LA+8+Feb

//Ok...I'm trusting that you've been keeping up with what we've been doing in class (HAHAHAHA!)

Sorry. Here's a checklist of the things you **should** have done by now://
 * Topic chosen. This should be a traditional speech with a very definite opinion or position. As a quick check, ask yourself "Does this topic say something that somebody could agree or disagree with?"
 * Brainstorm is done and on paper or word document.
 * Major points are organized for research.
 * Research is nearly done.
 * Thesis statement is complete. This needs to be a very specific statement (1 or 2 lines) that tells us what your speech is about. It needs to be focused. Your thesis statement will be at the top of the page when you begin your rough draft.

//If you have not **completely** finished these points, do not move on to the next part...seriously. You won't be ready. Don't do it.

If you have completed everything, go to the link at the bottom. It will take you to an online site to write your speech outline**. This is NOT your rough copy**, so you may write it in point form. It also calls it a demonstration speech, but will work for either option. This should be done for Monday. If you've been keeping up, this will not be a problem.

[|Here's the link].


 * __Monday, 11 February__**//

//Today's the day you should begin your rough copy. Although many of you certainly have your own method and style to your writing, I would like you to follow the following formula in the body of your speech.//

//* This is the intro. We will work on these together, but you should be looking for a 'hook' -- an interesting fact, quotation, etc -- to get our attention. This applies to both styles of speech.//
 * Paragraph 1:**
 * //Your intro will need to state your 'plan' for this speech, but **should not** actually make any major argument, or go into the main points of your topic//

No day is so bad that it can't be fixed with a nap. This simple quotation by Carrie Snow speaks volumes and summarizes the feelings of those of us who have achieved the wonderful ability to take naps. Resting the mind and recharging the soul, a nap is like a new start; a re-do on a day that surely had worn on the individual. Although western countries like Canada and the United States look upon naps as laziness, and nappers as people who are surely missing out on life, many cultures have incorporated naps into their very existence. Mexico, Spain, Italy, and Portugal -- all wonderful countries with important world status have long included a mid-day //siesta// into their schedules. This speech will explain the importance of a daily nap, and discuss how our culture could benefit from this practice.
 * Example:**

//* These paragraphs make up the 'meat' of your speech, and are based on the research you have done (opinion speech) or steps you must take (demo speech). You should create a strong topic sentence to begin this paragraph. The sentences that follow your topic sentence should act to support that statement.//
 * Paragraph 2-4, etc**

Can you imagine what our world would be like if our leaders took siestas? Whenever opposing countries made strong statements, and were close to making a decision with wide-ranging consequences, they would be forced to take a nap -- effectively 'sleeping on' their decisions. As the health care magazine //Seasons India// states, "(D)uring sleep we recharge our ... ability for social interaction, decision making and balanced emotions." How many battles would not have been fought had a jumpy president simply been sent for nappy time? I feel that this simple - and welcome - change in lifestyle would well be worth the time invested.
 * Example:**

//Ok, so that might not be the best speech you've ever heard / read, but you see what I'm doing. Take some time today to work through a couple of paragraphs into a rough copy. **Do not become too attached** to your ideas. Things have a way of getting re-worked in the editing process. If you're really keen, you'll be using paragraph hooks.//