Formal Outline for Informative Speech

ENG1030 Communication Skills
Week 4 Assignment: Informative Speech Project

For this project, you will develop and record a 5- to 6-minute speech that informs your audience about a person, event, or concept of your choosing. The goal of your speech is to convey knowledge and share information. You are required to conduct research for this assignment; your speech must cite at least three credible, up-to-date sources.

This project is broken down into three parts:
• Informative Speech Formal Outline
• Informative Speech Speaking Outline
• Informative Speech
Detailed guidelines for each part of the project are provided below.

Informative Speech Formal Outline

As a step toward preparing for your speech, you will be required to submit a formal outline. Your formal outline should include all of the main ideas and evidence you plan to use in your speech; however, it should not spell out your speech word-for-word. Think of your formal outline as providing the gist of your speech: it should provide enough information for a reader (like me) to understand your ideas and how they fit together.

Your formal outline should be written in complete sentences.

Your formal outline should demonstrate how you are using information from three credible, up-to-date sources to support your speech. With that in mind, your formal outline must include in-text citations and a Works Cited page that follow MLA guidelines. For a refresher on MLA format, see Student Writing Support on the Syllabus & Course Info page.

The template below indicates the information you should include in your formal outline.Pay careful attention to the notes, which provide further details about what you are expected to include.Please use this template as you develop the formal outline for your Informative Speech.

Informative Speech Formal Outline Template
Specific Purpose Statement:
I. Introduction
A. Attention grabber:
Note: The attention-grabber could be a quote, question, definition, startling statement, or very short narrative. A sentence that states “the topic of my speech is…” is not an effective attention grabber.
B. Establish your credibility:
C. Background information:
D. Brief preview of main points:
1. First main point:
2. Second main point:
3. Third main point:
E. Thesis statement:
F. Transition:
II. Body
A. First main point:
1. Sub-point:
Note:Each sub-point might be a fact, example, quotation, or other evidence that supports the main point.
2. Sub-point:
3. Transition:
B. Secondmain point:
1. Sub-point:
2. Sub-point:
3. Transition:
C. Thirdmain point:
1. Sub-point:
2. Sub-point:
3. Transition:
III. Conclusion
A. Review of main points:
B. Summary of thesis:
C. Significance of information:

Remember that your outline should include a list of Works Cited in MLA format.
Informative Speech Speaking Outline

You are strongly encouraged to develop a speaking outline for your Informative Speech. A speaking outline is an abbreviated version of your formal outline that you write on note cards. Your speaking outline aids your delivery by reminding you of your main points and sub-points.

Follow these suggestions to convert your formal outline into a speaking outline:
• For each element of your formal outline, replace full sentences with key words or phrases that will help you remember what you planned to say.
• Include key words that will remind you of your transitions.
• Number your note cards so that you can keep them in order. Consider hole-punching them, so that you can put them on a flip ring.
• As you practice using your speaking outline, underline or highlight words that you want to emphasize in your speech.

You may use 4 X 6 notecards when you deliver your speech; however, you should practice giving your speech so that you do not need to read from your notecards.

You are not required to submit your speaking outline.

Informative Speech

For this assignment, you will develop and record a 5- to 6-minute speech that informs your audience about a person, event, or concept of your choosing. The goal of your speech is to convey knowledge and share information. You are required to conduct research for this assignment; in your speech, you must verbally cite at least three credible, up-to-date sources.

Your speech should include an engaging introduction that grabs your audience’s attention and generates interest in your topic. Your introduction should also include a specific purpose statement and a thesis statement—the central idea of your speech. Your introduction should also provide a preview that identifies the main points of your speech.

The body of your speech should have three main points that are clearly connected to your thesis statement. You should support each main point withsub-points: facts, examples,or other evidence. Remember to integrate information from your research as you develop the body of your speech, and be sure to verbally cite your sources. Be sure that the sources you cite are credible and up-to-date.

Your speech should end with a conclusion that helps your audience remember the ideas you presented in your speech. Reiterate the main points of your speech and remind your audience about why this information matters.

Your outline should help you think carefully about how to organize your ideas. You will want to present your ideas in a logical sequence and use transitional words or phrases that help your audience see the connection between ideas.

You may use 4 X 6 notecards when you deliver your speech; however, you should practice giving your speech so that you do not need to read from your notecards. It is important that you maintain eye contact while you deliver your speech. Being well prepared will also help you stay on track to meet the time requirement: your speech should be five to six minutes long.

Please think carefully about how you present yourself for your speech. You do not need to “dress up,” but make sure that your clothing is not overly casual, as that can make you seem less credible. Caps and hats can make it difficult to maintain eye contact and make effective use of facial expressions.

You are encouraged to stand while delivering your speech, if possible, as good posture can enhance the quality of your speaking voice and convey poise and confidence to your audience. Make sure that you speak clearly and slowly. Be careful about using verbal fillers or nonverbal distractions. Remember that your nonverbal communication matters—use gestures and facial expressions to enhance your message. Finally, remember that this is an academic exercise and make sure that your language is appropriate.

For this assignment, you should not use any visual aids.