Introduction Speech Composition (Page 4 of 8) in pdf

considerable research and skillful use of supporting materials. Special emphasis should

be given to evidence and reasoning in constructing persuasive arguments.

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.

In addition, as part of the persuasive speech assignment, you are required to construct an

audience-analysis questionnaire in which you seek to gauge the knowledge, interest, and

attitudes of your classmates with regard to your speech topic. As explained in Chapter 5

of The Art of Public Speaking, these questionnaires should use a blend of fixed-

alternative, scale, and open-ended questions.

After you have tabulated the results of your questionnaire, you should use those results to

help adapt your speech to the knowledge, interests, and attitudes of your audience. This

does not mean you should compromise your beliefs to get a favorable response. Nor does

it mean you should use devious, unethical tactics to persuade your listeners. You can

remain true to yourself and to the principles of ethical speechmaking while

simultaneously seeking to make your ideas as clear, appropriate, and convincing as

possible.

Commemorative Speech

A four- to five-minute speech paying tribute to a person, a group of people, an institution,

or an idea. The subject may be historical or contemporary, famous or obscure. In writing

this speech, you should seek to use language creatively and imaginatively so as to invest

the topic with dignity, meaning, and honest emotion. A manuscript of the speech (two

copies) is due on the day the speech is delivered.

This speech will be delivered from manuscript rather than from a speaking outline.

Note: Students must complete all four major speech assignments in order to pass the

course.

Other Written Assignments

Homework

Throughout the semester, there will be periodic written homework assignments in which

you work with the principles of speech composition presented in the textbooks. These

Introduction Speech Composition Page 4