Assignment for Inquiry/Problem Solving and Oral Competencies
Fact or Fiction? Myth Buster Informative Speech
In this speech, students will have the opportunity to identify and research a commonly held but somewhat controversial belief about communication. Through thorough research, you will come to one of three conclusions: that the “myth” is a) true b) false or c) future research is still needed. Students must complete three steps in the speech:
1) Show that the belief is held by a significant number of people. You might consider conducting a survey of your friends, or showing articles that have been written affirming the belief.
2) Research both sides of the claim. What is the evidence provided by the people or groups who affirm the belief? What is the evidence provided by those who contest the belief?
3) Evaluate the evidence on both sides and come to a conclusion based on that evidence.
Research Objectives
Students are expected to:
•identify a clear, insightful, creative and focused problem statement or “myth”, addressing potentially significant yet less-explored aspects and all relevant contextual factors
• consider and synthesize in-depth information from multiple relevant sources representing various points–of-view/ approaches
• propose and evaluate solutions/hypotheses that indicate a deep comprehension of the problem and are sensitive to contextual factors
• test solutions/hypothesis through research or action and the examination of result
• provides accurate explanations of any quantitative information presented, making appropriate inferences based on that information
• draw conclusions strongly supported by evidence
Presentation Objectives
Students are expected to:
• consistently support statements, thesis & conclusions by reasons and evidence
• make clear distinctions between fact and opinion
• use language and conventions that are clear and take into consideration
• use clear, logical and/or creative content organization
• use appropriate grammar, pronunciation and articulation for the audience and occasion
• use appropriate volume, tone, pace, eye contact and body language
Details
• Speech length: 5-6 minutes
• Minimum 5 resources, at least two of which must come from scholarly sources
Topics Ideas
• “Women talk more than men”
• “Some cultures are louder than others”
• “Texting is ruining spelling”
• “like traditional bullying, cyberbullying is a rite of passage”
• “Some languages have no grammar”
• “Men don’t like to talk about their feelings”
• “People who talk more are more successful”
• “The media controls politics”
• “TV made kids stupider”
• “Our phones are rotting our brains”
• “You have to “get” social media to be successful”
• “Reporters and their bosses are liberals”
