Comparing Speeches

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is designed to assist users in evaluating and contrasting the speeches of two political candidates. The sheet breaks down the evaluation into specific aspects of speech delivery, including the opening, organization, closing, technique, body language, voice, word choice, and the overall impact. For each category, space is provided for users to jot down observations or scores related to each candidate’s performance. The objective is to provide a comprehensive yet structured framework for dissecting and analyzing public speeches.

To effectively utilize this worksheet, a student should first watch or listen to speeches given by the two candidates being compared. As each speech progresses, the student should make note of the various aspects listed, capturing impressions about the opening, the clarity of organization, the effectiveness of the closing, and so on. Special attention should be paid to non-verbal cues, like body language, as well as the tone and quality of voice, and the specific words or phrases that stand out. After both speeches have been assessed, the student can then reflect on the overall impact each speech had on them.

The aim of this worksheet is multifaceted. Primarily, it strives to teach students the intricacies of public speaking and the elements that constitute an effective speech. Moreover, it fosters critical listening and observational skills, prompting students to discern subtleties in speech delivery and content. Finally, by having students compare two candidates, the worksheet promotes analytical thinking, enabling them to weigh and judge various components of a speech and determine which candidate was more persuasive or impactful.