Informative Speech Assignment

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Informative Speech is to give the audience novel information about your topic. You can do this by describing a process, procedure, event or object, defining a term, system or idea, or explaining how something works or operates. The general idea is for you to create more knowledge and awareness of your subject matter.

TOPIC:

All topics must be cleared with your instructor. It is up to each instructor to determine how topics will be selected and what is and is not appropriate in his or her class. Your instructor may choose to add more topics to the banned topics list, so be sure you check with him/her on banned topic ideas.

When choosing your topic try to pick a subject that foremost interests you. Then, based on the information you read from your textbook about audience adaptation, try to make that subject interesting to your classmates. It’s always a good idea to ask class members what they think about your topic—this gives you a better idea of their interest in it. Even if audience members don’t seem to be interested in your topic, the ultimate power of making your speech engaging and interesting lies in your hands. Remember, the more you care about your topic the more likely the audience is going to be interested in it, even if they weren’t before your speech.

The topic is appropriate for the assigned general purpose

A minimum of four sources should be used to provide adequate supporting material
•  These sources must be cited in the delivery of the speech as well as on a reference page. You should also cite any additional sources you use.
•  Encyclopedias, dictionaries, Wikipedia, CDROMs and other general reference materials may not be used. •  Only one source may come from the Internet. •  At least one of the sources must carry a publication date within the last 12 months.

One copy of your preparation outline (typed) must be submitted to Canvas. If you fail to submit an outline at all then 20 points will be deducted from your speech grade. Please note that all outlines become part of the Department of Communication and Journalism’s speech files.

1. A copy of the bibliography/reference should be attached to your outline. We use APA style for source citation.
2. A PowerPoint Visual Aid
3. TIPS: Remember the following make for excellent types of supporting material:

Definitions

Examples

1. Contrasts
2. Comparisons
3. Quotations

Anecdotes

Statistics

• Make sure you review the grade sheet your instructor has posted for this assignment. It includes all the necessary elements of your speech and should serve as your guide/checklist to what you should include in your speech. Don’t forget to pan out and show me your audience members before you begin speaking if you are in an online section.