Informative Speaking
Coaching Module
General Overview
An informative speech is a talk whose
purpose is to provide useful or interesting,
factual information to an audience. The goal
would be to explain a subject so clearly that
the listeners understand and remember the
topic and its details.
Structure
The informative speech should contain an introduction, a body, and
a conclusion. The intro may use any of the common methods for
starting a speech--quotation, humor, story (narrative or personal
experience), and rhetorical questions. The body may be organized
according to chronology, topic, spatial arrangement, cause-effect,
comparison-contract or any other means of logical organization.
The conclusion should strengthen main points and bring closure to
the speech.
Visual Aids
Visual aids are to be incorporated within the speech. These aids
are used and referred to during the speech. They don’t just stand
beside the speaker, since their purpose is to clarify or add to the
verbal presentation. Good visual aids will be able to be read by
the audience, contain no misspelled words, and are objects large
enough to see. Care and effort should go into the choice of the
visual aid(s). The visual aid(s) might be objects, diagrams, charts or
graphs, flow charts, informational charts, pictures, etc. No A-V
equipment will be available to Expo. All objects used must be nonliving.
Preparation
Students should practice their speeches
several times before Expo, so they can use
only one 3x5 card for notes, can set up and
handle their visual materials effectively, and
can speak to their listening audience as
fluently as possible.
Content Score 1-5
Does the introduction capture attention and
inform the audience of the subject?
Is the speech organization made clear
as the topic is developed?
Is the speech informative and welldetailed?
Is the topic content fresh and
interesting?
Delivery Score 1-5
Is eye contact maintained with the listeners?
Is speaking rate used to best advantage?
Is the speech loud enough to be heard easily?
Is the use of a note card unobtrusive and non-distracting?
Does the speaker’s presentation show evidence of advance
practice and preparation?
Visual Aid Score
Does the speaker seem familiar with his/her visual aids?
Does the speaker use the visual materials during the
speech?
Are the visual aids easy to see or read?
Do the visuals make a good impression? (can be seen, no
misspellings, neat format, good organization)