6 replies to this topic

[Crow Sama]

I have a speech class, and in this class I've been assigned to do a speech on an article. I've chosen to address the Nerf Rebelle line, as its concurrent with my interests, and the article I found is perfect for the assignment parameters.

Problem: I don't know what to use for an attention-getter, short of bringing a nerf gun into class, which is not allowed. I'm definitely using visuals comparing Nerf's various lines, however I need to tell a room of college students why they should be interested or care about the Rebelle line in regards to sexism (or lack thereof. I'm not trying to start a flame war here).

[Buffdaddy]

I have a speech class, and in this class I've been assigned to do a speech on an article. I've chosen to address the Nerf Rebelle line, as its concurrent with my interests, and the article I found is perfect for the assignment parameters.

Problem: I don't know what to use for an attention-getter, short of bringing a nerf gun into class, which is not allowed. I'm definitely using visuals comparing Nerf's various lines, however I need to tell a room of college students why they should be interested or care about the Rebelle line in regards to sexism (or lack thereof. I'm not trying to start a flame war here).

You're going to need Powerpoint slides, or pictures of some kind. Also, while you can't bring the Nerf blasters, I imagine you COULD bring in the boxes for them, or if all else fails look up the box art on the internet.

Also, there are articles concerning the line's release, and what tested best with girls (the pink designs). Which you could consider worthy of note (should Hasbro be going along with the social stereotypes that have been established, or buck the trend even though pink did indeed test better?). While not promoting the stereotype would be a nice gesture, what if doing so means they don't sell well?

[mikejonas]

Have you taken a position on the issue? That may affect what resources and research are ideal for you on the matter.

One thing that you might include in your discussion is how wasn't/isn't just a Nerf issue, even though you're focusing on Nerf and Rebelle as the most recent, prominent example. Other recent instances of the same sexism controversy would include Lego's "Friends" line and earlier attempt at making girl-friendly Lego toys, like "Belleville"; the girl who recently petitioned Hasbro to make the Easy Bake Oven in "boy-friendly" colors; the origins of the G.I. Joe toyline (and in fact, the whole action figure industry itself) as a way to make and sell what essentially were "dolls for boys." This isn't the only time toys originally intended for one gender were rejiggered, spun off, or counterprogrammed for the other gender.

There was an article on Rebelle from the hard copy version of Wired Magazine not too long ago (it doesn't appear to have been reproduced on the website as of yet), which revealed that girls made up 10-15% of Nerf buyers before Rebelle. It also showed that boys in a test group still appeared to enjoy playing with the Rebelle products.

Edited by mikejonas, 19 September 2013 - 10:35 AM.

[Duke Wintermaul]

Last semester in my Communications class I gave a speech about my campuses HvZ group.

I brought a blaster to class. We were required to bring props, so that's how I 'got away with it'.

Perhaps bringing up the similarities between the Rebelle blaster and their 'manly' counterparts? For instance, the Guardian Crossbow is essentially a reshelled Strongarm. This might be a bit of a stretch, as it's all internal. The Sweet Revenge and the Hammershot basically are the same blaster, with different paintjobs.

Good luck.

[Crow Sama]

Have you taken a position on the issue? That may affect what resources and research are ideal for you on the matter.

One thing that you might include in your discussion is how wasn't/isn't just a Nerf issue, even though you're focusing on Nerf and Rebelle as the most recent, prominent example. Other recent instances of the same sexism controversy would include Lego's "Friends" line and earlier attempt at making girl-friendly Lego toys, like "Belleville"; the girl who recently petitioned Hasbro to make the Easy Bake Oven in "boy-friendly" colors; the origins of the G.I. Joe toyline (and in fact, the whole action figure industry itself) as a way to make and sell what essentially were "dolls for boys." This isn't the only time toys originally intended for one gender were rejiggered, spun off, or counterprogrammed for the other gender.

There was an article on Rebelle from the hard copy version of Wired Magazine not too long ago (it doesn't appear to have been reproduced on the website as of yet), which revealed that girls made up 10-15% of Nerf buyers before Rebelle. It also showed that boys in a test group still appeared to enjoy playing with the Rebelle products.

Good point to think of, of all the companies reaching out to girls as far as marketing... I could re-shape my speech to go that route, just to sexist toys in general... it's only a 3-minute speech, it's not like I've got a ton of time here. My question still stands though- How do I get a group of college students interested in this? I want these people to listen to this, that's the bulk of my grade for this one is how well people appear to be listening, and the best way to get them to listen to me is to make them interested

[Nerfgirl36]

Last semester in my Communications class I gave a speech about my campuses HvZ group.

I brought a blaster to class. We were required to bring props, so that's how I 'got away with it'.

Perhaps bringing up the similarities between the Rebelle blaster and their 'manly' counterparts? For instance, the Guardian Crossbow is essentially a reshelled Strongarm. This might be a bit of a stretch, as it's all internal. The Sweet Revenge and the Hammershot basically are the same blaster, with different paintjobs.

Good luck.

I am with Duke. I would explain how there are rebelle blasters, as well as other blasters with different paint that are basically the same. As to getting their attention you could say that it is fun to get to shoot your friends, but now with the rebelle line, you and your girlfriend can shoot eachother. Just a suggestion. I am a girl and i personally think that it is kind if dumb that hasbro made a "girls line." Good marketing though. It is your own opinion though. Thanks for your time

[Meaker VI]

I want these people to listen to this, that's the bulk of my grade for this one is how well people appear to be listening, and the best way to get them to listen to me is to make them interested

They aren't chained to their seats in a classroom environment? If the bulk of your grade is how well they appear to be listening, just make sure you go after someone boring and then do something crazy while being energetic. If you wake them up they'll seem to be listening better.

Seriously though, try to make it memorable. A well-organized slide show with pictures showing what you're talking about and almost no text usually does the trick, but also look your audience in the eyes, move around, use hand gestures, and speak clearly and loudly (without yelling). Practice so you don't need notes and don't need to look at your slides when you change them. Don't stutter, don't say "uh" or "um", and know your topic well enough that you can wing it if needed.

This should probably be in off-topic, it's not really Nerf-related as much as it is speech related (other than your topic choice, but that could be anything).

Edited by Meaker VI, 20 September 2013 - 04:09 PM.