The speech should
last between 7 and 8 minutes. A typed preparation outline (800 word minimum, full-sentence format,
including bibliography)
Note: bibliography is not
part of the word count.
A visual aid is required.
Assignment Focus: The student should strive to convey information that enhances an audience’s
understanding of an interesting and challenging topic.
Do not try to persuade the audience; merely
provide information that engages and interests people. Speakers should strive to display:
1. Effective style through precise and concise with words while using varied and vivid language.
2. Logically consistent and relevant material.
3. Supporting research from at least three different, qualified references, cited during the speech.
4. Clear organization illustrating one or more of the 7 identified patterns (chronological, spatial,
problem/solution, cause/effect, categorical (topical), compare/contrast, and residues).
5. Well-phrased main points that comply with our STOP-5 guidelines (single sentence, thesis related, one
idea per point, parallel structure, between 2-5 main ideas).
6. Effective delivery through illustrating concepts in our acronyms ELOQUENT and DEBONAIR.
Advice regarding your preparation outline: Outlines should contain 4 distinct sections: Introduction,
Body, Conclusion, and Bibliography. The introduction should contain a full-text of the introduction,
including marginal notations of the introduction functions (except tone) with arrows or brackets to show
the sentences that fulfill their purpose. The body main headings should contain 2-5 Roman numeral
main points, phrased as full declarative sentences (not fragments, not questions). Supporting ideas
should be arranged in standard outline form ( I.A.1.a.i., etc.) Additionally, between main points, the
speaker should include the word “signpost” or “transition” and the actual words that smoothly connect
one idea to the next. The conclusion should be, like the introduction, a full-text recital of a student’s
closing words. The summary and clincher function labels should be flagged as marginal notations,
pointing to the words that accomplish their purpose. Bibliography should cite works consulted.
