For Friday’s class (January 17), find an object with some significance to you or that you think is interesting in some way.  Bring the object to class and give a short speech that explains what it is and why you chose to speak about it.  Although the speech is ungraded, I would suggest that you start developing good speaking habits now - in other words, talk about your object, don’t read a written “speech.”  Also, try to come up with a more interesting introduction for your object than “This is a (whatever).”

I am putting some restrictions on the type of object you may bring:

L     Nothing that is alive (except maybe plants)

L     Nothing that is dangerous or illegal

L     Nothing that could be considered to be in bad taste (MY idea of taste, not Howard Stern’s!)

The speech is ungraded and there is no time limit.  The purpose of this assignment is to give you a chance to “break the ice” of speaking in front of the group and to get to know your classmates.  Enjoy it!!!