Informative Speech EVENT: (Powerpoint presentation)
Since the STAR Meet is on Feb. 22, all students should submit their digital file of their presentation to their school site coach either by email or flashdrive (whatever the preference of the school site coach) between Feb. 9 - 12. Make sure the name of the attachment/presentation has the school's initials and the student's first and last name ( example is, "CFIS. Joe Shmoe"). The site coach must email all of their school's presentations by February 13.
Presentation must be memorized and Microsoft's Powerpoint software must have been used to create the presentation. Index cards, cue cards, or audience giving the speaker prompts are not allowed. However, speaker is expected to question the audience and get audience feedback in an attempt to increase audience awareness and attention of the speaker's presentation. To fulfill the audience feedback, asking for a show of hands will suffice, although asking for specifics are even better. To accommodate specific answers by the audience, STAR Meet will have a microphone for the audience to use. Each speaker will be provided a Logitech R400 to progress the slides (right arrow forward, left arrow back, and a center red button for the laser to be used to point out specifics on the screen only. http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-presenter-r400
Abuse of laser pointers by pointing at the people can result in a disqualification and removal from the speech meet.
Scroll down to view the following five sections:
1) Video Examples
2) Evaluation/Judging
3) How to create an informative speech
4) Hand Gesture/Body Language Tips
5) Evaluation forms for the Informative Speech event:
These are the evaluation forms the judges will use. Be sure to examine all three because each judge will be evaluating a different aspect of the speech.
To print judge forms, go to the "DOWNLOAD FORMS" page.
6) Instructions/pictures on using icons, which is new and not represented in the videos
Presentation must be memorized and Microsoft's Powerpoint software must have been used to create the presentation. Index cards, cue cards, or audience giving the speaker prompts are not allowed. However, speaker is expected to question the audience and get audience feedback in an attempt to increase audience awareness and attention of the speaker's presentation. To fulfill the audience feedback, asking for a show of hands will suffice, although asking for specifics are even better. To accommodate specific answers by the audience, STAR Meet will have a microphone for the audience to use. Each speaker will be provided a Logitech R400 to progress the slides (right arrow forward, left arrow back, and a center red button for the laser to be used to point out specifics on the screen only. http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-presenter-r400
Abuse of laser pointers by pointing at the people can result in a disqualification and removal from the speech meet.
Scroll down to view the following five sections:
1) Video Examples
2) Evaluation/Judging
3) How to create an informative speech
4) Hand Gesture/Body Language Tips
5) Evaluation forms for the Informative Speech event:
These are the evaluation forms the judges will use. Be sure to examine all three because each judge will be evaluating a different aspect of the speech.
To print judge forms, go to the "DOWNLOAD FORMS" page.
6) Instructions/pictures on using icons, which is new and not represented in the videos
Evaluation/Judging the informative Speech: (Powerpoint)
Below indicates the weight of each judging criterion.
15% Each:
1)**Volume - Speakers should be heard by all audience members, especially those sitting in the back of the venue.
2)**Content - See below in red.
10% Each:
1) **Eye Contact - Throughout the entire speech, the speaker should maintain eye contact throughout the entire
speech. If speaker intentionally breaks eye contact for dramatic effect 2 or less times, that is o.k. (example is looking to the
heavens etc.) If the speaker's eyes leave the audience, the judge will write on tally mark indicating one eye contact
mistake. In other words, for every second of lost eye contact = 1 tally mark.
2) **Length (see judge form #3 in the DOWNLOAD FORMS page). Optimal time is 5-6 minutes. A white warning card will be waived at 5:50 and a red penalty card will be waived at 6:01. Speakers going over 6:20 or speakers having a speech shorter than 2:00 will be disqualified.
(2 - 2:59 = 5 points) (3 - 3:59 = 6 points) (4 - 4:59 = 8 points) (5 - 6:00 = 10 points, which is a perfect score)
3) **Enunciation - Speaker should speak clearly and pronounce words correctly
4) **Inflection - Speaker's pitch should change throughout their speech and support the emotion in which the original speaker
was feeling.
5% Each:
1) **Personal Introduction/Personal Conclusion
Introduction - Actor provides first and last name, title of the story, and author of the story
Conclusion - Actor thanks audience
2) **Pace - Speaker should not speak too quickly. Intentional pauses are encouraged for dramatic effect, but are to be used
sparingly.
3) **Not Having Distracting Behaviors -
If speaker exhibits distracting behaviors 6 times = (1point) …........5 times = (2 points).......……4 times = (3 points)
2-3 times = (4 points)......…1 - 0 = (5 points & perfect score).
Distracting behaviors include, but are not limited to the following: space fillers like “um”, fixing clothes, fixing
hair, fidgeting, picking or scratching, laughing, pausing, hair covering eye/s, and repeating the same word one after the
next, swaying, nervous leg movement, distracting hand gestures (gestures that are too quick, slow, or exaggerated)
feeling.
4) Audience Involvement - Speaker must ask questions and get audience feedback/interaction throughout the speech.
2.5% Each
1) Stage Movement - Speakers should utilize the stage and should refrain from standing in one spot. Speech length and content
should be taken into consideration when planning the speaker's stage movement. The speaker's movement should naturally
flow across the stage. Speakers should NOT pace or prance, but their walk should be natural. In order to earn a top score in
this criterion, one must start at the center of the stage, then go the two sides of the stage within the time they deliver their
speech (right and left or left and right). For example: 1) begin at center, 2) go to one of the sides, 3) go to center, 4) go to
other side, and 5) conclude at center.
2) Pronunciation - speakers should pronounce words clearly in their speech.
3) Hand Gestures - Hand gestures should emphasize what is being said. They should not distract from what the speaker is
saying. Hands should not placed in pockets, behind the back, or clasped. Scroll down to read more about hand gestures.
4) Attire - Attire should follow school district dress code guidelines (see below) Attire should be viewed as
appropriate to all age groups and categorized as dress/casual. T-shirts or shirts with no collar should not be worn unless it is a
school T-shirt worn by a number of students on the same team OR a plain T-shirt worn under a sweater (cardigan, argyle, v-
neck, vest sweater etc.). Clothes in disrepair will not be permitted. No sweat pants, no pajamas, or any attire resembling those
will be permitted. Leggings are only permitted if worn under a skirt or dress. If the speech meet dress code isn't followed it will
result in the student being disqualified from receiving an award.
Content Specifics (read below under, "Creating the Informative Speech: (Powerpoint Presentation):"
(2%) 1. Clarity of main points (3%) 2. Clarity of importance of topic (Answers - Who cares? Why is this relevant? Why is this noteworthy?)
(2%) 3. Effort to add interest
(2%) 4. Number of Slides.
(2%) 5. Text/Labels on Slides (no paragraphs/ no bullets, but labels are required)
(4%) Slide Quality:
(.5%) Slides easily seen?
(.5%) Clear and none blurry?
(.5%) Supported content?
(.5%) Interesting?
(.5%) Body paragraph slides labeled?
(.5%) Icons for each of the three main points (see below for examples)?
(.5%) Icons are consistent? (see below for examples)?
(.5%) Evoked an emotional response?
15% Each:
1)**Volume - Speakers should be heard by all audience members, especially those sitting in the back of the venue.
2)**Content - See below in red.
10% Each:
1) **Eye Contact - Throughout the entire speech, the speaker should maintain eye contact throughout the entire
speech. If speaker intentionally breaks eye contact for dramatic effect 2 or less times, that is o.k. (example is looking to the
heavens etc.) If the speaker's eyes leave the audience, the judge will write on tally mark indicating one eye contact
mistake. In other words, for every second of lost eye contact = 1 tally mark.
2) **Length (see judge form #3 in the DOWNLOAD FORMS page). Optimal time is 5-6 minutes. A white warning card will be waived at 5:50 and a red penalty card will be waived at 6:01. Speakers going over 6:20 or speakers having a speech shorter than 2:00 will be disqualified.
(2 - 2:59 = 5 points) (3 - 3:59 = 6 points) (4 - 4:59 = 8 points) (5 - 6:00 = 10 points, which is a perfect score)
3) **Enunciation - Speaker should speak clearly and pronounce words correctly
4) **Inflection - Speaker's pitch should change throughout their speech and support the emotion in which the original speaker
was feeling.
5% Each:
1) **Personal Introduction/Personal Conclusion
Introduction - Actor provides first and last name, title of the story, and author of the story
Conclusion - Actor thanks audience
2) **Pace - Speaker should not speak too quickly. Intentional pauses are encouraged for dramatic effect, but are to be used
sparingly.
3) **Not Having Distracting Behaviors -
If speaker exhibits distracting behaviors 6 times = (1point) …........5 times = (2 points).......……4 times = (3 points)
2-3 times = (4 points)......…1 - 0 = (5 points & perfect score).
Distracting behaviors include, but are not limited to the following: space fillers like “um”, fixing clothes, fixing
hair, fidgeting, picking or scratching, laughing, pausing, hair covering eye/s, and repeating the same word one after the
next, swaying, nervous leg movement, distracting hand gestures (gestures that are too quick, slow, or exaggerated)
feeling.
4) Audience Involvement - Speaker must ask questions and get audience feedback/interaction throughout the speech.
2.5% Each
1) Stage Movement - Speakers should utilize the stage and should refrain from standing in one spot. Speech length and content
should be taken into consideration when planning the speaker's stage movement. The speaker's movement should naturally
flow across the stage. Speakers should NOT pace or prance, but their walk should be natural. In order to earn a top score in
this criterion, one must start at the center of the stage, then go the two sides of the stage within the time they deliver their
speech (right and left or left and right). For example: 1) begin at center, 2) go to one of the sides, 3) go to center, 4) go to
other side, and 5) conclude at center.
2) Pronunciation - speakers should pronounce words clearly in their speech.
3) Hand Gestures - Hand gestures should emphasize what is being said. They should not distract from what the speaker is
saying. Hands should not placed in pockets, behind the back, or clasped. Scroll down to read more about hand gestures.
4) Attire - Attire should follow school district dress code guidelines (see below) Attire should be viewed as
appropriate to all age groups and categorized as dress/casual. T-shirts or shirts with no collar should not be worn unless it is a
school T-shirt worn by a number of students on the same team OR a plain T-shirt worn under a sweater (cardigan, argyle, v-
neck, vest sweater etc.). Clothes in disrepair will not be permitted. No sweat pants, no pajamas, or any attire resembling those
will be permitted. Leggings are only permitted if worn under a skirt or dress. If the speech meet dress code isn't followed it will
result in the student being disqualified from receiving an award.
Content Specifics (read below under, "Creating the Informative Speech: (Powerpoint Presentation):"
(2%) 1. Clarity of main points (3%) 2. Clarity of importance of topic (Answers - Who cares? Why is this relevant? Why is this noteworthy?)
(2%) 3. Effort to add interest
(2%) 4. Number of Slides.
(2%) 5. Text/Labels on Slides (no paragraphs/ no bullets, but labels are required)
(4%) Slide Quality:
(.5%) Slides easily seen?
(.5%) Clear and none blurry?
(.5%) Supported content?
(.5%) Interesting?
(.5%) Body paragraph slides labeled?
(.5%) Icons for each of the three main points (see below for examples)?
(.5%) Icons are consistent? (see below for examples)?
(.5%) Evoked an emotional response?
creating the informative speech: (powerpoint presentation)
Speaker should choose a topic that they find interesting or that they know a lot about. Either way, some research is advised.
Informative Speech Introduction:
“Good (morning/afternoon), my name is ____________, and I'm from (name of school). Today I'm going to be speaking about (insert topic or catchy intro. here)."
* Word web to show thesis, main three points, and points to support each of the three main points.
* 5 paragraphs - So approximately 4 slides per paragraph.
One Introductory Paragraph –
Sentence #1 – Grab attention of the audience
Sentence #2-4 – Hint why this topic is important/details surrounding topic.
Sentence #5 – Thesis: Giving three things you want the audience to learn about your topic. Begin with the least important and end with the most important OR end with the most interesting.
Three Body Paragraphs-
These are written in order according to the thesis.
3-5 sentences each. Visuals should be mostly pictures with few words, and one picture for each point you are trying to make in each paragraph.
One Conclusion Paragraph-
Sentence #1 – Repeat thesis
Sentence #2 – 3 – Why is this topic important? Who cares? How does the main message of your speech affect one's life, education, children, and/or one's motivation? THANK THE AUDIENCE.
* Slides should be creative and evoke emotional responses from audience
* Student should have at least 20 slides with appropriate labels, but limited text
Informative Speech Introduction:
“Good (morning/afternoon), my name is ____________, and I'm from (name of school). Today I'm going to be speaking about (insert topic or catchy intro. here)."
* Word web to show thesis, main three points, and points to support each of the three main points.
* 5 paragraphs - So approximately 4 slides per paragraph.
One Introductory Paragraph –
Sentence #1 – Grab attention of the audience
Sentence #2-4 – Hint why this topic is important/details surrounding topic.
Sentence #5 – Thesis: Giving three things you want the audience to learn about your topic. Begin with the least important and end with the most important OR end with the most interesting.
Three Body Paragraphs-
These are written in order according to the thesis.
3-5 sentences each. Visuals should be mostly pictures with few words, and one picture for each point you are trying to make in each paragraph.
One Conclusion Paragraph-
Sentence #1 – Repeat thesis
Sentence #2 – 3 – Why is this topic important? Who cares? How does the main message of your speech affect one's life, education, children, and/or one's motivation? THANK THE AUDIENCE.
* Slides should be creative and evoke emotional responses from audience
* Student should have at least 20 slides with appropriate labels, but limited text
Hand Gesture/ Body language tips:
(If links don't work then copy/paste in your browser)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOQQOQdhH8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_UfPtnQStM&feature=related (What four mistakes did this speaker make?)
When presenting a speech one must use their hands to enhance the content of their speech. One’s hand gestures shouldn't be distracting. During a speech one should AVOID the following: 1) putting them in pockets, 2) standing at parade rest, 3) playing with clothing/sleeves, 4) itching or scratching or rubbing, 5) cracking of the knuckles, 6) tapping, 7) fidgeting, or 8) fixing one’s hair. The speaker should wear a hair style that does not hide nor get in the way of the eyes. If a speaker cannot refrain from doing the distracting hand gestures above then the fig leaf hand position should be used or having the hands behind the back, despite it not being the optimal position either. The fig leaf position is where the speaker clasps their hands in front of their body below their belly button with arms relaxed. This position isn't optimal, but it's far better than distracting the audience with the above gestures. The reason why it's not encouraged is because it communicates a defensive position and subtly shows fear or hesitancy. It's desirable to not have the hands in front of the body or arms folded in front of the body.
Head position:
During a speech, one should not tilt the head like a dog hearing a high pitch noise nor should one’s head twitch or swing to get one’s hair out of their eyes. Prepare your hair so it doesn’t cover your eyes when you speak. One's head should be kept level and should face the audience straight on.
Stance (How should a speaker stand?):
A speaker should keep both feet flat on the ground and apart. An adult who is 5'10" should keep their feet about 12 inches apart and a child should be less. The distance (in.) between a speaker's feet should be about 17% of their height (in.). Speaker should face forward with knees not locked. People presenting a speech shouldn't rest their weight on one hip nor should they sway back and forth.
Source for the below:
http://samconnerspeaks.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/shaping-your-speech-hand-gestures/
[First printed in the Burke Conservator in July 2000]
Next, consider the text you have prepared. Tailor your gestures to match your remarks. If you mention digging, then pretend to dig. If you mention someone running, you might pump your arms to illustrate the point. Mention carrying-well, you get the idea. Use your imagination to create a useful gesture or act to enhance your comments. Be sure the gesture not only matches what you are saying, but the circumstances. Tone and movement appropriate to a pep rally might not go over well in a sales presentation.
Consider also the size of audience you will be speaking to. A small group will better receive less expansive gestures. On the other hand, if you will be in front of a large group you should increase the breadth of a gesture. A perfect example is seen in the first filmed political speeches. The stemwinding political speech of yesteryear always included big, wide gestures. See on film today, they sometimes seem ludicrous. But remember these speeches were given pre-television, and were given in front of crowds of hundreds and thousands of people who did not have the luxury of in-house screens to better see the speaker. The speaker had to use “large” gestures so that the people at the far reaches of the audience could tell what he was doing.
Be aware also of the smaller gestures, and be sure they make the impression you intend. A perfect example is President Bill Clinton. Watch him speak. When he wants to emphasize a point, or to make a combative declaration, he points his index finger at the audience. A strong, powerful, forceful gesture making a point without reservation. When he is making a point in a less aggressive manner, he will gesture toward the audience by holding his hand as most do to push their ATM card into the machine. Here he is able to make some emphasis, but without confronting or seeming to order the audience.The smaller gesture also gives a visual flow to the speech. Work through your text and look for opportunities to add small gestures to help add flow to your presentation. An example: you mention a negotiation, a process of give an take. At the same time, you alternatively gesture to the left with your left hand, and to the right with your right hand to illustrate the back and forth between sides. While not a huge gesture, it illustrates the process you are describing and allows you to keep your hands in motion. Another factor is whether or not there is a lectern. If there is no lectern, you should always have some type of gesture in play, otherwise your hands are just at your side. The presence of a lectern gives you a place where you can rest a hand on occasion and simply use one hand to make a point.
Hand gestures are not the most important part of a speech. They may not be the second or third most important part of a speech. Gestures comprise a tool that if used correctly will add a sizeable boost to your presentations. Gestures add emphasis, flow, and visual impact to the spoken word. The next time you hear a speaker, watch how the hands are used. If he is sticking his hands in his pockets or crossing his arms, just think about how much better he would be if the speaker added some action to his speech and used his hands to illustrate and emphasize his point.
FOR THE INTRODUCTION USE STAR:
S - Startle with an attention grabbing statement (misleading or false statements are not suggested)
T - Tell a story
A - Ask a question. (This is the weakest of the 4 choices, unless question is humorous or unique.)
R - Recite a quote, proverb, or saying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2oZRNl0Zk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOQQOQdhH8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_UfPtnQStM&feature=related (What four mistakes did this speaker make?)
When presenting a speech one must use their hands to enhance the content of their speech. One’s hand gestures shouldn't be distracting. During a speech one should AVOID the following: 1) putting them in pockets, 2) standing at parade rest, 3) playing with clothing/sleeves, 4) itching or scratching or rubbing, 5) cracking of the knuckles, 6) tapping, 7) fidgeting, or 8) fixing one’s hair. The speaker should wear a hair style that does not hide nor get in the way of the eyes. If a speaker cannot refrain from doing the distracting hand gestures above then the fig leaf hand position should be used or having the hands behind the back, despite it not being the optimal position either. The fig leaf position is where the speaker clasps their hands in front of their body below their belly button with arms relaxed. This position isn't optimal, but it's far better than distracting the audience with the above gestures. The reason why it's not encouraged is because it communicates a defensive position and subtly shows fear or hesitancy. It's desirable to not have the hands in front of the body or arms folded in front of the body.
Head position:
During a speech, one should not tilt the head like a dog hearing a high pitch noise nor should one’s head twitch or swing to get one’s hair out of their eyes. Prepare your hair so it doesn’t cover your eyes when you speak. One's head should be kept level and should face the audience straight on.
Stance (How should a speaker stand?):
A speaker should keep both feet flat on the ground and apart. An adult who is 5'10" should keep their feet about 12 inches apart and a child should be less. The distance (in.) between a speaker's feet should be about 17% of their height (in.). Speaker should face forward with knees not locked. People presenting a speech shouldn't rest their weight on one hip nor should they sway back and forth.
Source for the below:
http://samconnerspeaks.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/shaping-your-speech-hand-gestures/
[First printed in the Burke Conservator in July 2000]
Next, consider the text you have prepared. Tailor your gestures to match your remarks. If you mention digging, then pretend to dig. If you mention someone running, you might pump your arms to illustrate the point. Mention carrying-well, you get the idea. Use your imagination to create a useful gesture or act to enhance your comments. Be sure the gesture not only matches what you are saying, but the circumstances. Tone and movement appropriate to a pep rally might not go over well in a sales presentation.
Consider also the size of audience you will be speaking to. A small group will better receive less expansive gestures. On the other hand, if you will be in front of a large group you should increase the breadth of a gesture. A perfect example is seen in the first filmed political speeches. The stemwinding political speech of yesteryear always included big, wide gestures. See on film today, they sometimes seem ludicrous. But remember these speeches were given pre-television, and were given in front of crowds of hundreds and thousands of people who did not have the luxury of in-house screens to better see the speaker. The speaker had to use “large” gestures so that the people at the far reaches of the audience could tell what he was doing.
Be aware also of the smaller gestures, and be sure they make the impression you intend. A perfect example is President Bill Clinton. Watch him speak. When he wants to emphasize a point, or to make a combative declaration, he points his index finger at the audience. A strong, powerful, forceful gesture making a point without reservation. When he is making a point in a less aggressive manner, he will gesture toward the audience by holding his hand as most do to push their ATM card into the machine. Here he is able to make some emphasis, but without confronting or seeming to order the audience.The smaller gesture also gives a visual flow to the speech. Work through your text and look for opportunities to add small gestures to help add flow to your presentation. An example: you mention a negotiation, a process of give an take. At the same time, you alternatively gesture to the left with your left hand, and to the right with your right hand to illustrate the back and forth between sides. While not a huge gesture, it illustrates the process you are describing and allows you to keep your hands in motion. Another factor is whether or not there is a lectern. If there is no lectern, you should always have some type of gesture in play, otherwise your hands are just at your side. The presence of a lectern gives you a place where you can rest a hand on occasion and simply use one hand to make a point.
Hand gestures are not the most important part of a speech. They may not be the second or third most important part of a speech. Gestures comprise a tool that if used correctly will add a sizeable boost to your presentations. Gestures add emphasis, flow, and visual impact to the spoken word. The next time you hear a speaker, watch how the hands are used. If he is sticking his hands in his pockets or crossing his arms, just think about how much better he would be if the speaker added some action to his speech and used his hands to illustrate and emphasize his point.
FOR THE INTRODUCTION USE STAR:
S - Startle with an attention grabbing statement (misleading or false statements are not suggested)
T - Tell a story
A - Ask a question. (This is the weakest of the 4 choices, unless question is humorous or unique.)
R - Recite a quote, proverb, or saying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2oZRNl0Zk&feature=related
Judge Evaluation forms:
To print judge forms, save jpeg images below (3 different judge forms) or
go to the "DOWNLOAD FORMS" page for the pdf version.
go to the "DOWNLOAD FORMS" page for the pdf version.
ICONS UTILIZED FOR THREE MAIN DETAILS OF PRESENTATION
Each main idea (three body paragraphs) of the speech should have a clear icon presented in the thesis slide and each slide of each body paragraph. Although this is only worth 1 point out of 100 (2nd judge form under slide quality "f" ) it is helpful in scoring the clarity of main three points, which is worth 2 points out of 100 (2nd judge form). See below for examples.
Notice in the slide above, that the criteria used to choose the best amusement park were the following: educational, fun, and saving lives.
Each main idea of the three body paragraphs have their own unique icon which represents the main idea of each body paragraph:
Educational - light bulb icon
Fun - smiley face
Saves lives - a yellow cross
Each main idea of the three body paragraphs have their own unique icon which represents the main idea of each body paragraph:
Educational - light bulb icon
Fun - smiley face
Saves lives - a yellow cross
The slide above shows the three main idea icons (reasons for selecting Sea World as the best amusement park).
In this slide the speaker may point to each icon while saying, "Sea World is the best amusement park because kids can learn marine biology, have fun, and this park is the only park that actually saves lives."
In this slide the speaker may point to each icon while saying, "Sea World is the best amusement park because kids can learn marine biology, have fun, and this park is the only park that actually saves lives."
The above slide is the first slide for the first body paragraph. Each slide for the first body paragraph will have the light bulb icon, just as the 2nd body paragraph slides should have the smiley face icon, and the third body paragraph has the yellow cross icon.