COMPOSITION AND SPEECH IN A NUTSHELL
by Terri White
HONING YOUR COMPOSITION SKILLS
If approached in “bite-size” pieces, developing writing skills can be an enjoyable experience. The first step in training a writer is to produce a reader. Those who read well-written books not only develop their imaginations, but also cultivate an innate sense for words. On the other hand, non readers seldom write or recognize excellence in the written word. Another pre-writing skill is talking. Families that encourage conversation, oral reports, and storytelling are preparing future writers. Understanding that a sentence is a complete thought follows on the heels of oral traditions. This includes practice, practice, and more practice. With these basic skills, students are ready for the next step.
Once a student masters the sentence, introduce the paragraph. Concentration on single paragraphs develops the necessary skills for writing longer papers. Paragraphs are like hamburgers. Once acquainted with all the parts, you assemble your ingredients, slap them together, and serve a tasty “sandwich”. With a simple systematic approach, the mystery of composition fades away.
A paragraph is a group of sentences covering one topic. It includes a topic sentence (the top hamburger bun), supporting sentences (the meat, lettuce, and tomatoes), and a concluding sentence (the bottom bun). This orderly arrangement simplifies the art of composition.
The subject of the paragraph should be narrow enough to include the necessary details without being too lengthy. Once you choose the topic, list details that explain or describe your subject. Just jot down key words and phrases. If the list is too long, try narrowing down the topic. For example, the subject of dogs is too broad for only one paragraph. You can, however, write about one aspect of dogs, such as why their noses are wet. Choosing smaller time periods, narrower geographical areas, and more specific words will confine the topic to fit a single paragraph.
The first sentence, called the topic sentence, introduces the subject of the paragraph. This is perhaps the most important sentence in your paragraph. An interesting topic sentence captures the reader’s attention and urges him to continue reading.
Inside your “sandwich” includes the supporting sentences. These provide the details necessary for the reader to understand the main idea. To expand on the topic, provide examples, facts, reasons, and/or descriptions. If writing about “Why Cantaloupe Is My Favorite Fruit”, make a list of reasons why you like cantaloupe best. Your list may include that it is sweet, juicy, and refreshing. Then recall a pleasant memory of eating cantaloupe. Arrange supporting sentences in an order that makes sense; this gives the paragraph unity. They are called supporting sentences because they include only the information that develops the subject introduced in the topic sentence.
By restating the topic sentence in different words, the concluding sentence finishes the paragraph. It should never leave the reader dangling, but instead provide a sense of satisfaction.
Essays use the same basic structure as a single paragraph. Beginning with the introductory paragraph(s), an essay is then followed by the body, supporting paragraphs that develop the topic introduced in the first paragraph. Finally, the last paragraph concludes the composition. Essays just serve a larger “hamburger”.
With patience and perseverance, you can develop all the related skills involved in the art of composition. You may never write an article for a magazine, but everyone needs to be able to write a good letter to family and friends and perhaps an occasional letter to the editor.
Once a student masters the sentence, introduce the paragraph. Concentration on single paragraphs develops the necessary skills for writing longer papers. Paragraphs are like hamburgers. Once acquainted with all the parts, you assemble your ingredients, slap them together, and serve a tasty “sandwich”. With a simple systematic approach, the mystery of composition fades away.
A paragraph is a group of sentences covering one topic. It includes a topic sentence (the top hamburger bun), supporting sentences (the meat, lettuce, and tomatoes), and a concluding sentence (the bottom bun). This orderly arrangement simplifies the art of composition.
The subject of the paragraph should be narrow enough to include the necessary details without being too lengthy. Once you choose the topic, list details that explain or describe your subject. Just jot down key words and phrases. If the list is too long, try narrowing down the topic. For example, the subject of dogs is too broad for only one paragraph. You can, however, write about one aspect of dogs, such as why their noses are wet. Choosing smaller time periods, narrower geographical areas, and more specific words will confine the topic to fit a single paragraph.
The first sentence, called the topic sentence, introduces the subject of the paragraph. This is perhaps the most important sentence in your paragraph. An interesting topic sentence captures the reader’s attention and urges him to continue reading.
Inside your “sandwich” includes the supporting sentences. These provide the details necessary for the reader to understand the main idea. To expand on the topic, provide examples, facts, reasons, and/or descriptions. If writing about “Why Cantaloupe Is My Favorite Fruit”, make a list of reasons why you like cantaloupe best. Your list may include that it is sweet, juicy, and refreshing. Then recall a pleasant memory of eating cantaloupe. Arrange supporting sentences in an order that makes sense; this gives the paragraph unity. They are called supporting sentences because they include only the information that develops the subject introduced in the topic sentence.
By restating the topic sentence in different words, the concluding sentence finishes the paragraph. It should never leave the reader dangling, but instead provide a sense of satisfaction.
Essays use the same basic structure as a single paragraph. Beginning with the introductory paragraph(s), an essay is then followed by the body, supporting paragraphs that develop the topic introduced in the first paragraph. Finally, the last paragraph concludes the composition. Essays just serve a larger “hamburger”.
With patience and perseverance, you can develop all the related skills involved in the art of composition. You may never write an article for a magazine, but everyone needs to be able to write a good letter to family and friends and perhaps an occasional letter to the editor.
PROOFREADING YOUR COMPOSITION
The editor’s knife is legendary. After the writer pours his heart into carefully chosen words, the editor meticulously scrutinizes every facet of the work, bringing it to perfection. Temperamentally speaking, this is the work of a "beaver", taking something good and producing excellence.
Part of composition skills, however, is learning to be one’s own best critic. While an unbiased, second opinion helps (and often necessary), proofreading begins with the writer. Once you complete the rough draft (first writing), examine your work by using a step-by-step approach. This enables the writer to critique his work with thoroughness.
First, look at the work as a whole. Ask these questions as you reread the composition: (1) Is it unified? Do all the parts contribute to the single idea of the whole? (2) Is it coherent? Are the ideas carefully distinguished from one another? Are the ideas in good order? (3) Is there proper emphasis? Did you develop each part at a length proportional to its importance? With each question, take the time to make corrections until you are satisfied that the changes bring unity, coherence, and proper emphasis.
Secondly, examine the structure of each paragraph. Taking one paragraph at a time, decide whether each covers only one subject. Then make sure that every paragraph includes a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding (or transitional) sentence. Rewrite to make these structural changes.
The next step scrutinizes your sentence structure. Are your sentences interesting? Do you include variety in your styles? If most are simple sentences, create diversity by joining simple sentences together to form complex sentences. Adding introductory phrases to simple sentences spices up your composition, also. Note these examples that demonstrate how to vary sentence structure:
Word choices are also critical in composition. It is easy to stay in a rut by using the same words repeatedly. Keep a thesaurus handy and refer to it often. By choosing exact words, your composition springs to life because it paints word pictures in the reader’s mind. The following examples illustrate varied word choices:
Part of composition skills, however, is learning to be one’s own best critic. While an unbiased, second opinion helps (and often necessary), proofreading begins with the writer. Once you complete the rough draft (first writing), examine your work by using a step-by-step approach. This enables the writer to critique his work with thoroughness.
First, look at the work as a whole. Ask these questions as you reread the composition: (1) Is it unified? Do all the parts contribute to the single idea of the whole? (2) Is it coherent? Are the ideas carefully distinguished from one another? Are the ideas in good order? (3) Is there proper emphasis? Did you develop each part at a length proportional to its importance? With each question, take the time to make corrections until you are satisfied that the changes bring unity, coherence, and proper emphasis.
Secondly, examine the structure of each paragraph. Taking one paragraph at a time, decide whether each covers only one subject. Then make sure that every paragraph includes a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding (or transitional) sentence. Rewrite to make these structural changes.
The next step scrutinizes your sentence structure. Are your sentences interesting? Do you include variety in your styles? If most are simple sentences, create diversity by joining simple sentences together to form complex sentences. Adding introductory phrases to simple sentences spices up your composition, also. Note these examples that demonstrate how to vary sentence structure:
- Example #1:
I went to the store. I bought milk. (Two simple sentences)
When I went to the store, I bought milk. (Beginning with a dependent clause, when I went to the store, adds variety.)
- Example #2:
My pet is a soft and cuddly rabbit. (Simple sentence)
My pet, a cuddly rabbit, is soft. (Using an appositive, a cuddly rabbit, adds variety.) - Example #3:
The boys were wading in the creek. The boys found an old, soggy shoe. (Two simple sentences)
Wading in the creek, the boys found an old, soggy shoe. (Using an introductory present participle phrase, wading in the creek, adds variety.)
Word choices are also critical in composition. It is easy to stay in a rut by using the same words repeatedly. Keep a thesaurus handy and refer to it often. By choosing exact words, your composition springs to life because it paints word pictures in the reader’s mind. The following examples illustrate varied word choices:
|
Active verbs:
Race instead of went Whisper instead of say Savor instead of taste |
Exact nouns:
Waif instead of homeless child Vigor instead of strength Dude instead of overdressed man |
|
Precise adjectives:
Lemon is more exact than yellow Towering is more precise than tall Obedient boy instead of good child |
Precise words for the senses:
Taste: sour, sweet, bland, bitter, spicy Smell: pungent, fragrant, sour, musty Touch: lumpy, silky, calloused, prickly Sound: bang, mew, whoosh, honk |
Finally, your proofreading includes a grammar check. With a grammar handbook for reference, examine your punctuation, grammar, and spelling. If using a computer, do not solely rely on the grammar or spell check. Use the computer’s tools first, but then go over the essay yourself. Proper “mechanics” in your composition polishes your whole presentation.
Just as a scientist places his specimens under the microscope to examine its contents, so the writer must scrutinize his work with the same precision. With this step-by-step approach, proofreading will effectively expose weaknesses and errors.Taking the time to perfect your writing will enhance your skills and produce a composition you can proudly share with family and friends.
Just as a scientist places his specimens under the microscope to examine its contents, so the writer must scrutinize his work with the same precision. With this step-by-step approach, proofreading will effectively expose weaknesses and errors.Taking the time to perfect your writing will enhance your skills and produce a composition you can proudly share with family and friends.
GIVING THAT DREADED SPEECH
Your knees are knocking and your stomach is a churning mass. As sweat drips off your forehead, trembling hands grip the chair. For weeks you have prepared for this moment, but now you would rather hide in the nearest closet than stand in front of an audience and give this speech. The clock ticks on as your turn approaches. Finally, the emcee introduces you, and you . . . wake up. What? Read that again. Yes, it does say, "wake up." Such are the nightmares of most would-be orators. Their fear of facing a group even encroaches their sleep.
Does this describe you or your children? Alas, you are not alone. There are few natural speakers. Not only is the skill acquired, but being "at home" in front of a crowd usually comes from experience. Even though some never lose their fears, they do, however, force themselves to give those speeches. No matter who you are – timid or outgoing – knowing a few speech-making techniques will polish your presentation and instill some self-confidence. Check out these seven tips:
Keep it simple. Before you prepare your speech, try expressing it in one sentence. If you cannot, it lacks focus. Take the time to reevaluate your thoughts and adjust your topic accordingly. An audience comes away with only one or two points of any speech or presentation. When you simplify your talk, they will remember what you said.
Get organized. Every presentation includes an opening, a few major points, and a closing. A strong closing is critical because those are the last words the audience hears and likely what they will remember the most.
Keep it short. Nobody likes a long-winded speech. Be bold. Be brief. Be gone.
Be real. Robert Frost once remarked, "No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader." This applies to speakers, too. Use first person singular, and then make yourself vulnerable by sharing your feelings. That will place the audience right in your shoes.
Take charge. The first few moments of your speech establishes your relationship with the audience. Smile. Don’t start until you have everyone’s attention. Then, as you begin speaking, pick out three people with which to make eye contact – one from the left side of the audience, another from the center, and one from the right. While giving your presentation, you will take in the whole group by making eye contact with each of these three people. This prevents you from ignoring parts of your audience.
Talk, don’t read. Notes are great for keeping the speaker on track, but they are only short reminders. Reading a speech lacks spontaneity and life; it rarely keeps the audience’s attention. Talk, even if it is not as smooth a presentation.
Relax. Practice what all the basketball players do before shooting that free throw. Take a deep breath from your diaphragm and exhale slowly. This will help you control your nervousness.
Not many have frequent opportunities to practice giving a speech. The best place to start, then, is at home with the people you love and trust. Choose a regular "speech night" and take turns giving talks, practicing the seven techniques. The children can summarize something they learn in school, or each one can talk about a current event. Review movies, books, and music. Dress up as a historical character and present a short "autobiography" while the rest of the family guesses who you are. Be imaginative and enjoy! Practice will improve your skills.
Does this describe you or your children? Alas, you are not alone. There are few natural speakers. Not only is the skill acquired, but being "at home" in front of a crowd usually comes from experience. Even though some never lose their fears, they do, however, force themselves to give those speeches. No matter who you are – timid or outgoing – knowing a few speech-making techniques will polish your presentation and instill some self-confidence. Check out these seven tips:
Keep it simple. Before you prepare your speech, try expressing it in one sentence. If you cannot, it lacks focus. Take the time to reevaluate your thoughts and adjust your topic accordingly. An audience comes away with only one or two points of any speech or presentation. When you simplify your talk, they will remember what you said.
Get organized. Every presentation includes an opening, a few major points, and a closing. A strong closing is critical because those are the last words the audience hears and likely what they will remember the most.
Keep it short. Nobody likes a long-winded speech. Be bold. Be brief. Be gone.
Be real. Robert Frost once remarked, "No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader." This applies to speakers, too. Use first person singular, and then make yourself vulnerable by sharing your feelings. That will place the audience right in your shoes.
Take charge. The first few moments of your speech establishes your relationship with the audience. Smile. Don’t start until you have everyone’s attention. Then, as you begin speaking, pick out three people with which to make eye contact – one from the left side of the audience, another from the center, and one from the right. While giving your presentation, you will take in the whole group by making eye contact with each of these three people. This prevents you from ignoring parts of your audience.
Talk, don’t read. Notes are great for keeping the speaker on track, but they are only short reminders. Reading a speech lacks spontaneity and life; it rarely keeps the audience’s attention. Talk, even if it is not as smooth a presentation.
Relax. Practice what all the basketball players do before shooting that free throw. Take a deep breath from your diaphragm and exhale slowly. This will help you control your nervousness.
Not many have frequent opportunities to practice giving a speech. The best place to start, then, is at home with the people you love and trust. Choose a regular "speech night" and take turns giving talks, practicing the seven techniques. The children can summarize something they learn in school, or each one can talk about a current event. Review movies, books, and music. Dress up as a historical character and present a short "autobiography" while the rest of the family guesses who you are. Be imaginative and enjoy! Practice will improve your skills.