Expository
Expository Basics
Expository speeches, or speeches designed to inform, are eight minutes in length and allow the speaker
free choice of subject. The speech, however, must be original in that it is written by the performer and
may not contain more than 150 quoted words. All expository speeches are required to have at least 3 (but
no more than 8) visual aids to assist in the explanation of the topic.
Choosing a Topic
Although speakers are given free choice of subject, the national forensics league defines expository as a
speech that ought to “describe, clarify, illustrate, or define an object, idea, concept, or process.” This said,
topic selection is crucial to a successful speech! With virtually millions of topics to choose from, steer
clear of overused topics and search for something unique! Don’t forget that during each round of speech
you will have approximately 6-8 people competing against you, which totals up to be over an hour of
talking. People will get bored! Try to think of something quirky or offbeat that not many people know
about, because that is the stuff that most audiences enjoy listening to.
Writing the Speech
Since the final speech should be about 8 minutes in length, your typed document will usual equal 2 to 2 ½
pages of single spaced, size 12 words. While this seems like a lot, it actually goes by very fast when
presenting! Important tips to keep in mind when writing the speech include:
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Start with an interesting opening paragraph. Make the audience want to know more about what
they’re going to be listening to for the next 540 seconds!
Time the transitions in your writing to match those of your visual aids. Don’t just flip a visual aid
over in the middle of a paragraph about something that doesn’t relate to the topic you are talking
about! A good technique is to use 1-2 visual aids per paragraph, flipping posters each time you
move from one topic/ idea to the next.
Make sure you use jokes or some other way of keeping your audience attentive.
Write well and close with something memorable!
Make visual aids that put your opponents to shame! Most experienced expository speakers will
use between 4-6 visual aids, with one blank board for the cover. Avoid using lots of words
because people don’t want to read your speech! Make your posters creative and unique; black text
on a white background won’t look nearly as good as a well planned diagram with a professional
color scheme.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The most important aspect of public speaking is the delivery, so memorize your speech and practice
performing it with your visual aids. Try to avoid fidgeting with your hands, and instead use them to point
out significant ideas on the visual aids. Dress nicely, and conduct yourself in a polite manner: before,
during, and after your speech! Expository and oratory speaking are two of the most stressful events in
speech and debate because they require so much preparation and the final presentation depends on so
many factors. Learning to be an effective public speaker, however, is a very valuable skill. You will never
fear speaking in front of your class at school ever again!
Monisha Gulabani, 2010