Assignment: First Speech

Your first speaking assignment is to prepare a 2-minute speech in which you

introduce a member of your team to the class. The speech will include an introduction,
a body with three main points and a conclusion. You are to read the material herein and
follow the guidelines as given. Once you have determined whom you will be introducing
to the class you will need to gather appropriate material for the speech. Your three main
points should be positive things about the person. Each main point should be about
equal in length and should in some way help the class to know he person better. Look
for things that are unique to that person. Use humor, anecdotes, stories and examples
to help make you speech interesting. Do not use statements such as, She is very
family oriented. Nor should you merely list many things about you partner. You may
use outside sources to help you develop your points.
The introduction and conclusion should be brief. In the introduction you may use
some of the information that is not going to be part of a main point, but you will want o
preview your main ideas. Your conclusion should have a summary and a concluding
sentence.

Gathering Material For First Speech

When you are meeting to gather information for your first speech, you need to
think about what things are of interest to an audience. The assignment calls for you to
describe three positive things about the person you are going to introduce. (And you
also need to give information about three positive things to the person who is going to
introduce you.) The following questions are to help you gather information. You do not
need to use these questions. These are meant to assist you in developing your own
ideas and getting started. These should lead you to other tropics that you want to
explore with your partner.

Getting to know you, questions:

These are the general things people talk about to get conversations started. Some of
the first things you may ask are name, age, schools, why SELU, major, family, significant
other, hobbies and other interest.

Three Positive Things:

These could come from answers to some of the following:
Why did you choose this major? How long have you been interested in this? What do
you plan to do in the future with this major?

Do you find the classes challenging? What classes do you enjoy the most? What is
your best subject? Who are your favorite instructors?

Tell me about your best friends? How long have you known each other? Are you very
much alike or are you opposites?

Do you read for pleasure? What type of books do you read? Who are your favorite
authors? If you could be any character from a book you have read, who would it be and
why?

Have you had the opportunity to travel? If so, what are the favorite places you have
visited? Where else would you like to go? Have you considered taking classes abroad?
Where would you like to study?

First Speech Guidelines

Once you have followed all of the directions for gathering information and planning your
first speech, you are ready to write your outline. This is a very important step. Your text has
sample outlines that may also help you. There are several acceptable ways for outlining a
speech, but this is the format you are to use in this class.

Speakers Name: _______________________ Date: ______________________

Name of Person Introduced: _____________________ Group: ____________________

INTRODUCTION
I. Attention Getter: Write your first sentence. This might be a short story, a rhetorical
question, or even a joke that relates to the speech.
II. Credibility: State why are you are qualified to give this speech. In this case it is because
you have been getting to know this person.
III. Specific Purpose and Thesis: This tells the audience what you want to accomplish
and is worded so that the purpose is clear. Example: "Today I want to introduce you to a
new friend."
IV. Preview your points: This is where you "tell them what you are going to tell them."

Transition Sentence: Move from the preview to the first main point.
BODY
I. Clearly state your first main point:
A. Give a supporting detail.
B. Give a second supporting detail.
 1. Use this level to provide any additional information that further
supports this idea.
2. Remember that if you have one sub-part you should have a second
one.
Transition Sentence: Move from the first main point to the second main point.
II. Clearly state your second main point.
A. Give a supporting detail.
B. Give a second supporting detail.
Transition Sentence: Move from the second main point to the third main point.
III. Clearly state your third main point:
A. Give a supporting detail.
B. Give a second supporting detail.
C. If needed, give additional details.
Transition Sentence: Move from the third main point to the conclusion.
CONCLUSION
I. Review your main points: This is where you tell them you have told them. You should
review your main points in the same order you presented them in the body of the
speech.
II. Concluding Sentence: Make a final statement that provides a strong ending to your
speech.

Use this outline to practice your speech several times. Time your speech as you give it.
Remember this speech is only 2-3 minutes in length. Practice giving your speech to the
members of your group before you give this speech in class