Key Terms, The Hook, and The Introductory Speech

Today, please spend the first 15 minutes of class reading, watching, and learning the following:

Some key communication vocabulary you need to know:

1. Communication: The process by which information is exchanged between individuals using a system of symbols, signs, or behavior. 

2. Conversation: the informal exchange of ideas through spoken words. 

3. Writing: the exchange of ideas through written words, often meant to instruct, entertain, or elicit an emotional response. 

4. Listening versus Hearing: hearing is the reception of sound by the ear, while listening is the active process of decoding the symbols to decipher or understand a speaker's idea. 

5. The Hook: an interesting statement that often begins a story, essay, or speech, meant to attract the attention of the reader or listener. 

Speeches usually open with an interesting statement or lead-in. This is called The Hook. Begin your introductory speech with a clever hook or attention-grabber. Write an interesting opening line for your speech to introduce your partner. Take a look at this short video and take notes in your journal of any advice you feel is helpful. 

The Hook: How to Write a Hook

Still puzzled? Try writing a hook that:

1. Begins a story/speech/poem/essay with a metaphor or simile 

2. Begins a story/speech/poem/essay with a question 

3. Begins a story/speech/poem/essay with a definition 

4. Begins a story/speech/poem/essay with a quotation 

5. Begins a story/speech/poem/essay with a comparison 

6. Begins a story/speech/poem/essay with a conflict or dilemma 

7. Begins a story/speech/poem/essay with an anecdote

Take 5 minutes after watching the video and reading this post to create a hook for your introductory speech. Then, let's gather together next door to listen to each other's introductions. This is your first speech for this class. Everyone will participate. No exceptions.

INSTRUCTIONS: When called, please come up to the front of the room and introduce your partner. You may use your notes if you get stuck, but try to "talk" to us. No one likes to be "read" to. As a class, politely listen to each speech. Listening is an important element in the communication process. It is extremely rude to chat, ignore, or otherwise distract a speaker. Please be courteous in this class. As class rules state: Respect all NOUNS (that includes you and me and each other).

Effective Elements of a Speech include:

• Volume
• Pace
• Pitch or tone of voice
• Language or imagery
• Organization
• Creativity
• Confidence (ethos)
• Body posture/Facial expressions/Gestures/Eye contact

While listening to a speech, a listener should:

• Pay attention
• Make eye contact with the speaker
• Be courteous and polite
• Avoid interruptions
• Listen (not just hear)

After all students have given their speech, please listen for further instructions for our next writing task.

HOMEWORK: None.