Writer’s choice Informative Essay/Speech

• The goal of this speech is to inform the audience.  At the end of the speech, the audience will have a balanced view of the selected topic based on your research.
• Do not urge the audience to act on the issue.  Action is an essential component in the persuasive speech, not the informative.
• TIME: 7-10 minutes.  One point will be deducted for each 30 second interval over or under the time limit (i.e. 30 seconds over/under = -1 point, 2 minutes over/under = -4pts, etc)
• SOURCES: 4 sources required to be verbally cited in speech. You must have at least 2 non-.com/.net sources verbally cited in your speech (but you can have as many additional sources from anywhere).  Cannot cite wikipedia
• PRESENTATION AIDS: Minimum of 1 is required

Outlines will be evaluated according to the following:

• Outlines should be full sentence outlines
• The Introduction, Body, and Conclusion of the speech are clearly labeled in the outline (remember, don’tnumber these… they are headings)
• All parts of the introduction should be clearly labeled (attention getter, thesis, relevance, speaker credibility, & preview of main points)
• All parts of the conclusion should be labeled (reiterate thesis, review of main points, & memorable close)
• The main points and sub-points are all written in COMPLETE SENTENCES; basically, the entire outline should be written in complete sentences (the only exception to this would be a list)
• Main points are introduced with complete declarative sentences that reflect the content of the entire point
• Connectives/Transitions are clearly labeled and written out.
• The Outline must follow a consistent pattern of symbolization and indentation using traditional outline format (I. A. 1. a. etc.). Essays/Paragraphs will receive a 0 and will notbe graded
• The Outline should provide a clear visual framework that shows the relationships among the ideas of the speech and thoroughlyreflect the entire content of the entire speech.
• Correct Spelling/Grammar/Punctuation are expected to reflect college level writing
• A bibliography that identifies all sources used in the speech following APA, MLA, or Footnote format.  Sources should be cited within the body of the outline as well.
• Use 10 to 12 point font, double or single spacing are acceptable
• Reminder – templates for the outlines are provided. The Self-Introduction, Demonstration, and Informative Speech use the same outline template and there is a separate template for the persuasive speech. Most students find it easy to copy and paste the template in a new Word document and then “fill in the blanks.”  Persuasive template will be provided at a later date.
• Outline Examples

More Tips/Reminders…

Introduction

I.  Attention Getter: GRAB your audience’s attention.  Your attention getter is always first!

II.  Thesis Statement: Reveal your topic to your audience–just your topic–not a preview.  Open with your subject.  For instance, “I’m going to talk about the amazing memory of elephants.” is not as strong as “Elephants have amazing memories.”  Basically, the thesis statement is the one part of your speech where you want to avoid personal pronouns.

III.  Relevance Statement: Tell your audience how your topic is relevant to them.

IV.  Credibility: Answer the question “Why should we listen to YOU?” Give some type of factual information or some reference that will show that you know what you are talking about. This could be the fact that you had a class on the topic, or that you have done a lot of research, or that you have first hand experience with your topic, or you are an expert, etc.

V.  Preview of main points: This is where you state the main points of your speech. For example, “The main points I will cover today are [then list main points in the order you will cover them]”  The preview of main points is always the last part of your introduction before you transition to the body.

Connective to Body

Body

Number each main point I, II, III etc then sub-points are A. 1. a. 1. etc.
Remember to include transitions between main points
Remember to introduce each main point with a complete declarative sentence that clearly states what the point will be covering

Conclusion

I.  Repeat/Reiterate Thesis: Restate just as you stated in the introduction

II.  Review Main Points: Review the main points you covered

III.  Closing Remarks: Leave audience something to remember