Have students participate in a class debate in which they take a specific position on a topic. Ensure students understand that they are expected to support their opinions with anecdotes, analogies, or illustrations. Task students with presenting their positions in a manner that uses agreed-upon conventions of language, appropriate speaking rate, volume, and enunciation.
Note:
Consider providing a checklist for students to use while preparing for their debate to ensure they include all expected elements.
Further Explanation
This SE requires students to defend or advocate a position by selecting appropriate examples such as anecdotes from personal experiences, analogies, metaphors, describing a situation, or using illustrations.
Students should be able to orally discuss a topic following a clear and well-thought-out structure. Verbal and nonverbal techniques are expected in order to capture and hold the audience's attention throughout the debate. Students should be able to demonstrate their understanding of appropriate classroom language as well as expectations regarding eye contact, volume, enunciation, and speaking rate. As students participate in the debate, note whether they use the desired behaviors during the discussion: supporting their critique with facts and using appropriate speaking rate, volume, enunciation, and eye contact. Review and reteaching of communication skills should occur as needed.