I chose Hanukkah. I have been celebrating it since I was a very little girl. My GrandParents were very religious, and I would go to their house every night for eight nights to celebrate Hanukkah with them. On the first night and the last night, the whole family, Including Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, would gather. It was a truly enjoyable and memorable holiday. I have a menorah that my grandma gave me before she passed away in 1994. I continued the tradition for a few more years while working at a conservative synagogue where my youngest daughter learned the traditions and celebrated Hanukkah with her friends. We ate latkas and played the dreidel game with Hanukkah gelt. Even though I don't celebrate it as most of my family, who kept the holiday traditions, have all passed, it's just not the same. But what I do for Hanukkah now is just take the Menorah out and light the candles.
Directions for Your Cultural Artifact Speech
In this speech, you will present an artifact that represents your culture. You must demonstrate a deep understanding of your chosen artifact and how it reflects your way of life. A well-prepared cultural artifact speech will help challenge stereotypes and allow us to see individuals from other cultures as unique, rather than defined by differences.
Definition of Culture
For this speech, we will use a broad definition of culture: "The earth from which you grow." This means that culture includes all the elements that have shaped your identity. It is not limited to race or ethnicity and can include affiliations such as school culture, sports culture, youth culture, etc.
Purpose of the Cultural Artifact Speech
The purpose of this speech is to help us:
- Learn about the artifact and its cultural background.
- Learn about the culture from which the artifact comes.
- Learn about you as the speaker and your connection to the artifact.
Research Instructions:
For this assignment, focus on a culture you identify with or feel connected to. You will explore its traditions, values, beliefs, and norms, sharing your personal perspective. You do not need to conduct formal secondary research; however, primary research is required.
Primary research involves gathering data directly from people or groups. You will collect information through:
- Interviews (phone, face-to-face, or virtual)
- Surveys (online, in-person, or mail)
- Questionnaires (online, in-person, or mail)
Example of Primary Research Sources:
- Exploratory Interview (Informal)
- Interview with a family member about your chosen cultural tradition. For example, you might ask, “What traditions do you remember most about [tradition]?” or “What values do you feel it represents?”
- Source example: Interview with [Family Member's Name], October 5, 2024, Face-to-Face.
- Specific Interview (Focused)
- Interview a cultural expert or community member for specific details about the tradition, such as, “What role does [specific item or symbol] play in this tradition?”
- Source example: Interview with [Community Member's Name], October 10, 2024, Virtual.
- Survey or Questionnaire
- Conduct a short survey asking friends or other community members for their views or memories related to the tradition, such as, “What items are commonly used in [tradition] ceremonies and why?”
- Source example: Survey responses from community members, October 2024, Online Survey.
You must use a minimum of three sources, with at least one being from your own primary research. All sources must be cited appropriately and accurately, following the required MLA or APA citation format.
Speech Procedures:
- Time Limit: Your speech must be 5-6 minutes. Time limits will be enforced.
- Delivery: The speech must be delivered extemporaneously. You can use note cards to help guide you.
- Outline: A full and complete outline of your speech must be submitted before your presentation and will be graded.
- Visual Aid: Your cultural artifact will serve as your visual aid and will also be graded.
Choosing Your Artifact:
Your chosen item should have both personal and cultural significance. The artifact should represent not only your culture but also an important part of your identity. During the speech, explain:
- The cultural significance of your item: What does it represent about your culture?
- The personal significance of your item: Why is it meaningful to you?
***PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BRIEF EXAMPLE BELOW IS JUST THAT, AN EXAMPLE. This is also a draft. Your outline does NOT need to follow this structure. There are many ways to approach this assignment, get creative.
Speech Organization
Introduction must include attention getter, establishment of ethos, specific purpose, and preview of points. Conclusions must include an ending signal, restatement of thesis, review of main points, and a final conclusive statement.Speech Organization
Introduction must include attention getter, establishment of ethos, specific purpose, and preview of points.
Transitions must be included after the intro, main point 1, main point 2, and main point 3, leading into the conclusion.
- Main Point 1: Background of the Culture
- History of the culture
- Talk about the country of origin, how it began?
- The location of the culture?
- Where did it originate? Where can the class find the culture today?
Example: Baseball is a wonderful game that is considered “America’s Greatest Pastime.” Although it is played around the world, it’s highly popularized in the United States having over 30 teams representing most of the 50 states.
- Main Point 2: Your connection to the artifact
- What is the artifact
- Explain how you came across this artifact
- How did you obtain it?
- Was it passed down to you? From who?
- Purpose of the artifact?
Example: The artifact I brought in today is one of the main things used in a game, the baseball. This particular baseball was caught at a Dodger game over 15 years ago. It was a foul ball by Raul Modessi by my father in the lower field section. Once the ball was caught, my Dad ran to the field and asked him to sign it, AND HE DID!!! A few years later, my father decided to pass it down to me.
- Main Point 3: Cultural Significance
- How is this artifact significant to you?
- How is this artifact significant to your culture?
- How does this artifact help the culture?
- Stress the overall importance and overall love you have for this artifact
- How is it important to the outside world?
- How is the artifact true to your heart?
Example: Even though this baseball looks just like a regular old baseball, it actually means the world to me. It reminds me of how baseball brings my family closer every time we go to a game. This particular ball is important to me because it was not only caught by my favorite player in Dodger history, but because it was my fathers. It was something that was passed down to me because he trusted me with it, and that is extremely meaningful to me then just a baseball.
Conclusions must include an ending signal, restatement of thesis, review of main points, and a final conclusive statement.
| Criteria |
|---|
| Criteria | Pts | |
|---|---|---|
Organization Are the ideas clearly organized, developed, and supported to achieve a purpose? Is the purpose clear? Does the introduction get the attention of the audience and clearly states the specific purpose of the speech? Are the main points clear and organized effectively? Is the conclusion satisfying and relates back to introduction? (If the purpose of the presentation is to persuade, is there a clear action step identified and an overt call to action?). | 17 pts | |
Topic Knowledge Does student have a clear grasp of information? Are citations introduced and attributed appropriately and accurately? Is supporting material original, logical and relevant? Does student demonstrate full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration? Is a speaking outline or note cards used for reference only? | 17 pts | |
Audience Adaptation Is the presenter able to effectively keep the audience engaged? Is the material modified or clarified as needed given audience verbal and nonverbal feedback? Are nonverbal behaviors used to keep the audience engaged? Is the delivery style modified as needed? Is topic selection and examples interesting and relevant for the audience and occasion? | 17 pts | |
Language Use (verbal effectiveness) Is language familiar to the audience, appropriate for the setting, and free of bias? Does the presenter “code-switch” (use a different language form) when appropriate? Are language choices vivid and precise? Does the speaker use language that creates memorable imagery? Does the speaker use language that creates a pleasing rhythm? | 17 pts | |
Delivery & Visual Aid (Nonverbal effectiveness) Is the delivery extemporaneous -- natural, confident, and enhances the message – posture, eye contact, smooth gestures, facial expressions, volume, pace, etc. indicate confidence, a commitment to the topic, and a willingness to communicate? Is the vocal tone, delivery style, and clothing consistent with the message? Does delivery style and clothing choices suggest an awareness of expectations and norms? Is there limited use of nonfluencies observed? Is articulation and pronunciation are clear? Can all audience members hear the presentation? Presentation aids: is it relevant to the topic and purpose? Does it have an efficient/artful design? Does it enhance the speech? |