This website consists of nothing but speeches. It's an excellent resource for my Speech and Performance class. Speeches are categorized by type, most recent and most watched. The uploads are quick and if you have a computer/projector in your classroom, it's instant access to modeling a speech assignment.
Because it's quick, I have used it spontaneously while transitioning between classroom activities or at the end of class if we have a few minutes to spare.
If the speeches we select are random, I allow the students to assess the speaker and the content as we watch. Often times, they will lose interest in one so we'll bring up another until we find one we like. Then we discuss why we like that one as opposed to the first one. This open discussion form of critique is very useful for my inquiry question: teaching objectivity in performance. The students practice objective critique techniques with the speeches on Ted andoffer responses and feedback among each other.
Here's and example of a speech that was intriguing and led to excellent critique practice (the students found the argument full of holes and the costume distracting)
Commedia Dell'arte is responsible for much of the physical comedy of today. The origins of stock characters still found in modern romantic comedies as well as the "slap stick" can be found in this 16th century Italian art form. Students can make comparisons to modern television and use the site for research.
I am in the process of developing curriculum for an honors/advanced drama class that would explore various movements including Commedia Dell'arte. This website will be helpful for the students in developing their own scenario to perform in the spirit of the art form and for finding links to other comedy sites.
Here's a great video introducing the characters: Commedia Characters
Kelly, it's so funny that TED is mentioned here when it was used at a PDP event I attended in Harford County last week. The speeches on display, and the ways you integrate them as a transition activity while you work on attendance or preparing for the next phase of class, are very sharp. Are there any speeches on the site relating directly to the tenets of performing or producing theatre?
ReplyDelete