Whats in it for me? Will it improve their lives, fill or empty their wallets, or otherwise directly and immediately inform their lives?

GUIDELINES FOR INFORMATIVE SPEECH
SP1 SADDLEBACK FALL 2015
Instructor: Steve Rohr
OVERVIEW: 5-7 minute original, factual speech on a realistic subject to fulfill the general goal
of informing the audience. Your Informative Speech will consist of an introduction (attention
getter, thesis, & preview statement), 3 main points, transitional devices, at least 5 credible
sources, and a conclusion (restated preview statement, thesis, & attention getter).
SPEECH DAY: SATURDAY, Oct. 10 or 17*
*Anyone arriving late on this day will risk losing Participation Points!
VISUAL AIDS: Required.
SOURCES: 5 total with 3 cited within the speech!
TOPICS: You must have 2 topics chosen and signed off by me.
Hint: Refer to your notes about the Major Types of Informative Speeches: Objects, Processes,
Events, Concepts
TOPIC OBJECTIVES:
Strive to find a topic that answers the audiences question: Whats in it for me?
Will it improve their lives, fill or empty their wallets, or otherwise directly and
immediately inform their lives?
Strive to find a topic that interests YOU one you are excited to learn more about
Strive to keep the topic from being PERSUASIVE in nature this is a speech to teach.
Hint: This speech should not be controversial in nature.
RESEARCH: Absolutely required for this speech! You must use and orally cite at least three
credible published sources. The quality of your sources is part of your grade. Not all sources are
equally impressive to college professors, or other critical audiences. Use primary sources when
possible. Sources like Wikipedia are NOT allowed and will not be counted as a cited source.
Learn how to use the online library database to find magazines, newspapers, and journals as
sources to support your speech. Get out of the habit of doing all website based research. You will
not stand out as an impressive researcher if all of your sources, even good sources, are from
websites.
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An MLA styled Works Cited list is required. Learn how to use EasyBib.com to get perfect MLA
style.
DELIVERY: Must be extemporaneous. Note cards, scripts, and full sentence outlines are
allowed, but the goal is to know the speech well enough not to read the speech off the cards or
script.
NOTE CARDS/SCRIPT: Make sure you use large font and double space so you can glance
down and find your place easily. This is extremely important! All note cards and scripts are to be
handed in immediately after you have finished giving your speech.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:
Strive for strong extemporization. This means that you will have spent enough time
writing a clear speech and practicing it properly that you can deliver it with strength and
confidence, without relying too heavily on your notes. You cannot pass by reading your
speech.
Strive for meaningful eye contact and connection with the audience. Maintain that
connection and be sure to connect with all areas of the audience.
Strive for good gestures and body movements. Move your body to a different part of the
stage when you transition between main points. Avoid distracting movements such as
playing with jewelry, hands in pockets, or pacing/dancing/rocking movements with your
feet and body.
Strive to ensure you incorporate your visual aids FLUIDLY and naturally into your
presentation.
Strive for a professional appearance. Dress professionally. Casual, every-day attire fails
to establish personal credibility. To be an A-level speaker, you must dress like an A-level
speaker.
Strive for a dynamic delivery. That is, you should seem to be PASSIONATE about your
topic, and you should communicate that enthusiasm to the audience with your vocal style
and body movements.
Strive for appropriate and variable vocal pitch, volume, rate, and tone, based on the
nature of the speech content.
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INFORMATIVE SPEECH CHECKLIST:
Select a Topic: Make sure its appropriate for you, the audience and the situation!
Preliminary Research: Is there enough support material (credible sources)?
Determine the Specific Purpose of your Speech: A single phrase stating precisely
what you want the audience to learn as a result of your speech. Example: To inform
the class about how to prepare 5 healthy meals, in 5 minutes, for under 5 dollars.
Compose a Thesis Statement: A sentence that clearly expresses the central idea of your
speech. Example: There are several fast, healthy, and budget-wise meals perfect for
college students.
Develop the Main Points: Organize your speech around two or three MAIN POINTS.
Brainstorm. Think about how you might organize your speech in a way that would be
both interesting and CLEAR for the audience. Will there be too much information for
you to share or not enough?
Create an Outline: Make a basic outline and start thinking about ways you can best
verbally (and non verbally) relay the information to the audience. You should practice
saying things out loud so you can hear how it sounds and refine when necessary.
Sources: Do you have at LEAST 5 credible sources and 3 you can cite verbally in your
speech?
Create Note cards, script or full-sentence outline: Make sure it is USER-FRIENDLY
for YOU!
Practice, Practice, Practice: In front of the mirror. Tape yourself and playback.
Memorize the beginning (Attention-getter) and conclusion. Practice with your visual aids.
Practice in front of friends or family. It is CRITICAL to stand up and practice your
speech several times.
Be Positive: A great attitude goes a LONG way in public speaking so dont talk
yourself out of doing a GREAT job!
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SPEECH TO INFORM OUTLINE MAJOR PARTS
INTRODUCTION:
Attention-Getter
Introduce Topic
Preview Thesis & Main Points
Establish your Credibility as a Speaker
Transitional sentence
BODY:
First Main Point
Sub Point
Sub Point
Transitional sentence
Second Main Point
Sub Point
Sub Point
Transitional sentence
CONCLUSION:
Restate the thesis and main points
End with a BANG!
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BASIC GUIDELINES FOR VISUAL AIDS
1. Avoid using the chalkboard!
2. Prepare visual aids in advance
3. Practice with your visual aids!!!
4. Make sure your visual aids are big enough for all to see
5. Display visual aids where all listeners can see them
6. Do not stand in front of visual aids
7. Avoid passing visual aids among the audience
8. Do not give a handout to your audience – while you are speaking
9. Display visual aids only while discussing them
10. Talk to your audience – not your visual aids
11. Explain visual aids clearly and concisely
12. Use your aid during the speech – not after
13. Do not put many small photos on one sheet of poster board
14. VIDEOS or AUDIO aids should not exceed 30 Seconds MAX!!!
Most importantly, your VISUAL AIDS are there to SUPPORT your speech, not
DISTRACT from it, REPLACE your delivery or otherwise diminish your own
performance.

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