The Two-Minute Speech: Distinguish Between


Here is a brief public speaking exercise built around the theme of distinguishing two things. The main purpose of the exercise is to illustrate some principles of organization and can be used as a regular prepared/researched speech or as an impromptu speech. For this exercise, the speeches should be organized in either of these two ways.Blogarama - The Blog Directory
Organizational Patterns
Introduction
A basic orientation as to what will be discussed
Body
I.                     Item No. 1 (e.g., muffin)
A.      Property No. 1 (e.g., ingredients)
B.      Property No. 2 (e.g., appearance)
C.      Property No. 3 (e.g., taste)
II.                   Item No. 2 (e.g., cupcake)
A.      Property No. 1 (e.g., ingredients)
B.      Property No. 2 (e.g., appearance)
C.      Property No. 3 (e.g., taste)
Conclusion
A brief summary of the distinguishing properties.
Introduction
A basic orientation as to what will be discussed
Body
I.                     Property No. 1 (e.g., ingredients)
A.      Muffin
B.      Cupcake
II.                   Property No. 2 (e.g., appearance)
A.      Muffin
B.      Cupcake
III.                 Property No. 3 (e.g., taste)
A.      Muffin
B.      Cupcake
Conclusion
A brief summary of the distinguishing properties.

Speech Topics
Here are a few topics that would be easy enough to discuss in a two-minute speech. But, more complex ones can easily be substituted: pragmatism and existentialism; behavioral and cognitive theories, Mesozoic and Paleozoic eras, diffusionism and cultural relativism, Democratic and Republican tenets.


1.       Acting and directing
2.       Snail and email
3.       Sociology and anthropology
4.       Animal and insect
5.       Verbal and nonverbal communication
6.       Credit card and debit card
7.       Football and baseball
8.       Jealousy and envy
9.       Friendship and romantic relationship
10.   Co-op and condo
11.   Muffin and cupcake
12.   High school and college
13.   Radio and television
14.   Army and navy
15.   Netflix and HBO
16.   Herb and spice
17.   Sneakers and oxfords
18.   Fruits and vegetables
19.   Language and dialect
20.   Vegan and vegetarian
21.   Film and video
22.   Love and hate
23.   Male and female
24.   Perennial and annual
25.   Butter and margarine
26.   Sight and sound
27.   Task and ambient lighting
28.   Comedy and tragedy
29.   Social exchange and equity theory
30.   Attitude and belief

 


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