Discussion and Speech Preparation Techniques

Discussion Preparation

• Understand expectations set by discussion leader.
• Complete any assigned pre-reading or preparation tasks.
• Take notes, noting how/when realizations occur.
• Use notes to engage and contribute to discussion.
• Be prepared to provide evidence.
• Support your perspective with textual proof (quotes, examples, sections).
• Use visual (photographs, cartoons), quantitative (graphs, numbers), and oral evidence (testimony, quotes).

Speech Preparation

• Informative speeches aim to educate.
• Different speech types (definitive, explanatory, descriptive, demonstrative) provide information to impact understanding.
• Speeches focus on objects, processes, events, or concepts to impart information.

Vocal Qualities in Speaking

• Volume: Loudness and softness of speech (like a sound system).
• Pitch: High and low frequencies in the voice (think of singing).
• Rate: Speed of speech, fast/slow.
• Fluency: Smooth flow of words, intentional pauses (avoid fillers like "um").
• Articulation: Clear pronunciation (practice tongue twisters).
• Tone: Mood of the speech (upbeat/serious).
• Vocal qualities are critical for effective speech delivery.

Nonverbal Communication

• Nonverbal communication uses body language to convey messages.
• Eye contact: Looking at one audience member at a time.
• Facial expressions: Movements of facial muscles (smiles, frowns).
• Posture: Body position (standing, sitting).
• Gestures: Physical actions (folding arms).
• Stage presence and actions impact the audience's perception.

Reading Comprehension Strategies

• Active reading: Engage by actively processing information.
• Pre-Reading: Review text features (introduction, headings, bold words, pictures).
• Pre-Reading: Activate existing knowledge about the topic.
• Pre-Reading: Form questions to guide reading.
• During Reading: Find answers to questions.
• During Reading: Take notes.
• During Reading: Highlight key elements.
• During Reading: Summarize (outline of main points).
• During Reading: Look up unfamiliar words.
• Post-Reading: Review and synthesize information.
• Post-Reading: Recite/reanswer questions.
• Post-Reading: Reread if needed.
• Improving reading comprehension is an ongoing process.

Making Inferences

• Inferences are logical conclusions drawn from information.
• Particularly important in literary analysis.
• Use own knowledge, historical/cultural context of work and author for interpretation.
• Process involves background information, questions, predictions, and conclusions.

Analyzing Texts

• Analyze text by identifying main idea, reasons, and evidence.
• Support analysis using textual evidence (quotes, paraphrases, summaries).
• Give credit to the author.
• Offer opinions on the success of the text.
• Explain why the text worked or didn't work.
• Provide specific reasons for opinion.

Finding Specific Details

• Important skill for students, understanding how the selection is structured aids in finding details.
• Narrative: Use plot sequence to locate details.
• Expository: Use outlines (hierarchical) or Cornell notes (problem-solution structures).
• Compare/Contrast: Use Venn diagrams or graphic organizers.
• General Structure: Use concept maps for relationships.
• Pay attention to how details relate to each other.