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Conviction

My 2nd speech is one themed “Be In Earnest” wherein I speak non-offensively about something I have extended knowledge and opinions on. Uh huh.

From the instructions:

Choose a subject of current interest on which you have definite convictions. The world is full of controversial subjects, and you certainly have strong feelings about some of them. Your topic could be anything from taxes to street cleaning, arms control to barking dogs. Just be sure that you have a definite point of view, and then prepare a protest, appeal, or call for action that promotes your viewpoint.

We also received an email from the group leader today that asked us to pick a non-offensive subject, and remain respectful. I can do respectful – but non-offensive? I’m doing this class with a bunch of very conservative people. Any current issues I may have strong convictions about likely run counter to anything that anyone in the room would be comfortable with. Anyone have any ideas?

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5 thoughts on “Conviction”

  3. I’m with Darren. It’s possible to talk about controversial subjects without being offensive. So, rather than saying “Read My Lips: No More Bush” followed by dropping your pants, you might choose instead an intelligent “Here’s why George Bush shouldn’t be re-elected…”

    Or something like that. 🙂

  4. Man, those suggestions are pathetic. Taxes? Street cleaning?

    I’d say you definitely should court controversy here. I think by ‘inoffensive’, they probably mean radical approachs and posturing (images of aborted fetuses immediately spring to mind). What does it matter if you disagree with the people in the room? That should just make it more interesting, shouldn’t it? It becomes a real challenge, then, to try and change somebody’s mind.

    If, for example, you’re adamantly opposed to the war in Iraq, start with this article: http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20041108&s=facts. They’ve already done your homework for you.

    If I were you, I’d brainstorm a list of subjects I feel passionate and opinionated about, and choose one of them.

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