Informative Speech Instructions

COMS 2302

Presentation DUE _______________

Assignment: Inform us on a topic is related to your major/future career. It should be something you already know quite a bit about, so that the research merely supplements your knowledge, although you do need to include some research (see “references”

below). In addition, it needs to contain at least one technical component (so that you can practice using “plain language”).

You should start with getting your topic approved (through signing up); then you need to write your general purpose, your specific purpose statement and your thesis statement. Remember to narrow the scope of your topic appropriately.

Time: 4-6 minutes

Points: Total = 175 points Speech = 100 points Outline = 50 points Self-Evaluation = 15 points Peer Evaluation = 10 points

REQUIRED:

SanDisk Extreme SCHC USH-I Card for Video and Photos

You must bring your SD card to class on the day of your speech. You will also need an SD card reader (comes on some computers/laptops); if you don’t have a reader, there are readers available for checkout at the attendant’s desk in FA 412A. (The reader is needed for the self-evaluation.)

***References:

For this speech you need to have three outside sources, which means you also need at least three verbal citations (giving the source out loud during the speech—preceding the info from that source). ***Only two of these sources may be considered Internet sources. Sources should be cited on the Reference page in APA Style. At least one source should come from the library databases.

* NOTE: On the outline itself, you should include the source citations in sentence format (i.e., as you intend to say them; not in APA format; you only use APA format on the References page for this presentation).

** NOTE: Wikipedia does NOT count as a source (points will be deducted for using Wikipedia)!!!

*** NOTE: If you have NO sources cited out loud in your speech, you WILL lose 15 points automatically for plagiarism!!! You will also lose points on the outline if you have not cited any sources and/or have no References page.

All informative speeches should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction: The introduction should contain 5 major points:

1. Gain the attention of the audience

2. Establish your credibility and relate your topic to yourself (tell how you know what you know)

3. Create a link from the topic to this particular audience (usually using the word “you”); motivate them to listen to this topic 4. Reveal the topic of the speech (thesis sentence) and 5. Preview the main points of the speech.

Body:

The body of your speech should contain between 2-5 main points, organized in a way that helps the audience make sense of the message and that meets your specific purpose. You must use one of the organization patterns covered in lecture: chronological, spatial, causal, problem-solution or topical (remember, two of these patterns limit you to only two points).

Also, make sure to use transitions between main points to allow the audience to know when you are introducing a new point. Transitions should be in complete sentences, and they should also be written out on your outline.

Conclusion:

First, let the audience know you are ending the speech (“In conclusion” or a similar statement should be used).

The conclusion itself should contain 2 elements (in this order): 1. Review the thesis & main points (should be recognizable but doesn’t have to use exact wording used in intro)

2. Finish strong with a “clincher” that sums up and drives home the point of the message.

Present from Notes:

You will present this speech from outlined notes (i.e., extemporaneously). Therefore,

once you have finished your outline, practice a few times using that outline. Then create a speaking outline. That means you shorten the outline to note cards (still in outline form). Include what you need to present (oral citations, delivery cues, etc.). Know the information in your speech, but DO NOT memorize your speech!

Note Restrictions:

You may ONLY use three 4 x 6 note cards. On these note cards, you have only NOTES (in outline form). You should NOT write your speech out in

manuscript form. But you DO want any direct quotes, as well as your citation information for your oral citations.

Visual Aids:

You are required to use PowerPoint for this speech. In preparing and using your

PowerPoint, remember the guidelines we discussed in class.

A minimum of 3 slides is required. More is fine; maximum is 2 slides per minute.

Professional Attire:

Since this is a professional presentation, you will be required to dress professionally.

Guidelines are also posted in Blackboard.

Turn In:

On the day of your speech you will turn in:

1. Your evaluation sheet with your name and topic filled in;

2. Your preparation outline with References or Works Cited page (separate page) attached; and

3. Your SD card in order to record your speech.

After you present, you will (on your own time) watch your speech on your SD card. On the class day following your speech, you will turn in your self-evaluation sheet/critique (see instructions on self-evaluation in Blackboard). Outline:

Your detailed (typewritten) preparation outline should include the following sections:

general purpose (to inform), specific purpose statement, thesis statement (main idea), organization pattern, introduction (which includes the same five elements as listed above), body, conclusion and References page.

Make sure the main points on your preparation outline are written in complete sentences and that your citations are included in sentence form. You must also include, on a separate sheet of paper, the list of references you used for the speech (i.e., your References). This should be in APA format and must be typewritten. If it is not typewritten, it will not be accepted. Please refer to the sample outline attached to the outline assignment in Blackboard.

NOTE: Be sure you look at the evaluation rubric when preparing and practicing

your speech so that you know how to get the most points possible. Also look at the attachments for the outline; that will also help you get the maximum number of points.