Analyzing a Speech

Week 1: Assignment – Analyzing a Speech
Due Sunday by 11:59pm Points 25 Submitting a file upload Available May 2 at 12am – May 15 at 11:59pm 14 days
Critical Analysis is an important aspect of rhetoric.

Assignment Instructions

Let’s see if you can find and analyze an existing speech using some of the tools mentioned in this week’s content.

Step One: Locate a speech on VSOTD.com (Links to an external site.), YouTube (Links to an external site.), or Ted.com (Links to an external site.). This speech can be on any topic of your choosing; it can be informational or persuasive, political or academic in nature. The speech you choose should be greater than 6 minutes long for you to properly evaluate it.

Step Two:

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the speakers content and delivery. What specific things could the speaker improve on? What did you like about the speaker; why? What is the message the speaker leaves you with; how do you feel at the conclusion? If you were to deliver the speech, what would you do differently?

Compose your submission using a word processing program (e.g. Word).
Structure your submission in a 5-paragraph format Example of 5-Paragraph Essay Download Example of 5-Paragraph Essay
Include the citation for your speech in APA format in the body of your text, and on its own page at the end. See the APA Style Guide in the Canvas library for more information.
Step Three:

Upload your submission to Canvas using the ‘Submit Assignment’ link in the top, right-hand corner of the page. Your submission should meet the following criteria:

Length: 5-paragraphs are required; each paragraph includes 4 sentences at-minimum.
Mechanics: Submission is free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Formatting: APA formatting is used on the body (Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1″ margins). Each new paragraph is indented.
Organization: 5-paragraph template is utilized. Three main points are present; body paragraphs are complete and supported. Paragraphs are organized logically, and transitions help the reader move from one main point to the next.
APA: Outside materials are cited in the body of the paper (in-text or parenthetical citations are used) and fully on a separate references page.
Rubric
GE Written Assignment Rubric_COM301
GE Written Assignment Rubric_COM301
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome APA (10%)
Assigned number of sources are included in the submission.

The research cited is credible, scholarly, recent, and relevant.

Citations (both full and in-text) are in standard APA formatting, both within the body of the paper and in a clear and corresponding full citation on the references page.
2.5 to >2.0 pts
Exemplary (10%)
Meets all guidelines with no errors.
2 to >1.5 pts
Accomplished (8%)
Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors.
1.5 to >0.5 pts
Acceptable (6%)
Meets some of the guidelines; contains major errors.
0.5 to >0.0 pts
Inadequate (2%)
Does not meet the guidelines
0 pts
No Submission
2.5 pts
This criterion is linked to Learning Outcome Formatting (10%)
Submission is in standard APA formatting (Times New Roman, 12 pt font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins).
2.5 to >2.0 pts
Exemplary (10%)
Meets all guidelines with no errors.
2 to >1.5 pts
Accomplished (8%)
Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors.
1.5 to >0.5 pts
Acceptable (6%)
Meets some of the guidelines, but contains major errors.
0.5 to >0.0 pts
Inadequate (2%)
Does not meet the guidelines
0 pts
No Submission
2.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics (15%)
Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct. Both sentence and paragraph structures conform to current conventions.
3.75 to >2.5 pts
Exemplary (15%)
Meets all guidelines with no errors.
2.5 to >2.0 pts
Accomplished (10%)
Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors.
2 to >1.25 pts
Acceptable (8%)
Meets some of the guidelines; contains major errors.
1.25 to >0.0 pts
Inadequate (5%)
Does not meet the guidelines
0 pts
No Submission
3.75 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Structure and Organization (10%)
Essay meets minimum length as assigned.

Learner utilizes each topic point as a new paragraph and includes support.

Work shows the logical flow from one topic to the next; transitions are used.
2.5 to >2.0 pts
Exemplary (10%)
Meets all guidelines with no errors.
2 to >1.5 pts
Accomplished (8%)
Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors.
1.5 to >0.5 pts
Acceptable (6%)
Meets some of the guidelines, but contains major errors.
0.5 to >0.0 pts
Inadequate (2%)
Does not meet the guidelines
0 pts
No Submission
2.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Introduction and Conclusion (25%)
The introduction “hooks” the reader, orients the reader to the purpose of the essay, states a thesis, and provides an overview of the main points to be covered.

The conclusion reiterates the purpose of the essay, restates the thesis, recaps the main points covered in the essay, and concludes without presenting new information.
6.25 to >5.0 pts
Exemplary (25%)
Meets all guidelines with no errors.
5 to >3.75 pts
Accomplished (20%)
Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors.
3.75 to >2.5 pts
Acceptable (15%)
Meets some of the guidelines; contains major errors.
2.5 to >0.0 pts
Inadequate (10%)
Does not meet the guidelines
0 pts
No Submission
6.25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody (30%)
The essay has the assigned amount of main points, presented as complete paragraphs.

Paragraphs present a topic, provide an explanation of the topic, present credible evidence (through case studies, statistics, documentary evidence, academic books or journal articles, etc.) and consider the strengths and weaknesses of that evidence. Paragraphs provide a direct link to the purpose of the essay and make clear how the main point relates to the overall thesis.
7.5 to >6.25 pts
Exemplary (30%)
Meets all guidelines with no errors.
6.25 to >5.0 pts
Accomplished (25%)
Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors.
5 to >2.5 pts
Acceptable (20%)
Meets some of the guidelines; contains major errors.
2.5 to >0.0 pts
Inadequate (10%)
Does not meet the guidelines
0 pts
No Submission
7.5 pts
Total Points: 25

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