Reaction Paper Students will submit one reaction paper during the semester based on attending one event approved by the instructor. The reaction paper allows students to reflect on the content and delivery of presentations by public figures. The paper should be 4–5 double-spaced pages and should follow this basic format: Name COMM 102: Public Speaking Reaction Paper Title of Event Introduction Set the scene: who, what, where, when, why, and how. Thesis: Assess the performance of the speaker(s). Body Visual elements: Discuss the attire of the speaker(s) and any background elements. Comment on the stage presence of the speaker(s). Content: Discuss the argument of the speech. Does the speaker use reasonable claims? Does the speaker provide evidence to support claims? Which rhetorical strategies does the speaker employ? Repetition, question, et al. For more examples, see “Silva Rhetoricae” website: http://rhetoric.byu.edu/. Finally, does the speaker seize the moment? Rhetorical Triangle: Identify ethos, logos, and pathos in the speech. Which proof was most prevalent? How did the speaker establish ethos, logos, and pathos? Was any proof lacking? If so, then describe the effect. Delivery: Do the gestures emphasize points or distract? If the speaker moves, then do those movements enhance the speech? Conclusion Assess the performance. Comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the performance. What did you see in this performance that you could use for your speeches? You can choose any speech you can find on youtube etc. Please just include the link to the video on the assignment. It could be a famous speech, a TED Talk, etc.
