SAMPLE ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES GIVEN TO
STUDENTS
P
Pitching Speech
Objective: To determine whether you and the organization are a good match for one another.
Personalities are assessed through the interview process. After you and the interviewer move past
small talk about things like the weather, you will encounter more formal questions. The interviewer
will likely ask you to respond to the following prompt: “Tell me (or us) about yourself.” How does
someone condense an entire life into a memorable two- to three-minute timeframe? Everyone has a
story, and you are given an opportunity to tell yours. This assignment will give you guidance in how
to negotiate this kind of question.
• You will dress in a business casual manner on the day of your presentation.
• To prepare for the speech, write the following prompts on a 3-inch by 5-inch notecard, and
think about your answers:
What two key characteristics describe you best? How have you demonstrated these
characteristics? (Provide specific examples, and avoid using overused adjectives like
people-person, hard-working, and perfectionist.
What two key personal or professional accomplishments are you most proud of? How
can the skills gained from that accomplishment be related to the current position?
What would you like to accomplish in this position? (How can this position help you
attain your future goals?
You will use this notecard to help guide your thoughts as you present this information to the class.
Think of your classmates as your friends who want to hear your story. What sets you apart from
other candidates? Think of things that make you unique and memorable.
Informative Speech
Objective: To research a topic that interests you and your audience and to present your findings using
an appropriate organizational structure.
Use prepared note cards to deliver your thoughts in an extemporaneous manner.
Presentation
• Research: You must research the topic. You will need to print a copy of whatever research you
use and highlight the areas used in your speech. For example, if you quoted someone from an
article in the New York Times, you should print it and highlight the quote.
• Length: It must last four to six minutes.
• Structure: It must contain an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
• Transitions: Transitions are required and should be present going into the body, between each
main point, and entering the conclusion.
Outline
• Full sentences: A full-sentence outline is required. Use one-inch margins, 12-point font, and
proper outline symbols. Sample outlines can be found on pages 439–450 in the textbook.
• Citations: Include in-text citations and a Works Cited page using the MLA format.
• Note cards: You must use 3-inch by 5-inch note cards (not your outline) while speaking.
Folder
• Write your first name, last name, and class time on a two-pocket folder.
• Submit the following documents in the folder:
Speech grading rubric
P
Persuasive Speech
Objective: To choose a current controversial issue or problem and develop a one-sided argument
supported with research to influence audience opinions.
Incorporate all persuasive appeals of ethos, logos, and pathos in your presentation, and use prepared
notecards to deliver your thoughts in an extemporaneous manner.
Presentation
• Research: You must research the topic. Print a copy of whatever research you use, highlighting
the areas used in your speech. For example, if you quoted someone from an article in the New
York Times, you should print the article and highlight the quote.
• Time: The speech must last five to seven minutes.
• Structure: It must contain an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
Outline
• Full sentences: A full-sentence outline is required. Use one-inch margins, 12-point font, and
proper outline symbols. Sample outlines can be found on pages 439–450 in the textbook.
• Citations: Include in-text citations and a Works Cited page using the MLA format.
• Note cards: You must use 3-inch by 5-inch note cards (not your outline) while speaking.
• Folder: Write your first name, last name, and class time on the front of a two-pocket folder.
• Submit the following documents in the folder:
Speech grading rubric
G
Group Speech (Infomercial)
Objective: To create an infomercial as part of a team.
For this persuasive project, you and your team will create an infomercial. There are three
components to this project—group presentation, group outline (including individual contributions),
and peer evaluations. Your instructor will choose the teams and a project manager. (This is often
how teams are selected in the work environment.) Some team members will be more committed
• Students have various reasons for choosing not to continue their education, and you are going to
find out why. Some reasons include lack of finances, lack of motivation to attend classes or do
work, and homesickness.
• You will research studies that have explored this topic, select one of the primary reasons that
students leave college, and present a solution for combatting this problem.
Group presentation
• Using Monroe’s motivated sequence pattern, you are going to “sell” your product to the class.
Most infomercials are created using this organizational pattern.
• Time: 10 to 12 minutes in length. All group members must speak an equal amount of time.
• Live delivery: Your presentation cannot be taped and played for the class for a grade. You must
be present to give your presentation.
• The show must go on: Any group member who is not present on the assigned speech day will
Group outline
• Outline format: A full-sentence outline is required using in-text citations and will include a
Works Cited page in the MLA format.
• Organizational pattern: Everyone will use Monroe’s motivated sequence as the required
organizational pattern for this presentation. Your outline should include the heads from that
sequence—Attention, Need, Satisfaction, Visualization, Action.
Folder
Write the names of each group member and the class time on the front of a two-pocket folder.
Submit the following documents in the folder:
• Speech grading rubric
• Outline grading rubric
• Typed outline
• Highlighted research. Print your sources, include only the page from where you used
information, and highlight the information you used.
Peer evaluations