informative speech

COMM 1110 Informative Speech

Objective: To learn about research-based informative speaking by preparing and delivering an informative speech as

part of a group symposium.

Assignment: Deliver a 5-6 minute speech meant to inform the audience about a specific topic. You can select whatever

topic you’d like, so long as you can find quality, credible sources to reference. Additionally, you will

submit a Preparation Outline.

Your specific topic must be part of a larger central topic selected by your group. The group will choose

the central topic, and members will select a more detailed sub-topic within that topic. Groups will be

required to submit their topics in advance, and individual group members will be required to submit their

speech outlines in advance.

This is a major assignment with many specifications. Pay attention to all of the requirements in order to

complete the assignment to at least the Satisfactory level.

Specifications for Satisfactory Completion 1. Preparation Outline

a. Follows the format found near the end of Chapter 12, on Page 257. b. Contains title, labeled specific purpose statement, written introduction paragraph, written

central idea statement, and written conclusion paragraph.

c. Contains labeled transition statements between main points. d. Contains a reference list with at least three credible references, cited accurately in APA

style.

e. All references are cited in the speech outline. f. Outline format contains Roman numerals for first-level headings, capital letters for

second-level headings, and numbers for third-level headings.

g. Document is written in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, with no extra spaces added before or after paragraphs.

h. Document is submitted with only the student’s name placed in the header and nothing in the footer, with NO date, class, or professor information on the document (this is tracked

by Georgia View).

i. Document is submitted in .docx format. j. Document is submitted by the due date posted on Georgia View.

2. Speech Delivery a. Student is dressed appropriately according to the dress guidelines in the syllabus. b. Student uses a PowerPoint presentation containing at least five slides, utilizing a

combination of text and images that is displayed during the speech.

c. Speech length falls between 5-6 minutes. d. Student does not include a persuasive element in the speech, including, but not limited to,

a proposition or call to action.

3. Speaking Notes a. Student uses either 3x5 or 4x6 notecards to assist in speech delivery. NOT sheets of paper

or scraps.

b. Student writes their name on each notecard and numbers the notecards in sequential order.

c. Student uses abbreviated notes on cards, NOT the full speaking outline or a manuscript of the speech. See the example at the end of Chapter 6, starting at page 113.

d. Student does not excessively read from notes and regularly maintains eye contact with the audience.

4. Misc. a. Group and individual topics are submitted ahead of time and approved by instructor.

Specifications for Completion with Distinction 1. All specifications for Satisfactory Completion are met. 2. Contains a reference list with at least five credible references, cited accurately in APA style. 3. Student maintains exceptional eye contact, breaking only for brief glimpses at speaking notes. 4. Student uses exceptional vocal control, minimizing use of verbal pauses and avoiding monotone

delivery.

5. Student avoids distracting hand gestures, doesn’t place hands in pockets, doesn’t fidget, and only moves with a sense of purpose.

6. Student selects a sufficiently focused topic, avoiding topics that are too broad (e.g. “South Korea” vs. “Linguistic differences between Korean and other Asian languages.”

7. Student begins speech with an effective attention-getter, avoiding basic statements like “I’m doing my speech on…”