Explore our teaching oratory resources

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Since 2011, the Ford’s Theatre National Oratory Fellows program has worked with teachers across the country to bring public speaking and performance into grades 5-8 through a framework that enlivens history and English Language Arts learning.

Here, any teacher can draw on the knowledge of our teaching artists and oratory fellows. You can teach all of the lessons or choose what works for your needs. All lessons are primarily written for grades 5-10, but we give you tips to differentiate.

Interested in participating in a program? Ford’s Theatre offers teachers and students life-changing opportunities to learn the power of oratory.

ANALYZING SPEECHES AND CURRENT EVENTS

ANALYZING A SPEECH

Students learn how to annotate a historical speech to identify the author’s point of view. Recommended Resources: Example Annotated Speeches and Historic Speech Database
REMIXING A SPEECH

Students learn to identify operative words and replace the author’s historical words with their own modern language for better understanding.
THE RHETORICAL TRIANGLE

By understanding the three elements of persuasive speech—ethos, pathos and logos—students will analyze the effect of rhetorical strategies and elements in commercials and speeches.
ART AND ORATORY

Students create original art pieces inspired by a connection they make between a historic speech and current events.
PRO SE COURTS

Students take different sides of an issue and present evidence to support that side. A student judge then decides who presented the best argument
TEACHING THE SECOND INAUGURAL

Teachers will find resources to close-read and teach Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. Students will find resources to better understand this historic speech.

WRITING

Original Speech Writing Using Podium Points

Students write eight original speeches. Rubrics and examples included. Each speech performance focuses on using two Podium Points (elements of effective public speaking).