Presentation SkillsIt’s Pure Theatre

Goals: Help your team assign roles

ConstructorCross ExaminerRebutterRejoinder

Tips to build your Team’s performance

“The Debate: A Play in 3 Acts”

Act 1: Construction/Cross Ex

Intermission

Act 2: Rebuttal

Act 3:Rejoinder

Act 1: The Construction (3 minutes) In this act, the performer sets the tone for the

argument.

High Energy is important. S/he makes a connection with the audience.

There’s a Smile. …and confident, relaxed body language.

Eye contact is important. S/he owns the Grabber—uses questions and

surprising facts effectively to open

Act 1: The Construction

There will be no doubt what the thesis is.

Practical Theatricals… Repetition Emphasis Prompts: “This is Important” Cues: “This is our Thesis”

Act 1: Enter the Cross Ex (3 minutes) The drama builds as the Cross Examiner

challenges the opening remarks 1. Asks questions ONLY based on opening

remarks. 2. Avoids Yes/No questions. 3. Has enough questions to fill….3 minutes! 4. Ignores the audience: Eyes on his/her target. 5. May use facts to lead into a question, but not

required.

Act 2: The Rebuttal

Curtain Opens on your most Active Listener.

S/he figures out the angle to counter the opposition.

Bam! The Rebutter is especially good with facts. S/he earns points by using the better information.

Eye Contact is important.

Act 2: The Rebutter (3 minutes)

Good Idea…

Take Notes.

Number the opposing points as you hear them. This will help you be complete and organized. Refute them in order of importance to your own side of the argument.

Arguments must be well-cited.

Act 2: The Rebutter

Bad Idea…

Personal attacks

like-like-like-like-like

Using “I” instead of “We”

Claims without support

Act 3: The Rejoinder (3 minutes)

Curtain rises on your most logical teammate.

A successful debate tells a story.

The closer retells the story in a clear, easy to follow way.

Confidence…simplicity…Eye contact

Act 3: The Rejoinder

Tips 1. Emphasize your most important

arguments. 2. Evidence is key 3. …Oreo Cookie

EVIDENCE!!!!!

Which is more Persuasive….

A. According to Sports Illustrated, Ironman golf clubs are the best golf clubs for teenagers.

B. According to Mrs. Johnson, Ironman golf clubs are the best golf clubs for teenagers.

C. Ironman golf clubs are the best.

Evidence: More powerful if the audience knows who says so. “Beautiful Day” is a hit song. According to U2, “Beautiful Day” is a hit song. In 2008, the LA Times declared “Beautiful

Day” by U2 to be a hit song.

Evidence: Don’t make us guess what you’re talking about. NASA gave us Tang. In 1969, NASA gave us freeze-dried

technology that led to the invention of Tang. NASA.gov reports that in 1969, NASA gave

us freeze-dried technology that led to the invention of a popular drink called Tang.

3 Minutes can feel like forever. Is about 500 words How long it takes to run ¼

to ½ mile. 6 TV commercials Microwave setting for soup.

REHEARSE YOUR TIME!!!!

(This would be a sharing of knowledge that would hopefully lead to the three points onThe next slide)

Summary

Tell stories Repeat your message First and Last points Eye Contact Evidence

Central Casting: Grooming

You are the message.

I say “Good Grooming.”

You say…..

(This would be another brainstorm on an easel. Assume we’ll get the basics….)

Central Casting:Vocal Coach

Emphasize the last word of every sentence. Short sentences are memorable

“You’re fired.” “Got Milk?” “I have a Dream.”

Debate requires the use of Academic English.

No slang No like-like No rants

Central Casting

Body Language is important

Always stand to talk. Pay quiet attention to

teammates when they talk. Avoid the slump/slouch. Avoid the fidget.

5 Easy Ways to Play to Poor Reviews1. Poor eye contact

2. Not Prepared

3. Low Energy

4. Stiff or Nervous

5. Boring Message

Last Point: Rehearse

Rehearse 3 times from start to finish.

“If you’re not prepared, don’t go to war…” –S. Lever