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Speech Assignments

Introductory Speech

A two- to three-minute speech introducing yourself or a classmate. Your instructor will

give you the specific details for this assignment. But be sure to construct a speech that

explains some aspect of your (or your classmate’s) personality, background, beliefs, or

aspirations.

This speech is to be written in manuscript form and is designed to fulfill two purposes.

The first is to give you a brief, initial exposure to speaking before an audience. The

second is to provide a piece of original prose that can be used to help diagnose your

strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Do your best to express yourself clearly and

concisely. Make sure your ideas are clearly organized and that you proofread the

manuscript carefully to eliminate errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.

When you are writing your speech, it is important to keep focused on introducing

yourself (or your classmate) to the rest of the class. If you are directed to begin with an

article or an object, use it only as a starting point to explain something of consequence

about you (or your classmate). The more creative your speech, the more successful it is

likely to be.

A typed manuscript of the speech (two copies) is due on the assigned speech day. When

you type your manuscript—and all assignments for this course—use 11- to 12-point type,

with one-inch margins on all sides.

Informative Speech

A seven-minute speech informing the audience about an object, concept, process, or

event. The speech should follow the guidelines for effective informative discourse

presented in Chapter 14 of The Art of Public Speaking. Use of a visual aid is required. A

typed full-sentence preparation outline of the speech, including bibliography, is due

approximately one week before the speech is presented in class. A final, revised outline is

due on the day the speech is delivered. The speech is to be delivered extemporaneously

from a speaking outline.

Persuasive Speech

A nine-minute speech designed to persuade the audience for or against a question of

policy. In the speech, you may seek either passive agreement or immediate action from

the audience. In either case, you should be sure to deal with all three basic issues of

policy speeches—need, plan and practicality—and to employ the methods of persuasion

discussed in Chapter 16 of The Art of Public Speaking. This speech will require

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