Lesson 2:

Public Sharing of Information

You might have been to some weddings, graduations, or funeral services. During these events, and many other similar gatherings, often at least one person is responsible for speaking publicly, perhaps to speak in praise of or give a short toast to an honoured guest. Usually the presentation or speech is about someone specific.

Consider a wedding: there are speeches, toasts, sometimes videos, or PowerPoint presentations with pictures. Much work is done earlier by the people responsible for organizing the speeches and presentations. The next time you are at an event such as a wedding, graduation, or a funeral, consider the time and talent it takes to plan for, prepare, and then deliver speeches publicly.

Courtesy of Getty

In this lesson, you will:

• explore some public presentation styles and learn some tips and tricks for writing and delivering specific speeches
• think about how identity is developed and how certain significant events can illustrate important aspects of your personality
• think about how identity is celebrated on special occasions and how you can use your writing and speaking skills to toast a special person
• think about how identity is remembered when loved ones pass away and how you can use your writing and speaking skills to deliver a eulogy or write an obituary