• Students will practice research skills.

• Students will organize the information.

• Students will present orally the information they have gathered.

• Internet research

• Knowledge of how to give speeches (not required, but should be covered prior to student speeches).

• Note-taking

Discuss the Olympics in general and the athletes participating. Ask what we know about these athletes. Is there something special that makes them athletes? Do they have families? What sacrifices did they have to make to get where they are today? (Accept all reasonable responses to generate discussion.)  Be sure to discuss with students that athletes are regular people, with regular issues who have set and accomplished great goals.  Our objective is to put a voice to those Olympic athletes and learn what their lives are like beyond and within competition.

Ask students to select an athlete they have followed or would like to follow in the Olympics. Sometimes, it may be simpler to have students select a sport, then find an athlete within that sport. 

Students should research as much as possible about the athlete looking for the following: country of origin,  languages they speak, sport involvement, previous athletic experience, job, family, education, training, awards, achievements, public service, activities and interests outside of sport, country they represent (especially if that country is different than their native country), other unique information.

Students should also find out information about their athlete's native country.  (As students begin research you may want to take the opportunity to review note-taking skills.)

Discuss with students how speeches should be organized.  The information should move logically and sequentially, dividing the athlete's life into an understandable sequence. 

Write the speech using note cards. Encourage students NOT to use complete sentences, but to put NOTES on their note cards instead.  This may take some practice if not previously taught.  The goal is to prevent students from reading their speeches word-for-word and to encourage them to tell about their athlete rather than read prepared text.

When notes have been compiled and organized, students should begin practicing their speeches. Review the criteria for oral presentations: content, pitch (of voice), pace (of speech), posture, hands at sides, eyes on audience. 

Provide time for practice. Remember, all speeches should be given in first person, as they are speaking as if they are that person.

Students should find costumes and props to enhance their speech. Costume suggestions: native dress from their country, uniform for their sport, costume worn at the Olympics Opening Ceremonies.  Whatever the costume is, it should reflect something about the athletes.  Students should also find at least one prop to bring in to enhance their speech. This could be a piece of equipment used in competition, something from the traditions of that country, something from the job they do outside of the Olympics.  

The requirements for the student speeches will vary greatly depending upon grade level.  Teachers may wish to require specific elements in student speeches to challenge more capable students.

Time requirements may be imposed depending upon the nature of the class, students, or grade level.

NBCOlympics.com : Includes a database of information and updates on athletes. Many articles appear on specific athletes. There is also a sidebar of information organized by specific sport.

USOC : The official Web site for the Sydney Olympic Games includes bountiful information on sports, athletes, and statistics.

• Computer(s)
• Internet Connection
• Internet Web Browser

• Students could give information on the role of  selected athletes in the Olympics.

• Students could generate information about a particular sport.

• Students could create a visual about a particular athlete.

Gifted Students :

• Extend the length of the speech.

• Increase expectations for content.

• Ask student to learn a phrase in the native tongue of their selected athlete. (This assumes the athlete is from another country.)