This speaking assignment will serve two purposes:  it will help the class get to know you better, and it will give you the opportunity to start working with principles of speech development and organization.

 For this speech, you have two options for topics:

 Option 1:  Find a quotation or saying that you feel describes you or applies to your life.  (There are several places you can find famous quotations – such as an encyclopedia of quotations in Robson Library.  You can also visit the Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations website.)  Using the quotation you select, develop a 3-4 minute speech which tells how the ideas in the quotation relate to you.

Option 2:  Is something bothering you?  Do you see something going on that you think is wrong?  For this speech, you can talk about your opinion on a controversial topic, either something that is an issue on campus or something that is an issue nationally or internationally.  Develop a 3-4 minute speech that tells what you see as the problem and why you think there is a problem.

 Your speech should meet the following guidelines:

•  The speech should have an introduction that attracts the audience’s attention, that includes your quotation, and that previews the main ideas you will talk about.

• The body of the speech should have 2-3 main points that are logically organized and have supporting details.
• The conclusion of the speech should “bring it all together” – review your most important ideas and end the speech with a sense of closure.
• Your delivery for the speech should be extemporaneous; DO NOT read your speech!!  You may use 2-3 note cards, but be familiar enough with your speech that you don’t have to depend on them.   Try to have a conversational tone and make eye contact with your audience.

 The dates for this speaking assignment will be Feb. 3-7.   This speech will be ungraded, but it will be videotaped. You will be asked to watch your speech on tape and to write a short self-evaluation of your performance.