Bethany Hamilton Research Paper

The Unbelievable Determination of Bethany Hamilton

Specific Purpose Statement: After listening to my speech, the audience will be able to explain how even though Bethany Hamilton suffered a devastating injury that would have ended most people's dream, she achieved success in her sport.

Central Ideal: Bethany Hamilton overcame a traumatic injury and went on to reach her goal of becoming a professional surfer and uses her experience to inspire many people, including me.

INTRODUCTION

Attention-Getter: Show a quote by Bethany Hamilton and ask the audience if they know who said the quote.

Reveal Topic: Introduce Bethany Hamilton, Professional Surfer

Relate to Audience: I'm sure you all have goals for your life. At times, things happen in life that can make it seem like it will be impossible to reach our goals.
Establish Credibility: I first saw Bethany Hamilton's movie a couple years ago and I was just so moved by her great attitude and the determination that she showed to achieve her goals even after she suffered an injury that would have stopped most people.
Preview Main Points: I would like to tell you about the accident that Bethany suffered and how she came back from it to achieve the goals that she had set for herself and the influence that she has had on me and others.

BODY

I.Bethany Hamilton was a competitive surfer who survived a life threatening shark attack where she lost an arm and fought her way back to realize her dream of becoming a pro surfer.

A. Bethany Hamilton was born in Hawaii and dreamed of being a pro surfer from a young age.

1.Facts about Bethany's family and early life in Hawaii
2. How Bethany got started in surfing competitions
3. Early success B. Bethany Hamilton survived a shark attack.

1.She was surfing with friends
2.The day of the attack
3.Coming to terms with her new body

C.Bethany was left with one good arm but she was still determined to surf as a
professional. 1.After only 30 days, she was back on her board.
2.Her dad modified her board so she could paddle out herself.
3.She achieved her goal and turned pro in 2007

Transition Statement: I've told you about Bethany Hamilton's love for surfing, her life threatening and life changing injury and her determination to still reach the goals she had set for herself, now I'd like to tell you how her attitude about life has impacted me and others.

II.Bethany Hamilton's story has inspired me and many others. A. Bethany suffered a devastating injury that would have made most people give up their dream, but she fought back to achieve her goals.

1.Quote
2.Competitions she has won

B. She travels and speaks to people who have been impacted by tragedy.

1.Visit to island impacted by tsunami
2.visit to vets who have lost limbs

C.She has taught me to keep trying to reach my goals and never give up.

CONCLUSION: Signal: This brings us to the end of my speech.

Summary of Main Points: Even though Bethany Hamilton suffered a life changing injury that would make most people feel self pity, she instead uses her experience to inspire others, including me.

Lasting Impression: Final quote by Bethany Hamilton