Problem
Part I: Divide a sheet of paper into two columns. Label one column "Characteristics of an Effective Public Speaker."Label the other column "Characteristics of an Ineffective Public Speaker." In the columns, list and briefly explain what you believe to be the five most important characteristics of effective and ineffective speakers
Part II: Based on the lists you developed for this exercise, candidly evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses as a speaker. Identify the three primary aspects of speechmaking you most want to improve.
Discussion: This exercise encourages students to set specific goals for improving their public speaking. At various times in the term, you and the student can weigh her or his progress against the goals. Some teachers have students reassess their goals every few weeks. At the end of the course, you may want students to judge how well they have met their goals and to reassess their strengths and weaknesses as speakers in light of what they have learned in the course.