SPEECH OF INTRODUCTION
COMMUNICATION 103
The purpose of this speech is to introduce yourself to the class. You will explain two (2) objects
that represent some part of your life, personality, or that give us insight into who you are.
These items can be the actual object or a representation of that object if you cannot bring the
actual object to class. Be creative and pick objects that show us something that we would not
normally know about you. Have fun with this assignment and be imaginative and resourceful
with how you wish to share YOU with our class.
It should be a 3-4 minute speech that will be timed, and it is worth 50 points. You will also turn
in an outline before your speech which is also worth 50 points.
You should have an introduction, two main points, transitions, and a conclusion. You must
bring in the two items with you as presentation aids to class (please avoid alcohol, drugs,
weapons, animals). You should dress professionally/appropriately (your clothes should NOT
distract from your presentation). You may prepare a note card but do not read off of it.
Practice with your objects and note card to get comfortable. You may NOT write out your
speech and read it off a paper. You will be graded on the format of your speech (introduction,
body, transitions, and conclusion), and I will grade your content (main points are clear, good
explanation of objects, original attention gainer, shows creativity, etc.). Finally, you will be
graded on your delivery and how you present your information (eye contact, use of voice,
gestures, movement, etc). For this speech, you will not be required to conduct library research.
Every speech that you present should have certain elements and properties. I expect that your
speeches will have an Introduction, Main Points, Transitions, and a Conclusion. For this speech,
your Introduction should have 1) an Attention Gainer, 2) a Thesis Statement, and 3) a Preview
of your Main Points. Your thesis can be creative or as simple as “Today, I will present two
objects that represent me, my personality, and my values.” You must have some form of
transitions between your main points (“I would now like to present my second object which
highlights my nerdy side.”) Lastly, your conclusion should 1) Restate your Thesis Statement, 2)
Review your Main Points, and 3) provide the audience with a Reason to Remember you.
In this presentation, you will learn the following Student Learning Objectives:
1. Choose and narrow a topic appropriately for this audience.
2. Generate a well-reasoned argument for this occasion.
3. Create content formatted to an approved organizational pattern appropriate to time
and purpose.
4. To demonstrate effective vocal variety and nonverbal communication (gestures and
movement) skills.
5. To create a connection with the audience through competent eye contact.
6. To demonstrate confidence and energy throughout the presentation.
7. To utilize appropriate language for the purpose and audience.
8. To effectively adapt to various public speaking situations and circumstances.
9. To gain public speaking experience with effective use of presentation aids.
10. To make connections between the material and your own lives and experiences.
The grade sheet of how you will be evaluated is also on BB. IT SHOULD BE PRINTED OUT AND
BROUGHT TO CLASS THE DAY OF YOUR SPEECH. Be sure to review that sheet to gain insight
into how you will be graded on this speech. If you have any questions, please contact your
Small Section Instructor. Do not forget: Practice, Practice, and Practice. Good luck and have
fun with this assignment.
SPEECH DATES:
MY SPEECH DATE:
COMM 103 Speech of Introduction
INSTRUCTOR Evaluation
Student Name: __________________________________Topic: ________________________
Your instructor may look at other facets of the
items below as well.
Expectations:
Didn’t Meet
1 2
Verbal Communication (5 points) Includes:
Met
3
Exceeded
4
Excelled
5
Pronunciation is fluent, with minimum vocalized pauses
(e.g., um, like, uh)
Language choices are appropriate to a classroom context
Word choice is clear and unambiguous
Speaker incorporates language from the textbook
Nonverbal Communication (5 points) Includes:
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Volume is appropriate to classroom
Pitch and rate are conversational yet professional
Gestures are enhance the speech
Gestures do not detract from the speech
Speaker makes eye contact with audience
Posture is confident and not distracting from speech
Introduction (5 points) Includes:
Speaker uses a relevant and memorable attention getter
The introduction is clear, concise, and contains a preview
Body (5 points) Includes:
Speaker presents story in a clear and concise manner
Speaker addresses how self-perception has changed
Speaker clearly links story to at least one class concept
Effective Conclusion (5 points) Includes:
Speaker clearly summarizes main points
Speaker gives audience a “take-away”
Preparation (5 points) Includes:
Speaker seems familiar with material and did not simply
read notes
Presentation is delivered in the allotted time limit
Speaker is good audience member for others
Summary comments to speaker (see back or
separate sheet for additional comments):
Time: _____________ Score: _____________/30
SPEECH OF INTRODUCTION
Name:______________
Time:______________
Unsatisfactory Satisfactory Excellent
Introduction:
Uses an Effective Attention Gainer
Communicates a Specific Thesis Statement
Previews Main Points
1
2
3
4
5
Two Main Points:
Clearly Illustrates Objects/Ideas
Provides Details/Uses Examples
Demonstrates Creativity
Utilizes Clear Transitions
1
2
3
4
5
Conclusion:
Effectively Restates Thesis
Clearly Reviews Main Points
Utilizes a Memorable “Reason to Remember”
1
2
3
4
5
2 Objects/Presentation Aids:
Delivered Presentation Aids Well
Could Be Improved/Clearer
Distracting Behaviors
1
2
3
4
5
Eye Contact:
Well Done
Connect With the Whole Audience
More Eye Contact
Read Too Much
1
2
3
4
5
Gestures:
Well Done
Too Much/Distracting
Need to Incorporate More Gestures
1
2
3
4
5
Movement:
Well Done
Do Not Pace; Move for a Purpose
Need to Add Movement
1
2
3
4
5
Voice:
Well Done
Rate: too fast/too slow
Volume: too loud/too soft
Variety: more energy, emotion
1
2
3
4
5
Language:
Well Done/Appropriate
Utilized Distracters: uh, um, like, you know, you guys
1
2
3
4
5
Energy and Conviction:
Appeared Relaxed and Comfortable
Maintained High Level of Professionalism
Demonstrated Confidence and Energy
1
2
3
4
5
TOTAL: 50 POINTS
YOUR SCORE: