The subtle art of Persuasion
It's all in the way that you say it!
Alison Sanza
Teacher - English
Students of Year 10 English were in the midst of preparing for their Oral Presentations, when the circuit-breaker, snap lockdown was imposed recently.
Despite the short notice, staff collaborated on Teams to brainstorm the best possible way in which the task could be completed in remote learning. There was unanimous agreement that the task allowed itself to be adapted to presentations via Teams, conducted in the same way as the Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences were last year.
Students were expected to select an issue, identify a clear contention and argue that point of view using clear justification and a range of persuasive techniques. Students were also allocated marks for their presentation style – modulation of tone, pace and volume, appropriate eye contact and use of gestures.
Noah Jarvis
Year 10 English - Truth
For our most recent assessment, we were tasked with creating a persuasive speech which somehow relates to the idea of Truth. However, due to the conditions of remote learning, we were unable to perform in front of the whole class, so instead we presented our speeches on Microsoft Teams.
The audience members were our teacher and two to three other students of our choosing.
Having to present in this online format was definitely a different experience compared to normal circumstances. For one, being engaged with the audience is a lot tougher while on camera as you cannot see them - the feeling was almost like talking into an empty abyss. Also, due to the camera being the only way the audience can see you, [I found it] difficult to use gestures and eye contact... because only half of you could be seen by the audience!
Read Noah's fabulous article - Governments should not control social media.
Click on the link below to read a transcript of his presentation, including very persuasive argument regarding freedom of speech and expression.
Peren Yurdakul
Year 10 English - Truth
Presenting our speeches during quarantine was definitely different, but I personally found it trouble-free.
Usually, we would present them in front of our whole class but presenting in front of a few of our classmates was just as effective. We were allowed to read off cue cards and the same techniques of making eye contact, using hand gestures and voice modulation were applied.
Peren is adamant that single-sex schools are no longer suitable for this day and age - and she has good arguments to back this up.
Click on the link below to read a transcript of her presentation,Single sex schools should not exist.