informative speech

Howard University
Washington, DC 20059

THE SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS
The DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION & CULTURE

The Informative Speech Assignment

Only upon approval of your research from Mrs. Cluff will you be able to continue on to the stages below.
Stage 1: Informative Speech Outline (see page three below) completed during preparation time and due in class the day of your presentation.
Stage 2: Informative Speech Presentations due on your presentation day (email list of dates of students’ presentation will be sent by email).
Stage 3: Final Informative Speech Paper due immediately after presentation 3-4 Pages, Double Spaced GOAL: To prepare and deliver an Informative speech

VALUE: Presentation=100 points

BACKGROUND: An informative speech is one designed to provide general knowledge about one specific topic. It is usually a speech that defines, describes or demonstrates the topic. It is characterized by objectivity. Hence, it is not to be confused with a persuasive speech. (A persuasive speech is one wherein the speaker takes a particular side of an issue and seeks to influence others to change their attitudes, beliefs or actions in that particular direction.)

The subject matter of the Informative Speech may be about one of the following:
1. Speech about an Person or group of persons
2. Speech about a Object
3. Speech about a Place
4. Speech about an Event
5. Speech about a Process
6. Speech about a Concept (Idea)

TASK: Read the chapter in your text on INFORMATIVE SPEAKING. You must to prepare a 3 minute informative speech about a subject that interests you and that would be of interest to your classmates. You will be timed and cut off at 4 min.

FORMAT: This speech will be an extemporaneous speech based on your use of this outline.
1. You must use a manuscript when you give your speech. Your manuscript but be enclosed in a portfolio or cover of some sort. Note: You may reference your manuscript, but you must not “read” the entire manuscript.
2. Bring a copy of your Manuscript and the Evaluation Form to give to Mrs. Cluff on the day of your speech

ATTIRE: Business-Professional (Business suits, Interview attire, etc.)

You will be penalized for overtime and too much reading! Practice, Practice, and Practice!

BASIC PARTS OF A SPEECH

The Basic Informative Speech

I. THE INTRODUCTION (Note: Do not start your speech by telling the audience what you are going to do. Instead, build up your to your purpose and thesis by following the steps below)

A. First focus - Establish a rapport or common ground with audience to maintain their attention. (A quote, statistic or statement used to help the audience focus on your presence and presentation.) Use a few background statements to lead up to your thesis. B. Thesis statement - One statement summarizing your main idea. C. Preview Statement - One sentence listing the specific points (1, 2, 3, etc) you will discuss to support your thesis. (If this is a demonstration speech, include the steps that you would use , no more than 5) D. Relevance - A sentence informing the audience why should listen to your topic. E. Credibility - A sentence explaining why the audience should listen to you speaking about the topic

II. THE BODY A. First point (Reason or idea) 1. Example (Supporting statement) 2. Example Transition B. Second point (Reason or idea 1. Example 2. Example Transition C. Third point (Reason or idea) 1. Example 2. Example Transition III. THE CONCLUSION A. Review statement - Restating the specific points discussed in the body of the speech B. Summary - Incorporating the Thesis into the concluding remarks C. Final Focus - Leave the audience with a sense of closure (i.e. thoughts to ponder, re-connect to introduction, etc.). (However: No new information, ideas should be given in the conclusion) Informative Speech Outline (Worksheet)
(Formatted to be completed on your computer. Use tab to go to different section/row)

Name

Date

***********************************************************************************************
The purpose of this speech is to inform the audience about

My topic is

The organizational pattern I will use is

***************************************************************************************
I.
THE INTRODUCTION (Tell Them What you are Going to Tell Them)
A.
First focus (Attention-getter)

B.
Thesis (Main Idea or focus))

1. Preview points (Major points to support thesis. These will be presented in your Preview Statement))

a.

b.

c.

C.
Preview statement (One sentence that will inform your audience of the three points you will discuss)

D.
Relevance statement (Why audience should listen to your speech)

E.
Credibility statement (Why audience should listen or believe you)

II.
THE BODY (Tell Them) (Discuss more in detail each of your preview points)
A.
First point (Reason or idea)

1.

2.

B.
Second Point (Reason or idea)

1.

2.

C.
Third Point (Reason or idea)

1.

2.

III.
THE CONCLUSION (Tell Them What You Told Them)
A.
Review Statement
(Summarize your major points)

B.
Summary Statement
(Re-iterate your thesis)

C.
Final Focus (Concluding Statement)