Heritage Quilt Project DUE __________________

You are challenged to make a rhetorical argument about yourself using visual representations
and a spoken narrative/explanation. In your introduction, you’re convincing an audience that
you’re a certain kind of person, the person who you want to be known as. So, you must think
through who you are, what defines you, and how to rhetorically present that “self” to us.
Remember that each choice you make—every last detail—is an opportunity to enhance your
narrative/explanation of yourself for which you’re arguing. This is a persuasive act.

First, define the “self” that you’re presenting and arguing for. Who are you, what symbolizes
you, and why should we believe you? Then, outline your argument: claim, reasoning, and
evidence.

Second, cut out a 6 ½” square of paper; indicate your name in the center of the paper.

Decorate this square with elements that suggest who you are and that define your claim.
Consider the following as places to start, but they are simply that—places to start:
• A personal maxim or motto that you live by
• Your family’s country or countries of origin
• Your personality
• Your personal interests (music, books, food, technology, outreach/service, religion)
• Family information (traditions, gatherings, celebrations)
• A favorite “experience”: an activity, a trip, a journey
• Relationships (parents, pets, friends, significant others, mentors, heroes/heroines)
• Unusual and unique details about yourself
• Personal goals (future, careers, sports, academics)
• A unique-to-you life lesson that you’ve learned

Requirements for oral presentation:

Use one 3 x 5 note card that will be turned in. You must display your square during the
speech. Your speech must be at least 1.5 minutes but no longer than three minutes.

1. Open with a “catchy” statement or sentence: use an interesting anecdote, a shocking

statistic that relates to you, an old saying, etc; go beyond simply, “Hi, my name is…”
2. Say your full name very distinctly (as it is on the quilt square)
3. Make a claim for the person you want to be known as; support your claim by explaining: a
maxim or motto you live by, your personality and interests, an experience, unique personal
details or goals, and a life lesson that you’ve learned.
5. Show evidence of your logical reasoning: include only things that help show and justify the
person you are; have an awareness for omitting seemingly random/disconnected elements.
6. Utilize one analogy and one rhetorical question that furthers your claim.
Heritage Quilt Project DUE __________________

7. Finish your presentation with a concluding statement that effectively ends your claim.