Oratory: From Fear to Charisma

Rhetorical Deconstruction of a Public Speech – an independent written assignment in which the student analyses a self-selected public speech (e.g., a political address, a TED talk, a historical speech, or a video address by an influential leader).

Assessment criteria:

Higher level:

• Depth of analysis: The student is able to identify not only what the speaker says, but how it is conveyed (e.g., rhetorical devices, patterns of argumentation, and emotional triggers employed).
• Structure: The essay demonstrates a clear structure, including an introduction (context), a main body (deconstruction), and conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the speech.
• Link to theory: The analysis accurately applies terminology acquired during the course (e.g., ethos, pathos, logos, justification of claims, etc.).

Lower level:

• The essay primarily retells the content of the speech (“what was said”) rather than analysing the methods used (“how persuasion was achieved”).
• Superficial argumentation or incorrect use of terminology.
• Weak structure or imprecise conclusions.

Development of a structured speech manuscript and its public delivery before an audience.

Manuscript (50% of the grade): Logical structure (introduction, thesis, arguments, conclusion), appropriate style, and consideration of the target audience.

Delivery (50% of the grade): Voice control, diction, eye contact, and alignment of body language with the spoken message.

Assessment criteria:

• Higher level: Original content, convincing and authentic personal charisma, ability to sustain audience attention, and effective management of performance-related stress.
• Lower level: Monotonous reading from a script, lack of structure, underutilisation of vocal potential, or unconvincing presence.

To receive a final grade for the course, a minimum of 5 points must be obtained in each assessment component. The final examination grade is calculated as the cumulative average of all three components. If the student has not successfully completed the analytical essay and the practical seminars, they are not permitted to proceed to the third, final assessment.

Active participation in classes, completion of practical tasks (breathing and voice training, “elevator pitches,” improvisation).

Assessment criteria:

This component is assessed cumulatively throughout the semester. To receive a passing evaluation, the student must participate in practical sessions where seminar activities take place.

Higher level: Active engagement, willingness to experiment with voice and body, and provision of constructive feedback to peers.

Lower level: Passive participation, formal or superficial completion of tasks, or absences that hinder the development of skills.