Visit The Website For The 2019 GHC Speech Competition

Visit The Website For The 2019 Ghc Speech Competition Available At Thi

Visit the website for the 2019 GHC Speech Competition available at this link: Choose one of the finalists and watch their speech video. Using the required guidelines for your own persuasive speech in this class, discuss what the speaker did well, and what they could improve on. Be specific and use constructive criticism. Imagine you are a public speaking instructor, and they are your own student. What advice would you give them?

Paper For Above instruction

The 2019 GHC Speech Competition showcased a remarkable array of talents among finalists, each employing various persuasive techniques to engage their audiences. For this analysis, I selected a speech delivered by one of the finalists, which exemplified strong public speaking skills but also presented areas for potential improvement. As a public speaking instructor reviewing this performance, I will examine key elements such as content clarity, delivery style, audience engagement, and overall effectiveness, providing constructive feedback rooted in established persuasive communication principles.

The speaker demonstrated a compelling command of content, effectively articulating their central message with clarity and conviction. Their speech structure was well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This logical progression helped guide the audience through their argument seamlessly. Additionally, the speaker employed persuasive techniques such as emotional appeal, storytelling, and rhetorical questions, which enriched their message and fostered a connection with listeners. The use of personal anecdotes made the speech more relatable, and the speaker’s passion was evident, enhancing credibility and authenticity.

In terms of delivery, the speaker maintained good eye contact and used appropriate gestures to emphasize key points. Their voice projection was strong, ensuring audibility throughout the room, and their pacing allowed the audience to absorb the information effectively. Importantly, their tone varied appropriately, reflecting the emotional nuances of the speech, which kept the audience engaged. Such delivery skills are crucial in persuasive speaking, as they help to build rapport and credibility.

However, despite these strengths, certain areas could be improved to enhance overall effectiveness. One notable aspect is the speaker’s use of filler words and pauses, which occasionally disrupted the flow and diminished the speech's professionalism. Practicing more precise pauses and minimizing filler words like "um" and "like" would improve clarity and confidence. Furthermore, while the storytelling was compelling, some parts of the speech could benefit from more specific evidence or data to substantiate claims. Incorporating concrete statistics or expert opinions would bolster credibility and persuade skeptics more effectively.

Another area for growth relates to audience engagement strategies beyond verbal content. Although the speaker used rhetorical questions, they could have employed more interactive elements, such as direct questions to the audience or visual aids, to maintain high energy levels and active participation. Additionally, varying vocal pitch and tempo more dramatically could evoke stronger emotional reactions, making the speech more memorable.

From an instructional perspective, the advice I would give to this student centers around refining delivery mechanics and integrating more persuasive evidence. First, practicing to eliminate filler words through targeted drills will streamline speech and project confidence. Second, strengthening the use of data and examples will create a more persuasive argument, addressing potential counterarguments effectively. Third, incorporating interactive elements and visual aids will elevate audience engagement, making the presentation more dynamic and compelling.

In conclusion, the finalist’s speech was a commendable demonstration of persuasive speaking, characterized by strong content organization, emotional appeal, and confident delivery. To reach even greater heights, the speaker should focus on eliminating minor delivery hesitations, enriching their arguments with concrete evidence, and employing more interactive engagement techniques. As an instructor, guiding students to refine these areas can significantly enhance their persuasive speaking skills, making their messages more impactful and memorable.

References

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