Brazil, a great kept secret

Title of Speech: Brazil, a Great Kept Secret. General Purpose: To commemorate the country of Brazil. Specific Purpose: To commemorate Brazil by informing my audience about the country and its’ culture. Central Idea/Thesis Statement: Brazil is a location that any true explorer should visit in his or her life. Introduction I. Attention Getter — Raise your hand if you ever accidentally entered a Capoeira (Brazilian marshal art) fight in the middle of a Brazilian jungle. Unfortunately, I have, and it resulted in a tremendously embarrassing and painful chapter in my explorations of the country of Brazil. II. Orienting Material — A. Following my presentation, I am certain that each of you will have become as captivated as I am by Brazil and its’ culture. B. As a past visitor to this country, I feel that I can best commemorate Brazil through my personal experiences over the two months I was there. C. I feel that Brazil is a place that any true explorer should visit sometime in his or her life. D. Unfortunately there is not enough time to properly commemorate this great place, so I have narrowed the best of Brazil into three main points: my two favorite locations (Rio de Janeiro and Lencois) and the amazing Brazilian food. (Transition) First, let’s focus on the city of Rio de Jeneiro. Main Point 1: I arrived in Rio de Janeiro on June 30th 2006. A. The amusement of this city began immediately because residents were raving about Brazil playing in the championship soccer game of the World Cup. 1. Within hours of my arrival, I was able to watch the final game on a giant projection screen set directly on the Copacabana beach. 2. For as far as I could see, there were people crowded around to witness the game. 3. As some of you may know Brazil won the game 2-0. It was the most incredible celebration I have ever witnessed. B. Rio de Janeiro was also amazing for it’s’ scenery. 1. I was able to hike from the city to beautiful beaches only a handful of people in the world have traveled to. 2. I was also able to view art such as ‘ Christ the Redeemer’ which is a famous statue of Jesus Christ. C. The entertainment and sight-seeing in Rio de Janeiro were both incredible. (Transition) Now that I have told you a little bit about Rio de Janeiro, let’s focus on another favorite city of mine, Lencois. II. Main Point 2: Lencois was the city I admired most because of the great amount of time I was able to spend there. A. In Lencois, I lived with a family for a few weeks and learned a lot about the Brazil’s culture and values. B. Lencois also answers your questions about my full-contact fight as described earlier on. 1. I saw men in a circle and assumed that they were dancing, so I joined this “ dance” unaware that it was actually a fight match that ended with me face-down. C. Lencois taught me much about the people and I gained a great respect for the city’s traditions. (Transition) Since I have now told you about my two favorite Brazilian cities, I would like to move on to my final and favorite topic: the food. III. Main Point 3: The Brazilian restaurant experience was unlike any other I have ever had. A. The meat in many restaurants was served on kabob-like knives and carved off individually for each person. 1. The food was then carried around the restaurant by waiters and guest s was able to request a shaving of as much of the meat as he or she desired. B. Most of the restaurants I went to treated meals like a royal delicacy. C. The drinks at dinner were also very interesting. 1. Coconut water was very popular and was given everywhere. 2. Sangrias were another special treat. (Transition) The Brazilian food was obviously delicious and was enjoyed in all of the cities I was able to visit. Conclusion I. Summary A. Signal End: In closing, I have informed you today about my admiration for Brazil and its’ culture. B. Summarize Main Points: I have shared with you my memorable experiences of my two favorite cities, Rio de Janeiro and Lencois, as well as my love for the Brazilian food. II. Clincher/Tie to audience A. Brazil is a place of great importance to me. I encourage each of you to visit Brazil if given the opportunity.