Day 6 Introduce Informative Speech/Paper Assignments
Principles of Informative Speaking Ch. 22
Selecting an Organizational Pattern Ch. 12
Outlining the Speech Ch. 13
Day 7 Developing the Introduction and Conclusion Ch. 14
Week 3
Day 11 Discuss Persuasive Speech Assignment
Persuasive Speaking Chs. 23–24
Day 12 Speaking with Presentation Aids Ch. 19
Designing Presentation Aids Ch. 20
Part 2, p. 79
Speech 3: Persuasive Speeches
Speech 3: Persuasive Speeches
Week
4
Day 16 Discuss Group Presentation Assignment
Speech 4: Group Presentation
Part 2, p. 80
DESCRIPTIONS OF SPEECH ASSIGNMENTS
The following pages present descriptions of speech assignments normally required of students in
an introductory public speaking course. Detailed assignments are provided for the special occasion
speech, the informative speech, and the persuasive speech. Also provided are optional assignments
for an informative communication research paper and assignments for group presentations.
Part 2, p. 81
DESCRIPTION FOR SPEECH 1
Special Occasion Speech
Time: 2–3 minutes
The special occasion speech provides students practice in preparing and delivering a basic public
speech. The content of this speech should be a fictional speech of introduction, toast, or eulogy
concerning an individual or individuals with whom the audience is familiar.
Choose a person to speak about (e.g., historical figure, current film or television star, person in the
class), and construct a speech that discusses his or her qualifications or positive personal qualities.
EXAMPLES OF TOPICS
• Speech of introduction for the president of the United States
• Toast at the wedding of two well-known television or movie stars
• Eulogy for a famous historical figure
Hints: Remember, this speech can mix factual events with fictional events. Be creative! Make sure
Part 2, p. 83
OUTLINE WORKSHEET FOR SPECIAL OCCASION SPEECH 1
Title:
Speaker:
Specific Purpose:
Thesis Statement:
Introduction
I. Attention getter:
II. Establishment of ethos:
III. Thematic statement:
IV. Preview (each main point):
First . . .
Body
I. Main idea 1 (narrative/story)
(Internal summary)
(Transition to conclusion)
Part 2, p. 84
Conclusion
I. Summarize
II. Review (each main point)
Part 2, p. 85
DESCRIPTION FOR SPEECH 2
Organizing and Outlining the Informative Speech
Time: 4–5 minutes
All informative speeches have an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion. This speech
Introduction: The introduction should compel the audience to listen (with an attention getter) and
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
Conclusion: All informative speeches should include a brief summary of the main points. No new
Outlining the Informative Speech: A detailed outline is mandatory and should include the
following sections: title, statement of specific purpose, thesis statement, introduction, body
OUTLINE WORKSHEET FOR INFORMATIVE SPEECH 2
Title:
Speaker:
Specific Purpose:
Thesis Statement:
Introduction
I. Attention getter:
II. Establishment of ethos:
III. Thematic statement:
Body
I. Main idea 1
A. Subpoint and/or supporting material (such as a statistic or a quotation)
2. Sub-subpoint (optional)
B. Subpoint and/or supporting material
Part 2, p. 87
2. Sub-subpoint (optional)
(Internal summary)
(Transition)
1. Sub-subpoint (optional)
2. Sub-subpoint (optional)
B. Subpoint and/or supporting material
(Internal summary)
(Transition)
III. Main idea 3
A. Subpoint and/or supporting material
2. Sub-subpoint (optional)
B. Subpoint and/or supporting material
2. Sub-subpoint (optional)
(Internal summary)
(Transition to conclusion)
Part 2, p. 88
Conclusion
I. Summarize and restate (thesis)
II. Review (each main point)
III. Tie to the introduction
IV. Provide memorable, creative conclusion (end with impact)
References
DESCRIPTION FOR THE INFORMATIVE COMMUNICATION RESEARCH PAPER
(Optional Assignment)
Purpose: To enhance social science research-writing skills by applying, analyzing, and
transforming the informative research topic into a cohesive, succinct research paper. The goal is
for students to gain a better understanding of the similarities, differences, and connections between
Requirements: This paper must be four to six pages in length, excluding references. Additional
sources and references are strongly encouraged (e.g., in addition to the text). Students must submit
Part 2, p. 89
1. An introduction (with a thesis statement)
3. A conclusion (with a brief discussion)
Points: Please submit two copies of the paper. Specific grading criteria can be found on the
following page. A letter grade will be deducted for each day the paper is late. All papers must
be typed. No exceptions!
INFORMATIVE COMMUNICATION RESEARCH PAPER REQUIREMENTS
A Paper
• Two copies of paper
• Four or more additional sources
• Exceptional grammar
• No spelling errors
B Paper
• Two copies of paper
• Three or more additional sources
• Few grammatical errors
Part 2, p. 90
• Few spelling errors
• Insightful analysis
C Paper
• One copy of paper
• At least one additional source
• Three or more grammatical errors
D Paper
• One copy of paper
• No additional sources
F Paper
• Does not follow assignment
DESCRIPTION FOR SPEECH 3
Organizing and Outlining the Persuasive Speech—Action
Time: 5–6 minutes
Organization plays a central role in a persuasive speech: The speech must logically establish why
the audience must change. (Unless audience members believe there is something wrong with what
A. Monroe’s motivated sequence (problem-solution format):
1. Gain the audience’s attention. Attention-getters grab the audience, arousing curiosity
2. Identify unfulfilled needs. The speaker must establish a clear, urgent, and unfulfilled
Part 2, p. 92
3. Propose a solution that satisfies. Present the solution to the needs or problems
4. Visualize the resulting satisfaction. Intensify audience members’ desire for the
5. Define specific actions. In the final step, the speaker must turn the audience’s
agreement and commitment into positive action. Tell audience members what they
need to do to obtain the described solution and its benefits.
B. Making the most of Monroe’s motivated sequence: To make the most of Monroe’s
motivated sequence, the steps should be followed in sequence. The sequence closely
resembles a problem-solution organizational format, but it digresses from linear logic in
C. Outlining the persuasive speech: Each of the five steps in Monroe’s motivated sequence
should be represented by a Roman numeral. Main points and subpoints are represented by
capital letters and numbers, respectively. (See the following outline worksheet.)
OUTLINE WORKSHEET FOR MONROE’S MOTIVATED SEQUENCE
Persuasive Speech 3
Title:
Speaker:
Specific Purpose:
I. Introduction (attention)
A. Attention-getter:
B. Establishment of ethos:
(Transition)
II. Need
A. Main idea 1 with supporting material (such as a statistic or quotation)
1. Subpoint (optional)
B. Main idea 2 with supporting material
1. Subpoint (optional)
2. Subpoint (optional)
(Internal summary)
(Transition)
III. Satisfaction
A. Main idea 3 with supporting material
2. Subpoint (optional)
Part 2, p. 94
1. Subpoint (optional)
2. Subpoint (optional)
(Internal summary)
(Transition)
IV. Visualization
A. Main idea 5 with supporting material
2. Subpoint (optional)
B. Main idea 6 with supporting material
2. Subpoint (optional)
(Internal summary)
(Transition to conclusion)
V. Action
A. Summarize and review taking action (overall theme including each step of Monroe’s
motivated sequence)
References
Part 2, p. 95
GROUP PRESENTATION OPTION 1
A Professional Presentation—Learning to Use PowerPoint
Rationale: The assignment provides students with the opportunity to work on a team to develop a
professional presentation that incorporates the use of Microsoft PowerPoint technology. Students
spend many years developing the knowledge and skills of their professional specialty, yet most
Purpose: The goal of the professional presentation is for students to:
• Persuade (change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors).
• Sharpen and expand their creative skills.
Part 2, p. 96
DESCRIPTION OF POWERPOINT ASSIGNMENT
Groups of Five Students
Time: 20–25 minutes
Using information in Chapter 21, “Using Presentation Software,” each group will be responsible
for creating a professional presentation on PowerPoint software, and then giving the presentation
1. Define the intended audience, and do an audience analysis (in order to understand the
audience’s interests and needs). You will be giving your presentation to your classmates.
3. The product, service, or recommendation can be either something that currently exists or
4. Design a PowerPoint presentation using the outline provided. Presentations should have as
many slides as it takes to cover all points thoroughly. Groups should use a clear organizational
5. Groups should be creative and unique in designing their slides. They might use a running
theme, color coordination (for which there are predesigned templates), photos and clip art, sound
effects and songs, or movie clips.
Part 2, p. 97
Examples of Topics
• Professional presentation selling a product
• Professional presentation selling an idea
• Professional presentation recommendation
Hints: Remember, topics can be existing products, ideas, or recommendations, or they can be
created by the team. This speech can mix factual events with fictional events. Be creative! Make