Mandatory Speeches and Projects

Mandatory Speeches: There are four mandatory speeches that you must complete. Each is due at various times throughout the semester and their due dates should be kept in mind as you go through this job. They are:

• Me In 30 (30 seconds)
  • This speech will be your starting point to get us familiar with speaking, and will allow your employers to gauge where you are in the beginning of the semester.
  • Prepare a 30-second elevator speech. Imagine you had only 30 seconds to sell yourself to a future employer: What would you say? How would you say it? Presents yourself in the best possible way.

• TED Talk (9-11 minutes)
  • You will prepare a speech on any topic. Your purpose can be to inform, persuade, or entertain. A corresponding presentation (PowerPoint, Prezi, etc.) is required as a visual aid to your presentation.
  • This speech is the capstone assignment. Sufficient and significant time and preparation should go into this speech, as it is your final chance to show your employers all you have learned and how you have improved.

• Debate (30 minutes )
  • This assignment will allow your employers to see how you form an argument. You will be put into groups, given a topic, and will debate against a counter opinion. A jury will choose the winners. It is a lot like the Hunger Games.
  • Prepare an opening argument, rebuttal, and closing argument. A  visual aid is required to enhance your argument.

• Interview (15 minutes)
  • As you go off to different employment, we want to send you off knowing how to be interviewed. This will be done through hirevue at a time that is most convenient for you.
• Stand Alone (1:30-2:30 minutes)
  • Being good at professional presentations means more than just being able to speak smoothly and easily; a big part of presenting something is the mood you set, the overall feeling that comes with it, and how well your message is represented throughout your entire presentation.
  • You will create an entire slideshow or picture show. You may use written words. You may use music. You may use video.  But you cannot speak.