The Decision to Drop the Bomb
You will begin by giving the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (me), a speech lasting 3 - 5 minutes during which you present your point-of view concerning the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima. Remember to stay in character and present his/her position, not your own personal view.
Following the speeches, will we have an open discussion on the topic. Once again, you need to stay in character and present the view assigned to you. Consider this a 5 way debate on the subject. Debates are not simply arguments based on opinion but are well-researched discussions based on fact. Your task is to convince the audience that your point of view is the most correct. This comes from having a well-researched position with plenty of facts to both support your position and to refute your opponent’s. Therefore you should research both sides thoroughly. You can win an argument when you know what you want to say and what your opponent is likely to say. The winner will not be the side that argues the loudest but that has done the best research and presents the most facts.
It doesn’t really matter whether you personally agree with your assigned position. What does matter is that you sound convincing to others. Put some emotion into your speech. Act like you believe what you are saying, even if you do not. Again, research is the key to victory. Keep a record of your sources and cite them when presenting your facts so the audience knows you are not just making things up but have experts to support your side.
The rubric for grading the speech and discussion follows:
Speak loudly and clearly.
10 8 6 4 2 0
Prepare your persuasive speech carefully and load it with factual information.
15 12 9 6 3 0
Be actively involved in the discussion.
15 12 9 6 3 0
Make eye contact with the person to whom you are speaking.
15 12 9 6 3 0
Speak in your own words, not someone else’s. You may use 3X5 cards as notes and have printouts or books to refer to when quoting an expert.
25 20 15 10 5 0
Use facts and quotes to support your position.
30 24 18 12 6 0
Show that you have the ability to “think on your feet”.
15 12 9 6 3 0
Stay in character and present your position with emotion and caring.
25 20 15 10 5 0