Length: 2 -3 pages, double spaced
Due: Weds. March 16, at 8am the day of the final exam
You were provided a group presentation paper to critique. In this paper you will refute the claims made by another group using either fallacies, weaknesses, and/ or refute their argument by presenting your own claim. In this paper you are given a loose guideline to follow so that you can demonstrate the skills you have learned in class - will you choose to identify fallacies? will you identify fallacies and explore weaknesses?
The paper must be in essay format (intro, body, conclusion) In the intro you should provide me with a summary of the paper so I first and foremost know what paper you are refuting and in the conclusion I would like to have you include your opinion on the piece (was it effective despite teh flaws?)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Critique # 1
Commercial Critique - how fun!
Pick any commercial from the past three years (no later) and apply some of the concepts we have discussed in class. Look at Monroe's Motivated Sequence and illustrate how the commercial does or does not fulfill each stage. Remember when you created a commercial in groups? You had to gain attention, establish a need, provide a solution for that need, create satisfaction, visualize the outcome of your solution and call the audience to action. You can identify each of these steps in the commercial, if the commercial lacks a step determine why or why not it negatively effects the message or provide an idea that they could have used to fulfill said step. You may also chose to apply Toulmin's model to the commercial and determine the claim/ground/warrant/etc.
Aside from analyzing the artifact using concepts discussed in class, you must also include a brief description of the commercial (this should be your introduction) and lastly, include your personal opinion on the commercial (this should be your conclusion), was it effective? yes or no, why or why not? How would you change it? Did you think it included fallacies? Do you think it was discriminatory? and so on.
An A paper will look beyond what they want you to see and see what others overlook - LOOK there!
The paper will be 2 - 3 pages double spaced, 12 point font, 1" margins, MLA or APA format for citations.
Due on Wednesday , Feb. 23 at Midnight emailed to: Stamayo@calstatela.edu NO late papers
If you have questions - email me.
Pick any commercial from the past three years (no later) and apply some of the concepts we have discussed in class. Look at Monroe's Motivated Sequence and illustrate how the commercial does or does not fulfill each stage. Remember when you created a commercial in groups? You had to gain attention, establish a need, provide a solution for that need, create satisfaction, visualize the outcome of your solution and call the audience to action. You can identify each of these steps in the commercial, if the commercial lacks a step determine why or why not it negatively effects the message or provide an idea that they could have used to fulfill said step. You may also chose to apply Toulmin's model to the commercial and determine the claim/ground/warrant/etc.
Aside from analyzing the artifact using concepts discussed in class, you must also include a brief description of the commercial (this should be your introduction) and lastly, include your personal opinion on the commercial (this should be your conclusion), was it effective? yes or no, why or why not? How would you change it? Did you think it included fallacies? Do you think it was discriminatory? and so on.
An A paper will look beyond what they want you to see and see what others overlook - LOOK there!
The paper will be 2 - 3 pages double spaced, 12 point font, 1" margins, MLA or APA format for citations.
Due on Wednesday , Feb. 23 at Midnight emailed to: Stamayo@calstatela.edu NO late papers
If you have questions - email me.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
COMM 176 first paper
Paper Length: 3 -4 pages double spaced, 1" margins, ariel or times new roman 12 point font, No cover page, works cited does not count towards the page requirement and is required for informaiton citation, MLA or APA format.
Directions: Last class in groups you decided what controversial topic you would like to pursue. Your groups were divided into two groups (pro vs. con/support vs. opposition) you were then instructed to create 3 - 4 main arguments for which you would construct your paper (ideally there are 3 - 4 people in your group and you can delegate an argument each which should be a typed, double spaced paper page length each, thus your 3 -4 page requirement already met!) Each person is to be responsible for contributing to the paper, however this is a group project so you will be graded as a group.
Next week I will allow you to meet with your group members to go over your arguments. From there, one group member shall volunteer to take all the arguments home and write an intro and a conclusion and tidy up the paper so that it is a cohesive paper - in other words, I do not want 3 - 4 different papers (arguments) turned in to me when the paper is due. Each group should present me with one unifed paper, one unified viewpoint.
Due date: Wednesday, Jan. 26 at the start of class.
You will also be required to orally present your argument to the class and participate in a small debate with the opposition.
Directions: Last class in groups you decided what controversial topic you would like to pursue. Your groups were divided into two groups (pro vs. con/support vs. opposition) you were then instructed to create 3 - 4 main arguments for which you would construct your paper (ideally there are 3 - 4 people in your group and you can delegate an argument each which should be a typed, double spaced paper page length each, thus your 3 -4 page requirement already met!) Each person is to be responsible for contributing to the paper, however this is a group project so you will be graded as a group.
Next week I will allow you to meet with your group members to go over your arguments. From there, one group member shall volunteer to take all the arguments home and write an intro and a conclusion and tidy up the paper so that it is a cohesive paper - in other words, I do not want 3 - 4 different papers (arguments) turned in to me when the paper is due. Each group should present me with one unifed paper, one unified viewpoint.
Due date: Wednesday, Jan. 26 at the start of class.
You will also be required to orally present your argument to the class and participate in a small debate with the opposition.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Chapter 1
Benefits of public speaking (3)
Credibility (term)
Dynamism (term)
Common ground (term)
4 steps of listening critically (from discussion not book)
4 major listening goals (from discussion)
Comm. Models (3) (from discussion)
Channel (term)
Noise (term)
Feedback (term)
Communication (term) (according to the text)
Chapter 2
Canons of rhetoric
Chapter 3
Ways to generate speech topics (5)
General purposes (3)
Specific purposes (term)
Thesis statement (term)
3 things to consider when choosing a topic
Chapter 4
Audience analysis (term)
Demographics (term)
Worldview (term)
Ways to gather information about the audience (4)
Open vs. Closed ended questions
Degree questions
Audience adaptation (term)
Chapter 6
Organizational patterns (6)
Monroe's motivated sequence elements
Law of recency (from discussion)
Primacy (from discussion)
Transistions (3)
Purpose of introductions
Functions of conclusions
Chapter 7
Extemporaneous delivery
Memorized
Manuscript
Impromptu
*Review graph on pg.162
Appx. A
Small group communication (term)
Questions of fact, value, and policy
Problem vs. solution Questions
Absolute and important criteriaTypes of group presentations
Post Midterm:
Bibliographic & Internal refrences P.114
Oral Citations P. 114
(2) types of examples P. 117
Survey, Testimony, Stats, etc. P. 117 - 121
Boolean Search
Time sequence - monroe's motivated sequence P. 133 - 139
Dennotative vs. Conotative P. 184
Visual aids P. 204 - 209; 212- 215
Types of Persuasive speeches P. 250 - 251
Fact/Value/policy P. 254
Hierarchy of needs P. 258
Fallacies P. 261
Special occasion P. 276 - 281
Benefits of public speaking (3)
Credibility (term)
Dynamism (term)
Common ground (term)
4 steps of listening critically (from discussion not book)
4 major listening goals (from discussion)
Comm. Models (3) (from discussion)
Channel (term)
Noise (term)
Feedback (term)
Communication (term) (according to the text)
Chapter 2
Canons of rhetoric
Chapter 3
Ways to generate speech topics (5)
General purposes (3)
Specific purposes (term)
Thesis statement (term)
3 things to consider when choosing a topic
Chapter 4
Audience analysis (term)
Demographics (term)
Worldview (term)
Ways to gather information about the audience (4)
Open vs. Closed ended questions
Degree questions
Audience adaptation (term)
Chapter 6
Organizational patterns (6)
Monroe's motivated sequence elements
Law of recency (from discussion)
Primacy (from discussion)
Transistions (3)
Purpose of introductions
Functions of conclusions
Chapter 7
Extemporaneous delivery
Memorized
Manuscript
Impromptu
*Review graph on pg.162
Appx. A
Small group communication (term)
Questions of fact, value, and policy
Problem vs. solution Questions
Absolute and important criteriaTypes of group presentations
Post Midterm:
Bibliographic & Internal refrences P.114
Oral Citations P. 114
(2) types of examples P. 117
Survey, Testimony, Stats, etc. P. 117 - 121
Boolean Search
Time sequence - monroe's motivated sequence P. 133 - 139
Dennotative vs. Conotative P. 184
Visual aids P. 204 - 209; 212- 215
Types of Persuasive speeches P. 250 - 251
Fact/Value/policy P. 254
Hierarchy of needs P. 258
Fallacies P. 261
Special occasion P. 276 - 281
Thursday, August 6, 2009
FOCUS PAPER ASSIGNMENT
Focus Paper
DUE: On the final exam day
5 -7 pages. Refer to your syllabus for format guidelines.
Directions: Using the knowledge you have gained throughout this course about the characteristics of an effective speaker and speech, analyze any speech from the 2008 Presidential Election.
1.) Choose a speech (Avoid debates as they are not fully formed speeches and instead look for speeches with an introduction, body and conclusion. The speech can be from anyone; Obama or McCain, Palin or Biden, or even Oprah or Paris Hilton as long as it is related to the 2008 Presidential election and fulfills the requirements of this paper.)
2.) Watch the speech and/or read the transcript
3.) Summarize the speech in YOUR OWN WORDS (*Remember, turnitin.com catches plagiarism)
4.) Take a stance on the effectiveness of the speaker and/or the speech (good papers will analyze not only the content and format of the message, but will also analyze the speaker’s style; nonverbals (gestures, vocal quality, pitch, tone) of the source. *Remember – written language is different than oral language, a speech that looks good on paper may or may not translate well verbally, depending on the speaker’s delivery.
5.) Support your opinion with an analysis of the speech. (*Remember to narrow your paper – you are NOT expected to cite examples of past presidential speeches or even past speeches from the same speaker to compare or contrast. You must focus only on this specific speech.) In the analysis section of your paper you are expected to incorporate all of the information you have gained throughout this course about how to be a successful public speaker and how to create effective speeches to support your central idea (opinion). In other words, was the introduction effective? Why or why not? What technique did he/she use, if any, to open the speech? Was a preview included? What kind of transitions? Which organizational technique did the speaker employ? Was there noise? Was there soft or hard evidence? Were there visual aids? Was the speech cohesive? Did the speaker think about the audience, occasion and themselves? Was there a summary in the conclusion? Closure? (These are just a few questions you can ask to help you with your analysis of the speech, but there are many, many more. Think of the discussion we had on the 3 YouTube videos, what elements of the speech were talked about? Also, look at critique forms from your past speeches to get ideas of analysis. The analysis section is mainly made up of your opinion but you are required not simply to state your opinion but to support your opinion (for instance do not merely say, “Palin’s nonverbals enticed the audience.” Provide specific examples form the speech such as, “Palin’s nonverbals enticed the audience. She looked directly at the camera and winked more than 3 times throughout her 7 min. speech. This was a good technique because winking can be viewed as a sign of …..”)
6.) Research other opinions on the speech (they can either support or oppose your central idea.)
Format of the paper: The paper MUST be divided into these 5 parts (each part should be titled as to signify each section.)
1.) Introduction (approximately ½ page)
· Must contain thesis / central idea
2.) Summary (Approximately 1 page)
· Answer who, what, when, where, why?
· Do not include analysis in this section. Simply summarize the speech (just as you would tell someone about a movie you have seen. Chronological organization.)
3.) Literature Review (approximately 1 – 1½ pages)
· AT LEAST 5 SOURCES are required
· Research credible opinions of the speech (they can either support or oppose your position) and summarize them in this section. In other words, what other opinions on this speech are out there? Who said what? MLA / APA format as always.
4.) Analysis (approximately 2 – 3½ pages) * * * Most important part of paper!
5.) Conclusion (approximately ½ page)
* A Works Cited/ Bibliography page is required. MLA/APA format (NOT included in 5 -7 pg. requirement.) A separate cover page is not required.
DUE: On the final exam day
5 -7 pages. Refer to your syllabus for format guidelines.
Directions: Using the knowledge you have gained throughout this course about the characteristics of an effective speaker and speech, analyze any speech from the 2008 Presidential Election.
1.) Choose a speech (Avoid debates as they are not fully formed speeches and instead look for speeches with an introduction, body and conclusion. The speech can be from anyone; Obama or McCain, Palin or Biden, or even Oprah or Paris Hilton as long as it is related to the 2008 Presidential election and fulfills the requirements of this paper.)
2.) Watch the speech and/or read the transcript
3.) Summarize the speech in YOUR OWN WORDS (*Remember, turnitin.com catches plagiarism)
4.) Take a stance on the effectiveness of the speaker and/or the speech (good papers will analyze not only the content and format of the message, but will also analyze the speaker’s style; nonverbals (gestures, vocal quality, pitch, tone) of the source. *Remember – written language is different than oral language, a speech that looks good on paper may or may not translate well verbally, depending on the speaker’s delivery.
5.) Support your opinion with an analysis of the speech. (*Remember to narrow your paper – you are NOT expected to cite examples of past presidential speeches or even past speeches from the same speaker to compare or contrast. You must focus only on this specific speech.) In the analysis section of your paper you are expected to incorporate all of the information you have gained throughout this course about how to be a successful public speaker and how to create effective speeches to support your central idea (opinion). In other words, was the introduction effective? Why or why not? What technique did he/she use, if any, to open the speech? Was a preview included? What kind of transitions? Which organizational technique did the speaker employ? Was there noise? Was there soft or hard evidence? Were there visual aids? Was the speech cohesive? Did the speaker think about the audience, occasion and themselves? Was there a summary in the conclusion? Closure? (These are just a few questions you can ask to help you with your analysis of the speech, but there are many, many more. Think of the discussion we had on the 3 YouTube videos, what elements of the speech were talked about? Also, look at critique forms from your past speeches to get ideas of analysis. The analysis section is mainly made up of your opinion but you are required not simply to state your opinion but to support your opinion (for instance do not merely say, “Palin’s nonverbals enticed the audience.” Provide specific examples form the speech such as, “Palin’s nonverbals enticed the audience. She looked directly at the camera and winked more than 3 times throughout her 7 min. speech. This was a good technique because winking can be viewed as a sign of …..”)
6.) Research other opinions on the speech (they can either support or oppose your central idea.)
Format of the paper: The paper MUST be divided into these 5 parts (each part should be titled as to signify each section.)
1.) Introduction (approximately ½ page)
· Must contain thesis / central idea
2.) Summary (Approximately 1 page)
· Answer who, what, when, where, why?
· Do not include analysis in this section. Simply summarize the speech (just as you would tell someone about a movie you have seen. Chronological organization.)
3.) Literature Review (approximately 1 – 1½ pages)
· AT LEAST 5 SOURCES are required
· Research credible opinions of the speech (they can either support or oppose your position) and summarize them in this section. In other words, what other opinions on this speech are out there? Who said what? MLA / APA format as always.
4.) Analysis (approximately 2 – 3½ pages) * * * Most important part of paper!
5.) Conclusion (approximately ½ page)
* A Works Cited/ Bibliography page is required. MLA/APA format (NOT included in 5 -7 pg. requirement.) A separate cover page is not required.
Persuasive Speech Assignment
Persuasive Speech Assignment
DUE: Tuesday August 18
Time Limit: 7 - 9 mins.
Purpose: to persuade your audience. Again, you select the topic. This time, keep in mind that you must select a topic about which your audience holds varying beliefs (you need to persuade, this cannot be done if everyone already agrees with you).
Sources: You want your audience to believe you and take your side. You must convince them using CONCRETE EVIDENCE from sources to back up your own opinions. Your opinions are not enough (although both soft and hard evidence is encouraged – soft is not enough), because you may not be an expert. At least 2 credible sources are required. Find sources related to your topic and read them to get supporting material and ideas for building your arguments (you must cite both of them during your speech and have them on your speech outline in MLA or APA format), and to understand opposing viewpoints.
Format: The organization of this speech is similar to the others you have done. Introduction: 1) gain attention; 2) Show relevance to audience 3) build your credibility---why are you speaking on this topic? 4) reveal your central theme/ idea and preview speech. Body: This is where you explain the need/problem, cause, effect, value, fact, or policy (give definitions, examples, illustrations, statistics, testimony, etc.), show how the problem relates to the audience and offer a workable satisfaction/solution. Next, provide the audience with a vision of anticipated outcomes associated with your solution (visualization step). Show the audience how the solution you are proposing has been successful elsewhere, and how it will work in your situation. Challenge the audience to do something within 24 hours (call to action) related to your topic. Conclusion: 1) summarize the main points; 2) provide a memorable ending, something we can't forget because it's so powerful. 3.) Provide closure
This speech must be persuasive (not simply informative). You may use a question of fact, value or policy. The topic must be relevant to us and well adapted (Remember: Audience, occasion and yourself). It should not be too simple or too complex. It must be narrowed (this means that you narrow the topic so that you adequately cover all essential material in the time limit, but also not too narrow that you leave the audience wanting more or/and go under the time limit).Decide upon the most effective organizational pattern based upon your goals and organize your speech accordingly. Use critical thinking skills! The speech must be free of the fallacies of reasoning and unethical persuasive techniques such as, scare tactics.
Visual Aid: 1 visual aid is required for this speech (2 dimensional, 3 dimensional, audiovisual…) Remember not to bring in anything that may negatively affect your credibility or cause too much noise and distract the audience form your message.
Outline: ALL OUTLINES ARE DUE BEFORE YOU PRESENT. NO EXCEPTIONS! Refer to your textbook for sample persuasive speech outlines. As always, outlines must be typed and must include source information in MLA/APA format.
DUE: Tuesday August 18
Time Limit: 7 - 9 mins.
Purpose: to persuade your audience. Again, you select the topic. This time, keep in mind that you must select a topic about which your audience holds varying beliefs (you need to persuade, this cannot be done if everyone already agrees with you).
Sources: You want your audience to believe you and take your side. You must convince them using CONCRETE EVIDENCE from sources to back up your own opinions. Your opinions are not enough (although both soft and hard evidence is encouraged – soft is not enough), because you may not be an expert. At least 2 credible sources are required. Find sources related to your topic and read them to get supporting material and ideas for building your arguments (you must cite both of them during your speech and have them on your speech outline in MLA or APA format), and to understand opposing viewpoints.
Format: The organization of this speech is similar to the others you have done. Introduction: 1) gain attention; 2) Show relevance to audience 3) build your credibility---why are you speaking on this topic? 4) reveal your central theme/ idea and preview speech. Body: This is where you explain the need/problem, cause, effect, value, fact, or policy (give definitions, examples, illustrations, statistics, testimony, etc.), show how the problem relates to the audience and offer a workable satisfaction/solution. Next, provide the audience with a vision of anticipated outcomes associated with your solution (visualization step). Show the audience how the solution you are proposing has been successful elsewhere, and how it will work in your situation. Challenge the audience to do something within 24 hours (call to action) related to your topic. Conclusion: 1) summarize the main points; 2) provide a memorable ending, something we can't forget because it's so powerful. 3.) Provide closure
This speech must be persuasive (not simply informative). You may use a question of fact, value or policy. The topic must be relevant to us and well adapted (Remember: Audience, occasion and yourself). It should not be too simple or too complex. It must be narrowed (this means that you narrow the topic so that you adequately cover all essential material in the time limit, but also not too narrow that you leave the audience wanting more or/and go under the time limit).Decide upon the most effective organizational pattern based upon your goals and organize your speech accordingly. Use critical thinking skills! The speech must be free of the fallacies of reasoning and unethical persuasive techniques such as, scare tactics.
Visual Aid: 1 visual aid is required for this speech (2 dimensional, 3 dimensional, audiovisual…) Remember not to bring in anything that may negatively affect your credibility or cause too much noise and distract the audience form your message.
Outline: ALL OUTLINES ARE DUE BEFORE YOU PRESENT. NO EXCEPTIONS! Refer to your textbook for sample persuasive speech outlines. As always, outlines must be typed and must include source information in MLA/APA format.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sample Informative Speech
Sample Informative Speech Outline
Title: Candlemaking Specific purpose: To inform my audience on how to make candles.
I. Introduction
A. Attention Material: What comes to mind when you see candles? We associate candles with celebrations (like Christmas or birthdays) or special occasions. Candles date back to the Ancient Egyptians who are credited with making the first candles. They used torches made by soaking the spongy core of reeds in melted tallow (National Candle Association: History of Candlemaking, p. 1).
B. Tie to the audience: I’m sure that all of us at some point have used candles for celebrations, romantic experiences, or for just plain decoration. The great part about making your own candles is that they are inexpensive to make and you shape the wax into something special. What could be more special than to make someone you love a homemade gift?
C. Credibility material: Two years ago, I made candles for decoration and also for people to purchase during a medieval Madrigal dinner production that our A Cappella choir put on. I have also made candles since then as a part of my church youth group around the Christmas season.
D. Preview: I will explain three basic things which include how to go about finding the right materials, how to melt the wax, and how to make a molded ice-cube candle.
[Transition: Let’s start by doing the most important thing, which is to find all of the materials, and tools needed to make candles.]
II. Body
A. The first step is to gather the equipment you will need (The Basics and Cool Candlemaking Ideas, p. 1).
1. You will need wax; you can either use old, worn out candles which are obviously free or you can purchase paraffin wax from a craft store.
2. You will need wicks; you can make wicks from heavy, braided cotton string or can purchase wicks from a craft store. I read in Ray Shaw’s book entitled Candle Art that heavy braided cotton string works just as good (Shaw 25-26). I’ve never tried the cotton string but it’s worth a try.
3. You need to set up a double boiler.
a. You can use an actual double boiler
b. You can make your own using a pan and a jar or coffee can.
4. You will need a mold if you are planning on making a molded candle. This can be anything; a milk carton, Dixie cups, tin can, paper towel tube, etc.
5. There are two optional ingredients.
a. You can use crayons of the desired color to color the wa or buy wax dye.b.You can purchase scented oil to make your candles smell wonderful.
[Transition: Once you have all the material that you need, you can move on to melting the wax.]
B. Your second step is to melt the wax (Pioneer Clubs: Trailblazer Handbook, p. 165).
1. Start by placing wax in the double boiler or in a coffee can put in a pan of water.
2. Heat until the water boils.
3. Make sure to turn down the heat, and let the wax melt. Don’t let it boil.
4. Add wax dye, crayons, or scent (if desired) and stir.
[Transition: Now that the wax is melted, you can let your creativity run wild and have fun making candles. You can make just about anything but I’m going to show you how to make a molded ice-cube candle. ]
C. This is how you go about making a molded ice-cube candle (Pioneer Clubs: Trailblazer Handbook, p.166).
1. Cut off the top of a milk carton.2. Place a candle the height of the carton in the center of the carton. This makes an excellent wick.3. Break ice-cubes into chunks
a. Finely crushed ice creates small holes.Large cubes create large openings. b.Fill the mold with crushed ice.c. Quickly pour hot wax into the carton while someone holds the candle straight. d. Pour off the excess water when the wax is completely hardened.
[Transition to conclusion: Now that you know how to make an ice-cube candle, let’s go over what I showed you today.]
III. Conclusion
A. Final Review: So today I showed you how to do three basic things.
1. I showed you how to find the right materials.
2. I showed you how to correctly melt the wax.
3. I showed you how to make an ice-cube candle. The tricky part is keeping the wick in the center of the mold.
B. Tie back to the audience: Today we use candles for almost any kind of occasion or celebration. Candles continue to grow in popularity and we see them just about everywhere. They are really inexpensive to make and a lot of fun!
C. Concluding remarks: So when you try making candles on your own, use your imagination and be very creative. Your candle can be anything you like. Have a great time experimenting and having fun making your own candles to enjoy.
Works Cited:
The Basics and Cool Candlemaking Ideas. [Online] Available http://homepage.interaccess.com/~bmolo/basics.html. National Candle Association: History of Candlemaking. [Online] Available http://www.candles.org/history.htm Pioneer Clubs (1994).
Pioneer Clubs: Trailblazer Handbook. Wheaton, IL: Published byPioneer Clubs Shaw, R. (1973). Candle Art. New York: William Morrow & Company, Inc.
Title: Candlemaking Specific purpose: To inform my audience on how to make candles.
I. Introduction
A. Attention Material: What comes to mind when you see candles? We associate candles with celebrations (like Christmas or birthdays) or special occasions. Candles date back to the Ancient Egyptians who are credited with making the first candles. They used torches made by soaking the spongy core of reeds in melted tallow (National Candle Association: History of Candlemaking, p. 1).
B. Tie to the audience: I’m sure that all of us at some point have used candles for celebrations, romantic experiences, or for just plain decoration. The great part about making your own candles is that they are inexpensive to make and you shape the wax into something special. What could be more special than to make someone you love a homemade gift?
C. Credibility material: Two years ago, I made candles for decoration and also for people to purchase during a medieval Madrigal dinner production that our A Cappella choir put on. I have also made candles since then as a part of my church youth group around the Christmas season.
D. Preview: I will explain three basic things which include how to go about finding the right materials, how to melt the wax, and how to make a molded ice-cube candle.
[Transition: Let’s start by doing the most important thing, which is to find all of the materials, and tools needed to make candles.]
II. Body
A. The first step is to gather the equipment you will need (The Basics and Cool Candlemaking Ideas, p. 1).
1. You will need wax; you can either use old, worn out candles which are obviously free or you can purchase paraffin wax from a craft store.
2. You will need wicks; you can make wicks from heavy, braided cotton string or can purchase wicks from a craft store. I read in Ray Shaw’s book entitled Candle Art that heavy braided cotton string works just as good (Shaw 25-26). I’ve never tried the cotton string but it’s worth a try.
3. You need to set up a double boiler.
a. You can use an actual double boiler
b. You can make your own using a pan and a jar or coffee can.
4. You will need a mold if you are planning on making a molded candle. This can be anything; a milk carton, Dixie cups, tin can, paper towel tube, etc.
5. There are two optional ingredients.
a. You can use crayons of the desired color to color the wa or buy wax dye.b.You can purchase scented oil to make your candles smell wonderful.
[Transition: Once you have all the material that you need, you can move on to melting the wax.]
B. Your second step is to melt the wax (Pioneer Clubs: Trailblazer Handbook, p. 165).
1. Start by placing wax in the double boiler or in a coffee can put in a pan of water.
2. Heat until the water boils.
3. Make sure to turn down the heat, and let the wax melt. Don’t let it boil.
4. Add wax dye, crayons, or scent (if desired) and stir.
[Transition: Now that the wax is melted, you can let your creativity run wild and have fun making candles. You can make just about anything but I’m going to show you how to make a molded ice-cube candle. ]
C. This is how you go about making a molded ice-cube candle (Pioneer Clubs: Trailblazer Handbook, p.166).
1. Cut off the top of a milk carton.2. Place a candle the height of the carton in the center of the carton. This makes an excellent wick.3. Break ice-cubes into chunks
a. Finely crushed ice creates small holes.Large cubes create large openings. b.Fill the mold with crushed ice.c. Quickly pour hot wax into the carton while someone holds the candle straight. d. Pour off the excess water when the wax is completely hardened.
[Transition to conclusion: Now that you know how to make an ice-cube candle, let’s go over what I showed you today.]
III. Conclusion
A. Final Review: So today I showed you how to do three basic things.
1. I showed you how to find the right materials.
2. I showed you how to correctly melt the wax.
3. I showed you how to make an ice-cube candle. The tricky part is keeping the wick in the center of the mold.
B. Tie back to the audience: Today we use candles for almost any kind of occasion or celebration. Candles continue to grow in popularity and we see them just about everywhere. They are really inexpensive to make and a lot of fun!
C. Concluding remarks: So when you try making candles on your own, use your imagination and be very creative. Your candle can be anything you like. Have a great time experimenting and having fun making your own candles to enjoy.
Works Cited:
The Basics and Cool Candlemaking Ideas. [Online] Available http://homepage.interaccess.com/~bmolo/basics.html. National Candle Association: History of Candlemaking. [Online] Available http://www.candles.org/history.htm Pioneer Clubs (1994).
Pioneer Clubs: Trailblazer Handbook. Wheaton, IL: Published byPioneer Clubs Shaw, R. (1973). Candle Art. New York: William Morrow & Company, Inc.
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