Activity Overview
The very basics of writing a speech include keeping four important aspects of public speaking in mind: Situation, Purpose, Occasion, and Method, or SPAM. Have students answer the SPAM model for Patrick Henry’s “Speech in the Virginia Convention”. Then, have them storyboard their results, like the following example.
SPAM Model for “Speech in the Virginia Convention”
| S | SITUATION | Patrick Henry’s situation for his speech is the Virginia Provincial Convention, which had convened to decide whether or not they would be sending Virginia militiamen to support the Revolution. |
|---|---|---|
| P | PURPOSE |
Patrick Henry’s purpose for his speech was to convince the members of the Convention to arm the Virginia militia and send them to aid the Revolution efforts. He urged armed resistance to England whereas others were pleading for compromise. |
| A | AUDIENCE |
Patrick Henry’s audience was the elected representatives from Virginia. The assembly was formerly known as the House of Burgesses, and it was dissolved by the Governor after he got wind they were supporting rebels in Massachusetts. |
| M | METHOD |
Patrick Henry mainly uses appeals to emotion and reason to rally support. He includes an ultimatum of liberty or death to drive home the importance and gravity of the situation. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Fill in the heading boxes and the center title box.
- In the descriptions, complete the Situation, Purpose, Audience, and Method.
- Add illustrations for each section, using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The very basics of writing a speech include keeping four important aspects of public speaking in mind: Situation, Purpose, Occasion, and Method, or SPAM. Have students answer the SPAM model for Patrick Henry’s “Speech in the Virginia Convention”. Then, have them storyboard their results, like the following example.
SPAM Model for “Speech in the Virginia Convention”
| S | SITUATION | Patrick Henry’s situation for his speech is the Virginia Provincial Convention, which had convened to decide whether or not they would be sending Virginia militiamen to support the Revolution. |
|---|---|---|
| P | PURPOSE |
Patrick Henry’s purpose for his speech was to convince the members of the Convention to arm the Virginia militia and send them to aid the Revolution efforts. He urged armed resistance to England whereas others were pleading for compromise. |
| A | AUDIENCE |
Patrick Henry’s audience was the elected representatives from Virginia. The assembly was formerly known as the House of Burgesses, and it was dissolved by the Governor after he got wind they were supporting rebels in Massachusetts. |
| M | METHOD |
Patrick Henry mainly uses appeals to emotion and reason to rally support. He includes an ultimatum of liberty or death to drive home the importance and gravity of the situation. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Fill in the heading boxes and the center title box.
- In the descriptions, complete the Situation, Purpose, Audience, and Method.
- Add illustrations for each section, using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about SPAM Model for Speeches
Organize a speech analysis activity using the SPAM model
Set up a classroom activity where students apply the SPAM model to a speech of your choice. This helps students break down speeches into Situation, Purpose, Audience, and Method, making analysis more accessible and meaningful.
Introduce the SPAM model with relatable examples
Begin by explaining each SPAM component with familiar, real-life scenarios or short video clips. Connecting concepts to students’ experiences builds understanding and engagement.
Guide students to annotate speeches using SPAM prompts
Provide students with guiding questions for each SPAM element and have them annotate the text as they read. This encourages active reading and deeper comprehension of the speech’s structure.
Facilitate small group discussions to compare SPAM findings
Arrange students in small groups to share and discuss their SPAM responses. Collaborative analysis fosters critical thinking and allows students to learn different perspectives.
Assess understanding with a creative SPAM storyboard assignment
Assign students to create a visual storyboard showcasing their SPAM analysis. This helps them synthesize information and demonstrate understanding in a creative format.
Frequently Asked Questions about SPAM Model for Speeches
What is the SPAM model for speeches?
The SPAM model is a framework for analyzing or planning speeches, focusing on Situation, Purpose, Audience, and Method. It helps students break down or create speeches by considering the context, the speaker's intent, the target listeners, and the techniques used.
How can I use the SPAM model to analyze Patrick Henry's 'Speech in the Virginia Convention'?
To analyze Patrick Henry's speech with the SPAM model, identify the Situation (Virginia Convention debating militia support), Purpose (convince delegates to join the Revolution), Audience (Virginia representatives), and Method (emotional and logical appeals, ultimatum). This helps students understand the speech's structure and impact.
What are some easy lesson ideas for teaching the SPAM model to middle or high school students?
Engage students by having them apply the SPAM model to famous speeches, storyboard each SPAM element, or create their own mini-speeches using the framework. Use group discussions, graphic organizers, and creative illustrations for interactive learning.
Why is the SPAM model useful for K-12 speech lessons?
The SPAM model makes speech analysis accessible by breaking speeches into manageable parts. It encourages critical thinking and helps students organize their ideas, making it ideal for both analyzing and writing speeches in K-12 classrooms.
What is an example of a storyboard activity using the SPAM model for a historical speech?
For a storyboard activity, students fill out boxes labeled Situation, Purpose, Audience, and Method, then illustrate each with scenes or dialogue from a speech like Patrick Henry's. This visual approach deepens comprehension and engagement.
More Storyboard That Activities
Speech in the Virginia Convention
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