Guidelines for the Self-Introductory Speech
2-3 min., 25 pts.

Purpose: Your first speech is designed to provide you with an opportunity to:
(1) gain confidence while speaking in front of an audience(2) learn some fundamentals of public speaking such as structuring and delivering your speech (3) establish yourself as a credible source of ideas in this class which affects how others react to you during later speeches and in class in general. Work to create a sense of unity between you and your audience.

Length: Two to three minutes. Points may be deducted for speeches under two minutes or over three minutes. You will have a 30 second grace period before 2 minutes or over 3 minutes. Flash cards will be provided to you to help you keep track of time. If the cards make you uncomfortable, then ask that they not be used during your speech.

Content: Three topics will be given to you from which to choose in order to alleviate the “What should I do?” syndrome while allowing you some freedom to choose what interests you. The three topics are:

(1) My three wishes. . .
(2) My philosophy of life. . .
(3) The person who has had a major impact on my life is (of people who have had). . .

Feel free to be creative as you design your speech around ONE of these topics. If these topics simply won’t work, choose a topic you feel comfortable with and simply let me know what you are doing. Consider your audience as you settle on a topic. Is the topic appropriate? Interesting?

Structure: The speech will be expected to include an introduction that (1) gains the attention of the audience, (2) introduces the topic clearly, and (3) previews the body of your speech.

The body of your speech should include two or three distinct main points. Each point should have been previewed in the introduction. Each point needs to be supported with examples.

The conclusion of your speech should reinforce your topic. The end of the speech is as important as the beginning. The conclusion should not be abrupt but should be definite. DO NOT feel the need to use a qualifying ending such as “OK, I’m done” or “And that is about it.”

Delivery: Delivery should be made with signs of confidence such as strong eye-contact with the audience, clearly articulated words and vocal variety, as well as a lack of distracting mannerisms. Body movements should be natural rather than “wild” or “stiff.” DO NOT MEMORIZE OR READ YOUR SPEECH. Present it extemporaneously (i.e., prepared but conversational.)

Outline:  To gain practice in outlining speeches and to demonstrate that you’ve prepared in advance, a typed, key-word outline will be required. Hand it to me before you speak. If you want to use index cards or some other notes, feel free but I will need the typed, key-word outline.

 Questions: If time permits, there will be an opportunity for questions. When answering, be polite but succinct. If you don’t know the answer, simply say “I don’t know but I will find out.” Simple as that!

If you have any questions concerning this speech, feel free to contact me before the speech. Relax. This is your first speech—not the State of the Union address. If you prepare and organize, you should do fine!

This website is maintained by Marceline Thompson Hayes, mhayes@astate.edu

This page last updated August 21, 2007

Arkansas State University