Applied Communications
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Informative Speech Assignment
The purpose of the informative speech is to share knowledge or give information. An informative speech is
designed to explain, instruct, define, clarify, demonstrate, or teach. Listeners are asked to attend, comprehend,
and assimilate information (adapt to what they know or believe) but are not asked to change their beliefs and
behaviors. The value of an informative speech is measured by how much the speaker extends the audience’s
present knowledge in a useful way. As a result the informative speaker must have a deep understanding of their
subject and must make it relevant (real) to their audience.
Purpose: to present a 3-5minute informative speech about a subject of interest to you (no demonstrations or
“how-to” speeches)
Instructions: This will be a multi-step project with assignments due at several different times.
Assignment #1: the working outline DUE ON : _____________________________ (25pts)
This will be similar to a rough draft. I want you to have a good idea of what the topic and subtopics of
your speech are and how you are going to support those ideas. This may be typed or hand written (as
long as it is legible).
Assignment #2: the full sentence (formal) outline DUE ON: _______________________________ (5o pts)
This will be the presentation version of your speech. You should have completely thought out and written
your speech in outline form. All parts of the outline are present: introduction, body, and conclusion. Your
topics are supported with facts. Any statistics or information taken from a source is documented. This
should be typed.
Assignment #3: key word outline DUE ON: ________________________________ (15pts)
As you prepare to memorize your speech, a key word outline is designed to help you identify the words,
phrases, or facts that you can use to prompt your memory of what you need to say. Typed or hand
written.
Assignment #4: The speech DUE ON: ____________________________________ (85pts)
The delivery of your speech will be graded on content (how well you follow your outline) and delivery.
You should memorize your speech (you may use note cards with key words, but not your outline).
Assignment #5: Self-Assessment DUE ON: ___________________________________ (25pts)
After completing your speech you will write a minimum of 1 paragraph essay reflecting on the process of
writing, preparing for, and delivering your speech. What did you do well? What could you have improved
upon? What can you take away from this assignment?
Applied Communications
Evaluation of Informative Speech
Student: ___________________________________
Date:_______________________ Topic: _____________________________________
Length of speech: ________________________________
Grade on Speech: ________________________________ 85 points
Total Project Grade: ______________________________ 200 points
Composition and Delivery of Speech (35 points)
_____ Was the specific purpose of the speech clear?
_____ Did the speaker grab the attention of the audience?
_____ Did the introduction arouse interest?
_____ Did the introduction adequately preview the message?
_____ Could the main points of the speech be identified and comprehended?
_____ Were transitions used to tie the speech together effectively?
_____ Did the conclusion help remember the points of the speech?
Substance (25 points)
_____ Had the speaker done sufficient research?
_____ Were the main ideas supported with reliable information?
_____ Were facts used appropriately?
_____ Were examples and narratives used effectively?
_____ Was the speech between 3-5 minutes in length?
Overall Presentation and Delivery (25 points)
_____ Was the language clear, simple, and direct?
_____ Was the speech presented without the use of outline? (use of note cards)
_____ Was the speaker interesting to listen to/engaged in the topic?
_____ Did gestures and body language complement ideas?
_____ Did speaker maintain good eye contact?
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Applied Communications
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Informative Speech Outline Requirements: (90points)
The Working Outline: (25points)
Was the name, topic, specific purpose present?
Was the thesis statement complete?
Was the topic of the speech clear?
Was the topic supported with ideas, facts, etc?
Were the introduction, body, and conclusion present?
Was the outline typed or legibly written?
Formal Outline: (50 points)
Were title, topic, and specific purpose defined?
Was the thesis statement clear and supported?
Was the body well organized, main points easy to identify and the thesis statement supported?
Was the summary statement clear and concise?
Were closing remarks memorable?
Were quotes and statistics sited?
Was the outline typed?
The Key Word Outline (15 points):
Was the outline shortened to only key words, facts, or phrases?
Was the outline typed or legibly written?