Informative Speech

Informative Speech Assignment
General Purpose: To inform, explain, discuss, describe, demonstrate or tell.

Length: 5 -7 minutes
(Remember to practice the delivery time because you WILL be stopped at 7 mins. )

Topic: Select a topic you find interesting, one you think will interest your audience. Try to think of a new and different topic or add a new twist to a common topic. All topics must be approved before you will be allowed to present your speech. Remember, if you are not interested in your topic it will be difficult to hold audience attention and you will be quite miserable writing and preparing your speech.

Requirements:The goal of this speech is to inform the audience. At the end of the speech, the audience will have a balanced view of the selected topic based on your research.The audience should not know your attitude or personal viewpoint on the topic; they can learn what other "experts" have said. As a note of caution, you will want to watch your use of language, using descriptive terms, not evaluative terms. (Avoid terms like: good/bad; right/wrong; important, critical, essential, valuable, and helpful. Unless cited from another source, these terms imply your position which the audience should not learn). The speaker should provide the facts so that the audience can decide what (if anything) is important. Do not urge the audience to act on the issue. Action is an essential component in the persuasive speech, not the informative.Required to use at least one visual aid which can either be 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, or audio visual. In using visual aids, keep the following in mind: (1) Use large, clear, simple diagrams. (2) When possible, keep objects, models and charts covered until needed. (3) Do not hand out any visual material to the audience during your presentation. (4) Practice using the visual material. (5) Remember, your visual aids should supplement your oral presentation, not replace or detract from it. (6) Be very careful with electronic visual aids - consider Murphy’s Law.Create a message which contains: 1.) An introduction which gains the attention of the audience, makes the topic relevant to the audience, and clearly states your purpose or thesis statement. 2.) Signposts which overview your major points, review the previous points in the body moving on to the next point, and preview the next point before moving into a description of that point. 3.) A body with 3- 5 main points which follow a clear organizational pattern such as spatial, chronological or topical. 4.) A conclusion which (i) provides logical and psychological closure and (ii) summarizes the speech. Practice, practice, practice this point cannot be stressed enough. If you practice your speech not only will you be more comfortable and confident on the day of delivery, but it WILL be beneficial to your delivery. As always, DO NOT read from a manuscript! Look at the first assignment critique sheet, what were the compliments? What were criticisms? Why didn’t you do well? Why did you do well?

Organization:A TYPED (consult the syllabus for font, page margin and header information) outline is required for this speech (as with ALL speech assignments) and should include all relevant content and sources. All Main and Subpoints must be written in a complete-sentence format. Your bibliography listing the sources you consulted must be included in proper format. MLA or APA. A delivery outline is recommended when delivering the speech. YOUR PRESENTATION OUTLINE IS DUE BEFORE YOU PRESENT - NO EXCEPTIONS YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN IT IN AFTER!!!

Sources:At least two credible sources (beside yourself) must be mentioned in the speech and referenced properly in outline. MLA/APA format