Stage Presence WorksheetStage Presence Lesson 1: Public Speaking & Presentation Speak Up Unit Student Resource Student Name Date The Three Pillars of Presence Watch the demonstration and take notes on the three key areas of non-verbal communication. 1. Body Language How do you stand? What do you do with your hands? 2. Eye Contact Where do you look? How long do you hold a gaze? 3. Vocal Variety Pitch, volume, pace, and the power of the pause. Taming the Nerves List three physical symptoms you feel when nervous about speaking, then brainstorm a "Cool Down" strategy for each. Mastering the Hook A great speech starts with a bang. Draft a 30-second introduction (a hook) for the following topic: "Why breakfast should be served all day." Focus on using vocal variety and eye contact. Debate Dictionary Foundational Terminology Speak Up Unit Reference Guide Resolution The formal statement or topic being debated (e.g., "Resolved: The United States should eliminate the death penalty"). Affirmative (Pro) The side of the debate that supports or argues in favor of the resolution. Negative (Con) The side of the debate that opposes the resolution or argues against the Affirmative's case. Burden of Proof The responsibility of a debater to provide sufficient evidence and reasoning to support their claims. Cross-Examination A period during the debate where one side asks the other side direct questions to clarify points or expose weaknesses. Rebuttal A speech that specifically addresses and counters the arguments made by the opposing side. Case The complete set of arguments and evidence presented by a side to support their position. Constructive The first speech given by each side, used to "build" their initial case and arguments. Evidence / Card Specific information (statistics, quotes, facts) used to back up a claim, often called a "card" in competitive debate. Impact The reason why an argument matters; the ultimate positive or negative consequence of a claim. Term Application Match the scenario to the correct debate term: A debater explains that if their policy isn't passed, 5,000 people will lose their homes. The "Pro" team reads their prepared 4-minute speech to start the round. "Is it true that your statistics come from a blog written in 2004?"
Stage Presence SlidesCommand the Room Stage Presence & Public Speaking Basics The Goal It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Credibility If you look and sound like you believe yourself, others will too. Connection Non-verbals bridge the gap between you and your audience. 01. BODY LANGUAGE A The Power Stance Feet shoulder-width apart, weight balanced. No "the penguin" or "the tree." B Open Gestures Use your hands to emphasize points. Avoid crossing arms or pockets. Avoid the "Fidget-Sphere" Hair touching Pen clicking Swaying/Rocking Fixed at the podium 02. EYE CONTACT The "Room Scan" Technique Divide the room into three zones: Left, Center, and Right. Hold eye contact with one person in each zone for 3-5 seconds (one complete thought) before moving. 3s The Minimum Lock 1-on-1 Human Connection Z-Path Movement Strategy 03. VOCAL VARIETY Volume Project to the back wall without shouting. Pace Slow down for impact. Speed up for excitement. Tone Matching your emotion to your message. The Power of Silence A pause creates tension. A pause lets a point sink in. A pause beats an "um" or "uh" every time. THE NERVES ARE YOUR FUEL Adrenaline is just energy. The difference between "terror" and "excitement" is how you label it. Reframing "I'm nervous" → "I'm ready to perform." Preparation Knowing your first 30 seconds reduces 80% of anxiety.
The Speaker Scorecard RubricSpeaker Scorecard Speech & Debate Presentation Rubric Speak Up Unit Teacher Resource Speaker Judge / Reviewer Final Score / Rank CriterionNovice (1-2)Competent (3-4)Exceptional (5)Body Language Posture, gestures, and movement in the space.Rigid or excessive fidgeting. Closed posture. Distracting movement.Mostly stable posture. Some intentional gestures. Minimal fidgeting.Commanding stance. Purposeful, natural gestures. Controlled movement.Eye Contact Engagement with the entire audience.Reads from notes/floor. No eye contact or stares at one person.Occasionally looks at audience. Mostly focused on center of room.Consistent, inclusive contact across the whole room. Direct engagement.Vocal Variety Volume, pitch, pace, and use of pauses.Monotone or too quiet. Rushed delivery. Heavy use of fillers (um/uh).Audible volume. Variable pace. Fillers are present but not distracting.Dynamic range. Strategic pauses for impact. Clear, confident articulation.Content & Logic Clarity of arguments and evidence used.Unclear main points. Lack of supporting evidence or reasoning.Clear main claim. Some supporting data. Logic is mostly sound.Sophisticated argumentation. Strong evidence. Persuasive reasoning.Impact Overall ability to convince or move the audience.Audience remains unengaged or confused about the goal.Audience is engaged. The purpose of the speech is clear.Highly persuasive. Memorable hook and strong, resonant conclusion. Judge's Feedback Strengths (Glows) Areas for Growth (Grows)
Unit Facilitation GuideSpeak Up 5-Day Unit Facilitation Guide Speak Up Unit Teacher Resource Unit Objectives Master non-verbal communication and stage presence. Build structurally sound arguments using the C-W-D model. Identify and counter logical fallacies. Conduct credible academic research for evidence. Daily Pacing Day 1: Presentation SkillsSTAGE Day 2: The C-W-D ModelBUILD Day 3: Logic & FallaciesTHINK Day 4: Evidence & ResearchHUNT Day 5: LD vs PF FormatsCLASH DAY 01 Stage Presence Basics Hook: Play a 30-second clip of a famous speech (e.g., MLK or Kennedy). Ask students what they saw before what they heard. Main Activity: Guided practice with the "Stage Presence Slides." Students complete the "Hook" exercise on the worksheet. Closing: Students perform their 30-second hooks for a partner using the "Speaker Scorecard." Materials - Slides: Command the Room - Worksheet: Stage Presence - Rubric: Speaker Scorecard DAY 02 The Argument Engine Hook: Two-minute drill. Students argue "Is a hotdog a sandwich?" Main Activity: Introduce Claim-Warrant-Data. Use the "Argument Blueprint" worksheet to deconstruct professional arguments then build their own. Closing: "Claim Swap"—Students trade claims and must brainstorm one "Warrant" for their partner's claim. Materials - Worksheet: Argument Blueprint DAY 03 Logic Lab Hook: Logical Riddle (e.g., "All birds fly, penguins are birds... wait.") Main Activity: The "Fallacy Finder." Students analyze commercials or political ads to spot the fallacies listed on the worksheet. Closing: "Syllogism Race." Teams compete to write the most creative but logically valid syllogism. Materials - Worksheet: Logic Lab DAY 04 Proof Seekers Hook: "True or Fake?" Present three wacky facts. Students guess which is real and ask for the source. Main Activity: Research Trail. Students use laptops to find evidence for the "Mandatory Service" prompt using the CRAAP test guide. Closing: Evidence exchange. Students verify a partner's source using the CRAAP criteria. Materials - Worksheet: Research Guide DAY 05 Arena Guide Hook: Coin Flip. Introduce the "Public Forum" start. Ask if they'd rather argue philosophy or policy. Main Activity: Compare LD and PF formats using the "Format Cheat Sheet." Watch a 5-minute clip of a final round if possible. Closing: Unit reflection and format selection for the upcoming mock debate. Materials - Worksheet: Format Cheat Sheet Pro-Tips for Success Safe Space First Public speaking is the #1 fear. Keep Day 1 lighthearted. Praise the attempt more than the technique initially to build confidence. Low-Stakes Logic When teaching fallacies, use relatable pop-culture examples (ads, tweets, movie logic) before moving to academic or political arguments. Modeling is Key Don't just explain the "Power Stance" or "Vocal Variety"—demonstrate the wrong way vs the right way for comedic and educational effect.
The Argument Blueprint WorksheetThe Argument Engine Lesson 2: Claim-Warrant-Data Model Speak Up Unit Student Worksheet Student Name Date Building a "Case" In debate, an argument isn't just an opinion. It is a structure. We use the C-W-D model to ensure every argument is solid. 1. Claim The "What." The point you are trying to prove. 2. Data The "Proof." The evidence or facts that back it up. 3. Warrant The "So What?" The logic that connects data to the claim. Practice 1: Deconstruction Read the following argument and identify its components: "School days should start at 10:00 AM because adolescents require more sleep for brain development. The CDC states that 70% of high schoolers get less than 8 hours of sleep. Since more sleep leads to higher cognitive function, starting later will improve student test scores." Identify the Claim Identify the Data (Evidence) Identify the Warrant (Logic) Practice 2: The Argument Blueprint Build your own argument for the following topic: "Video games should be considered a varsity sport." Claim Data (Brainstorm a hypothetical fact/stat) Warrant (Why does that data prove your claim?)
Logic Lab WorksheetLogic Lab Lesson 3: Reasoning & Logical Fallacies Speak Up Unit Student Worksheet Student Name Date Deductive Reasoning: The Syllogism A syllogism is a logical structure where two premises lead to a necessary conclusion. Structure: Major Premise + Minor Premise = Conclusion. Example 1. All mammals have lungs. 2. Dolphins are mammals. Conclusion: Therefore, dolphins have lungs. Create Your Own Premise 1: Premise 2: Conclusion: Fallacy Finder A fallacy is an error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid. Match the fallacy name to its description and example. Ad Hominem Attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself. "You're wrong because you're lazy!" Slippery Slope Claiming that one small step will lead to a chain of extreme, negative events. "If we let students have gum, eventually they'll be bringing full meals to class!" Straw Man Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack. "My opponent wants to ban cars, which means he hates freedom!" False Dilemma Presenting only two options when many more exist (Either/Or thinking). "Either you support this law, or you love crime." Identify the Fallacy in the following scenario: "We shouldn't listen to the Senator's plan for education reform. After all, he was once caught speeding in a school zone!" Explain why: ________________________________________________
Proof Seekers Research GuideProof Seekers Lesson 4: Evidence & Research Strategy Speak Up Unit Student Guide Student Name Date The CRAAP Test for Evidence Before using a piece of evidence, put it through this checklist to ensure it is "debate-ready." C Currency Is it recent? R Relevance Does it fit the topic? A Authority Who is the author? A Accuracy Is it verified? P Purpose Is there bias? Your Research Toolbox Empirical Evidence Data, statistics, and measurable facts. (e.g., "75% of voters...") Anecdotal Evidence Personal stories or specific cases. Great for emotional impact. Expert Testimony Quotes from specialists or professionals in the field. Analogical Evidence Comparing the current situation to a similar known situation. Practice: The Research Trail Pick a topic: "Mandatory community service for high schoolers." Brainstorm where you would look for one piece of Empirical and one piece of Expert evidence. 1. Empirical Search Strategy Keywords to use Potential Source (.gov, .edu, etc) 2. Expert Search Strategy Type of Expert needed Possible Organization
Debate Format Cheat SheetArena Guide Lesson 5: Debate Formats (LD vs. PF) Speak Up Unit Student Cheat Sheet Student Name Date Lincoln-Douglas (LD) The "Philosopher's Arena" Format 1-on-1 (Individual). Focuses on Values and Morality. The Resolution "Resolved: Wealthy nations have a moral obligation to provide foreign aid." Key Components Value: The ultimate good (e.g., Justice). Criterion: How we achieve/measure the value. Heavy focus on logic and philosophy. Public Forum (PF) The "People's Arena" Format 2-on-2 (Team). Focuses on Policy and Current Events. The Resolution "Resolved: The European Union should prioritize energy security over carbon neutrality." Key Components Framework: How the judge should weigh the round. Coin Flip: Determines side and speaking order. Focus on evidence and real-world impacts. Typical Timing Structure LD (Lincoln-Douglas) Total: 32m + Prep Affirmative Constructive 6m Cross-Ex by Neg 3m Negative Constructive 7m Cross-Ex by Aff 3m 1st Aff Rebuttal 4m Neg Rebuttal 6m 2nd Aff Rebuttal 3m PF (Public Forum) Total: ~40m + Prep Constructive Speeches (1 & 2) 4m ea. Crossfire (1 & 2) 3m Rebuttals (1 & 2) 4m ea. Crossfire (3 & 4) 3m Summary Speeches 3m ea. Grand Crossfire 3m Final Focus 2m ea. Format Selection Based on the descriptions above, which format interests you most and why? Consider if you prefer working alone or in a team, and if you like philosophy or policy.
