The other choice is to watch one of the TED TALKS listed below.  Analyze this speech much as you did in the Melinda Gates speech.   Why do you think the speech you chose was such a popular talk (all the videos below are from the most viewed list of speeches)?  Look for how this speaker uses all the elements of a speech as discussed in class and the textbook.  How is their introduction?  Do they use all four elements?  Did they use them well? Give examples from the speech.  If yes, why did it work?  If no, how could they make it better?  Do the same thing for the body of the speech (transitions and sourcing, visual aids), the conclusion, the delivery and anything you think is relevant. To end your essay, discuss why you liked or did not this speech. Don’t just say “I liked it a lot” or  “ I didn’t like it at all.” Instead, be specific here.  Give examples.  What did you learn from this speech?  What did you learn from this speech about their subject matter? Feel free to bring in other examples or anything else you think is relevant to this talk.  Don’t just rehash what the speaker said, bring your analysis to bear on the talk.

Take notes.  Then think about the above mentioned things to consider.  Before you write, have a thesis sentence that will end your introduction.  Have an interesting attention-getter to start the paper off.  Be sure that every assertion you make is backed up.  Use examples from the speech as you discuss it.  Have a conclusion that it is similar to a conclusion of a speech. 

Write a 3-6 page, 12-point, double spaced (or cut the length in half if prefer to write single-spaced) essay. Writing more usually allows the writer to be clearer and give better examples.  Give examples where needed.  Remember that this is a college level essay.  Don’t just write about what the speaker said.  Assume I have seen it (I have).  Think how it worked as speech.  Have another person read through it to see if everything makes sense and flows.  Proof it for spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Below I have listed six of the most popular TedTalks.  At the bottom is the link to the speech.  Or just go into the Ted Talks website and put in the title of the speech.

MAKING SENSE OF STRING THEORY

Physicist Brian Greene explains superstring theory, the idea that miniscule strands of energy vibrating in 11 dimensions create every particle and force in the universe.

YOUR ELUSIVE, CREATIVE GENIUS

Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses — and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have" a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius

WHY THE UNIVERSE SEEMS SO STRANGE

Biologist Richard Dawkins makes a case for "thinking the improbable" by looking at how the human frame of reference limits our understanding of the universe.

LISTENING TO SHAME

Shame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brené Brown, whose earlier talk on vulnerability became a viral hit, explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on. Her own humor, humanity and vulnerability shine through every word.

DO SCHOOLS KILL CREATIVITY

Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.

WHAT SEPARATES US FROM THE CHIMPANZEES

Jane Goodall hasn't found the missing link, but she's come closer than nearly anyone else. The primatologist says the only real difference between humans and chimps is our sophisticated language. She urges us to start using it to change the world.