(4 - 5 minutes)
 

The goal of your first formal speech is to present interesting information to the class in a clear, well‑organized way. Be sure the purpose of the speech is primarily informative rather than primarily persuasive.  You are expected to inform us on the Status Quo (that is the current state of affairs) concerning your topic
 

This assignment emphasizes macrostructure.  Thus, in grading the speech, the most important factors will be a good, specific, clearly stated thesis and purpose and clear, well‑organized main and sub‑points (thought pattern).  You should also be sure to emphasize attention material, overview (thesis AND preview of main points) and last thought.
 

In presenting the speech you will want to be loud enough to be heard easily and you will need to make regular eye contact with the audience.  Don't read the speech!!   (I recommend that you rehearse the speech a lot and speak from your outline.  Time yourself as you rehearse and rehearse as realistically as possible.)
 

Make sure your outline looks like the Mike Bush Outline (handout), especially in terms of the labels found along the left margin.  [ See the handout on "Preparing Materials for Speeches" ]

There are two problems that students often encounter with this speech.  First, narrowing a topic so that it can be presented effectively (and not superficially) in only 3-4 minutes can be difficult.  While 4 minutes may seem like a long time to speak, it is really very little time to develop an idea.  More 1st speeches are too long than too short.  You will do a better job if you present a small part of a larger topic in depth than if you try to cover more material "once over lightly."  Ask for help if you are having trouble narrowing the topic and being highly specific. 

Second, adapting your speech to the class audience requires careful thought.  Some first speeches are "over our heads" because the speaker assumes we have the same background on this subject s/he does.   Thus, the vocabulary or complexity of the information overwhelms us.   Even more commonly, some speeches are quite boring because nearly all of the audience already knows what the speaker is explaining.  Be sure to gauge the knowledge of your audience and give them "news" without confusing them.

  SPEECH 1 --  THE STATUS QUO  [Informative]
 

1.    You don't have to follow this structure, but see me if you have another idea.

2.    The goal of the first speech is to explain the current state of affairs regarding your topic.  Eventually you will be trying to persuade us that some change is needed.  For that to work we need to know where we are now.

3.    Some ways to do that:

1.   Explain current policy, law, etc. and how it is working (structure function)

2.   Explain the history of the issue -- how we got to the present (chronological)

3.   Explain what's going on with your issue now and why it is a hot topic now (cause and effect)

4.     Don't slide into Speech 2 issues here

  ** In at least one of the three formal speeches you are required to use a visual or audio aid.