Develop And Present Informative Speech Guidelinesbasic Requirements
Develop and present to the class an original informative 5- to 8-minute presentation about a notable person. The subject may be notable for either positive or negative reasons and may be from history, business, arts/entertainment, science, technology, politics, medicine, etc. A minimum of six sources and one visual aid is required, using presentation software with backups. No videos. A typed outline using our class outline format is required.
Speech is to be delivered in the extemporaneous delivery style using only keyword note cards. Practice video must be recorded directly into CONNECT and self-assessment completed by the due date in your syllabus.
Paper For Above instruction
The goal of this assignment is to craft and deliver an informative speech centered on a notable person, which not only educates the audience but also enhances the speaker's ability to communicate effectively in a structured, engaging manner. Selecting a person of historical, cultural, scientific, political, or entertainment significance allows for a broad and flexible exploration of diverse subjects, fostering both research skills and presentation proficiency.
The speech should be between five to eight minutes in length, providing ample scope to cover relevant details without overwhelming the audience. To achieve clarity and credibility, the speaker must incorporate at least six credible sources, which serve as the foundation for the supporting information during the presentation. These sources need to be reputable, such as scholarly articles, books, reputable news outlets, or official records. Proper citation of sources is crucial to establish credibility and avoid plagiarism.
An essential element of the presentation is a visual aid, which must be clear, professional, and supportive of the speech content. This could include slides, charts, images, or other presentation software, and backup files should be prepared in case of technical difficulties. The visual aid helps to engage the audience visually and reinforce key points, making the presentation more memorable and accessible.
The outline structure is an integral part of the preparation process, guiding the organization of the speech. The outline must adhere to the specific format taught in class, typically including an introduction with an attention-getter, credibility statement, and preview of main points; a body with clearly delineated main

points supported by evidence; and a conclusion that summarizes the key ideas and provides a closing statement. This structured approach ensures logical flow and coherence in the presentation.
The delivery style should be extemporaneous, meaning the speaker prepares thoroughly but delivers in a natural, conversational manner. Only keyword note cards are permitted during the presentation; these aid in maintaining eye contact and engagement with the audience. Practice sessions, including a recorded practice video submitted through CONNECT, are essential for refining delivery and timing. The self-assessment component allows students to reflect on their performance, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate self-awareness in their speaking skills.
Assessment criteria encompass various aspects such as the effectiveness of the introduction and conclusion, clarity and development of main points, the quality and support of evidence, delivery skills including eye contact, articulation, physical actions, and the effective use of note cards. Additionally, the professionalism of the visual aid and adherence to the outline format are evaluated. The final grade is based on a comprehensive rubric that emphasizes content quality, presentation skills, organization, and technical preparedness.
References
Aristotle, (350 BCE). Rhetoric. Translated by W. Rhys Roberts.
Cherry, K. (2021). How to Deliver an Informative Speech. Verywell Mind.
Duarte, N. (2010). Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences. Wiley.
Keene, S. (2019). Creating Effective Visual Aids. Presentation Magazine.
McGregor, S. (2020). Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach. Pearson.
Reynolds, G. (2011). Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery. New Riders.
Seiler, J. (2019). Effective Public Speaking. Routledge. Smith, J. (2018). The Art of Communication. Harvard Review.
Wilcox, K. (2018). Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills. Pearson.
Zarefsky, D. (2009). Public Speaking: Strategies for Success. Wadsworth.
