Evaluation:

• An attention-getting opening.

Professor Stormwell gives the opening to the speech by introducing Elle Woods

Professor Stromwell: I am, personally, very honored to introduce this year’s class-elected speaker. After getting off to a quite interesting start here at Harvard, she graduates today with an invitation to join one of Boston’s most prestigious law firms. I am sure we are going to see great things from her. Ladies and Gentlemen: Elle  Woods.

• An introduction (which includes a thesis statement / proposition of fact, value or policy).

“Well, no offense to Aristotle, but in my three years at Harvard I have come to find that passion is a key ingredient to the study and practice of law — and of life.”

• A body preview.

• Three or four main points (with transitions between them).

First impressions are not always correct

Have faith in yourself

• Aristotelian persuasive techniques (including ethos, pathos, and logos) 

Ethos and Pathos 

• A conclusion (which summarizes main points, and ends with a call to action).

It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions are not always correct. You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.