Informative

Students will present a 7-minute informative speech followed by a 2-minute question/answer session. A well prepared outline must be approved before students may give speeches. The speech accounts for 15 percent of the course grade and must be completed in order to pass this course. PowerPoint is required.

Objectives

In doing this assignment students will be able to accomplish the following:

	to select a speech topic,
	to narrow the topic,
	to analyze the audience,
	to determine the specific speech purpose,
	to organize and outline speech content,
	to research the topic and gather supporting materials,
	to sharpen language and style elements,
	to incorporate visual aids,
	to conduct a question and answer session, and
	to recognize the inherent value of all human beings by demonstrating the importance of effectively and respectfully communicating with all members of society, including women, people with varied cultural backgrounds, people with special needs, and others.

Procedure

Students should follow these guidelines in completing the speech assignment:

	The instructor must approve your topic and your outline before you are allowed to present your speech.
	E-mail the instructor your specific speech purpose (see Course Schedule for due date). Specific speech purpose statements should be worded like this: "To have my audience agree with the following three aspects of (your topic): 1) (list first main point), 2) list second main point, 3) (list third main point)."

	Speech date will be assigned or students might be able to sign up during class; if absent, the instructor will assign dates. You are allowed to switch dates with another student as long as you notify the instructor.
	Conduct extensive research; you must use at least seven sources during your speech.
	When preparing the outline, list all sources (minimum of seven). Click here to see a sample outline.
	E-mail the instructor the outline as an attachment (see Course Schedule for due date); 20 points will be subtracted from the outline grade for each day (24-hour period) it is late.
	During the speech, follow the speech checklist.

	During the speech, you may use one 3x5 note card with no more than 15 keywords.
	You must use at least one visual aid in addition to your PPT during your speech. Video clips must be approved by the instructor before permission is granted for use during the speech. Click here for PowerPoint guidelines.

It is the responsibility of the student, not the instructor, to ensure any technology (projector, computer, VCR, etc.) is working properly. Always test the technology before the speech date.

	Distribute at least 3 planted questions to ensure the audience asks enough questions to fulfill your 2-minute Q&A requirement.
	The speech is extemporaneous and must last 7 minutes plus a 2-minute question and answer session.
	Reminder: if you read or appear to read your speech or any part of it, you automatically receive an F.