1. Speech Proficiency

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

3. Suggestions for a successful speech
Introduction:
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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Speech Proficiency Tips
Record yourself
listen to yourself on a headset daily to help learn your material.
Color-code your cards
mark spots for voice emphasis pauses, etc.
Don’t chew gum!!
Don’t draw attention to your mistakes by giggling, commenting on them, apologizing, sighing, etc.
Take a cleansing breath before beginning and after finishing your speech.
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!!

7. Speech Proficiency Tips
Watch your stall words – and limit them.
“um”, “you know”, “like”, “I mean” etc.
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!
Be aware your body movements:
Do not fuss with your hair
Control your hands
Do not sway or rock
Wear professional clothing that does not distract your listeners
avoid logos, hats, costumey outfits
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.

8. Speech Proficiency Tips
Use pauses
they are important to the effectiveness of your presentation.
Don’t rush – speak slowly!
Make sure your conclusion is effective.
Consider your audience.
Do not simply copy technical information or statistics
speak in your own words, not those of another source.
Remain in front of the class after your speech so that you can answer questions from your audience.
USE your visual aid
it should be an integral part of your speech.
Be energetic!
Everything about you should say, “I like myself, I brush my teeth daily, and I know what I’m talking about!”

9. 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.
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
_______
___________
/10
OUTLINE
__________
/20
3x5 CARDS (due on date of the speech)
OUTLINE FINAL(due two days before speech)
/40
TOTAL:
/80