To begin preparing a presentation, start by considering the topic. For this activity, you will select any topic connected to this unit and create a persuasive presentation. For example, you could choose a topic about postmodern literature or Beat poetry, such as these examples: Motif became one of the most important elements of postmodern narratives, such as in John Updike’s "The Brown Chest."

Beat poetry emerged from the need to amend social injustices in society.

You can select any topic connected to the unit. Make sure to pick a topic that you find interesting and wish to learn more about. Choose a position on the topic. Your presentation should persuade your audience about your viewpoint.

As you select your topic, consider two important aspects of any public speaking opportunity: purpose and audience. Make sure you have a firm understanding of why and to whom you will be presenting. This information will help determine your topic and the tone of your speech. Obviously, a presentation on marine life would not be appropriate for an assignment on tragic heroes in your literature class, nor would it be appropriate for a group of experienced marine biologists who already know its contents.

Type your chosen topic and notes about your position on the topic in the space provided.
As you choose your topic, develop the thesis on that topic. Make sure your thesis allows you to argue a specific point. For instance, if you choose postmodernism for your topic, a proper thesis could be “self-reflexivity in postmodern literature came about as writers began to doubt whether literature could truly be objective.” As you research your topic, keep in mind how you could build a proper, relevant thesis.

Part 2: thoreau’s ideas had a profound effect on a man named gandhi. gandhi, was a leader in india who worked to end british rule. he led india to independence and inspired many to non-violent forms of protest and resistance. he fought to end poverty, worked to expand women's right to vote, and built bridges between ethnic and religious groups. like thoreau, he lived simply, owned very little, and ate a vegetarian diet. in india, gandhi's form of protest was called the "non-cooperation movement." he urged indians to boycott british education systems and leave government jobs. the movement was very popular, and in part to stop its spread, the british controlled government arrested him. after a few years, he was released and became active in politics again. he inspired many to follow him on marches to protest various taxes. on one such march, thousands followed him 240 miles over 24 days to the sea to protest a salt tax. this march set the example of non-violent resistance to the government that others in the country followed. eventually india won independence from britain, in large part because of gandhi work. gandhi's model of resistance and reform was creative, appealing, and successful. as a result, dr. martin luther king looked to gandhi when the time came to find a way to resist segregation in the south. the lunch counter protests, famous for the passive response to anger, and even violence, aimed to end the separation enforced by laws in some regions of the south. king also organized walks, marches, and bus rides that were meant to bring attention to the issues facing african americans. these forms of protest were directly modeled on gandhi's, but king took them straight to the source of oppression. where gandhi's protests created awareness and built momentum, king's protests were in the face of great hatred and fear. the passive, non-violent protests were ultimately effective, mainly because the passive response to violence cast the opposition as brutes. however, change came slowly and at the cost of many lives. king remained committed to peaceful protest, however, until his death. king learned from gandhi, expanding on what worked, applying old techniques to a new problem. gandhi owed his philosophy, in part, to a new england poet who loved the woods. read this sentence from part 2: like thoreau, he lived simply, owned very little, and ate a vegetarian diet. what is the point of this sentence? gandhi and thoreau had similar childhoods. gandhi had many admirable qualities. thoreau and gandhi were very similar. thoreau had a simple life compared to others.