Public Speaking Impact

Which three lines in the speech “Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat” demonstrate Winston Churchill’s prediction of how war will impact Great Britain’s future?

I hope that any of my friends and colleagues, or former colleagues, who are affected by the political reconstruction, will make all allowances for any lack of ceremony with which it has been necessary to act. I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined the government: "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."

We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: victory. Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival. Let that be realised; no survival for the British Empire, no survival for all that the British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge and impulse of the ages, that mankind will move forward towards its goal.

But I take up my task with buoyancy and hope. I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail among men.

• I hope that any of my friends and colleagues, or former colleagues, who are affected by the political reconstruction, will make all allowances for any lack of ceremony with which it has been necessary to act

• We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind

• We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering.

• Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.

• But I take up my task with buoyancy and hope.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Read the following excerpt from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech. Which line reveals the purpose of the speech?

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounded determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

• Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

• There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

• With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounded determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.

• I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Read the excerpt from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address. Which statement best describes the main message of the passage?

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.

Now the trumpet summons us again—not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need—not as a call to battle, though embattled we are—but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"—a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

• War is the only way to solve the problems of the world.

• People should work together to better their society.

• Americans are incredibly loyal to their country.

• The US government should help those in need.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the purpose of a hook in a speech?

• It gives the speech credibility.

• It reflects the speaker’s personality.

• It contains the basic message of the speech.

• It grabs the audience’s attention.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is a disadvantage of a written speech?

• The audience can read the speech again if they miss something.

• Sometimes meanings of words are misunderstood because of visual cues.

• The language might be precise, but the speaker may repeat some points.

• The message is set, so there is no changing it from the original version.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which choice best defines the message of a speech?

• It is the main point or purpose of the speech.

• It is the evidence that supports the main idea of the speech.

• It is the general topic that the speech is about.

• It is the overall mood of the speech.

The excerpt below is from a speech about starting a debate club at a high school. Which of the choices best describes the figurative meaning of the phrase “sharpen their brains”?

Scientific studies have shown that the brain is like a muscle. As with any muscle, exercise is good for the brain. Starting a debate team at our school would give interested students a place to exercise and sharpen their brains. As a bonus, they would get to have fun, make new friends, and learn life skills.

• to give a hard edge

• to make dull

• to improve memory

• to make stronger

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

Read the excerpt from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech. Which word best describes the tone of the passage?

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

• panicked

• outraged

• pessimistic

• joyful

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CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which part of a speech contains the speaker’s arguments, ideas, examples, and proof?

• the title of the speech

• the body of the speech

• the introduction of the speech

• the conclusion of the speech

What was the purpose of Winston Churchill’s “Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat” speech?

• to inform Parliament about Nazi aggression

• to inspire the British people to keep fighting the Nazis

• to update Parliament on what he had accomplished so far

• to convince Parliament to go to war against Nazi Germany

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3