Preparing Note Cards You will need nine or ten note cards for this speech. Again, you will only write main points, not every word, so you need to be confident with the work you choose to critique. Use the following guide to prepare your note cards.

•Note card #1 – Write your hook and a note explaining the hook’s connection to the work.

•Note card #2 – Write the title of the work, the author or producer and director, the year the work was published or filmed, the genre of the work (novel, short story, movie, mystery, drama, fantasy, science fiction, etc.), and the starring actors and actresses, if applicable.

•Note card #3 – Write your thesis statement.

•Note card #4 – Write a basic summary, just the main points, not complete sentences.

•Note cards #5–8 – Write your evaluation of elements of the work. Make note of specific actions, events, words, and ideas from the work that support your opinions.

•Note card #9 – Write your concluding statements, overall opinion, and recommendations.

•Note card #10 – Write any additional information that you want to include in your critique.

As you prepare your note cards, keep in mind that a significant part of your grade for this speech will be your presentation, including eye contact. Plan to look at the audience for the majority of your speech, and only use your note cards to keep your thoughts organized and to help you remember key points.

Rehearsing Your Speech

You should plan on rehearsing your speech at least three times before presenting. Since this is a formal speech that counts for a quiz grade, you need to be well-prepared and confident. The grading criteria for your speech will include the following elements:

Content:

•clear focus

•concise summary of work

•thorough and convincing evaluation, with details from work

•organized presentation with clear introduction, body, and conclusion

Delivery:

•eye contact

•speaking rate

•volume and enunciation

•gestures

•conventions of language

•vocal expression

As you rehearse, use your note cards to remind yourself of key points in your speech. The more you rehearse, however, the less you should need to look at your note cards. Rehearse your speech until you feel confident with the material.

Answer the following question.
1) Presenting a Critique
Once you have chosen a work to critique, begin thinking about what you liked and disliked about the work as a whole. Then, use the questions to guide you as you plan your critique. Rather than writing a formal essay critique, use note cards to plan your speech. These note cards will help you rehearse and remember your points as you deliver your speech. Do not plan on reading your note cards word for word as you present.

1. Write the title of the work you will critique, and get your teacher's approval.

2. Next, read over the Lesson on how to prepare your note cards and tips on delivering your speech.

3. Present your critique to your teacher and classmates. The speech will count as a Quiz grade for this Unit.

You will be graded according to the following criteria:

Content:

/10 The speech had a clear focus.
/10 The speaker gave a concise summary of the work.
/10 The speaker presented a thorough and convincing evaluation, including specific details to back up claims.
/10 The speech was organized and presented a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Delivery:

/10 The speaker maintained eye contact with the audience for the majority of the speech.
/10 The speaker spoke at an appropriate rate, not too fast or too slow.
/10 The speaker could be easily heard and understood. The speaker used clear enunciation.
/10 The speaker used appropriate, natural gestures.
/10 The speaker used the conventions of language while presenting the speech.
/10 The speaker used vocal expression while speaking.
/100 Total Points