Cultural Narrative Speech

Cultural Narrative Speech

CULTURAL NARRATIVE SPEECH 3-5 minutes in length

The cultural artifact speech is a product of our increasingly diverse culture. It is a speech that allows us to come to know more about the many cultures represented in our country as well as our classrooms. The best cultural artifact speeches will 1) teach us about the artifact that is the focus 2) teach us about the culture from which the artifact comes and 3) teach us a little about the speaker. Good cultural artifact speeches help us break down the stereotypes of difference and help us to look at people from cultures other than our own as unique individuals.

For the purposes of this speech we will use a loose definition of culture: Any particular social, ethnic, or age group you a.) belong to or b.) strongly identify with. This definition allows you to BE CREATIVE with your topic, please take advantage. These cultures are not necessarily based on racial or ethnic groups but may also be based on group affiliations such as “deaf culture”, “gang culture” and “youth culture”.

RESEARCH
Most of your research should come from your personal background. However, you are required to cite 2 sources within your outline. For example, you could research when the culture started/evolved/or gained popularity and that would require you to find concrete facts from websites/articles/books/etc.

ARTIFACT
You need to choose a physical item that is readily available to you. This item should have both personal and cultural significance. The history of the item you are discussing should come as second nature to you. Most Jewish people can recite the story behind the menorah without pause, many African-Americans can share the story of Kwanzaa, deaf people will readily share the history of American Sign Language and Muslims can quickly tell you the significance of their prayer mats. The item you choose should be as much a part of your identity as it is a part of your culture. You will need to share the cultural significance of your item as well as its personal significance to you. You will also need to decide whether your speech should include a demonstration of the use of the item. In the past students have chosen to include a few of the following demonstrations: how to braid corn rows, how to get out of quicksand, how to drape a sari, how to do salsa dancing, how to do break dancing.

ORGANIZATION
Begin with an attention step. Once you have gained the audience’s interest introduce your thesis statement and preview of main points. The body of your speech should have 2-3 main points with 2-3 sub points beneath the main points. You should have transitions between your main points. These should review the previous point and preview the next. Your conclusion should wrap up the presentation. Remind your audience of your main points and leave them with concluding remarks that will help them remember your speech and the item you have discussed.

LANGUAGE
Use clear, descriptive language to share the importance of your item. When necessary define culture-specific terms and explain them in language that clarifies the meaning for your audience. You may also want to use one-two personal stories that give your audience insight into the importance of this item within your life and your culture.

OUTLINE
You are required to turn an outline in BEFORE you deliver your speech. If you need to use your outline during your speech, make sure you bring 2 copies because you will not be allowed to turn the outline in after the speech. You may use your outline or a 3x5 index card for reference but DO NOT READ your speech from a manuscript.

As stated in the syllabus, all written assignments MUST be typed: double-spaced, 12 font size, Times New Roman or Ariel font, 1 inch margins, include sources follow MLA or APA guidelines and be labeled (with Name, Course Title, Professor, Title of Assignment, Date & Page Numbers). Separate Cover Page and Work Cited pages are NOT required for outlines. Simply list your sources at the end of your outline.

Cultural Artifact Outline

(Approximately 30 seconds – 1 min.)
I. Intro:
A. Attention Getter

B. Revealed Object

C. Preview Statement

(Approximately 2 – 3 minutes)
II. Body:
A. Culture Object Represents
1. Language
2. Customs
3. Clothing

B. Why I identify with this culture

(Approximately 30 seconds – 1 min.)
III. Conclusion:
A. Recap main points

B. Finished with final thought

* Please type all of the points above and fill in with your information. It is a full sentence outline (one sentence per letter or number)

EXAMPLE CULTURAL NARRATIVE OUTLINE:

John Doe
Comm. 150
Professor Tamayo
Cultural Narrative Outline
October 6, 2008

Cultural Narrative Outline
I. Intro:

A. Attention Getter: Imagine doing an activity called forensics (not the CSI kind) in which you enjoy competing with other students to give speeches.

B. Revealed Object: This leads me to my object which is a timer.

C. Preview Statement: First I will discuss the culture this object represents, and then I will explain how I identify with the culture.

II. Body:

A. Culture Object Represents: Forensics culture—or speech and debate—is an old culture that has been around in the college circuit for hundreds of years.

1. Language: Forensicators have their own special language and acronyms such as “IE’s”, “shame”, “interp” etc.
2. Customs: They have strange customs such as actually enjoying talking about their debates in great detail to each other and congratulating one another when they really hope they will choke.
3. Clothing: Competitors (students) wear suits at competitions while the coaches dress casually and look like vagrants.

B. Why I identify with this culture: I have been a forensics coach for eight years and have enjoyed being part of a community that genuinely works to improve the thinking and quality of students’ lives.

III. Conclusion:

A. Recap main points: Today I have explored the culture of forensics, explained how it shaped my identity and why the object matters to me.

B. Finished with final thought: The next time you watch CSI, remember that there is another type of forensics.

Sources:

Black, E. (1965). Rhetorical Criticism. New York, NY: The MacMillian Company.

Oberg, B.C. (1995). Forensics: The Winner’s Guide to Speech Contests. Colorado
Springs, CO: Meriwether Publishing.




* NOTE: The above is an outline – not a complete speech. You are expected to use transitions and include additional information to support your main points in the delivery of your speech.