Editing Public Speaking (Summer 2019)/Advocacy Speech (section)

=== Adequate advocacy speeches (56 - 63) ===

;Invention and Arrangement: In adequate speeches, the argument is mixed. While one element (ill, blame, cure, etc.) might be very clear, the others might be lacking clarity. This has a chain effect; if the ill is unclear, the cures won’t make as much sense in the context of the speech. Thus, there tend to be a few congruency problems in adequate speeches. While some of the evidence and/or examples work well, others seem to be odd choices.

Adequate speeches need a greater sense of flow. Often, the opening sections need to be clearer and name the topic sooner or more clearly. Some sections of the speech run either too short or drag on too long given what they are arguing. Similarly, there are some sections that undeniably lack focus. Adequate speeches tend to not have much appropriate variation in tone and delivery. While some delivery tones might be forced into sections of the speech, these don’t emerge organically from the argument and the writing.

;Style: Adequate speeches need a greater sense of style. Whereas good speeches tack back and forth between a rich and overly plain style, adequate speeches spend much of their time in the plain style. Stylistic devices tend to stand out as noticeably inserted into the speech in that they don’t’ seem to fit the rest of the argument and writing.

;Memory and Delivery: In adequate speeches, the performer needs to develop a clearer sense of delivery style. More often than not, adequate speakers don’t speak with enough volume for the space. While they may not be uncomfortable, adequate speakers do not have much of a sense for presence. In many ways, their delivery style seems more appropriate to the classroom than to the outdoor space. Often, adequate speakers are overly reliant on their note cards. Ultimately, adequate speeches sound like they need another couple of practices to bring the writing and delivery closer together.