Presidential Debate Worksheet
Adapted from http://www.frankwbaker.com/lights_camera_debate.htm
Instructions: Students will use the worksheet below to record notes while watching the presidential and vice presidential debates.
Factor |
Barack Obama |
Mitt Romney |
Debate Setting
Look for examples of how colors, camera positions, view framing (e.g., close-ups, side views, other angles) favor or hurt the candidate |
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Techniques of Persuasion
Do candidates use generalities instead of specifics, make emotional appeals, engage in name-calling, avoid answers? |
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Favorite Phrases
Did candidates repeat favorite phrases and were they effective? |
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Rehearsed Responses
Do the candidates seem to rely on rehearsed answers, or were they spontaneous? How effective were their answers? |
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Self Presentation
Did the candidates seem self-confident or ill at ease? Did they have distracting or reassuring personal mannerisms? |
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What Did the Commentators Say?
Listen to some of the post-debate commentary. Did they declare a “winner”? Do you agree? |
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