Informative Speech Guide
Function: For this speech, you are required to inform the audience about a particular person. A list of
notable/influential persons from history will be provided by the instructor and randomly
assigned. Your presentation must include a power point visual aide to augment your verbal
explanation. Remember that informative speeches serve the function of instruction. The
information presented should be useful for your audience. 4 scholarly sources minimum will
need to be cited during your speech. Your presentation should be 5 to 6 minutes in duration.
A works cited page and self-evaluation are required.
A. The speech should be delivered extemporaneously.
B. You may use note cards/phone, but do not just read the speech.
C. Students must submit a typed works cited page in APA format to the instructor by the day
you are presenting prior to your speech. A completed self-evaluation sheet based on having
watched your own practice speech ahead of time must be submitted along with the cites page.
Copies of all documents must be uploaded to the correct Canvas Assignments link prior
to your presentation.
D. You must use as much eye/camera contact as possible.
E. You must demonstrate appropriate movement during the speech (transitions). A rigid
speaker appears uncomfortable. Remember, while some movement is a good thing, too
much gesticulating can be distracting as well. The virtual platform still requires
interaction/engagement by the speaker.
F. Structure your information such that it is useful and interesting.
G. You must utilize a Power Point (or alike) visual aide. (NO Video)
H. A minimum of 4 sources will be required for the reference page.
You must cite ALL of your sources during the body of your speech.
I. Students must dress presentably, and demonstrate attention to your environment/setting.
Things to emphasize and reiterate:
• The speech should be delivered extemporaneously.
• You may use brief notes, but do not read the entire speech. (use note cards or phone)
• Students must submit a works cited page in APA format, and a completed Self-Evaluation Scoring
Rubric. You must provide your instructor with both of these prior to your speech.
• You must use as much eye/camera contact as possible.
• You must demonstrate the use of transitions and fluidity in your presentation.
• Demonstrate appropriate gestures, express emotion, and engage your audience.
• 4 sources minimum will be required for the works cited page of your outline. You must cite all of your
sources during the body of your speech.
• Students must dress appropriately.
• You must have a Power Point (or similar) visual aide to augment your speech – (No video).
• FAILURE TO COMPLETE ANY OF THE PRESCRIBED CRITERIA WILL RESULT IN A LOWER
GRADE.
Self-Evaluation:
A requirement of this assignment is to complete a self-evaluation of your speech prior to the one in class. Use
your computer or phone to video yourself giving the practice speech and then watch it. Filling out the scoring
rubric is a valuable opportunity to assess and correct any structural or delivery issues in your speech before
giving the graded version in class. The Self-Evaluation and the works cited page must be uploaded prior to your actual presentation to the class.