Informative Speech

Informative Speech

Value: 50 points Length: 5-8 minutes

Requirements:

1. Full-sentence (typed) outline

2. Note cards

3. Two oral citations cited in speech and in reference section

This informative speech should inform the audience about a relevant topic of interest.

In this speech, you will be informing the audience with new information, new insights, or new ways of thinking about a topic. You might introduce listeners to new ideas, events, people, places and processes (O’Hair, 2004).

The goal of informative speaking is to increase the audience’s understanding or awareness by imparting knowledge. Your speech might be an in-depth analysis of a specific topic, a simple description of a topic, or an overview of a topic.

All informative speeches have an identifiable introduction, body and conclusion. You will include at least three cited references during the speech. You also need to incorporate one visual aid.

Introduction: The introduction should compel the audience to listen (with an attention-getter), reveal the topic and thesis statement (goal of your speech) and provide a preview. The preview will be an overview of the main points.

Body: Most informative speeches should contain no more than three main points, organized in a way that helps the audience make sense of the message. Once the main points and organizational pattern are set, identify what evidence supports which main point and place these sub-points in the correct location. For this short speech, one or two main points are sufficient.

Conclusion: All informative conclusions should include a brief summary of the main points. No new information should be given to the audience in the conclusion. An effective conclusion leaves the audience thinking about the speaker’s message.

Outlining the Informative Speech: A detailed outline is mandatory and should follow the example attached. The outline you turn in to the instructor must be in full-sentence format and typed. Your speaking outline (note cards) must be in phrase or key word format and include three citations. (Quotes, transitions, and specific citations, as well as introduction and conclusion may be stated in full sentences.)

Informative Speech

Example Outline

25 points

Due: ___________________________

Type this assignment

Title:

Speaker:

General Purpose: To inform

Thesis Statement (goal of your speech):

I. Introduction

A. Attention getter (example: startling statistic, profound quote, moving picture, WOW statement)

B. Announce Purpose/goal (Today I will be talking about cars and which ones are the best)

C. Establish the relevance of the topic to your audience

D. Establishment of Ethos (establish your credibility on this topic, or why we should believe you)

E. Preview (thesis statement and each main point)

1. First,

2. Next,

3. Finally,

*(Transition to body ex: “But first…” “Let’s now turn to…”)

II. Body

A. Main Point 1

1. Sub-point (supporting material)

a. Sub-sub point

b. Sub-sub point

2. Sub-point (supporting material)

a. Sub-sub point

b. Sub-sub point

*(Transition: includes an internal summary of the main point you just finished & an internal preview of the main point your moving on to next)

B. Main idea 2

1. Sub-point (supporting material)

a. Sub-sub point

b. Sub-sub point

2. Sub-point (supporting material)

a. Sub-sub point

b. Sub-sub point

*(Transition: includes an internal summary of the main point you just finished & an internal preview of the main point your moving on to next)

C. Main idea 3

1. Sub-point (supporting material)

a. Sub-sub point

b. Sub-sub point

2. Sub-point (supporting material)

a. Sub-sub point

b. Sub-sub point

*(Transition to conclusion)

III. Conclusion

A. Summarize overall theme

B. Review (each main point)

C. Creative concluding thought (end with impact & tie to intro if possible)

Works Cited (APA format)