Informative Speech Topic Proposal

Informative Speech Guidelines

Speaking Time: 4-6 Minutes  Visual Aid: At least one visual aid is required Supporting Material: At least SIX sources are required on the works cited page and must be cited verbally during the speech. Note Cards/Speaking Outline: You may use an outline or note cards when you present. Preparation Outline and Works Cited Page: Preparation Outline and Works Cited required.  Attire: Business or Business Casual

See course schedule for due dates for the topic proposal, final preparation outline, and speech. 

Video Requirements

Speech videos should not be edited. One continuous speech presentation is required. 

You, the speaker, should be standing and clearly visible from the front in order for the instructor to see facial expressions and gestures. You should be viewable from head to fingertips. The visual aid should be visible in the video. 

The MTSU Walker Library has two group study rooms available that are equipped to record presentations. Call 615-904-8526 for more information. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time before the deadline to record your speech in case of technical difficulties. Young children should not be present during the speech. 

Videos should not be edited before submission. However, you may record several videos and choose your best presentation. 

Upload the speech to YouTube.com and post the link to the Discussion Board on the designated forum. Be sure the quality of the video is such that the sound and visuals are clear. Poor-quality videos will impact your grade and may require re-submission at the instructor's discretion. 

Informative Speech Purpose

· The general purpose of this speech is to inform.

· An informative speech is designed to convey knowledge and understanding.

· Your presentation should have no element of advocacy.

· You are not trying to influence a major belief change or get the audience to take action.

Informative Speech Topic Selection

· Topics should be significant and worthwhile for a college audience in an academic class.

· The topics that work best are topics that are relatively non-controversial [e.g., How to Be You Own Fitness Trainer].

· If you choose to speak on a controversial topic you must present a balanced pro-con analysis.

You will begin topic selection by brainstorming with your classmates on the discussion board. Your Topic Proposal should be uploaded to the designated Dropbox folder by the due date. Your topic proposal should include a brief summary of why you chose this topic and how you intend to relate the topic to your audience. Your instructor will approve the topic and make suggestions for changes, as needed. Do not begin researching or writing your speech until approval has been given for your topic. 

Preparation Outline Requirements

· A typed, full-content, Preparation Outline must be uploaded to the Dropbox by the due date.

· The outline must be divided into three distinct parts (Introduction, Body and Conclusion). The introduction must have 4 specific sections and the conclusion must have 2 specific sections. Appropriate transitions should also be used.  (See the outline template and the sample outline provided in D2L. Read Chapter 11 for more info). 

A typed Works Cited page in MLA format must be turned in with the outline. You must have at least six sources. SOURCES MUST ALSO BE CITED WITHIN THE CONTENT OF THE SPEECH. Sources will be randomly checked for validity. Many websites have unknown credibility. You may not use websites for sources unless you can verify the Authorship, Sponsorship, and Recency (see Chapter 7 for more info). Wikipedia can be used as one source only, as long as the content is not flagged as still in development. Source types include: a) General references - encyclopedia, dictionary, atlas, etc., b) newspapers, c) magazines, d) media news sources; e) professional journals, f) books, g) credible websites, h) government-authored documents, i) interviews of academics or practitioners in the field.

Notes and Delivery Requirements

· You may use note cards OR a one-page Speaking Outline of your speech.

· Points will be deducted if a significant amount of content is read directly from the note cards or Speaking Oultine (See Chapter 11 for examples of Speaking Outlines and Preparation Outlines).

· You are expected to know the content of your speech and present extemporaneously using a conversational quality. 

                Extemporaneous Speech-A carefully prepared and rehearsed speech that is presented from a brief set of notes (note cards or speaking outline).                  Conversational Quality-Presenting a speech so it sounds spontaneous no matter how many times it has been rehearsed. 

Other Info

· Failure to present and post your speech on the discussion board by the deadline will result in a zero for the assignment and may result in an "F" for the semester.

· It is YOUR responsibility to communicate with your instructor if an emergency situation should arise.

· Lack of preparation is not an emergency situation.

· Students must present informative and persuasive speeches and earn a passing grade on each to pass Comm 2200. 

· Feel free to post questions about this assignment on the Questions For Your Instructor discussion board forum.