Students learn how intentions effect the tone of a speech, explore how and when to alter their pace, and discover how emphasizing different words can change the meaning of a text.

Students learn the nine elements of effective public speaking and recognize how to use them.

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

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

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

Recommended Resources: Example Annotated Speeches and Historic Speech Database

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.

Recommended Resources: Example Annotated Speeches and Historic Speech Database

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

Recommended Resources: Example Annotated Speeches and Historic Speech Database

Go on a self-guided virtual tour of the Ford's Theatre. This tour is similar to Google Streetview and takes you inside the presidential box and around the museum and theatre.

Join Ford's Theatre and Discovery Education in this 9-part video series that take students on a virtual field trip of Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House.

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