Random Picture Speech

By Rebeca Russi Daolio

Purpose

The purpose of this activity is for students to get familiar with the specific type of informative speech - descriptive. Not only will students experience descriptive impromptu speaking themselves but also observe other classmate’s speeches. Students should be mindful of their audience when performing their descriptive speech. This activity should increase awareness on the importance of word selection when attempting to share meaning.

Applicable

This activity relates to chapters 2, 5, 8, 11, and 12 of the textbook Speak Out, Call In: Public Speaking as Advocacy (Mapes, 2019). Students will particularly focus on descriptive informative speech and the type of delivery - impromptu.

Learning goals

Students will be able to

• Practice the descriptive informative speech.
• Deliver a speech in an impromptu manner.
• Apply the use of language so the message is clear, efficient, and reflexive.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of peers' language used during the speech.

Corresponding course objectives on the COMS 130 Syllabus

Students will have the opportunity to experience and practice the descriptive informative type of speech. They will have to be mindful of the language they choose to use during the speech. They will perform the delivery method - impromptu speaking. Also, they will be able to reflect on their peer’s use of language.

Materials

• Random photo generator website. You are welcome to select the website of your choice. Here is my suggestion: https://randomwordgenerator.com/picture.php

Time

Approx. 15 minutes.

• 1 minute explaining the activity
• 4 minutes presentations
  • 1 minute to divide students in groups and select who is going first and second
  • 4 minutes speeches (1-2 minutes per person)
• 10 minutes debriefing and discussion

Procedures

Instructor:

• Divide students into pairs. Students should sit facing each other, have one student facing the projection screen, and the other facing away from it.
• Open the random picture generator website and generate two random pictures.
• Allow for students to choose one of the two pictures to describe it to their partner, as if they were presenting a description speech.
• After 1 minute allow the students listening to look at the picture being described.
• Ask students to switch positions. Now, the student that was listening will have the opportunity to present the speech.
• Once they switch positions, generate another two random pictures for the second student to describe it. Once the second student is done with their speech, allow the student listening to look at the picture.
• Once they are all facing the front of the class again, conduct a debriefing with the follow-up questions or any other questions that you may like.

Alternative: The first time, allow students listening to ask questions. The second time, do not allow them to ask questions nor make comments while the other student is describing the picture.

Students:

• You will be divided into pairs to present a descriptive informative speech.
• You will sit facing the screen, while your partner sits facing away from the projection screen.
• You will describe a picture, a photo of somesort, to your partner. Here is the catch, the picture will be completely random.
• Your instructor will generate two random pictures on the projection screen and you will choose one of them to describe it to your partner. You will have 1 minute to do so.
• Try to use the foundation outline to guide your descriptive speech as much as you can.
• Once you are done describing the random picture your partner will be allowed to look at the picture you tried to describe.
• You and your partner will switch sitting positions, so they can describe a picture for you. You will now sit facing away from the screen, and your partner will sit facing the screen.
• Once your partner is done presenting their speech you will be able to look at the picture they were describing.
• Your instructor will conduct follow-up questions about the activity.

Keep in mind: Try to be as thorough and descriptive as you can and “paint the picture” for them.

Follow-up questions

Thinking about your own speech:

• How was your experience delivering a descriptive speech? Was it difficult or easy to describe a random photo? Why?
• What did you do to try to describe the picture so that your audience/partner would truly envision it? Did you try to use vivid language or tropes?

Thinking about your peer’s speech:

• Were the descriptions clear? Did your speaker follow an organizational order or did they go back and forth between the picture elements?
• Were you able to see the picture being described?
  • If yes, what did they do to help you envision it?
  • If not, what do you think could have helped you envision the picture better?

References

Mapes, M. (2019). Speak Out, Call In: Public Speaking as Advocacy. KU Libraries.