Discussion 1: Your supervisor recently announced that you and a colleague, Bruce, will have an opportunity to meet with the company’s CEO in 2 hours and deliver a presentation on your team’s current

Discussion 1:

Your supervisor recently announced that you and a colleague, Bruce, will have an opportunity to meet with the company’s CEO in 2 hours and deliver a presentation on your team’s current project. Due to the short notice, Bruce believes your presentation should be an impromptu speech (delivered without notes or plan); however, you disagree with him. Under these circumstances, which type of speech do you believe you and Bruce should deliver? Choose one of the options below and share the justification you would use to persuade Bruce.

A. Extemporaneous speech (carefully prepared and rehearsed)

B. Manuscript speech (written out word for word and read to audience)

Discussion 2:

You recently read an article that highlights the benefits of a 4-day work week. You intend to persuade your company’s CEO that this is a viable option for the company. Which one of the following appeals would you focus on in order to convince your CEO that a 4-day work week is beneficial? Choose one of the following appeals and explain why you feel this appeal will best assist you in convincing your company’s CEO.

1. Ethos - character or disposition (credibility)
2. Logos - logical (reasoning and evidence)
3. Pathos - emotional

Discussion #3:

Over the weekend, you attended a co-worker’s birthday party. During the birthday celebration, your co-worker delivered the speech below. Which one of the aspects of the speech most appealed to you? Provide a thorough explanation for your choice.

1. Introduction and conclusion
2. Use of direct quotes

I would like to first start by thanking my family, friends, and colleagues who have honored me with your presence today. Over the years, I have learned that there is not a specific formula for a long and prosperous life. However, I will share of few of the principles I live by and have found valuable.

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." Winston S. Churchill

“To be gritty is to keep putting one foot in front of the other. To be gritty is to hold fast to an interesting and purposeful goal. To be gritty is to invest, day after week after year, in challenging practice. To be gritty is to fall down seven times, and rise eight.” Angela Lee Duckworth

“Always be nice to the people you meet on your way up in life as you may meet them again on the way down.” Jimmy Durante

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it!” Yogi Berra

I hope these words of wisdom help you create lives filled with peace, love, and joy. Thank you all for coming to celebrate my special day, and I look forward to our next celebration!

Discussion #5:

Reflect on your previous speeches and self-reviews and consider your growth in effective speaking skills. In which one of the areas do you feel as if you experienced the most growth? Provide specific ways in which you improved in this criteria.

1. Introduction (gained audience’s attention)
2. Conclusion (reinforced central idea)
3. Strong eye contact and expressive voice