Informative outline

A Three to Five-Minute Speech to Inform or Teach

Informative speeches focus on objects, processes, events, or concepts. An extemporaneous presentation is delivered from note cards that occupy one to three 4x6 index cards written on one side. Note cards are created from the complete outline. Extemporaneous speaking teaches you to think critically and to organize your thoughts with cogency. When developing your complete outline, consider the following parts: introduction, main points, supporting points, transitions, credible evidence, and conclusion. Effective informative speeches meet the following requirements:

Basic Requirements:

1. Choose a topic according to your professor’s instructions. Consider how your topic is audience-centered. You may request your instructor’s approval.

2. Gather supporting information from at least three credible sources. Only one source may be from an Internet web site. Use library resources for access to journals, periodicals, and other credible publications.

3. Determine your specific goal and one-sentence thesis statement. Remember that your general goal is to inform. Your specific goal identifies what you hope to accomplish. The thesis statement is a one-sentence summary of your speech that encapsulates the major idea of the speech. You speak the thesis statement to your audience in the Introduction of your speech, normally at or near the end of the Introduction, to preview your main points and lead into the Body of your speech.

4. Organize the body of the speech by dividing your thesis statement into main points (at least two and no more than five). Write each main point as one declarative sentence. Choose an appropriate organizational pattern for your topic and specific goal.

5. Support the main points of your speech with information from credible sources that you found in your research. Provide both parenthetical citations and oral attributions for all sources. List all sources on the “Works Cited” page at the end of your outline beginning on a separate page and in APA format.

6. Write transitions between the main points in the body of the speech. Transitions summarize the previous point and/or preview the upcoming point.

7. Develop an Introduction that includes the following four elements: 1) gets the audience’s attention, 2) reveals your topic and relates it to your audience (why might the audience want to know about this topic?), 3) establishes your credibility and goodwill (what qualifies you to speak on this subject?), and 4) previews the body of the speech (provides your thesis statement and main points).

8. Develop a Conclusion that summarizes your main points and reemphasizes your thesis statement in a memorable way, and brings a sense of closure to your speech. The audience should have no doubt that your speech is done.

9. Incorporate appropriate visual aids that enhance your speech and help the audience follow your discussion. Consider how each visual aid adds value to your speech. Remember to explain each aid; don’t assume your audience knows the meaning. (If you choose to use PowerPoint, please submit your slides along with your outline. If you use other printed aids, scan and email separately.)

10. Submit your outline and visual aids when or before you submit your speech (see course calendar for specific due dates). Type the outline in complete sentences, in either Ariel or Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, using proper Roman numeral outline format, and free of spelling and grammar errors. List all sources on the separate “Works Cited” page(s) at the end of your outline and in APA citation format.

11. Deliver your speech extemporaneously, not read or memorized, to an audience of at least two people. Use oral citations for your resources. Speak from your note cards, not from a reduced size copy of your complete outline. If your speech sounds read or memorized, your grade will be reduced.

12. Time your speech so that you speak between 3-5 minutes. Speaking less or more will reduce your grade.

Informative Speech Requirements