Speech of Introduction; Interview Exercise

Let's define the following terms:

Speech of Introduction: a speech to introduce a person to a group of people or listeners.

Interview: a meeting in which the purpose is to gain information about a person.

Conversation is one of the most obvious processes of communication. Conversation is a verbal discussion between two or more people. Today you are going to "interview" a class member, then introduce this person to the rest of the class. The notes you take in your journal will also be used to create a "fictional" character based on a real person during our next class. More information about that assignment will be discussed next class.

Activity:

1. Please follow my verbal directions to find your partner for this exercise.

2. Once you have found your partner, you will have 10 minutes to ask any of the following questions (see handout) and record what your partner says in your journal. 

TIP: Don't worry about long quotes or trying to write down everything your partner says verbatim (word for word). Instead, jot down only the KEY POINTS of what your partner discussed. Try effective listening techniques to comprehend what your partner is saying. Synthesize or summarize these key points when you deliver your short introductory speech. 

3. When time is called, switch places and take another 10 minutes to be interviewed by your partner.

4. When time is up (about 20 minutes total) you will be asked to quickly organize your notes and give an extemporaneous speech introducing your partner to the rest of the class. Use the index card provided to you for your key or main points.

Sample Questions to ask (use some of these questions if you have no better ideas):

A. How were you shaped by your environment or cultural background as you grew up? 

B. Name a friend, relative, or childhood friend or hero figure that had an impact (positive or negative) on your life. Describe how this person influenced you. 

C. Describe a personal experience that had a major impact on your life and/or creating the person that you are today. 

D. What activities or hobbies or interests bring pleasure and meaning to your life? 

E. Name a goal that you have set for yourself. How are you going to achieve that goal? 

F. What value or philosophical belief do you hold dear? Why do you hold this belief or value so highly? How does it affect your life?  

G. What is one thing you want other people to know about you? 

H. What do some things you want to do after you graduate? 

I. What is one event that happened to you that changed your personality/outlook on life forever?  

J. What single event in your life has made you a better person? 

K. If you could accomplish one thing in your life, what would you like it to be? 

L. Any other question you wish to ask within the time limit of this exercise.  

Again, please note:     

You do not have to write down everything your partner says. Part of communication is listening to what is being said, then remembering and retelling what you heard in your own way. Use your notes and ask follow-up questions to develop your partner's answers. (see below)    

Keep your notes for the next writing assignment (more details to follow)!

INSTRUCTIONS: Your short introductory speech should reveal something about the nature or character of the person you interviewed. When asked, please introduce your partner to the rest of the class. You may use your notes to help guide you, but try not to simply read off of your notes. Try to remember what your partner told you, then report this information to us in a conversational tone.

• Before you present your speech (all students are required to try this!), prepare your notes by adding a short introduction sentence. 
• 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.
• When called, please stand up and introduce your partner. You may use your notes if you get stuck, but try to also "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 the class rule states: Respect all NOUNS (that includes you and me and each other).

When we conclude our speeches we will use the notes we took in class to create a fictional character based on the person you interviewed. Please see the post above this one for details on that project.

HOMEWORK: None.