Name ____________________________________________ Block _________
How to write a thesis statement for the Tissue Box Speech
No three-part thesis statements for this speech (because it won’t work! You have
four sides to your box!)
Three part thesis: In order to understand me, you should know about my hobbies,
my goals, and my family.
Instead, use a general thesis, which is open ended as to how many things you will
talk about in your speech. The topic and purpose of the speech is still clear, but no
specifics are listed.
Examples:
1)
You may think that you know me, but I am actually a very complex
person, which is why I’m going to share a little bit about myself
today as we get to know one another.
2)
In order to get to know me, you will need to understand the things
that are important in my life, making me who I am today.
Examples of student thesis statements:
Well written
 I hope I can get to know the class more, as the class gets to know me through
the different things that define me as a unique individual.
 Life has made me who I am today.
 After this speech, people in this class will know me better.
 Many of you in this class don’t know me personally, but you will soon learn
about me.
 To be able to say you know me, you must first learn about me.
Needs Improvement
 Many things describe me. (What are the “things”? “Things” is a vague word.)
 Here are some things that make me who I am. (Avoid “here.” You’re not
pointing out things.)
 There are many things to know about me, but we’ll get to those later. (Stop
after “me.”)
 No one in this class knows my story and the real me ……….(Ok, so what about
that? Are you going to tell us?)
 Getting to know me is a simple thing, but there is many parts to it. (“Many”
equals plural, so use “are”; “it” refers to a thing; you are a person.)
 I will inform you about my life……… (Keep your audience in mind; the word
“inform” is too formal for this speech.)
 Through this speech, you will become more informed with what I enjoy in life
and what makes me who I am. (You just set up two parts in this thesis: what



you enjoy and what makes you who you are. Too specific. Go with the second
half of this, not the first part.)
I will inform you on what makes me, me! (See note above about matching
language to tone of the speech.)
There are a lot of things in my life that are very special to me (Yes, so? No
purpose stated for this speech).
People want to know what makes me tick and what makes me who I am. (This
wording is TOO informal, and it sets up two categories. Keep it general.)
Not Meeting Expectations
 You can’t truly get to know someone through a short, little speech, but I can
tell you what my interests are and what I’m about. (Do not use any form of
“I’m going to tell you about,” and it sets up two categories.)
 This speech is going to help you understand who I am. (Do not use any form
of “I’m going to tell you about.”)
 I’ll show things in my life that I like and appreciate. (Do not use any form of
“I’m going to tell you about.”)
 The parts I’m going to focus on are family, friends, sports, goals, and
inspiration. (This is not a general thesis! It lists FIVE topics! Do not specify any
topics!)
 In my speech, there will be a broad knowledge of who I am and why I am
the way I am. (Do not use any form of “I’m going to tell you about.” Two
categories established. Language too formal.)
 Getting to know me, you’ll understand my interests, my family, and some
life experiences. (This is not a general thesis! It lists THREE topics! Do not
specify any topics!)
 People will know me after this speech. You have to understand hockey,
blood, sweat, and tears. (This is not a general thesis! It lists FOUR topics! Do
not specify any topics!)
Your turn:
1) Write your general thesis statement that explains that you are going to be
sharing information about yourself:
2) Share it out loud and get feedback.
3) Revise your thesis statement based on that feedback:
4) This will become the LAST statement in your introduction.