Speech

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Oral Communication and Presentation: Informative Speech Outline

Katt Kersting

COMM 101

Specific Purpose:

To inform my audience of the famous film director, Tim Burton.

Attention:

“Visions are worth fighting for. Why spend your life making someone else’s dreams?” Sounds

like a good piece of advice, huh? Perhaps even worthy of an inspirational tattoo? The man who

stated this quote has inspirited me so deeply to the point where his art is even tattooed

permanently onto my body.

Credibility:

Since the age of 6, I’ve found a true connection to the whimsical works of film director Tim

Burton. I’ve seen all his movies, countless times each may I add, and I can assure you that I have

many of these films memorized word for word. The point I’m trying to make here is as an

aspiring film director, I have understood the technical and imaginative genius behind the works

of Tim Burton.

Preview:

Today I’ll be sharing facts on Tim Burton’s life; how he became a successful movie director, the

keys to his unique style, and the effect he has had on the film industry.

Transition: Before one can enjoy the art that Tim Burton has created, they must

understand how one can grow into one of the most iconic film directors of all time.

First Main Point: Like any other person who becomes successful, Tim lived an average life just

like you and me.

A. As a child, Burton always carried around a notebook where he would write and sketch ideas for characters.

1. If he didn’t have his notebook, he would draw on napkins or wrappers. B. After majoring in animation at the California Institute of Arts, he worked as a Disney

animator for less than a year before striking out on his own (Woods 10).

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1. Tim went to school for illustration animation, not for film. 2. He eventually got bored at Disney for the innocent style he had to learn to love.

C. In 1982, he released his award-winning short Vincent. 1. Because of its success, he was able to begin his own production company and

begin creating his own style with films such as Batman (1989) and Edward

Scissorhands (1990) (“Tim Burton Biography”). D. Burton’s closest companion is Johnny Depp.

1. Their bond was so connected that they possessed their own nonverbal way of communication; which confused much of the crew and cast on set.

2. He is also the Godfather of Burton’s son, Billy Raymond Burton.

Transition: So, what makes Burton so recognizable? So easy to identify? It could be the

crazed hair and signature blue-misted glasses that create his signature look, but I believe it’s

actually his film style that catches peoples’ attention.

Second Main Point: Burton’s style is beloved by several fans all over the world but, yet it hasn’t

always been viewed as such.

A. Burton’s creations fascinate audiences for “his characters elicit both alarm and wonder” (McMahon 3).

1. Many of the characters he creates are larger than life and seem somewhat as outcasts, which make them lovable and connective with the audience.

B. Burton is known for his bold and dark style and themes in his films. 1. Because of the dark and deeply weird nature of Burton's Nightmare Before

Christmas, Walt Disney Studios decided it was too off-brand to be released under

their banner (“21 Things”). a. So, the film was made through their branch Touchstone Pictures.

1. Once it began to get popular, Disney released it again with their opening logo and took more “responsibility”.

Transition: Although the “happiest place on earth” wasn’t too hot on his unique style, it

remains certain that Burton has left a true legacy on the film industry.

Third Main Point: Since his name first hit the big screen, one can agree that Burton has become

one of the most recognizable and successful film makers to date.

A. Burton set off a trend for bringing novels to the big screen such as Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012) and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016) (“Tim

Burton Biography”). B. Burton also showed the true power and beauty of stop-motion through The Nightmare

Before Christmas (1993), The Corpse Bride (2005), and Frankenweenie (2012) along

with others, popularizing “clay-mation” (“Tim Burton Biography”). C. Tim has received several award nominations and wins for several of his films over the

years. D. Burton has also exhibited over 700 drawings, paintings, and other artwork at New York

City's Museum of Modern Art in 2009 and 2010 (“Tim Burton Biography”).

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1. He also possesses his own personal museum exhibits that travel around the world.

Transition: His films and style continue to inspire and shock the whole world. Us

endearing fans sit and wait patiently wondering what piece of art he will cook up next.

Summary: Tim Burton was able to become a successful director through a hardworking past,

which lead to a unique style, and eventually leaving handprints on the film industry.

Concluding Remarks: In case you still needed that tattoo idea, I’ll leave you with my favorite

quote from this remarkable man; “It seems that if you’re passionate about something, it freaks

people out. You’re considered bizarre or eccentric. To me, it just seems that you know who you

are.”

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Biography.com Editors (2018). Tim Burton biography producer, painter, illustrator, director,

screenwriter (1958–). Accessed on September 30, 2018 from:

https://www.biography.com/people/tim-burton-9542431

McMahon, J. L. (2014). The philosophy of Tim Burton, University Press of Kentucky, 2014.

ProQuest eBook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/pointpark-

ebooks/reader.action?docID=1653632&query=tim+burton

Puchko, K. (2017). 21 things you didn't know about The Nightmare Before Christmas. Accessed

on September 30, 2018 from: http://mentalfloss.com/article/60723/21-things-you-didnt-

know-about-nightmare-christmas

Woods, P. A. (2007). Tim Burton: a child’s garden of nightmares. London: Plexus, 2007.

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