Minds On
What makes these speeches famous?
There have been many famous speeches given by influential leaders that have stood the test of time and continue to be discussed and studied all over the world. The following are short audio clips of two of these famous speeches.
As you explore these clips, reflect on the words, messages, and how the words were communicated.
What stood out for you in these short clips?
Moment #1
Moment #2
Action
Verbal and visual aids
In the Minds On activity, we explored two examples of effective and inspirational oral presentations.
You were asked to reflect on what made these presentations famous.
In both instances, Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama used verbal aids to enhance their messages.
Verbal aids include the use of verbal effects (tone, volume, pitch, and speed), sound effects, and word choice to enhance the strength of a presentation.
Explore the samples again, paying close attention to the verbal aids as well as the words they are using. Record your responses in the following fillable and printable document Verbal Effect Chart. You can also complete this activity in your notebook or using a method of your choice.
As well as verbal aids used to enhance presentations, many presenters also use visual aids to engage their audiences.
Visual aids are supports such as images, charts, graphs, short video or audio clips, props, and digital effects that are used to strengthen a presentation.
In the following video, Daniel introduces Hannah Alper who talks about how to create change in the world. In her presentation, she uses aids to enhance her presentation. Use the interactive Presentational Checklist below to review Hannah’s use of aids in her presentation or use a method of your choice to record your thoughts.
Presentational Checklist
Visual Aids:
Verbal Aids:
Reviewing your checklists for the aids that Hannah used, were there any other aids she could have used to make her presentation even better?
What are they, and how would they have strengthened her presentation even more?
Consolidation
What enhances a presentation?
Imagine that you were about to be an audience member for a presentation about recycling. What visual or verbal aids would enhance your understanding of this topic?
Use the following interactive Presentational Checklist to choose the visual and verbal aids that would enhance this presentation, then in a short description, explain how and why these would be effective aids. Use examples from the learning activity to help support your ideas.
Presentational Checklist
Visual Aids:
Verbal Aids:
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel...
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.