This assignment permits you to select any ethically acceptable topic on which you can impart information. The speech should not be constructed to persuade or entertain, although, you may do so inadvertently. To begin this assignment you first must do some brainstorming. Ultimately, you should choose an informative topic that meets the following criteria:
1. A topic you are interested in.
2. A topic you think your audience could be interested in. Will they learn something?
3. A topic, on which information is available to you, research is required.
4. A topic that can be covered in the time available, 4 to 6 minutes.
5. A topic on which you can establish your credibility (personal knowledge, interest, plus research).
Once you have found a suitable topic you may begin your research. This speaking assignment requires a minimum of two separate and recent sources of information. Sources available include books, magazines, periodicals, pamphlets, newspapers, interviews, and credible web pages. A dictionary or encyclopedia does not count as a source. A variety of research is expected.
The idea is to give a well-rounded informational perspective on your topic. Remember that you are not trying to persuade your audience. You're simple to tell us about someone, something, someplace, or demonstrate how something works; a process of some sort. Remember that it is always better to tell us a lot about a little rather than a little about a lot. In other words, narrow down your topic sufficiently to make it manageable.

IMPORTANT CRITERIA FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT and CHECK LIST

_____Prescribed method of speech organization is required per class and handouts.

____Speech is to be between 4 and 6 minutes in length. You will be stopped after 6 minutes and 30 seconds. If you have not delivered your conclusion by this time you will loose those points; therefore time yourself and practice, organize, practice, organize.

____Speech must be delivered on time, you will sign up. If you are absent the sign-up day, a speaking day will be assigned to you. Not being aware of your assigned day is not an excuse. Be responsible. To make-up speech without loss of points - see syllabus policy.

____Speech is to be delivered extemporaneously. One to two NOTE CARDS, ONE SIDE ONLY.

____One effective presentational aid is required (5points). PowerPoint would be a good choice. Hand-outs do not count as an aid. If ppt is used note cards will not be allowed. If speech is scripted on ppt, points will be deducted.

____Your outline and bibliography must be handed to me before you speak. Outline and bibliography together are worth 25 points. Outlines should be complete per class handout plus label your research citations. Late outlines/bibliography will not be accepted. DON'T FORGET.

____At least two sources of researched information must be verbally cited (you have to say them) in your speech delivery. More is better! Five points per citation will be deducted if absent in your delivery.

____Research requirement = a minimum of two appropriate sources. No excuses accepted.

____We will videotape this speech, please bring a tape. Make sure it works and is rewound. After your speech you will review your videotaped speech and then fill out a self-evaluation form due the next class meeting.

____A peer critique is required, randomly assigned, worth 5 points, if you miss the day you loose the 5 of your 50 participation points.

____Practice in front of a live audience 3-4 times, ask for feedback; this will result in a better grade, trust me.

SPEAKER______________________ INFORMATIVE SPEECH- EVALUATION FORM-75 Points

INTRODUCTION:
_____BELOW AVERAGE - Did not have clear introduction
_____AVERAGE - Had an effective Introduction - fulfilled most functions.

_____ABOVE AVERAGE - Introduction fulfilled all of the functions: attention-getter more than basic, importance of topic and speaker's credibility established, gave listeners reason speech is relevant to their lives, thesis statement was clear, clearly previewed main points.

_____SUPERIOR - Introduction fulfilled all of the functions, was an individual creation, well worded, and dynamic.

BODY OF THE SPEECH: CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION
_____BELOW AVERAGE - Organizational pattern not clear, main points not clear, wandering, support not adequate, topic not sufficiently narrowed down or inappropriate for assignment, 4S strategy not used, transitions not used. Research is not evident.

_____AVERAGE - Exhibits sound organization - a clear purpose adequately supported by main ideas that are easily identified. 4S strategy attempted. Revealed at least two (2) researched sources in speech delivery.

_____ ABOVE AVERAGE - Contained a variety of interesting, thoughtfully organized supportive materials. Tied ideas together effectively (signposts, internal summaries, and transitions). Verbally cites supporting materials in a conversational manner.

_____SUPERIOR - Contributed exceptional individual thinking and research on speech topic. Shows thorough topic knowledge and preparation. Illustrated skillful mastery of 4S strategy, transitions and of presentation of speaker's ideas. Documented verbal citations were incorporated in a conversational manner.

DELIVERY:
_____BELOW AVERAGE - Speaker did not deliver speech in extemporaneous manner (speech was read from notes). Eye contact/directness never established with audience. Grammar, pronunciation, and articulation problems.

_____AVERAGE - Exhibits reasonable directness and conversational in delivery. Eyecontact is established with listeners, notecard use is minimal most of the time. Correct in grammar, pronunciation, and articulation to the speaker's best ability.
Reasonable rate and volume maintained. Physical distractions at a minimum.

_____ABOVE AVERAGE - Relaxed and varied physical and vocal delivery. Establishes a genuine rapport and interaction with listeners. Eyecontact established and consistently maintained with all of listeners.

_____SUPERIOR - Established a high rapport with audience, achieves a variety of moods and manners demanded by the subject matter and by the speaker-audience interaction. Enthusiastic/dynamic delivery. Shows evidence of thorough rehearsal/preparedness. Professional appearance and delivery.

CONCLUSION:
_____BELOW AVERAGE: Did not summarize main points and/or bring speech to a clear end, too abrupt.
_____AVERAGE: Basic re-list type summary provided. Closure is basic.

_____ABOVE AVERAGE: Summary of main points more than a re-listing. Brought speech to a clear ending with some memorable words.

_____SUPERIOR: clearly summarized main points and reinforced benefit of information to audience, closure brought speech to end in an individual and creative fashion.

________Research/citation requirement met(10 of the 75 points)
_______Presentational aid requirement met (5 of the 75 points)
_______Time (4-6minutes)
_______Points for Speech
_______Adjustments(research, presentational aid, time, other)
_______Grade for Speech (68-75=A, 60-67=B, 53-59=C, 45-52=D, below 44=F)