Informative Speech Format

1. Introduction: Tell ’em what you’re going to tell ’em.

2. Body: Tell ’em.

3. Conclusion: Tell ’em what you told ’em.

Sample Introduction (Thesis underlined)

Most people know what a penguin is, or at least they think they do. A penguin is an awkward bird that lives in the Antarctic and always seems to be dressed for a formal occasion, right? Actually, there may be more to the penguin than meets the eye. To gain a good understanding of the penguin, we must examine three areas: the habitat and anatomy of the penguin, how they communicate and behave, and finally, appearances in popular culture.

Sample Outline of Body

I. habitat and anatomy

II. communication and behavior

III. popular culture

Sample Conclusion (Summary)

Today, we have learned that penguins don’t just live at the South Pole -- they live all over the Southern Hemisphere. Their bodies are well-adapted for spending their lives in the water, unlike most other birds. Penguins are very social, and combine vocalizing and gesturing to communicate. Finally, whether portrayed as awkward, adorable little guys or as the interesting opposite personality, penguins have made a noticeable impact on today’s popular culture.

Informative Speeches will be graded on the following:

• Strong introduction• Clear thesis• Suitable topic• Good organization• Interesting presentation• Eye contact with entire audience• Vocal variety• At least one Visual Aid which enhances presentation• Clear diction• Smooth transitions• Conclusion which summarizes main points• Time: 2 minutes• Citing at least two sources

Three Parts of a Speech

• Introduction– Gains attention and goodwill of audience– Develops interest in topic

• Body– Presents main points in an organized pattern– Gives supporting information for main points

• Conclusion– Emphasizes key idea or ideas– Leaves audience with greater interest in topic

Due Friday:

• Topic

• Purpose

• Thesis

• Outline

Example: Topic, Purpose, Thesis, Outline

• Topic: soccer-style placekicking• Purpose: to inform• Thesis: The four steps in soccer-style

placekicking are to spot the ball, to mark off the steps, to approach the ball, and to kick the ball.

• Outline:1. Spotting the ball2. Marking off the steps3. Approaching the ball4. Kicking the ball

Techniques for Introductions

1. Startling Statement There are an estimated fifty million dogs in

the United States. That’s approximately one dog for every two families in the country. Today, we’ll look at the ways dogs have become humans’ “best friends.”

Techniques for Introductions

2. Questions Why is it that roughly one out of every two families in the United States has a pet dog? What is it about dogs that makes them far and away the leading pet and humans’ “best friends”?

Techniques for Introductions

3. Story The house was filled with smoke. The father led his wife

and children into the yard--everyone was gasping for breath. As smok cleared from his eyes, he looked around only to discover that Julie, his five-year-old daughter, was missing. Just as the father was about to rush back into the house, he saw Kelly, the family’s German shepherd, pull Julie throught he doorway.

Is this just a story? No, it’s the kind of actual occurrence that happens several times every year and represents just one of the ways that dogs have shown themselves to be true frineds. Today I want to talk with you about the ways in which dogs have earned their place as humans’ “best friends.”

Techniques for Introductions

4. QuotationThese lines from a speech given to the US

Senate by George Graham Vest describe the way many people feel about their dogs.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog . . . . When all other friends desert, he remains.

In my speech today, I want to look at the ways in which dogs have become humans’ “best friends.”

Techniques for Introductions

5. Personal reference I’m sure many of you have pets--perhaps you have a cat or a parakeet. Some of you may go in for more exotic pets like monkeys, snakes, or rare tropical fish. But unless I miss my guess, more of you own dogs than own any other kind of family pet. Today I want...

Techniques for Introductions

6. Audiovisual Materials Look at this picture of Border collies herding sheep in Montana. Here’s another picture that shows a Doberman pinscher on guard at a warehouse complex. And finally, here’s a picture of a German shepherd playing with his human owners. As these pictures show, there are at least three ways dogs have become humans’ “best friends.”

Techniques for Conclusions

1. Summary

So we can see that by working together with people, by protecting people ad their property, and by showing unparalleled love and devotion to people, dogs have earned their place as our “best friends.”

Techniques for Conclusions

2. Stirring Ending

If you have a dog, you can understand the feelings of the poet who said of his dog, “Of all the treasures that were mine, I loved him most of all.”

Presenting Your Speech• Establish Credibility - the amount of trust and belief the speaker inspires in

an audience. Citing sources within your speech is a great way to show you’ve done your research.

• Show Enthusiasm - the strong positive feeling speakers show for their topics.

• Establish Eye Contact - If you fail to establish eye contact, the members of the audience will let their eyes--and their attention--wander.

• Use Vocal Variety and Emphasis - Vary your tone, rate, volume, and pitch to emphasize key points and to make your speech more interesting.

• Use clear Articulation and Enunciation - Be careful not to slur your words. Speak clearly, and your audience will find listening to your message easy and enjoyable.

• Practice careful Pronunciation - If you mispronounce key words in your speech, your listeners will begin to question whether you have a thorough knowledge of your subject.

• Avoid Vocalized Pauses - If you need to pause, pause, but don’t fill the pause with meaningless speech sounds (uh, um....)

Informative Speeches will be graded on the following:

• Strong introduction• Clear thesis• Suitable topic• Good organization• Interesting presentation• Eye contact with entire audience• Vocal variety• At least one Visual Aid which enhances presentation• Clear diction• Smooth transitions• Conclusion which summarizes main points• Time: 3-6 minutes• Citing at least three sources