T.A.P.S. 
(Totally Awesome Public Speaking)
This is not a public reading program!

Speaking and listening are skills in language arts that are used the most in the real world.  Every person is required to communicate in public at some point in his or her life. T.A.P.S. (Totally Awesome Public Speaking) provides an enriching opportunity to learn how to speak confidently.  This can be achieved by learning specific techniques, observing other speakers, planning, research, and practicing public speaking.  The objectives are not just to improve confidence and abilities, but also to encourage students to delight in speaking publicly.
	It is very important that you be well prepared for each T.A.P.S. meeting.  You will be evaluated on both content and presentation.  Areas to focus on are: a strong introduction and conclusion, creativity, oral fluency, expression, volume, eye contact, and detailed preparation.   
    You will submit your assignments in Google Classroom.  Unprepared students must be prepared to present the following week or will receive a 0/4 for that assignment.
	This will be our focus for the third term in speaking and listening, but will also encompass science, health, social studies, math, and visual arts.  
Students will need to:

Review this wakelet collection before choosing your topic.
 You must choose one presentation topic from the choice board to research.  You will have to commit to your choice, so be sure to choose wisely.  Your presentations cannot simply be based on your opinions and you will have to put energy into your research so make sure you are interested in the topic you select. There are plenty to choose from.
Prepare your speech and turn it in as an assignment on Google Classroom.  You must include a list of the resources you used and any website where you got information for our speech. Remember to put information into your own words!
You will need one slide and one slide only for your background when you are speaking.  You will not be reading from slides and you want to make sure that the background slide is visually appealing and has an image connected to your topic. You may use Canva to help design our slide. 
Practice, practice, practice your presentation. Think about your speed, tone, body language, and how you will keep the attention of your audience.
Remember, this is not a PUBLIC READING of your project.  It is a public speaking opportunity!

General Guidelines: 	
     The T.A.P.S. program is a language arts program designed to improve your listening and speaking skills. It will teach you how to run a meeting, deliver speeches, and answer questions.
	In order for the T.A.P.S. program to be successful for you, you must be prepared for each meeting.  You will always need to remember to do the following:
Always speak in complete sentences.
Use your voice effectively.
Respect each other’s right to speak.
Be well prepared.

Items