students develop essential persuasive speaking skills by emphasizing audience analysis, the use of rhetorical appeals, and the construction and refutation of arguments.