Informative Speech Topic Assignment
Due Sep 11 by 11:59pm Points 50 Submitting a file upload File Types doc, docx, and odt
Description
This week, you will be submitting your Informative Speech Topic with three main points and 2 sources from the Virtual Library that you are looking to cite in your speech. Please be audience-centered and think of interesting topics for us all. You don’t have to pick anything from this list, but this is a good starting place if you’re stumped. Open the document here: Informative speech topics.doc Download Informative speech topics.doc.
Questions to Answer
After you have selected your topic, please answer the following questions:
1. Why did you choose this topic?
2. What are your three main points that you will cover in your speech?
3. What is one source that you will use in your speech. You are required to have 2 sources! Show us exactly how you’ll verbally cite this source in your speech. See my example below, if you’re confused.
4. List one way that you can begin your speech other than with your name or stating your topic. Give a specific example.
5. List one way you can end your speech without saying, “That’s it”. Give a specific example.
Pick a topic you are passionate about or are really interested in. Stay away from topics that deal with death and disease, as they depress the audience. Think outside the box and be creative!
Examples of a Good Assignment
Here’s an example of how a good assignment should look:
For my Informative speech, I will be discussing tornadoes. I chose this topic because I was in Joplin, Missouri shortly before the tornado destroyed the city. I would like to inform the audience of three things in my speech:
1) Conditions that create tornadoes and when they are predominant in Texas (I chose Texas because this is where I live).
2) Difference between tornado watch and tornado warning
3) Firsthand account of aftermath of 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado
Here is how I would verbally cite my two sources:
“A book written in 2016 by Marlene Bradford, tells us that March-May are the months when tornadoes are most likely to strike in Texas.”
“An article in the Springfield News-Leader, by Thomas Gounley, in 2017, tells us the Joplin, Mo. tornado took a path that was 13 miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide”
I would start my speech with an attention getter and say, ” What would you do if you looked out the window and saw this…” (I would then show a picture of a tornado)
I would end my speech with a strong final thought by saying, ” The wind is scary.. during a tornado or in life in general.. never know when a gust is going to come in your direction and change everything” by David Walsh.
“No No” Topics
Here are some no-no topics for any speech:
1. Smoking…everyone knows they shouldn’t so there is nothing you can say that will change anyone’s mind (this is also a persuasive topic rather than informative…don’t use it for EITHER speech!)
2. Exercise/diet…again, everyone knows they should take care of themselves. If they don’t want to, you can’t force them.(this topic is normally more persuasive than informative …don’t use it for EITHER speech! )
3. Recycling. I have heard this speech SO many times and I don’t think there is one thing you could tell me about it I don’t know
4. Texting and driving…overdone
5. Drinking and driving…overdone
6. Stress…we all have it and the topic is overdone
7. Organ donation or blood donation…overdone
8. Sleep…we ALL know we need more!!
9. Covid 19. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to hear another word about it!
10. ADHD
