English 101: Process or Division & Classification Speech
Your first and only speech for this course will be an informative speech that will do one of the following:
- explain how to do something,
- explain how something is done, or
- use division and classification to categorize types of people, ideas, objects, etc.
You will use the informative pattern (introduction, body, and conclusion), and you will be graded for content (the structure and presentation of the topic) as well as for form (body and voice). Use the following checklist to aid you in preparing for a 3-4 minute speech.
Presentation Checklist
Topic: Choose a topic that interests you and with which you are familiar
References: Include at least two (2) outside sources cited in your speech and listed in MLA format in your formal outline. You can choose from books, newspapers, magazines, journals, websites, or other sources. You are welcome to share an anecdote in your speech; however, that will not count as a source.
Create a rough draft outline worksheet (I’ll give you a form for this.)
- Name
- Title of Speech
- Specific purpose
- Thesis statement
- Outline in keyword format
- Works Cited in MLA format
Create your speaking notes on note cards (I’ll provide these.)
Create a visual aid: a photograph, diagram, chart, 3D representation, etc.
Practice your speech and extemporaneous delivery
- Time: 3-4 minutes
- Content
- Form/Delivery
- Using your notes effectively without reading
Developing a Speech Topic
In choosing a topic for your speech, try to think of something that 1) interests you, and 2) that you know well. If you are interested and familiar with the topic, your research will be easier, your delivery will be more comfortable, and your enthusiasm will keep the audience interested. The best speech topics are about you—your job, your hobbies, your travels, your activities, your vacations, etc.
- Books or movies that interest you
- Local, national, or international events that interests you
- Travel experiences
- Your interesting family dynamics
- Activities you participate in regularly
- Jobs you have had
- Hobbies
- What makes you different from almost anyone else
- Experiences you have had that almost no one has
- How to be a great leader
- Learning how to drive a stick shift
- How to manage time
- Procrastination 101
- Choosing the right guy/girl
- How to be happy being single
- How to make a good first impression
- Different types of action movies
- Different types of romantic comedies
- Different types of books
- Unique categories of foods
- Best toys for kids
- How to dance
Topics to Avoid: abortion, gun control, the death penalty, legalization of marijuana, politics, religious beliefs, marriage rights, or anything else of a controversial nature. The purpose of this speech is to be informative—not to stir up debate. Save those discussions for another time and place.
Informative Speech Rough Draft Outline Worksheet
Name: ______
Title: ______
Purpose Statement:
At the end of my speech, my audience will ______
______
Introduction
Attention-getter:
______
______
______
Thesis Statement:
______
______
______
Preview of Main Points
- ______
- ______
- ______
- ______
- ______
Relevance or Interest to Audience
______
______
(Transition)
Body Paragraph 1
______
______
______
(Transition)
Body Paragraph 2
______
______
______
(Transition)
Body Paragraph 3
______
______
______
(Transition)
Body Paragraph 4
______
______
______
(If you have additional body paragraphs, add them with an additional sheet of paper.)
Conclusion
Review of Main Points
______
______
______
______
Final Message
______
______
______
Sources Used
Source 1
Who (author[s]):
When (date published and date retrieved if online):
What (book or periodical title, article title, web article/web page title):
Where (publisher, periodical, URL, etc.):
Source 2
Who (author[s]):
When (date published and date retrieved if online):
What (book or periodical title, article title, web article/web page title):
Where (publisher, periodical, URL, etc.):
**When you deliver your final speech, you will submit a Works Cited page with the correct MLA formatting for the sources above.