Name(s)______________________________________________ Date______ Per.______
Informative Speech – Choose one
1. Cultural Diversity in the Workplace
2. Topic(s) with Cultural Emphasis
Assignment: You and a partner are to prepare an informative speech about three aspects of
“Cultural Diversity in the Workplace” OR “Topic(s) with Cultural Emphasis.” You may address
trends, laws, benefits, challenges, etc. of workplace diversity or a topic with cultural emphasis,
such as holidays, customs, taboos, etc. You will receive a major grade for this writing assignment.
Purpose: To familiarize your audience with a topic.
Method: The speaker must first introduce the topic, then explain it in 3 points, and finally
conclude the speech.
General Speech Organization: Every speech has an Introduction, a Body, and a
Conclusion.
Introduction: in this part of the speech you let your audience know
what you’re talking about.
A. Attention-getter – This is also called a “hook,” which is what you use to get your
audience interested in your topic. This is the first thing you will say, so it should be GOOD!
There are several types of attention getters that include, but are not limited to jokes, quotes,
statistics, and stories.
B. Thesis Statement – This is where you state clearly what your topic is. It is one
complete thought in the form of a sentence. EX: Today I will inform you of the benefits of
cultural diversity in the workplace. Or Today I will inform you of cultural taboos in ???????.
C. Credibility – This is where you show your audience that you have earned the right to
speak on this topic. Remember, opinions are only as valid as the information behind them.
This is a great place for your first source citation.
D. Preview – At this stage you tell your audience how you are going to analyze (break down)
your topic. What 3 main points have you chosen to best explain the issue? This is a brief
statement about what you’re going to talk about later – like a commercial. EX: There are
many benefits to having diversity in the workplace; however, the three most important ones
are 1)…..,2)…..., and 3)……
TRANSITION STATEMENT – Transitions occur throughout a presentation. These are
brief statements preparing your audience for the next segment of your speech. Words such
as next, in addition to, another viewpoint, etc. clue your audience members that you are
moving to a different part and/or point in your speech.
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Useful transitional words and phrases
o Addition: and, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition
o Time: soon, then, later, afterward, meanwhile
o Contrast: however, but, yet, nevertheless, instead, instead of, meanwhile, although
o Examples: for example, to illustrate, for instance
o Conclusions: in summary, therefore, consequently, finally, as a result
o Concession: although it is true that, of course, granted, true, admitted.
Bridges
o We have seen that belligerent countries' development of biological weapons poses a
grim threat, but what of home grown terrorists like Timothy McVeigh?
Signposts tell the audience where you are headed.
o "There are three things you should do to make your vehicle last. First, you should
....... Second, you should ........ Third, you should....... "
Spotlights alert the audience that something important is coming.
o "If you take only one idea from my presentation it is....."
o "You might see a question about my next point on the final."
BODY
Types of Organization: There are different approaches to the organization of your main
points. Depending on your topic you may choose from several options: topical (main topic divided
into subtopics), spatial (follow a directional pattern), chronological (follows a time pattern), causal
(shows a relationship between cause and effect - state cause, then effect OR state effect, then
cause), problem-solution (first, describe the problem and its seriousness; second, provide the
solution to the problem).
Supporting Material – You need to provide supporting material for each point. This is
information gathered from your research. You MUST credit each source you cite (Author, Title of
journal / book / newspaper / etc., date of publication). You will need to cite all sources as part of
your written speech. Be prepared to give “oral footnotes” during your presentation.
Main Points – Each main point should be thoroughly discussed. They are not one-sentence in
length. Each main point (and you are to have 3) should warrant at least one paragraph.
CONCLUSION
Tie Back – Revisit your original attention-getter; bring it full circle.
Review – Review your thesis and the 3 main points supporting it.
Memorable Closing Statement – This is the last thing your audience hears, so make
it WORTH REMEMBERING.