Public Speaking Final Exam, v 2.0 (UPDATED)
UPDATE (9 Jun 2011): The deadlines have been revised as per our in-class discussion of the exam process.
ORIGINAL POST: In response to the failure by administration to process a room booking request in a timely manner, we are now implementing the student-designed solution of Public Speaking Final Exam version 2.0.
Students will perform an act of Public Speaking in a public space. In order to qualify as a performance of public speaking, you must:
- speak to an audience, in Korean.
- speak in a “public place” — a subway is possible, but not necessary; on the street is also possible; note, university campuses are NOT allowed.
- make an argument for a proposed solution to a social problem in Korea. Your speech must contain a brief introduction mentioning the problem and suggesting your thesis — which is, how you think the problem should be dealt with. The body of your speech will explore three reasons (two or four are possible, but three is a safe number) why you think this solution is a good idea. The conclusion will sum up the argument and point to other issues you couldn’t deal with but which are pertinent.
- work with a partner so that you have a video of the performance
- upload a copy of the video to a site I’ll give you a link and password for
- write a transcript of your speech, along with any notable audience comments, questions, or responses.
Several deadlines apply (UPDATED!):
- 4:00pm, 22 June 2011: your transcript is due in my mailbox in IH341.
- 5:00pm, 22 June 2011: your video must be uploaded to Youtube — on the channel gordsclass, using the password I gave you in class.
- 11:59pm, 25 June 2011: deadline for viewing all of classmates’ videos (on the gordsclass channel at Youtube) and filling out the feedback form. (Link forthcoming.)
Some advice:
- Avoid trouble. If you are asked to leave by someone who seems likely to hurt you, leave. If you are asked to leave a place of business by the owner, leave — but feel free to speak outside the business.
- Work with a partner. Don’t go alone; a partner can help you if things get weird.
- Know the equipment you’re using. Do a test with your video equipment (iPhone or whatever) to see whether you can get a decent video with audible sound. The better your video, the more likely you will get a decent grade. But don’t be conspicious with your equipment. Don’t use a giant camera, as it will distract the audience.
- Stand out of the crowd. Be the most interesting person your audience has seen all week. Public speaking might be perceived as weird today, but it wasn’t always like that, in Korea or in any country. Be interesting, and at least a few people will listen.
- Review the guidelines above: nothing would be more frustrating than if you went out and gave a speech, only to get home and realize you’d missed some important point.
Good luck and be careful! Go turn some heads, and maybe change some minds!