Graduation Speech: Memorable Occasion

Directions
Think about a persuasive speech that you would like to present on a topic of your choice. The speech can be for any context and any length, but it must be persuasive.
See the list of example speech occasions and purposes for inspiration, if needed.
Plan your speech, considering what your introduction, main points, and conclusion will include.
Organize your speech, following the structure of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. Your speech should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should contain your key message. The body should cover your main topics and support to back up your main points. Make sure that all support is relevant and from credible sources. Your conclusion should summarize your main points and provide a call to action.
Create notes or bullet points that you can refer to while presenting your speech.
Practice presenting your speech. Aim for a speech that is 3 to 5 minutes in length.
Before filming, review the rubric to ensure that you understand how you will be evaluated.
Film yourself presenting the speech. Be sure that you can be easily seen and heard, and direct your speech to the camera.
Review your video to ensure that you can be seen and heard. Refilm as needed.
Review the checklist and requirements to ensure that your Touchstone is complete.
Upload your video using the blue button at the top of this page.
Touchstone Support Videos
Organizing your Persuasive Speech
Persuading your Audience
Choosing the Right Language
Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety
Speech Occasions
Personal
Product recommendation
Academic
Presenting academic work (argumentative paper, research, or report)
Academic speech and debate
Community
Speech at a community gathering (PTA meeting, boy/girl scout convention, town hall, homeowner’s association, athletic league, school board meeting, etc.)
Community action speech (asking for something, promoting a policy, etc.)
Political speech (on behalf of a candidate, yourself as candidate, etc.)
Business
Presenting to colleagues or peers (pitching ideas, etc.)
Presenting to superiors (project proposal)
Convention presentation (pitching new products, rally speech, teachable moments, etc.)
Submission checklist
_ I have selected a speech purpose that is persuasive.
_ My speech follows the structure of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence.
_ My speech has an introduction, body, and conclusion.
_ The introduction includes my key message (thesis).
_ The body includes my main points and support.
_ I have selected sources that are credible and support that is relevant.
_ I have used language that is appropriate to my audience.
_ The conclusion summarizes my main points and includes a call to action.
_ I have filmed a video of myself presenting my speech.
_ The video of my speech is 3 to 5 minutes in length.
_ I have reviewed the video and I can be easily heard and seen.
_ I have adhered to all of the requirements.
_ I have read through the rubric and I understand how my Touchstone will be evaluated.
Requirements
All video content must be appropriate for an academic context
Speech must be original and written for this assignment; plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited
Video is 3 to 5 minutes in length
Your video submission should include your name and the date
Proficient Acceptable Needs Improvement Needs Substantial Revision
Organization
25 points
Speech structure meets all requirements (follows Monroe's Motivated Sequence, includes key message in introduction, includes main points and support in the body, and includes a conclusion). Speech structure meets all requirements, however some support is missing, or one element of Monroe's Motivated Sequence is not represented. Speech structure is missing one requirement or important elements of two requirements. Speech structure is missing two or more requirements, or the requirements are misinterpreted/met inadequately.
Persuasive
20 points
Speech takes a clear stance on an issue that impacts society and the arguments and approach are consistently persuasive in nature. Speech takes a stance on an issue that impacts society and the arguments and approach are primarily persuasive in nature. Speech does not take a clear stance on an issue that impacts society and/or speaker's arguments and approach are not primarily persuasive in nature. Speech does not take a stance on an issue that impacts society and/or persuasive support is minimal or absent.
Use of Appeals
20 points
Uses all three kinds of appeals in multiple instances. Use all three kinds of appeals, but one type of appeal is used minimally. Only uses two kinds of appeals Uses only one type of appeal or does not use any appeals.
Balance of Appeals
20 points
Uses all three types of appeals effectively with a balance that is appropriate to the topic, purpose, and audience. Primarily uses all three types of appeals with a balance that is appropriate to the topic, purpose, and audience, however, one type of appeal may be over/under used or used ineffectively. Uses one type of appeal effectively, however the other appeals are underused, used ineffectively, or absent. Does not use appeals or appeals are used ineffectively.
Language
15 points
Language is consistently clear and appropriate to the audience, helping the audience connect with the speaker and the topic. Where necessary, technical jargon is explained. Language is predominantly clear and appropriate to the audience, generally helping the audience connect with the speaker and the topic. Language is frequently unclear or inconsistent with the audience and often fails to help the audience connect with the speaker or the topic. Language does not help the audience connect with the speaker or the topic.