Public speaking at MICDS is a core skill woven into the curriculum. From Lower to Upper School, students regularly practice presenting, storytelling, and speech delivery in a supportive, community-driven environment.
In a recent sixth-grade assignment, “The Art of Persuasion,” Middle School English Teacher Andy Kay tasked his sixth graders to research and deliver a rehearsed, two-and-a-half-minute persuasive speech on a topic of their choice, using the “rhetorical triangle” pillars of Ethos, Logos, and Pathos to convince their audience.
To win their peers’ attention and achieve the assignment goals, students used the three pillars to establish credibility and trust (Ethos); use logic, facts, and data to make a sound argument (Logos); and leverage humor, storytelling, or shared values to connect emotionally with the audience (Pathos).
Students were given an open canvas for their topic, with categories ranging from improving school life, debating a hot topic, pitching an idea, and more.
Some chosen topics included:
- Why Lacrosse is Better than Golf
- Independent Reading Time Should be Extended by Ten Minutes
- Why the Avatar Movies are the Best CGI Movies
- Acai Bowls Should be Offered in the Dining Hall
- Capybaras Should Get More Credit
- Tennis is a Sport that Needs More Attention
- Volleyball Prices to Join Teams Should Be Lower
- Why You Should Watch the Blackfish Documentary
- Why Kobe is Better than LeBron
- Why Books are Better than Movies
For their speech, students could use only minimal note cards for cues and maintain strong eye contact and vocal variety. Additionally, students completed a Triangle Map that explicitly identifies at least one specific use of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos within their presentation.
Kay said, “Students really had some dynamic differences in topics, and this assignment was just a fun way to build public-speaking throughlines because there is no replacing your voice.”