Informative: Juniors 3-5 min, not memorized, Seniors 5-7 min., memorized
An Informative Speech is used to share new and useful information with your audience. The goal is to inform them of something they did not previously know, but would want to know. Informative Speeches are based on fact, not opinion. Examples would include:
- How to Care for a Horse
- The Battle of Gettysburg
- The Impact of Aspirin
- How a Bill becomes Law
- The Life of George Washington Carver
- The Challenger Mission
These examples all demonstrate how to do something, tell about someone or an event, or explain a scientific process. Informative speeches should be purely educational, not editorial. Three to five sources of research should be used.
Persuasive: Juniors 3-5 min, not memorized, Seniors 5-7 min., memorized
A Persuasive Speech is used to convince your audience to side with your opinion and adopt your plan. Persuasive speeches typically adopt the Need/Plan/Benefit model.
Persuasive Speeches use facts and research to support, analyze, and sell an opinion and plan. The speaker tries to persuade the audience to believe something, do something, or change their ways. Examples would include:
- Driving Safety
- Adopting New Laws
- Child Protection
- Gun Safety
- Election Reform
- Literacy Improvement Plans
- Lobbying Strategies
These examples all demonstrate an attempt to spread an opinion or adopt a controversial action. Three to five sources of research should be used.
Commemorative: Juniors 3-5 min, not memorized, Seniors 5-7 min., memorized
A Commemorative Speech honors an individual for outstanding accomplishments and exemplary character. The speech focuses on their positive attributes and the reasons explaining why they are an ideal role model.
Commemorative Speeches may choose any individual worth honoring. Students may choose a historical figure, Biblical figure, athlete, relative, celebrity, leader, etc. Three to five sources of research should be used.
Impromptu Proverbs: 7 min. preparation time, 3-5 min. speech, not memorized
Students will receive a verse from Proverbs (KJV) and will have a total of seven minutes to prepare a speech using the Introduction / Body / Conclusion format. They will return to the classroom, and give a 3-5 minute speech. During competition, all contestants will be given the same verse.
Impromptu "Poor Richard's Almanac": 7 min. preparation time, 3-5 min. speech, not memorized
Students will receive a quotation from "Poor Richard's Almanac". They will be given a total of seven minutes to prepare a speech using the Introduction / Body / Conclusion format. They will return to the classroom, and give a 3-5 minute speech. During competition, all contestants will be given the same quotation.
After Dinner Speeches: Juniors 3-5 min, not memorized, Seniors 5-7 min., memorized
After Dinner Speeches are Persuasive Speeches which include humorous anecdotes, jokes, and impersonations or imitations. These are fun, but should never be rude or offensive. After Dinner Speeches should be used to capture the audience's attention in a creative way and drive home a unique point. Three to five sources of research should be used.
