Speech Proficiency

Requirements You will prepare a three- to five-minute informational

speech. Speeches that are over or under this time

limit will result in failure. The speech should inform the audience of a topic you

have researched. You must show evidence of this research by submitting a

“Works Cited” page. You may use both sides of two 3 x 5 index cards as an aid

in giving your speech. You many not write out the speech word for word

on these cards, and doing so will result in failure. Visual aids are required and must be integrated into your

speechNOTE: Neglecting any ONE of these requirements will result in failure on your speech proficiency. (Although you may still earn class points)

Suggestions for a successful speechIntroduction: Your speech will consist of three parts- an introduction,

body, and conclusion. Although you give you introduction first, you will often

prepare it last. The introduction is like a bridge between your audience and

your topic. You must have an introduction to gain the attention of your

audience. Here are some possibilities: humorous anecdote (an anecdote is a short personal story) quotation startling statement rhetorical question (a question that forces the audience to

start thinking about your topic) allusion or example, description

Suggestions for a successful speech

Body of Speech: Make sure you have at least three

supporting details with elaboration for each point made. In a sense, these are the body

paragraphs of your speech.

Suggestions for a successful speech

Conclusion: The conclusion of our speech is the final

opportunity that you have to communicate effectively both your ideas and your attitudes.

Conclusions should be as well planned as your introduction.

Think of a conclusion as more than an end to your speech it should be a statement to stimulate the thinking

and feelings of your listeners. You might include a quotation, an anecdote,

or an appeal (call to action) as your final thought.

Speech Proficiency Tips1. Record yourself

listen to yourself on a headset daily to help learn your material.2. Color-code your cards

mark spots for voice emphasis pauses, etc.3. Don’t chew gum!!4. Don’t draw attention to your mistakes by giggling, commenting

on them, apologizing, sighing, etc.5. Take a cleansing breath before beginning and after finishing

your speech.6. Use vocal variety

talk as if you really mean what you are saying. Do not speak in a monotone. Avoid speaking your sentences as though they were questions. Have some sincerity in your voice. DO NOT TRAIL OFF AT THE END OF YOUR SENTENCES!!

Speech Proficiency Tips7. Watch your stall words – and limit them.

“um”, “you know”, “like”, “I mean” etc.8. Know your opening and closing lines so that you may directly

address your audience at the beginning and end of your speech. Outline the rest of your speech on your cards. DO NOT READ FROM YOUR CARDS! THIS WILL RESULT IN A FAILURE

OF PROFICIENCY!9. Be aware your body movements:

Do not fuss with your hair Control your hands Do not sway or rock

10. Wear professional clothing that does not distract your listeners avoid logos, hats, costumey outfits

11. Vary your eye contact. Do not center eye contact on the teacher – spread it around the

room. Avoid looking at those people who may cause a distraction for you.

Speech Proficiency Tips12. Use pauses

they are important to the effectiveness of your presentation.

Don’t rush – speak slowly!13. Make sure your conclusion is effective.14. Consider your audience.

Do not simply copy technical information or statistics speak in your own words, not those of another source.

15. Remain in front of the class after your speech so that you can answer questions from your audience.

16. USE your visual aid it should be an integral part of your speech.

17. Be energetic! Everything about you should say, “I like myself, I brush

my teeth daily, and I know what I’m talking about!”

Cover Sheet Follow the steps on this checklist to prepare an oral presentation. Record the date of your presentation and fill in the date each step must be

completed under the “Date Due” column. 5°: 6° : As you meet each due date, be sure to obtain my signature in the

“Signature Approval” column. This checklist must be handed in to me on the day of your speech

presentation. This checklist will be the only record for your grade, so if you lose

it, you will not receive any credit. Date of my speech:__________________

DATE DUE SIGNATURE APPROVAL POINTS

TOPIC APPROVAL May 17 ___________ /10

OUTLINE May 21 ___________ /20

3x5 CARDS (due on date of the speech) __________ ___________ /10

OUTLINE FINAL(due two days before speech) __________ ___________ /40

TOTAL: /80