COM 280T 029:  Special Topics/Political Communication

Assante

Speaker Introduction Assignment:

Over the course of the semester, we will have various guest speakers come to class.  Most speakers will have a Democratic or Republican political affiliation.  It will be the responsibility of the corresponding campaign to introduce that speaker.  (For example, if a Republican speaker is visiting, the Republican campaign will be responsible for the introduction.)

Rationale:

At political events, there are usually political speakers.  The keynote speaker at the event is invariably introduced by someone –the host of the event, a colleague of the speaker, etc.  (At the national conventions, these speeches can last 10 minutes or more!)  This will introduce the class to this aspect of political speech and also educate the entire class about the speakers.

Evaluation:

I will evaluate the quality of each speech of introduction on the basis of the following:

            -Content – speech contains sufficient information to inform the audience

            -Delivery – speech is professional, polished and delivered with enthusiasm

            -Length – limit your remarks to 1-2 minutes

The speeches will count 10% (50 points) of the overall campaign grade.

Methodology:

• Each campaign team can select their speakers.  No speaker can do more than one introduction unless the campaign runs out of speakers. 
• Speeches of this sort usually contain some elements of the following:
  • Biographical material
  • Major accomplishments (often related to the district, event, etc.)
  • Value to the audience.  (“Congresswoman Arnett has really fought for the 12^th district…”)
  • Personal note if possible (“I’ve known Representative Slodki since she was in college and she’s…”)
  • Rally/call to action (this is a “get the audience psyched about the speaker and the election” rallying cry – “With Senator Wright we’re going to TAKE BACK TENNESSEE from those special interests!!!!”)
  • Welcome (“please welcome Commissioner Stinson”)
• Most political figures have biographical material posted on their websites or their office can provide standard material to be used.  Other speakers can be contacted directly.

(First speaker:  Rep. Diane Black (R-Gallatin), Thursday, January 22, 2004.)