Unit Title: Effective Communication: Mastering the Art of Speech

Grade Level: High School

Subject: Speech

Understanding by Design Framework:

Stage 1: Desired Results

1.1 Enduring Understanding: Effective communication skills are essential for success in various personal, academic, and professional contexts.

1.2 Essential Questions: - How can effective communication skills be developed and refined? - How does effective speech impact personal and professional relationships? - How can speech be used as a tool for positive change?

1.3 Nebraska State Standards: - NE.LA 12.1.1: Students will develop and apply effective communication skills through speaking and active listening. - NE.LA 12.1.2: Students will analyze and evaluate various forms of communication for their effectiveness. - NE.LA 12.1.3: Students will demonstrate effective communication skills in various personal, academic, and professional contexts.

Stage 2: Assessment Evidence

2.1 Performance Tasks: - Task 1: Persuasive Speech: Students will research and deliver a persuasive speech on a topic of their choice, demonstrating effective use of rhetorical devices, evidence, and logical reasoning. - Task 2: Informative Speech: Students will research and deliver an informative speech on a topic related to their academic interests, demonstrating effective organization, clarity, and use of visual aids. - Task 3: Group Debate: Students will participate in a structured debate on a controversial topic, demonstrating effective argumentation, rebuttal, and active listening skills.

2.2 Other Evidence: - Class discussions and reflections on the impact of effective speech in personal, academic, and professional contexts. - Peer evaluations and feedback on speech delivery and content. - Self-assessments and reflections on personal growth in communication skills.

Stage 3: Learning Plan

3.1 Learning Activities:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Effective Communication - Engage students in a class discussion on the importance of effective communication skills. - Introduce essential questions and enduring understanding. - Provide examples of effective and ineffective speeches for analysis and evaluation.

Lesson 2: Elements of Persuasive Speeches - Teach students about the elements of persuasive speeches (e.g., ethos, pathos, logos). - Analyze and evaluate famous persuasive speeches. - Model and practice persuasive speech techniques through small group activities.

Lesson 3: Research and Topic Selection - Guide students in selecting a persuasive speech topic aligned with their interests. - Teach research skills and credible source evaluation. - Provide time for students to conduct research and gather evidence.

Lesson 4: Organizing and Outlining Persuasive Speeches - Teach students various organizational structures for persuasive speeches. - Guide students in creating an outline for their persuasive speech. - Provide feedback and support during the outlining process.

Lesson 5: Delivery Skills and Rehearsals - Teach effective delivery skills (e.g., eye contact, vocal variety, body language). - Provide opportunities for students to practice and receive peer feedback. - Encourage self-reflection and improvement in speech delivery.

Lesson 6: Informative Speeches - Introduce the purpose and structure of informative speeches. - Guide students in selecting an academic interest-related topic. - Teach effective use of visual aids and organization in informative speeches.

Lesson 7: Group Debate Preparation - Teach students the rules and structure of a formal debate. - Assign controversial topics and divide students into debate teams. - Provide time for research, argumentation practice, and rebuttal strategies.

Lesson 8: Group Debate Presentations - Facilitate structured debates among student teams. - Encourage active listening and respectful engagement. - Provide feedback and debrief on the debate experience.

Lesson 9: Reflection and Growth - Engage students in a reflective discussion on their growth in communication skills. - Encourage students to identify areas of improvement and set personal goals. - Provide resources and strategies for continued development beyond the unit.

By following this unit plan, students will develop and apply effective communication skills through engaging in various speech activities aligned with Nebraska State Standards.