Informative Speeches

The Tongue Can Paint What the Eye Cannot See: Description Speech

Information through Demonstration (2 Types of Demonstration Speeches)

1. Title: The Tongue Can Paint What the     Eye Cannot See: Description Speech

Instructions: This can be done as either an impromptu speech or as a mini informative speech assignment. This speech gives students the opportunity to realize the power of the tongue. Students need to think of a person, place, or thing. Then, students need to prepare a 1-2 minute speech describing this person, place, or thing. Students will not tell their audience what they are describing.

The purpose of the speech is for the speaker to provide enough detail in his/her descriptions that the audience will be able to know what the speaker is describing without being told. Students will not only be graded on whether or not the audience is able to identify what they were describing, but on the detail of the description. Students should refer to Chapter 10 for guidance on language use.

Descriptions…

· should not include biased or sexist language
· should avoid the use of jargon or define it for the
  audience
· should be concise, clear, and accurate
· should use vivid language
· should use concrete rather than abstract language
· should contain words that are colorful and appeal to   the senses
· should contain figures of speech - metaphors,
  similes, and analogies
· should differentiate between connotative and
  denotative meaning - and define terms
  when needed

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2. Title: Information through
   Demonstration (2 Types of
   Demonstration Speeches)

Instructions: This demonstration speech gives students the opportunity to be creative and imaginative and to role-play. Students should choose a common, everyday object or product and demonstrate three unique uses for it. The student must employ this object and three other visual representations to support his or her contentions for usage. These visual aids should be incorporated into the presentation itself (i.e., not be superfluous). Demonstrations must be structured, detailed, and plausible.

Examples:

· 3 alternative uses for toilet paper: toilet paper as a   decoration device, a way to enhance your bodily   features, as a cushioning device.
· 3 extraordinary uses for oatmeal: a candle holder, a
  material for sculpting, and hypnotism.
· The use of a plain brown paper bag to protect
  books, keep your pets clean, and a way to get
  you on TV.
· The use of Easter grass to help prevent waste
  pollution: alternative uses for Easter grass at
  home, for lawn care and for crime prevention.
· The use of drumsticks for self-defense, back
  massages, and wilderness survival.

Instructions: This demonstration speech gives students the opportunity to develop and present a "how to" speech. Students should present a 4-5 minute speech demonstrating how to do something. Students can pick from an everyday task to some unique talent they possess.

The general purpose is for the speaker to demonstrate some task well enough for the audience to perform the same task once the presentation is over. Students' speeches should include their specific purpose and main points — the required steps in order to perform the task. Steps should follow a logical or chronological order, and there should be balance, coherence, and unity (see Chapter 8) among the steps.

Examples:

How to cook something.
How to change a tire.
How to play a certain sport.
How to write a speech or paper.
How to put curlers in your hair.
How to knot a tie.
How to save money using coupons.
How to get the job of your dreams.
How to get more and more frequent flyer miles.
How to find a doctor.
How to make a decision.
How to fly a kite.
How to make someone smile.
How to tell a joke.
How to study for an exam.

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