Preparing to Discuss a Speech
A crib sheet

Step 1: Read the Speech

Step 2: Understand the Demands of the Historical Situation on the Speaker

•	What events at the historical moment were calling for leadership?

•	Purpose: What did the leader seek to accomplish in the speech?

•	What elements of the time can the speaker call upon? material conditions? values?

•	How well did the speaker do in relationship to his/her purpose?

Step 3: Understand the Speaker's Strategies in the Speech

•	How did the speaker connect with the public of the time?

•	How did the speaker seek to help the public understand his/her view on the world?

•	What strategic choices account for the speaker's success/failure?

•	What in the speech recalls earlier speeches you have studied?

Step 4: Develop a coherent thesis on the speech's contribution to the times: