Complaint Speech
Complaint Speech (pet peeve or everyday nuisances)
Time Limit: 2-4 minutes Outline: Standard format as described in lecture and text. Sample outline included below. Why we are doing this:
This is a bridge from narrative to informative speaking where we use the entire speech preparation process but without the need for external research. In narrative speeches we simply relate a personal incident in the natural order of events as they occurred. We now move to another form of personal expression (complaining!) that is just as natural as storytelling, but requires a bit more analysis and preparation. We will be applying the basics of organization, outlining, introductions, conclusions, transitions, and support while continuing to practice delivery and audience adaptation. This is also an opportunity to experiment with visual aids.
Guidelines: Topic/Purpose: The tone/motivation should be a kind of “frustrated but able to laugh about it” (like comedians when they vent). This is not about a heavy, serious issue; it is about something that annoys you on an everyday level. This should be a type of experience anyone can understand and/or relate to. For instance: • Gum litter (under desks, on sidewalks, etc). • Nasty public bathrooms • Bratty siblings • Whiny celebrities • Rude drivers • Boring teachers (but NOT Mr. Steve, of course...) • Awkward dates • Commercials/advertising Some examples from my own experience: a) Dog-phobia; b) Bad technical support for computer products; c) Bay Area traffic. Thesis: Your central idea should be a concise statement that declares the essence of your complaint. Here are three different examples for three different topics: - Topic: Dogphobia. Thesis: Californians are way too paranoid about dogs in public places. - Topic: Bad Tech Support: Thesis: Technical support for computer products is too inefficient. - Topic: Bay Area Traffic. Thesis: Traffic in the Bay Area is destroying our quality of life. Organization: You should have 2 or 3
Time Limit: 2-4 minutes Outline: Standard format as described in lecture and text. Sample outline included below. Why we are doing this:
This is a bridge from narrative to informative speaking where we use the entire speech preparation process but without the need for external research. In narrative speeches we simply relate a personal incident in the natural order of events as they occurred. We now move to another form of personal expression (complaining!) that is just as natural as storytelling, but requires a bit more analysis and preparation. We will be applying the basics of organization, outlining, introductions, conclusions, transitions, and support while continuing to practice delivery and audience adaptation. This is also an opportunity to experiment with visual aids.
Guidelines: Topic/Purpose: The tone/motivation should be a kind of “frustrated but able to laugh about it” (like comedians when they vent). This is not about a heavy, serious issue; it is about something that annoys you on an everyday level. This should be a type of experience anyone can understand and/or relate to. For instance: • Gum litter (under desks, on sidewalks, etc). • Nasty public bathrooms • Bratty siblings • Whiny celebrities • Rude drivers • Boring teachers (but NOT Mr. Steve, of course...) • Awkward dates • Commercials/advertising Some examples from my own experience: a) Dog-phobia; b) Bad technical support for computer products; c) Bay Area traffic. Thesis: Your central idea should be a concise statement that declares the essence of your complaint. Here are three different examples for three different topics: - Topic: Dogphobia. Thesis: Californians are way too paranoid about dogs in public places. - Topic: Bad Tech Support: Thesis: Technical support for computer products is too inefficient. - Topic: Bay Area Traffic. Thesis: Traffic in the Bay Area is destroying our quality of life. Organization: You should have 2 or 3