Organizing and Outlining the Informative Speech

Description for Speech 3

Organizing and Outlining the Informative Speech

Time: 4–5 minutes

All informative speeches have an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion with at least

three verbal citations.

Introduction: The introduction should compel the audience to listen through the use of an

attention-getter and it should provide a preview. The preview usually includes the thesis statement and 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 subpoints in the correct location.

Conclusion: All informative speeches should include a brief summary of the main points. No

new information should be given to the audience in the conclusion. An effective conclusion references the attention-getter from the introduction. Good conclusions leave the audience thinking about the speaker’s message.

Visual Aid: A visual aid of at least two posters is required. You may use other forms of visual aids and media (such as music or objects) but must have the posters as well. You may use more than two posters.

Outlining the Informative Speech: A detailed outline is mandatory and should include the

following sections: title, statement of specific purpose, thesis statement, introduction, body, conclusion, references. Create a working outline (rough draft) in sentence format. Transfer your ideas to a speaking outline (phrase or key-word format) and put down your ideas on notecards in this manner. The final outline you will be handing in will be a cleaned up copy of your working outline (full sentence format.) You will also be handing in your notecard(s) after your speech is completed.

Self-Evaluation: We will be broadcasting your speeches via the internet. Go to The password for the class is college. Use this to access either the live stream or to view the video for up to one week after delivery. You must watch your taped performance and then fill out the Self-Evaluation Video Sheet found in the front of the classroom. This is due one week from your presentation.

Outline Format for Informative Speech

Title:______

Speaker: ______

Specific Purpose: ______

Thesis Statement:

Introduction

I. Attention-getter:

II. Establishment of ethos:

III. Thematic statement:

IV. Preview (each main point):

First . . .

Next . . .

Finally . . .

(Transition)

Body

I. Main idea 1

A. Subpoint and/or supporting material (such as a statistic or a quotation)

1. Sub-subpoint (optional)

2. Sub-subpoint (optional)

B. Subpoint and/or supporting material

1. Sub-subpoint (optional)

2. Sub-subpoint (optional)

(Internal summary)

(Transition)

II. Main idea 2

A. Subpoint and/or supporting material

1. Sub-subpoint (optional)

2. Sub-subpoint (optional)

B. Subpoint and/or supporting material

1. Sub-subpoint (optional)

2. Sub-subpoint (optional)

(Internal summary)

(Transition)

III. Main idea 3

A. Subpoint and/or supporting material

1. Sub-subpoint (optional)

2. Sub-subpoint (optional)

B. Subpoint and/or supporting material

1. Sub-subpoint (optional)

2. Sub-subpoint (optional)

(Internal summary)

(Transition to conclusion)

Conclusion

I. Summarize (overall theme):

II. Review (each main point):

III. Tie to the introduction:

IV. Creative concluding thought (end with impact):

Bibliography

Grading Rubric

(each item is worth 5 points: Total of 150 possible)

AUDIENCE ANALYSIS/TOPIC CHOICE

interesting and creative topic

tone of speech proper for speech type

INTRODUCTION

captured audience’s attention

provided clear preview or road map

BODY

key ideas explained

major points supported with at least three internal citations

CONCLUSION

reviewed major points

provided memorable, creative conclusion

ORGANIZATION

internal summaries between major points

clear transitions

clear organizational pattern

credible source material included

sources appropriate for topic

LANGUAGE

clear, concise, colorful

creative, culturally sensitive

DELIVERY

vocally expressive, conversational style

adequate eye contact

avoided nervous mannerisms

generally effective and extemporaneous

VISUAL AIDS

communicated idea visually

simple and uncomplicated

professional quality

large enough to see

displayed at appropriate time

OUTLINE

typed and in correct Harvard outline form

at least three sources

written in correct MLA style

internal summaries included and labeled

transitions included and labeled