Description: The informative speech is based on facts concerning a topic that is significant and meaningful to the audience. The speech should contain a fully developed introduction, body, and conclusion with smooth transitions. The body of the speech should have two or three main points. In addition, the main points must be supported with materials from AT LEAST THREE DOCUMENTED SOURCES i.e., books, articles, interviews, periodicals, journals, etc. The sources should be credible, evident, and orally cited in the speech. (Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and the Bible may be used ONLY in addition to the other three sources). Use your pre-selected topic to construct a speech in which you can teach us something new about the topic and try to be as objective as possible. That means your opinion on the topic should NOT be stated. Remember you are simply speaking to inform and enlighten us, not to persuade us. Put yourself in the role of a teacher. How can you help us to best understand your topic? What background information do we need to know to make our own informed decision about the topic?
On your speaking day, you must upload formal outline BEFORE you speak. The formal outline must be formatted correctly and include a works cited page. A word a caution: I WILL NOT ACCEPT SPEECHES WITHOUT WORKS CITED. If you are not prepared in any way for your speech on the day you are scheduled to speak, you may present your speech for half credit ONLY if we have time for you to make it up.
Style: The delivery style should be extemporaneous or conversational. In addition, you will use very little notes—just key words or phrases to keep you on track! You may have (5) 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 note cards with you when you present.
Engage in frequent eye contact about 80%
Use appropriate language, gestures, posture, etc., avoid distracting mannerism,
Speak slowly, clearly and loudly, avoid verbal fillers like ums, uhs, and likes
Exhibit knowledge of material, and confidence.
Be Enthusiastic!!!
DO NOT, DO NOT READ YOUR SPEECH TO US! Nothing is more boring than a monotone speech that is simply read. Reading will negatively impact your grade!!! Practice, practice, practice, and rely less and less on your notes.
Before speaking students should submit their (graded) working outline, formal outline, and a formatted works cited page.
Sources: Three (minimum) sources cited orally, in both outlines, and in works cited.
Visual Aids: You must have a visual aid that enhances the content of your speech.
Length: 6 – 8 minutes (You will be held to this). Video clips do not count toward speaking time, but do count toward total speech time. That means your video must be less than 1 minute in duration.
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