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.