Informative Speech

This 5–7-minute speech is designed to provide the opportunity to practice informing an audience about a topic.

Getting started

For this assignment, you will present an Informative Speech about a process. This means that you will focus on a “how-to” topic. You can explain how something is done/made/happens in general (for example, “how a volcano erupts” or “how clothing is manufactured”) or how to do something specific (for example, “how to begin investing online” or “how to care for indoor plants”).

All students will choose a topic in consultation with me and get my written approval (by email). You must have your topic approved before you move forward with the assignment, and you may not change your topic without speaking to me.

It is important that you research and prepare your presentation thoroughly and keep the time requirements in mind. You will want to refer to the work we’ve done in class so far and anything we’ve read in order to help you complete this assignment.

Research and documentation

This speech requires research, appropriate documentation, and oral citation.

Even if you already know a lot about your topic, you will need to locate, read, and make use of at least four appropriate sources. (Appropriate and inappropriate sources have already been discussed in class, but feel free to reach out to me if you have questions.) One of these sources must be a peer-reviewed article or book. One of these sources must be from a publication like a reputable magazine or newspaper. Only one of these sources may be a website unless I explicitly give your permission to have mor

You will provide documentation of your research in the form of an MLA formatted Works Cited list. This is NOT the Annotated Works Cited, this is a new document (though it may contain some or all of the same sources). Each of your sources should be referenced out loud during your speech.

Your Works Cited list will be turned in on the first day that speeches are presented in class.

Organizing your speech

After you have done your research, you will need to organize your information into a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. You will demonstrate your speech’s organization by creating a typed outline using the template that I will provide. In your outline, you will clearly state your topic, main points, and supporting points for all parts of your speech.

The introduction of your speech must have an attention-grabber, introduce your topic, and preview your main points. The organization of the body of the speech will be organized according to the logic of your topic. We will discuss approaches to organizing your speech in class. The conclusion must summarize your main points and end the speech effectively. Your outline will be turned in on the first day that speeches are presented in class.

Presenting your speech

When you present your speech, you will not read from a script or from your outline. Instead, you will use speaking notes. These notes are separate from your outline, containing only the elements from your outline that you need to remember your presentation. These notes will also be turned in on the day that speeches are due.

In addition, please note, when you present your speech:

  • you must stand in front of the class
  • you must be dressed appropriately (this means “business casual”; if you aren’t sure what this is you can ask me for resources)
  • you must hold your notes in your hand

Turning in the assignment

The speech presentation will begin on Monday, October 7. All students should be prepared to present on this date.

For full credit on this assignment, you will need to both present the speech live in class and submit your written outline, Works Cited list, and speaking notes on Brightspace.

If you have any questions or concerns about completing this assignment, please email me as soon as possible.