Notes on Speeches and Rhetoric

Introduction
  • Start of the class and gathering of students.
  • Opening prayer: In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Classroom environment is informal, encouraging participation.
Poem Recitation
  • Students are encouraged to recite poems. (Example: Sofia's poem).
  • Teacher provides feedback on the recitation length (105 lines).
Preparation for Speeches
  • Emphasis on preparing for speeches for an audience from the students' old high school.
  • Encouragement to use personal experiences to relate.
  • Each speech should be 4-5 minutes long, approximately 2-2.5 double-spaced pages.
    • Mention of using note cards allowed for practice.
  • Instruction to write down chosen major at the top of the page and a text for a reference.
  • Setting the tone and context for speeches with audience in mind.
Model Speech Analysis
  • Introduction of model speeches, starting with Edith Sampson's speech from 1965.
  • Analyzing effective rhetorical moves made by Edith Sampson to create engagement.
  • Emphasis on the unexpected elements in speeches.
  • Discussion on the nature of choice and personal growth based on the audience’s situation.
Key Rhetorical Moves
  • Irony as a significant rhetorical technique used in speeches.
  • Setting expectations for what a graduation speech should sound like, then deviating from it.
  • Following the emotion-filled, relatable experiences of the audience.
David Foster Wallace's "This is Water"
  • Shift to David Foster Wallace's iconic speech, highlighting his contributions to literature and personal struggles.
  • Opening metaphor: Two fish discussing water - illustrating the unseen realities in life.
  • Rejection of the typical role of a speaker as a 'wise older fish'.
  • Importance of awareness and recognizing the most vital realities of life.
Main Themes in Wallace's Speech
  • The distinction between the ability to think and the choice of what to think about.
  • Stories used to illustrate profound truths about daily life and awareness.
  • The struggle against self-centeredness in perceptions and experiences.
  • Exploring the significance of everyday frustrations in life (e.g., grocery shopping scenarios).
    • Examples of how choices in thought impact our everyday experiences.
The Importance of Choices in Thinking
  • Advocates for the conscious selection of thoughts and how individuals perceive situations.
  • Challenges the notion of default settings: choosing how to interpret events based on awareness is vital.
  • Encouragement to recognize the depths of human experience in routine situations.
Critical Takeaway Messages
  • No true atheism: everyone worships something; importance of what to prioritize in life.
  • Avoiding unconscious living and the automation of life; recognizing choices in thoughts leads to freedom.
  • The education journey is ongoing; learning to be aware is the essence of true education.
Conclusion
  • Summary of the necessity of rhetoric in creating persuasive speeches and personal connections.
  • Importance of recognizing structures and unexpected elements in one's own stories to share with the audience.