44 - COMM 111: Speech #2 Guidelines
Informative
Length: 4–6 Minutes
Learning Outcomes
Select a topic that is of interest to you and your audience and is appropriate for the speech.
Research the topic—you’ll need at least two (2) outside references (you are not considered a reference).Note: Web pages are not considered an appropriate source unless your professor approves them.
Wikipedia and encyclopedias are not considered valid sources. They may be used in addition to the required number of sources.
Ask your instructor for their approval before using them.
Learn how to verbally cite sources and their credibility within your speech.
Develop a specific/rhetorical purpose statement and central idea.
Select an effective organizational pattern. Divide the speech into introduction, body, and conclusion with transitions.
Create a full complete-sentence preparation outline in proper outlining form. Remember, the preparation outline is very detailed and includes everything you will say in your speech (including citations) organized in outline format.
Create a set of brief key word speaking notes. Speaking notes are composed mainly of key words used to jog your memory during the presentation.
Develop effective delivery skills.
Progress as an extemporaneous speaker.
Be an active and ethical listener.
Develop a reference/bibliography page. Sources should be cited in MLA or APA format.
Enjoy giving this speech and listening to your classmates’ speeches.
Goal
Your goal is to define, explain, illustrate, or demonstrate a subject/topic (this could be a person, a process, an event, an issue, an object, or a concept) that is of potential interest to the audience. It must be easy to follow, prepared to be between 4–6 minutes in length, and delivered extemporaneously (with reference to your notes)—not read.
Please note: Your individual instructor may have other guidelines or topic focus for this assignment that may be discussed in your particular class.
Guidelines
Your speech should meet the following minimum criteria:
Structure
An introduction with:An attention-getter
A credibility statement (ethos)
A thesis/central idea
A preview statement
A transition to the body
An approximate time frame of 10%–15% of the total speech time
Address the WIIFM of your audience
The body of the speech should contain the following:An appropriate organizational pattern
Distinct main points (2–5)
Support material for each main point (logos)
Transitions between the parts of the speech, main points, and/or between ideas when needed
Oral source references, which means citing them aloud as you present your speech (in the body, introduction, or conclusion or wherever you use sources)
A conclusion with:A summary of the main points of the speech
A restatement of thesis/central idea
An ending with a “clincher” or memorable statement
An approximate time frame of 5%–10% of the total speech time
Delivery
Try to achieve the following aspects of good delivery:
Make eye contact! Look at everyone in the room, not just the instructor. Talk with the whole audience.
Be enthusiastic and expressive. Smile. You’re talking about yourself.
Be extemporaneous, which means refer to your notes, but don’t read them. Use them as a guide.Use a heightened conversational style.
Be yourself! We want to hear you and your ideas.
Try to avoid the “ums,” “ers,” “uhs.”
Note the Time Limit
Practice your speech to be within the time frame. There will be a 10% penalty deducted from your speech score for not meeting the two-minute window on the time limit.
One of the best ways to meet the time limit is to practice your speech.
Use the Speaker’s Center
Let them help you brainstorm ideas, create your preparation outline format, and practice. Now is the time to get a good solid start on speechmaking!
Speaker’s Center, LL021 Strickler Hall;
commcourses.com/oc
“Like” us on Facebook!
Grading Point Structure
Your speech will be graded based on the following point structure:
Total Speech Points - 125 Points
Time - 4 to 6 minutes
# of sources required (minimum #) - 2 (cited out loud)
Visual aids as per instructor
Outlines as required (graded separately) - Preparation (15) and Speaking Notes (10), 25 points total
