INFORMATIVE SPEECH TIME LIMIT: 5 to 7 minutes
TIMING CARDS: 2 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, "on the mark."
GRACE PERIOD: 30 seconds after
APPLAUSE CUTOFF: 3 minutes after
POINT VALUE:
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
F
200
190
178
165
153
142
132
123
115
108
0
DESCRIPTION: A 5 to 7 minute speech informing the audience about some object, process, concept, or event. Extensive research is necessary. Final draft of the preparation outline (with attached bibliography) is to be handed in just prior to delivering the speech. Use of a visual aid is required. The primary purpose of the visual aid is to help clarify concepts, not for emotional appeal.
EVALUATION: You will be evaluated on your organization and delivery of the speech. The specific elements to be judged are included on a separate evaluation sheet.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: A clear and complete preparation outline and bibliography are required. The outline must include the Specific Purpose, Central Idea, and Organizational Pattern along with all the other elements accurately phrased and arranged, including what organizational method you've employed (avoid topical arrangement of your main points). Be neat, clear, and succinct. Follow the format as presented in your text. Label and correctly format the introduction, body, conclusion, and all transitions, summaries, and internal previews. In the body, each branch of your hierarchy should contain only one sentence. According to instructor James Floss, all citations, phrased in natural language, should appear in bold. Feel free to use the Microsoft Word preparation outline template from the class website. Preparation outlines are not accepted late.
The bibliography is a record of your research and will help you cite references more accurately; any source that added to your general knowledge on your topic, even if not specifically cited in your speech should be included. At least seven substantial entries on the bibliography are required; at least four of them through Library Databases. The proper way to list bibliographic references is alphabetical by author in this manner:
Book:
Dough, Jane. All About Informative Speaking: A Beginner's Guide. New York: Mifflin, Mufflin and Muffler Publishers, 1942.
Periodical:
Shakes, Bill. "The Oedipal Complex at Play in Hamlet" Popular Psychology Monthly, November, 1569.
Internet:
Author, if any. Article title or Heading. Organization or Company, Web address, publication date if any; look for "last updated on..."
Beadimil, Ceciel. Surfing the Net at 28.8 CommCoCorp. http://www.commco.com/~modems.html. January 9, 2009
Interview:
Name. Credentials. Interview Date and place.
Loomber, Jack. Residence Hall advisor. February 8, 2010; Redwood Hall, Humboldt State University.
More bibliography tips are available through the HSU Library.