Background: For this speech project, you will define, illustrate, and discuss the significance of a communication concept (see the list of concepts to select from).  This brief speech will serve as a way for you to “teach” your classmates some useful information about important communication concepts (and it will also help me to assess the public speaking skills that you already possess).  The straightforward, readily accessible content in this first speech will help to build your confidence and reduce any anxieties you might have about the remaining two speeches. 

 

The Communication Concept Speech is not research-based, but you will still be citing material from our textbook and course web "handouts" (at least three direct quotations, summaries, or paraphrases must be verbally cited in your speech).  Your content should be as specific and thorough as possible, in order to build your credibility as a speaker.  Objectivity is the key to an Informative Speech.

 

Content of Communication Concept Speeches: These short public speeches will:

1.      include an introduction that grabs the audience’s attention, states a thesis regarding the concept, and forecasts the key points of the speech.

2.      define the communication concept thoroughly (in an extended manner, rather than as a single sentence), explaining material from the textbook and adding your own thoughts to make the concept understandable to your classmates.

3.      illustrate the communication concept, showing examples of how it operates in “the real world.”

4.      discuss the significance of the communication concept.  For instance, How is the concept useful?  What are the rewards for having skill with the concept?  What are the implications for lacking skill with the concept?  In what areas is the concept particularly helpful and why (in business, for example)?  In what areas is the concept particularly helpful and why (in relationships, for example)?  Illustrate all of your claims in this section with commentary and examples.

5.      include a conclusion that reviews key points and provides a method for the audience to remember information about the communication concept.

6.      be polished, and may use notes, but will not read from a script.

 

  Speech Preparation: In constructing your Communication Concept Speech, you will need to:

1.      Select a communication concept that you’re a). interested in understanding thoroughly and b). confident that you can expand/narrow as needed to fit the time limitations.

2.      Review the appropriate chapter(s) from Communication in Our Lives, in order to locate all information about your communication concept. 

3.      Brainstorm content for the definition, illustration, and significance sections of the speech.

4.      Draft a full-sentence outline of your Communication Concept Speech, using the sample as a model. 

5.      Meet with a speech assistant. 

6.      Revise speech.  

7.      Present speech.  (See syllabus and groups list to determine your date for the presentation.   In addition, you will:

a.      turn full-sentence outline into Turnitin.com;

b.      turn in your full-sentence when you go to give your speech, and the speaking outline (on note cards) immediately after your speech.

 

  Helpful Passages from Communication in Our Lives:

Ch. 13, Planning Public Speaking

Ch. 16, Informative Speaking

Ch. 15 (not assigned yet, but worth browsing, especially pp. 403-14)

 

  Length of Speech: 3-4 minutes.  Please practice your speech multiple times so that you’re confidently within the time frame, and see me if you’re having difficulty adapting your content to the time limits.