Informative Speech

Handout 1

Informative Speech

·  5-7 minute speech

·  must use at least 5 sources

·  must have a formal outline

·  must deliver extemporaneously (reading will result in a failing grade!)

·  must orally cite sources

·  presentational aid is not needed

Steps in Writing a Speech

I.  Determine topic

II.  Determine main points (usually 2-5 main points)

III.  Research main points

IV.  Begin writing the outline

a.  Write the body of the speech in outline format

b.  Write the introduction of the speech in outline format

c.  Write the conclusion of the speech in outline format

V.  Construct presentation aid (if applicable)

VI.  Prepare note cards

VII.  Practice, Practice, Practice!!!!!

Step I. (Determine Topic) - possible ways to generate potential topics

1. Brainstorm for potential topics. Take a sheet of paper, designate 5 minutes, and write anything and everything that comes to mind. Time yourself!!!

2. Ok, you have officially started the speech writing process! Starting is the most difficult step. Congratulations! Put your brainstorming list aside.

3. Now, it is time to research for topics. Read magazines, talk with friends, surf the internet, and watch TV. While doing this, make sure to pay particular attention to new and novel ideas.

Have we heard this before?

• Watch TV. Dateline, 20/20, Nightline, and even sitcoms (House, Grey’s Anatomy, etc.) are all great shows for finding potential topics.

• Read the news! Read magazines! Read anything that helps you with this process

Here are a few websites to try.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/

http://abcnews.go.com/

http://wilsonhellie.typepad.com/ (not the best site but has links to other sites)

http://www.google.com/Top/Society/Issues/

http://www.projectcensored.org/events

http://www.lii.org/search/file/society

4. Analyze your audience!!! Think of a typical class. Think about interests, duties, age, etc. Make sure to consider these things before choosing a topic! Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will this interest or benefit my audience?

• Has my audience heard this before?

• If choosing a topic for an Informative Speech, consider: Do I have an opinion on this topic? If so, this topic is PERSUASIVE!

Any topic that contains an opinion is persuasive. If “effects,” “benefits,” or “causes” appear in your topic, it is persuasive!! Using the questions above, scratch topics that are unappealing!

5. Now, narrow your potential topics. Using the questions above, scratch topics that are unappealing! After you have chosen THE topic, narrow it even more. Consider the time it will take to completely inform your audience on this topic. Use the CONCEPT MAP as a method of exploring connections and choosing main points.

If there is a month or day devoted to your topic, a billboard for your topic, or a commercial on your topic, it is a BAD topic.

Examples of these topics:

·  Skin Cancer, Breast Cancer, or other common cancers

·  ADD or ADHD

·  Paul “Bear” Bryant

·  Alabama Football

·  Alzheimer’s Disease