This is a model that will assist you in organizing your ideas and research about your topic. Times given are a suggested guideline, not a mandate; however, your speech must be between 5 ½ to 7 ½ minutes. In pages, this equates to roughly 4 pages, double-spaced, in Times New Roman font.
You MUST include all publication information for each of your sources (2 per body paragraph). This includes the journal/newspaper/website information as well as author(s), title, and date of publication.
I. The Introductory Paragraph (45 seconds – 1 minute) A. Begin with a broad overview of the general topic or situation. Give statistics/data to support your position. Perhaps note that this trend has led to passage of legislation
B. Acknowledge that disagreement exists regarding your topic. Identify the “some” who oppose your view; give your opposition a “face" and a name.
C. Place your thesis at end of well-developed but not over-developed introductory paragraph. It should be on the first printed page. You must be sure that you have presented the opposing arguments sufficiently before you present your position.
II.BodyParagraph 1 (1 to 1 ½ minutes). Remember: Weakest Point First TOPIC SENTENCE(S). If you have a Match-Point Speech, include your opposition’s argument first, then follow with your argument. If you have a Specific Point, lead with your argument.
A. Include a Quote or Data (Evidence) to support your claim. (Include all publication information for your evidence!) B. Include a Quote or Data (Evidence) to support your claim. (Include all publication information for your evidence!)
III. Body Paragraph 2 (1 to 1 ½ minutes). TOPIC SENTENCE(S). If you have a Match-Point Speech, include your opposition’s argument first, then follow with your argument. If you have a Specific Point, lead with your argument.
A. Include a Quote or Data (Evidence) to support your claim. (Include all publication information for your evidence!) B. Include a Quote or Data (Evidence) to support your claim. (Include all publication information for your evidence!)
IV. Body Paragraph 3 (1 to 1 ½ minutes). Remember: Strongest Point Last TOPIC SENTENCE(S). If you have a Match-Point Speech, include your opposition’s argument first, then follow with your argument. If you have a Specific Point, lead with your argument.
A. Include a Quote or Data (Evidence) to support your claim. (Include all publication information for your evidence!) B. Include a Quote or Data (Evidence) to support your claim. (Include all publication information for your evidence!)
V. Conclusion (1-2 minutes)
A. Basic Assumption: This is an important part of your speech. You must present a way (often a compromise) to achieve your position, convince your opponents to jump on your bandwagon. What can you do to appease them/overcome their objections? Make sure you have restated your thesis in different words!
B. Avoid Oversimplification: “Solution” does not mean to dismiss the opposing view absolutely. What steps can be taken to make the change you are calling for more easily enforced? More effective?
C. Be specific and concrete. If your plan involves money, where would it come from? How much would it require? If you want to pass a new law, tell exactly what it would say. If you want to strengthen an existing law, exactly how would you do so?
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Important TIPS:
Avoid Rhetorical Questions, especially in your conclusion. You want to close your speech in positive affirmation of your position. Don’t let your audience leave with unanswered questions.
Avoid "Imagine" scenarios in the introduction: They are cliché (overused and lacking original thought).
Avoid beginning or ending any speech with someone else’s words. Your powerful words should be the ones echoing in the minds of your audience when your speech is over. To use a powerful quotation near the end of your speech is fine as long as it is selected wisely, but follow it with your own words by the speech’s end.