Speech 1: Propositions of Fact, Value, or Policy – Speech Preparation and Rubric

Types of Propositions in Argumentative Speech

• In argumentative speaking, claims are not all the same; they can be about what is true (Fact), what is good or bad (Value), or what should be done (Policy).

• This guide summarizes how to prepare a 5–6 minute argumentative speech grounded in one proposition type, including structure, delivery, sources, and evaluation.

Proposition Types (choose one)

• Fact: A claim about what is or is not true.

  • Examples:

  • Climate change is primarily caused by human activity.

  • Standardized testing does not accurately measure student learning.

• Value: A claim about worth, morality, or importance.

  • Examples:

  • Social media does more harm than good.

  • College education is overrated in today’s job market.

• Policy: A claim about what action should be taken.

  • Examples:

  • The U.S. should eliminate the penny.

  • Colleges should adopt a four-day school week.

Requirements (for main propositional argument)

• Clear Proposition: State the fact, value, or policy claim in your introduction.

• Support: Use at least 4 credible sources (academic/scholarly) for your main argument.

• Counterargument: Address at least one opposing viewpoint and explain why your side is stronger.

• Total sources: You must cite a total of 5 sources.

Structure and Delivery

• Introduction: Include an attention-getter, a preview, and a thesis; establish why the topic matters; demonstrate credibility.

• Body (main points): Logically ordered 2–4 main points; clear transitions; strict delineation between points; identify and address a counterargument.

• Conclusion: Review main points, restate thesis, end with a strong closing takeaway.

• Delivery: Speak with confidence, clarity, and conviction.

• Visual aid: You must have a visual aid (PowerPoint/Prezi/Canva); about 3 \le n \le 6 slides; slides should contain minimal words and include images/graphs/charts.

• Typed Outline: A typed outline with complete sentences for the whole speech; at least 3+ pages; follows a clear outlining structure with letters/numbers; includes intro, body, and conclusion.

• Template suggestion: Word/Google Docs outlining templates are recommended to organize intro, body, and conclusion.

• Timing: The speech should be between 5 \le t \le 6 minutes; you will be deducted 1 point for every 15 seconds outside this window. It is highly recommended to practice timing multiple times in front of others.

• Practice guidance: Practice timing and delivery in front of others to ensure preparedness.

Evaluation Criteria (from rubric)

• Strength and clarity of proposition and the quality/credibility of evidence.

• Organization and logical reasoning; engagement with counterarguments.

• Delivery effectiveness (both verbal and nonverbal).

Rubric Overview (Page 3)

• Verbal Communication (20 points):

  • Pronunciation is fluent, with no vocalized pauses (e.g., um, like, uh).

  • Language choices are appropriate for a persuasive speech.

  • Word choice is clear and unambiguous.

  • Speaker uses effective word choice to persuade the audience.

  • Speaker uses a respectful tone and verbiage.

• Nonverbal Communication (15 points):

  • Volume is appropriate to the classroom.

  • Pitch and rate are conversational yet professional.

  • Gestures are clear, appropriate, and enhance the speech.

  • Gestures do not detract from the speech.

  • Speaker makes effective eye contact with the audience.

  • Posture is confident and not distracting.

  • Speaker uses visual aid appropriately and effectively.

• Introduction (10 points):

  • The attention-getter is relevant and memorable.

  • The introduction is clear, concise, and includes a preview.

  • The speaker states why the topic is important to the audience.

  • The speaker demonstrates credibility.

• Body (30 points):

  • Explains why the audience should know about the topic.

  • Describes the topic thoroughly and clearly.

  • Body has clear organization of main points.

  • Clear delineation between points with transitions.

  • Clearly identifies a counterargument and addresses it effectively.

  • Arguments are well-reasoned and clearly explained with strong evidence.

  • Scholarly sources are orally cited.

• Effective Conclusion (10 points):

  • The speaker clearly summarizes main points.

  • The conclusion gives the audience a reason to remember.

  • A clear take-away is provided.

• Preparation (15 points):

  • Speaker seems familiar with the material and did not simply read notes.

  • Presentation is delivered within the allotted time limit.

  • Visual aid is used effectively.

  • The speaker is a good audience member for others.

• Time and Scoring: Time is tracked; final score is out of 100.

• Time Reference: Time field appears as: Time: _ Score: _/100.

Time and Timing Details (formulas and ranges)

• Time requirement range: 5 \le t \le 6\text{ minutes}.

• If outside the range, penalties apply as described in the rubric:

  • Let T be total speech time in seconds. If 300 \le T \le 360, penalty P(T) = 0.

  • If T < 300, penalty P(T) = \left\lceil \frac{300 - T}{15} \right\rceil.

  • If T > 360, penalty P(T) = \left\lceil \frac{T - 360}{15} \right\rceil.

• Penalties are 1 point per 15-second interval outside the target window.

Additional Considerations (from the transcript)

• Emphasize audience adaptation and credibility building in the introduction.

• Address counterarguments explicitly and explain why your position is stronger.

• Use credible, scholarly sources and cite them orally during the presentation (even with visual aids).

• The content should align with the chosen proposition type (Fact, Value, or Policy) and stay consistent throughout the speech.

• The outline must be in complete sentences for the entire speech when presented in the typed outline.

• The use of visuals should reinforce points without encouraging reading from slides; slides should be minimal in text and rich in imagery or data visualization.

Examples and Real-World Relevance (from the transcript)

• Fact example: “Climate change is primarily caused by human activity.”

• Fact example: “Standardized testing does not accurately measure student learning.”

• Value example: “Social media does more harm than good.”

• Value example: “College education is overrated in today’s job market.”

• Policy example: “The U.S. should eliminate the penny.”

• Policy example: “Colleges should adopt a four-day school week.”

Practical Tips (in line with the transcript)

• Prepare a typed outline with complete sentences for the entire speech; ensure you have a clear intro, body, and conclusion.

• Practice timing in front of others to improve delivery and confidence.

• Develop 2–4 main points with logical order and transitions between them.

• Include at least 4 scholarly sources in your main argument and total of 5 sources cited.

• Prepare a brief, visually minimal set of slides (3–6 slides) with imagery to support your points.

• Ensure the speech is delivered with clarity, conviction, and appropriate nonverbal communication (eye contact, volume, pace, gestures).

• Include an ethical, philosophical, or practical implications discussion when relevant to the proposition.

Quick Reference Checklist

• [ ] Proposition clearly stated in the introduction.

• [ ] 2–4 main points with logical order and transitions.

• [ ] At least 4 scholarly sources cited orally and to the main argument; total of 5 sources.

• [ ] One or more counterarguments addressed.

• [ ] Visual aid with 3 \le n \le 6 slides; minimal text; relevant imagery.

• [ ] Typed outline of at least 3 pages with complete sentences.

• [ ] Speech length within 5 \le t \le 6 minutes; apply penalties if outside range using the formula above.

• [ ] Delivery demonstrates strong verbal and nonverbal skills per rubric.

• [ ] Conclusion includes a memorable take-away.

This guide outlines the preparation of a 5\text{-} to 6\text{-} minute argumentative speech, focusing on one of three proposition types: Fact, Value, or Policy. The speech requires a clear proposition, support from at least 4 scholarly sources for the main argument (total 5 sources), and a robust counterargument.

Proposition Types

• Fact: Claims about truth (e.g., climate change causes).

• Value: Claims about worth/morality (e.g., social media's impact).

• Policy: Claims about action (e.g., eliminating the penny).

Structure and Delivery

• Introduction: Attention-getter, preview, thesis, topic importance, credibility.

• Body: 2 ext{-} 4 logically ordered main points, clear transitions, addressed counterargument.

• Conclusion: Review, restate thesis, strong takeaway.

• Delivery: Clear, confident, convincing.

• Visual Aid: 3\le n\le 6 slides (minimal text, images/graphs) using PowerPoint/Prezi/Canva.

• Typed Outline: 3+ pages, complete sentences, clear structure.

• Timing: 5 \le t \le 6 minutes, with a 1-point penalty for every 15 seconds outside this window.

  • Over time penalty: P(T) = \left\lceil \frac{T - 360}{15} \right\rceil

  • Under time penalty: P(T) = \left\lceil \frac{300 - T}{15} \right\rceil

Evaluation and Practical Tips

Evaluation criteria cover proposition strength, evidence quality, organization, reasoning, counterargument engagement, and effective verbal/nonverbal delivery. Practice is key for timing, confidence, and adherence to the 100-point rubric. Ensure oral citation of scholarly sources and an ethical/philosophical discussion when relevant.