Touchstone 1

Think about a special occasion speech that you would like to present on a topic of your choice.

The speech can be for any context and any length, but the purpose must be to commemorate an occasion. See the list of example occasions for inspiration.

Download and answer each question in the Unit 1 Touchstone Template based on the speech you are thinking of: Touchstone1Template (attached below)

Consider your audience, purpose, and thesis. Answer each of the questions related to audience, purpose, and thesis. Answer in detail, using complete sentences.

Review the rubric to ensure that you understand how you will be evaluated. Contact a Sophia learning coach with any questions.

Review the checklist and requirements to ensure that your Touchstone is complete.

Submit your completed Unit 1 Touchstone Template on Sophia.

Example Speech Occasions

Personal

• Speech at a graduation
• Toast at a wedding or other party
• Eulogy at a funeral

Academic

• Presenting an award for academic work (paper, research, report)
• Accepting an award for original creative work

Community

• Speech at a community gathering (PTA meeting, boy/girl scout convention, town hall, homeowner’s association, athletic league, school board meeting, etc.)

Business

• Celebrating staff at a company retreat
• Sharing a professional milestone

Submission checklist

_ I have completed all aspects of the template.
_ I have answered each question using complete sentences.
_ My answers demonstrate thoughtful consideration of each question.
_ I have adhered to all of the length and formatting requirements.
_ I have read through the rubric and I understand how my Touchstone will be evaluated.

Requirements

Answer each question with 1 to 3 complete sentences

Your responses should be 300 to 500 words in total

All writing must be appropriate for an academic context

Follow academic writing conventions (correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting)

Composition must be original and written for this assignment; plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited

Use a readable 12-point font, double-spaced with 1-inch margins

Submission should include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition

Submit a single file only, including the answers to all questions

Acceptable file formats include and x.

Name:
Date:

Public Speaking Touchstone 1 Template

Complete the following template, including all parts. Fill out all cells using complete sentences, aiming for one to three complete sentences for each cell of the template.

Audience

A1.	What is the correct context for the speech? Where and when will it be given?
A2.	Who is the audience and what are their characteristics?
A3.	Why has the audience come to hear the speech?
A4.	What are the interests of the audience?
A5.	What does the audience know about your topic?
A6.	What is the audience’s point of view on the topic?
A7.	How will the audience likely react to your speech?

Purpose

P1.	What do you want your audience to know?
P2.	What do you want your audience to think?
P3.	What do you want your audience to feel?
P4.	What do you want your audience to do?

Thesis

T1.	What is the most important message of your speech?
T2.	Why should/will your audience care about your message?

Reflection

R1.	Are your audience, purpose and thesis aligned? Why or why not?
R2.	What did you learn from this experience?