Introductory speech Demographic information
We will gather class demographic information during class.
The demographic check list:
Age (average_________, Breakdown 17-21_______, 22-25_________, 26-30_________, 31-35_________, 36+_________
Gender: Males_______, Females________. % of the class - for those who are a little more math savvy.
Children: 0______, 1+_____, 2_____, 3+_____
Career Goals (Try to list the biggest categories such as undecided, teacher, business)
Planning on voting in this election YES__________, NO_________. If no, why not (List general reasons below)
What are some REASONABLE assumptions you can make about the above information. For example, if most of the class falls in the 17-21 age bracket what can you assume they relate to and what would they probably not? If no one has children except for you, what are some things you can say to help us understand what it means to be a parent and a student?
A couple of general purposes for the basic introductory speech are for the speaker to get a little familiar with the speaking process and for the class to become a little familiar with the speaker. Usually students tell about their background--where they were born, jobs, family, career goals, and maybe an interesting way to help remember their name. In addition, I want you to attempt to be persuasive. This means use the above information and decide what about you is relevant to this audience and what can you make relevant. Persuasion is always audience-centered so use this information and be audience-centered.
SPEECH GRADE SHEET
Introduction/Conclusion (20%)
A. Attention Catcher. This is something from your worksheet. It helps the audience get interested without giving away your speech. It is NOT "HELLO, TODAY MY SPEECH IS ABOUT..."
B. Significance. You include something which makes you valuable to
C. Thesis and preview. You clearly tell us what your speech is about and BRIEFLY outline your main points.
D. You summarize the speech well. Don't go into any new information.
BODY: (40%)
A. Each main point contains separate but equally important information. There are solid examples used for each main point to help us better understand your thoughts.
B. Transitions exist and help us to follow along.
Delivery: (40%)
A: Verbal. You have solid vocal quality. Good rate of speed--understandable and not too slow either. Voice is not monotone but interesting, natural and conversational. Volume is pleasant, easy to hear, but not overbearing.
B. Nonverbal. Looking up at us most of the time. (Yes, you can use your notes, but you must speak to us). Gestures are comfortable and natural. Not locked behind podium, but walking some, using the room well.
Outline Sample
Introduction:
| Attention Step- Something to get our attention like a quote, quick statistic, something unusual, a question, part of a story that you will finish later. This can't be long--maybe 5-7 seconds. |
| Importance/relevance/significance. Why should we care about what you just said or asked? People are usually curious so if you state something interesting we are going to want to know more about it. You still have not told us your thesis yet. All you have down is get us interested and let us know that what you have to say affects or is important to us. |
| Thesis and preview. This is the standard statement "Today my speech is about..." the thesis is a one sentence overview of your topic. Since your topic is "You" then a lot of the thesis statements will be similar. That is fine. I want you to learn the structure first and for your next speech you can become more creative. |
Possible Intro:
(ATTENTION STEP) Several years ago, the earth shook, and buildings collapsed. Many people died, some were saved, and I was born. (RELEVANCE) While most people in the United States only briefly heard about this quake in Italy, it did register a 6.8, however, I know most people in California have probably been in one. (Thesis) I am going to introduce myself to you and by the end of my speech I hope that you will know more about me and hopefully remember my very unique name, Teremoto.
Body of Speech. The body of the speech is for the major points or Roman numerals. This is where you will be discussing the two large points. This speech should only have two main points or Roman numerals in the body section. Each Roman numeral is a separate but equal point which directly supports the thesis. IN this speech, the first main point will be an overview of who Teremoto is. The speaker might discuss why he or she came to Bakersfield, including general interests, studies, family, etc. This is not a speech about personal views regarding one of the presidential candidates or California propositions. In addition, Teremoto has told us the second Roman numeral or main point will be about his name. So his outline might look something like this:
I. Because I am from Italy, I would first like to share some of the similarities and differences I have with you.
A. We share some of the same demographic background
1. studying engineering and transferring next year
2. work part time
B. There are also some differences between Italians and Americans
1. drinking age
2. military
Transition: Now that I have told you some basic information about myself let me tell you about my unique name, Teremoto.
II. I was named after a large quake that rocked central Italy in 1980
A. The quake was named after the city, Irpinia, but because of confusion, that became my middle name.
1. Teremoto means "earthquake"
2. full name Teremoto Irpinia Moretti
B. Like my name, I can be destructive
1. took on three people to save my sister
2. now want to save people//engineering
The outline is not very long. It contains an introduction which should last about 15 to 25 seconds, the body with two separate Roman numerals, and a conclusion. Do not use full sentences for the small Arabic number points (sub-subpoints). You should know these little points well enough without having to look at your outline.