INFORMATIVE SPEECH ASSIGNMENT
The Informative Speech requires you to inform/educate your audience on a particular subject matter by conducting research, creating a works cited page and speaking outline and using an audience centered approach to teaching/speaking.
Topic Selection
You should pick something that your audience will be interested in. Find creative ways to relate that topic to the audience. Explain why this topic is important to us and why we would care about it. What is the value to us? Think of topics that you are passionate about, that are current, interesting and can appeal to your audience. Also, think of facts and information that people would not normally know. Make us want to listen!
Introduction
Remember, a strong introduction is a MUST in order to receive an A or B grade. More importantly, it is essentialto “setting up” the speech that lets the audience know what they will be hearing and why you are a crediblesource to inform us. Make us interested at the onset. PRACTICE and KNOW your introduction well! Four things to remember:
Capture your audience’s ATTENTION at the outset (avoid beginning by “announcing your topic!”)
Once you have their attention, motivate them to continue listening by clearly stating the value or
benefits to THEM knowing what you are about to show them.
Establish your credibility on the topic by mentioning your first-hand experience with it, how you
learned it, or any special qualifications you have (if applicable) regarding the topic.
End your Introduction by briefly previewing the “main points” you will be covering.
Strategic Order of Main Points
In order for your speech to be effective, the audience needs to follow along and understand your Main Points. Your speech should include 2-5 Main Points, which need to be explained fully. Remember to pick an organization pattern (chronological, topical, causal, problem-solution, spatial) to organize points. Follow this pattern to explain them during the speech. Remember, to use transitions and connectives throughout speech so that we can follow along and easily remember your main ideas.
Extending Audience’s Knowledge
The purpose of this speech to convey knowledge effectively by extending our knowledge on the subject matter. Be sure to include information that the audience would not normally know. Wow us with interesting facts so that we learn something new and interesting. Remember, you are now the educator/teacher.
A desire and enthusiasm to inform us
Try to show some energy and enthusiasm. If you appear bored or reluctant, your audience will be also. Becreative and get excited about your topic. Remember, you are the teacher and you can’t wait to teach us. Showa sincere desire to share the information with us.
Adequate Use of Sources
The skillful use of supporting materials often makes the difference between a poor speech and a good one. For this speech, you must conduct research to find materials that will bring your ideas across clearly and creatively. Your supporting materials must be from accurate, relevant and credible sources. Evidence should also be current and up to date. This speech requires you to incorporate various types of evidence (Testimony, Statistics,
Examples, Quotations, etc…) from credible sources and use them to back up your main points. You must also cite the evidence properly and accurately to enhance the credibility of your speech.
o You must ORALLY cite at least 3 sources throughout speech. Tell us specifically WHO saidWHAT, WHEN they said it, and WHERE you found the information. If you don’t—it is plagiarism!!!
o Remember: Informing an audience is not about telling us what YOU think, but about telling us what experts say, what scholars have stated, what researchers have proven, what people who have experienced something can testify to…This information becomes the heart of your speech.This is the information that audiences believe and listen to.
o Use sources that are appropriate: government , educational, non-profit organizations, military—that information is typically accurate and considered reliable.
o Use Bergen’s library database—there are tons of links for academic journals, periodicals, newspapers, magazines. Those are sometimes the best sources for speeches and the ones considered most believable.
Conclusion
The speech is almost finished, but don’t forget to provide a conclusion! “Signal” the end of the speech is coming (ex: “in conclusion…”), briefly review your main points and try to finish with a strong, memorable closing. Often, the easiest way to do this is by simply referring back to your attention getter. AVOID saying “that’s it” at the end…let the audience know you’re finished with a strong closing! Remember to:
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“Signal” the end of the speech is coming (ex: “in conclusion…”)
BRIEFLY review your main points OR some part of the speech you most want your audience to remember (the ingredients/materials/set up)
Try to finish with a strong, memorable closing. Often, the easiest way to do this is by simply referringback to your attention getter. AVOID saying “that’s it” at the end…let the audience know you’refinished with a strong closing!
Visual Aids
You must have a visual aid for this speech. It is recommended to use POWER POINT. However, other visuals such as objects, posters, pictures are acceptable. Your visual should be incorporated into your speech naturally and should be used to clarify or enhance the information you have told us. Make sure they are BIG enough for everyone to see! Practice with your visual to become familiar with using power point slides during a presentation.
Overall Effective Delivery
o This is best achieved through PRACTICING your speech OUT LOUD. Practice it out loud at least 5-7 times. o Establish strong eye contact in your introduction and maintain throughout the speech.
o Speak extemporaneously, naturally and conversationally. Prepare your SPEAKING OUTLINE so that it
contains the IDEAS you want to remember, not the exact wording you will use. No full sentences! Do not read!
Adherence to Time Limit
Much of our lives consists involves of receiving and communicating information clearly and effectively. Sometimes in real life, you will have more than 4-6 minutes to explain your ideas. However, in this case, you need to clearly inform us in the allotted time. This requires you to pick out the most important points and support them in a clear, concise manner in the allotted time, making you an informed and credible speaker.
Materials Handed into me!
On speech day, you must hand in a speaking outline and works cited page. Your works cited page should be in MLA or APA format and you should have at least 5 sources. You will present off of a brief outline or note cards.