This Assignment Must Be Written As An Essay (with An ✓ Solved

This assignment must be written as an essay (with an

This assignment must be written as an essay (with an Introduction, Body, Conclusion, complete sentences, etc.) and not simply one-line answers to the questions below. Choose ONE of the following online speeches and write a critique (an evaluation) on the speech you have selected, touching on all seven areas below, and using the questions below as your guide. Your essay should run 2-3 pages.

1. Subject and Purpose: What is the general purpose of the speech? Is the purpose of this speech clear? Is the subject worthwhile and/or relevant? Please explain.

2. The Thesis and Key Points: a. Is the speech’s thesis clear and limited to one main idea? What is the thesis of this speech? b. Are the key points of the speech clearly related to the thesis? What are they? Are the key points sufficiently narrow? Explain.

3. Research: a. Is the speech adequately researched? How do you know? b. Has the speaker properly referenced his/her research data in the body of the speech? c. Does the speaker have a good understanding of the subject and specific points? How do you know? d. Did the speaker provide enough evidence to back up and support each key point? Explain your point of view.

4. Organization: a. How well is the speech organized? Does it have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion? b. How does the speaker grab the audience’s attention? c. How well does the speaker preview the speech for the audience? d. Does the speaker summarize the thesis and key points of his/her speech in the conclusion? e. Are there adequate transitions, so the audience can follow the presentation more easily?

5. Delivery: a. How well does the speaker maintain eye contact with the audience? b. How is the speaker’s voice volume and rate of speech? c. Describe and evaluate the speaker’s overall posture, gestures, movements, and other body actions. d. Describe and evaluate the speaker’s overall confidence level when delivering the presentation. e. Does the speaker show enthusiasm for the selected topic?

6. Presentation Aids: What presentation aid(s) did the speaker use? How effective is the use of this presentation aid(s) in this speech?

7. Suggestions for Improvement: a. What suggestion(s) would improve the content of this speech? b. What suggestion(s) would improve the delivery of this speech?

Paper For Above Instructions

In this essay, I will provide a detailed critique of the online speech delivered by Simon Sinek titled "How Great Leaders Inspire Action." Sinek's speech is both engaging and insightful, compelling audiences to reconsider how leaders motivate and inspire their teams. The following evaluation will address the speech's subject and purpose, thesis and key points, research, organization, delivery, presentation aids, and suggestions for improvement.

Subject and Purpose

The general purpose of Sinek's speech is to explore the concept of leadership and the fundamental reasons why certain individuals and organizations are able to inspire others while others fail to do so. The subject of the speech is extremely relevant in today’s context, where effective leadership is crucial to the success and morale of teams in various sectors. When leaders understand and communicate a clear “why,” they can build strong relationships with their followers, resulting in higher productivity and a more inspired workforce.

The Thesis and Key Points

Sinek’s thesis is that leaders who articulate a clear sense of purpose (or "why") inspire greater loyalty and action than those who simply present statistical evidence or products. The key points of the speech include the importance of starting with why, the significance of the Golden Circle model, and examples of influential leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Apple Inc.'s Steve Jobs. Each point is interwoven with the main idea that knowing your why is essential in leadership and forms the crux of effective communication.

Research

Throughout the speech, Sinek incorporates various examples and anecdotes that serve as research to support his claims. By referencing successful leaders and organizations, the speech is effectively backed by credible evidence. For instance, Sinek discusses how Martin Luther King Jr. inspired millions by speaking about his vision rather than merely stating facts. This illustration of a researched case enriches the speaker's credibility and understanding of the subject. Additionally, Sinek properly cites these references, making clear connections between his claims and the examples provided.

Organization

The speech is well-organized with a solid introduction that hooks the audience. Sinek grabs attention by asking questions that immediately engage listeners and encourage them to think about their own experiences with leadership. The speech previews the key points effectively, letting the audience know what to expect. In the conclusion, Sinek revisits the thesis by summarizing the key points and ends with a moving call to action that resonates well with the audience. Moreover, transitions are smooth, allowing for better flow as he moves from one point to the next.

Delivery

Sinek's delivery is noteworthy; he maintains good eye contact and engages his audience throughout the presentation. His voice volume is appropriate, and he speaks at a pace that is easy to understand, eliminating any ambiguity in his message. Sinek's careful pronunciation contributes to the clarity of his speech. He avoids filler words effectively, which ensures that the audience remains focused on his message. Additionally, his posture and gestures are confident and purposeful, further enhancing his credibility and passion for the subject matter.

Presentation Aids

While Sinek does not rely heavily on visual presentation aids, he makes effective use of his voice and body language, which serve as powerful tools in his delivery. His animated expressions and purposeful gestures supplement the content of his speech, making it more engaging while illustrating his points vividly.

Suggestions for Improvement

One suggestion for improving the content of this speech would be to include more quantitative data to bolster the anecdotal evidence presented. For instance, citing studies that quantify the impact of inspirational leadership on team performance may provide additional depth to the argument. As for delivery improvements, Sinek could incorporate more diverse body movements and pauses to allow the audience to absorb key points or reflect on the arguments he presents.

In conclusion, Simon Sinek's “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” is a compelling speech that not only addresses essential aspects of leadership but also challenges audiences to rethink their approach to inspiring others. By critiquing the areas of subject and purpose, thesis and key points, research, organization, delivery, presentation aids, and suggestions for improvement, we gain a comprehensive understanding of what makes this speech successful and engaging.

References

  • Sinek, S. (2009). How Great Leaders Inspire Action. TED Talks.
  • Gallo, C. (2016). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds. St. Martin's Press.
  • Heath, C., & Heath, D. (2007). Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die. Random House.
  • Sinek, S. (2011). Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. Portfolio.
  • Pearson, J. (2015). The Art of Public Speaking. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Simonton, D. K. (1990). Creativity and Leadership in the Arts: A Historical Perspective. Creativity Research Journal.
  • Schwartz, T. (2012). Why Work Matters: The Hard Science Behind the Soft Stuff. Harvard Business Review.
  • Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. Bantam.
  • Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications.
  • Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations. Pearson.