COMS Speech

Question 1

Attention getter

Answer 1

According to the U.S. Nuclear Department of Energy, “Nuclear power…contributes nearly 20 percent of the electricity generated in America.” This is a considerable amount, but it should be more.

Question 2

Audience Relevance

Answer 2

As climate change continues to alter the planet we live on, it is up to us to mitigate those effects by implementing eco-friendly and sustainable institutions into our power grid

Question 3

speaker credibility

Answer 3

This topic is important to me because I am and environmental science major with an emphasis on clean and renewable energy.

Question 4

Thesis

Answer 4

Today I will be convincing you that though the US is seemingly withdrawing from advancements in nuclear power, the best option for clean sustainable energy is for us to divert funds from other clean energy sources to nuclear power

Question 5

Preview of main points

Answer 5

I will do this by Proving the United States is no longer a leader in nuclear power, Then I will address how nuclear power is a better solution for our energy demands then other clean energy contributors. And finally I will introduce my Non-profit which is attempting to change how nuclear energy works in the U.S

Question 6

Transition 1

Answer 6

To understand why Nuclear power needs your help, it is important to understand how it is seemingly no longer a priority for the US Government.

Question 7

MP1 (A) Nuclear energy abandoned

Answer 7

The United states Is not making strides to increase our Nuclear power production. So large amounts of potential clean energy are not being utilized.

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This is a problem because Nuclear energy is possibly the best option for clean energy in our future and we are letting precious time pass us by that we could be using to build infrastructure, train reactor technicians, and work on other sustainable ways to combat climate change.

Question 8

MP1 (B) Large cost, but why waste resources?

Answer 8

The decreased interest in this energy source has come down to the large amount of money necessary to build and safely maintain nuclear reactors. That’s why Nuclear energy deserves all the attention and funding being divided among so many forms of clean energy. Why waste resources focusing on four different options and let the most efficient one suffer?

Question 9

Transition 2

Answer 9

Now that we can agree that the lack of attention to Nuclear power is a problem in the United States, we must understand why Nuclear energy is more viable than other popular clean and renewable energy sources.

Question 10

MP2 (A) Visual Aid

Answer 10

The solution to our Country’s problems with nuclear power production is to divert funding from less efficient types of energy such as Wind, Solar, and Hydro power

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Visual Aid

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Question 11

MP2 (B) Pros of Nuclear

Answer 11

Nuclear power plants take up a fraction of the land needed for solar and wind farms, and can power entire cities as long as they are within 300 miles of it. Nuclear power also produces almost zero carbon emissions

Question 12

MP2 (C) Cons of Wind farms

Answer 12

Wind power is reliant on wind, without it, wind farms sit idle waiting for it to start again. Even in places where the wind is almost constant, the population is so low, that it’s impossible to use the power without long distance power lines which these areas don’t have. Wind farms are also constantly being shut down for maintenance as the blades are subject to high stress and can be dangerous when left unchecked.

Question 13

MP2 (D) Cons of Solar

Answer 13

Solar power is reliant on the sun, making peak production hours during daylight, and production at night impossible. It is also at the mercy of clouds, and is as unpredictable as the weather.

Question 14

MP2 (E) Cons of Hydro

Answer 14

Hydro is more reliable, but according to the chart it has barely more capacity then wind and solar. Also as effects of climate change begin to appear, both extreme flooding and droughts have become a common occurrence, these affect power production, and can damage infrastructure. Hydro Dam construction is also known to affect wildlife populations in the surrounding areas, pollute the water and decrease oxygen levels in the process, resulting in a loss of biodiversity

Question 15

MP2 (F) nature/blackout

Answer 15

These sources are completely reliant on the one thing you can’t count on to stay the same: nature. If any of these sources produce a significant amount less or more than needed for the area they power, it results in a blackout.

Question 16

MP2 (G) Nuclear shutdown

Answer 16

Nuclear plants run consistently, and reliably. In cases where the reactor has to be turned off, it can be shut down instantly. This is not the case with the other producers.

Question 17

MP2 (H) Divert funding

Answer 17

Wind solar, and hydro power are great alternatives sources of power when not affected by weather or maintenance, and when running at peak capacity. But they cannot be the solution to the United State’s need for energy as we try to cut back on fossil fuels. Nuclear power is the only source that can produce what we need. And the best way to facilitate this transition is to focus a majority of our funding and resources which have been distracted by renewable power, on making the US once again a leader in nuclear energy.

Question 18

MP2 (I) Rebuttal

Answer 18

The biggest claim of opposition for Nuclear Energy is the radioactive Nuclear waste produced. It is true that we have yet to find a way to neutralize the waste, and it can take a thousand years to degrade naturally to a safe level. But every alternative to fossil fuels will have a down side. The reactor sites in the United States have manufactured underground bunkers where the waste can be stored and monitored for leaks. It’s not a permanent solution, but with the benefits Nuclear energy poses it seems to be a small price to pay for a clean, efficient replacement for fossil fuels.

Question 19

Transition 3

Answer 19

You may feel helpless in the face of such a large problem, even if you know the answer, that’s why nonprofits like the Nuclear Energy Institution are helpful, by furthering Nuclear power in the US.

Question 20

MP3 (A)

Answer 20

The best way to support clean energy in the US, is to get behind organizations like the Nuclear Energy Institute.

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Question 21

MP3 (B)

Answer 21

They go about implementing this mission by Preserving existing nuclear reactors across the country and building new more modern reactor facilities. As recently as January of this year they have been an integral part of lobbying for an increase in Nuclear legislation that would once again get the US to a position of power on the nuclear market

Question 22

Transition 4

Answer 22

Now that we understand the benefits of Nuclear power over other forms of clean energy and how you can help with furthering Nuclear power in the US by donating to the Nuclear Energy Institute, let’s review the key points.

Question 23

Recap the Purpose of Speech

Answer 23

The purpose of my speech today was to convince you that the best option for clean sustainable energy for the United States is Nuclear Power.

Question 24

Recap the Three Main Points

Answer 24

Today I proved the United States is no longer a leader in nuclear power, Then I addressed how nuclear power is a better solution for our energy demands then other clean energy contributors. And finally I introduced my Non-profit which is attempting to further nuclear energy in the U.S

Question 25

Call to Action

Answer 25

Now that you have been informed about the benefits of nuclear energy as the main power source for the United States, I urge you to donate to the Nuclear Energy Institute, and invest in our planet’s future!

Question 26

Clincher

Answer 26

With your help we can make a lasting difference by raising the electricity generated by nuclear power in the US from 20% percent to as high as we can.