Assignment Guide: Informative Speech Outline

Overview

At some point, you may be asked to share information with an audience for the sake of that sharing–not to convince, or persuade, but simply to pass on your understanding of, and interest in, a specific subject. In this instance, you will need to take what is called an informative approach.

The informative speech is a way for you to share knowledge with your audience about a subject you are passionate about. Keep in mind: in this instance–you are increasing awareness–not making an argument. As the speaker in this situation, then, you are responsible for identifying an information-sharing approach that serves this specific purpose, by describing, defining, explaining, or demonstrating, your topic, and your passion for it.

The informative speech will describe, define, explain, or demonstrate something that you are passionate about. *You will only choose one of these methods. Here is what those informative purposes look like:

Purpose

Explanation

Example

To Describe

Speeches of description provide a clear, vivid, and memorable picture of a person, place, thing, idea, or alternative. In this category, your goal is to effectively describe your topic in ways that allow the audience to visualize that idea.

Describe the magic of a 3D printer and describe how new material is created.

To Define

Definitional speeches provide the meaning of an idea to the audience. These speeches are helpful to clarify or simplify concepts, theories, or ideas that an audience may be otherwise unfamiliar.

Define the magic of 3D printing, the history, key events, or figures.

To Explain

Speeches of explanation detail processes or how something works, often explaining an otherwise complex, abstract, or unfamiliar idea to the audience. This approach is common in industry-settings or professional contexts where a speaker needs to explain the process, data, or results of a study or program.

Explain the science behind the magic of 3D printing and how it affects different industries.

To Demonstrate

Speeches of demonstration are, well, you guessed it: speeches that demonstrate how something is done for the audience. These can be fun because they allow you to teach the audience something cool and interesting. Demonstration speeches are commonly called “how to” speeches because they show the audience how to do something.

Showcase an actual 3D printer and illustrate to the audience how it works and what makes it so magical within a specific industry.

Prompt

A speech is the product of careful planning and consideration. This planning comes in the form of creative brainstorming, conscious choices about structure and organization, and deliberate decisions about your claims and support. To be ready for this task, you will need to embrace the process behind the speech–and that process begins with outlining. For this assignment, you are crafting and submitting an outline mapping out your Informative Speech.

You will begin this assignment by choosing a topic for which you would like to describe, define, explain or demonstrate something you are passionate about; something for which you are advocating. Then, you will conduct some research to help you learn more about your topic–locating two sources that will help clarify the focus of your speech. Next, you will draft a preparation outline to aid you in the development of your speech.

NOTE: This assignment does not require you to write-out your entire speech; rather, it asks you to carefully plan, develop and prepare for it. The guide below will show you exactly what to include in your outline.

Expectations

A preparation outline will assist you in compiling information into a pattern of your choosing. As well, an outline provides a visual structure helping you to holistically “see” your speech prior to presenting. There are two primary types of outlines: preparation outlines and speaking outlines. For this assignment, you will be creating a preparation outline to help you prepare to craft and present your informational speech.

Preparation outlines are comprehensive outlines that include all of the information in your speech. Thus, this outline is full-sentences and includes in-text citations and references. To be clear: if someone were to read your outline, there should be enough depth to provide a skeleton of what will be accomplished in your informational speech.

Thus, whatever you choose as your topic for your outline, will logically be your topic for your speech.

Topic Selection

Ultimately, an informative speech conveys knowledge. When done well, information can provide a new perspective or increase our knowledge around a topic. As the speaker, you are responsible for identifying an argument that is not only worthwhile, but is something for which you are passionate—and either describing it, defining it, explaining it or demonstrating it to/for your audience. You may increase awareness of any passion of your choosing. You may choose a passion that is global, local or of personal or practical interest to define, explore, demonstrate or explain. Suggestion: choose something narrow and not too broad, as you’ll want to keep your speech focused and on something that can be adequately explored in a 5-6 minute speech.

Topics to avoid for your outline/speech,* as they are either too complex to explore, or not considered appropriate for an academic or scholarly piece, are as follows:

The death penalty

Euthanasia or self-assisted death

Abortion

The (il)legalization of drugs (e.g. marijuana)

Religion or religious readings (e.g. existence of a higher order/being, or life after death)

Gun rights/rules

Global warming

* Please do not select one of the above topics, as your work may be returned without grading, and you will be asked to rewrite/refilm it.

Organization

As noted, preparation outlines are comprehensive outlines that include all of the information in your speech. Thus, this outline uses full-sentences and includes 2 references. To be clear: if someone were to read your outline, there should be enough depth to provide a skeleton of what will be accomplished in your informational speech.

Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing your Preparation Outline

(See in-course readings for detailed explanations/directions.)

Detailed Outline Sections

Description/Guidelines

Setting the Stage

Section 1: Speech Topic

Pick an informative topic–that you are passionate about– that is narrow and focused. This topic will serve as the anchor of your informative speech. Your goal is to narrow your topic enough so that your speech can effectively and efficiently cover your passion, using an approved information sharing approach.

Section 2: Decide on one type of information sharing.

Will you define, describe, explain or demonstrate your topic? Explain this.

Stop Here: Conduct research on your topic–locating 2 credible sources— to learn more about it.

Section 3: Draft a thesis statement.

Your goal should be designing an informative thesis statement that is focused and directed towards your intended audience.

Section 4: Choose your speech’s organizational pattern.

In a sentence or two, identify which pattern your speech will follow, and describe why you have chosen this pattern:

Chronological

Spatial

Topical/categorical

Cause/effect

Problem/solution

Section 5: Identify your intended audience.

In a sentence, describe to whom your speech will be directed.

Planning the Speech

Section 6: Draft an introduction

(Use complete sentences to draft your working introduction.)

Get the audience’s attention by using an anecdote, a statistic or fact, a rhetorical question, or a quotation: a hook.

Establish or enhance your credibility.

Establish relevance through rapport.

State your thesis, which should include your main claim and your supporting points.

Section 7: Main Body–Minimum 3 Points

Reminder: Use complete sentences!

First Main Point

Evidence

Explanation*

Second Main Point

Evidence

Explanation*

Third Main Point

Evidence

Explanation*

(Also known as a warrant–explaining how this evidence connects to your thesis.)

NOTES THROUGHOUT: Speaking Cues

Your outline should include speaking cues; it should provide cues to yourself to “slow down,” “pause,” or “change slide.”

NOTES THROUGHOUT: Use of Connective Statements

Your outline should include connective statements: These statements are designed to help “connect” parts of your speech to make it easier for audience members to follow. Connectives are tools for helping the audience listen, retain information, and follow your structure. Connectives can include internal summaries, signposting or internal previews.

Section 8: Ethical documentation of researched evidence using MLA formatting: 2 Sources

Source 1 (MLA formatted)

Quotation, paraphrase or summary of information that will be useful to support your ideas.

Source 2 (MLA formatted)

Quotation, paraphrase or summary of information that will be useful to support your ideas.

Section 9: Conclusion

Get the audience’s attention.

Restate the thesis.

Offer a clincher or take-away like concluding with a challenge, asking a question or using a thought-provoking quotation.

Section 10: Presentation Aid Planning

Note: Your final speech will have a visual aid requirement.

Select a “slide” formatted vehicle to use to support your speech presentation. (Options: Anything utilizing a slide-by-slide format such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote.)

Explore what images, charts, statistics, information etc. will you put on your slides.

What information will you put on these slides?

Requirements

Draft your outline in Times New Roman, or another Sans Serif Font, in 12-point-font, single-spaced.

Have an MLA-formatted heading which includes: name, course, assignment, and date.

Use organization structure noted above: 10 sections with added notes throughout. Be sure to label each section.

Draft in full and complete sentences/paragraphs.

Include 2 documented sources using MLA formatting. (Section 8)

Essential Elements Checklist: Informative Outline

Includes a thesis driven by definition, description, explanation, or demonstration.

The 3-C’s have been clearly and notably considered.

Effectively integrates an informative organizational pattern.

Includes a fully developed introduction with an informative thesis.

Body contains a minimum of three fully developed and supported points.

Conclusion effectively re-engages the audience before the exit.

Speaking cues are present.

Connective statements are present.

Two credible and cited sources are noted.

Plans for the presentation visual are included.

Adheres to all other formatting and content guidelines.