After we turn in our college essays, I wanted to take one last look at some examples from The Daily Beast. I’ll probably split them to different groups.

Then, we’re going to analyze some Malcolm X. Each small group will be  responsible for creating a short presentation that analyzes, compares, and contrasts one aspect of Malcolm’s rhetorical strategies in both “The Ballot or the Bullet” and “Learning to Read.” Here are the topics:

1. Sound-based rhetorical figures (alliteration, anaphora, etc.)
2. Persona
3. Kairos
4. Implied and explicit assumptions
5. Logical Argumentation
6. Framing, metaphors, and allusions

Then, we’ll start a new phase.  I’ll show you what a pecha kucha is and ask you to take a look at OpposingViews.com and look around for some good topics for pair debates.

HW: Choose topics. Use the Opposing Viewpoints database

First, we’ll read a Close Reading of Obama’s Speech from James Wood.  Write a short 100-200 response. Next, we’ll watch a short video presentation and analyze it.

Thirdly, it’s time to show off. Give your presentation to your small groups and get some clear feedback. Here is what you’re looking for.

• Logos: Is there good evidence, statistics, quotes, and other backing?
• Ethos: How does the speaker establish credibility? How does he/she connect to the audience?
• Pathos: How does the speaker find ways to push emotional buttons and frame the issue using metaphors and other devices?
• Slide Design: Clean, elegant, and clear?  Contributes to the speech without distracting?  Bullets?

Finally, Read two political blogs and then blog yourself on how to blog attempts to persuade. How quickly did it take you to figure out the general orientation of the blog? Comment on the usage of logos, ethos, and pathos. What about the use of images? Comments? Links? Think about adding to their comments if you are so inclined.

1. Blogs: Instapundit
2. Talking Points
3. Andrew Sullivan
4. Ann Althouse
5. Red State
6. Tapped
7. Altercation
8. The Corner
9. Captain’s Quarters
10. Daily Kos

HW: Pecha Kucha!!!!!!!!!

It’s all about presentation making today…Here’s how it goes.

First, I’ll give a presentation about presentations. How’d I do?

Next, I’ll ask you to think about/write about your audience.

1. What does your audience already think about your subject?
2. What’s important to them?
3. What do you want them to do?
4. How might they resist?

Then, we plan…offline…on stickies or big paper.  Turn off your computer.

Next, we’ll talk to one buddy and get some insight.

Finally, lids up and we’ll make some presos.

Resources:

• Presentation Zen rules of thumb
• Presentation Zen: Where to find quotes and images
• slide:ology–The Duarte group speaks.
• Getty Images: Free register to get rid of watermarks
• Use your library card to search AP Images

HW:  A full (if rough) draft is due Nov 19th, Nov 21st you should be ready to present.

First, we’ll talk election and rhetoric.

Next, we’ll take a quiz on rhetorical strategies and logical fallacies.

Third, we’ll take a look at Thomas Paine’s Crisis and analyze just the first 3 paragraphs.

Fourth, we’ll find out what a pecha kucha is and see an example. (Here’s more about it.)

Finally, we’ll talk a bit about good presentations by seeing the Presentation Zen blog.  This is a blog that deals with presentation styles and issues written by Garr Reynolds, a writer who lives in Japan. Look at the blog and especially click on some of the articles on the right side marked archives. See especially Jobs vs. Gates, What is good PowerPoint design, and Where do I get good images?

In a blog post, respond to these questions after you wander around a bit in Presentation Zen.

1. Give examples of the types of advice and example Presentation Zen uses.
2. What kind of persona does the author of the blog present?
3. Why is Jobs better than Gates?
4. How could PZ’s advice help you in your speech?

HW:  Create a one minute presentation with 3 slides which describes a time you used rhetoric (either well or not so well).