Who Am I

Module 1: Rationale: The purpose of this assignment is to learn how to compose a basic speech outline using a format that you will be building on the rest of the semester. For this assignment, you will be answering the question Who Am I by introducing yourself to your “audience” (in this case, the speech lab and your instructor). Although you will not have to present this speech live, it is expected that you will gain valuable experience in learning how to construct a speech outline, which is not the same as writing an essay.

Speech outlines help you plan the order, flow and logic of your speech, and ensure that there are no weak or missing elements. The format you will see in the syllabus Appendix is a basic, 3-point speech format that is effective for most speech presentations.

Module 1: Guidelines:

1. Begin by reviewing Chapter 14 in your textbook, with special attention to pages 364-367.

2. Review the outline template and the sample speech included in the syllabus Appendix.

3. Your task is to identify a fictional character that represents who you are or how you see your life: someone you identify strongly with. The character could be from a book, short story, television show, or movie. The character will serve as the centerpiece of the speech: you should explain how that character reflects who you are and how you see your life.

4. Compose a one-page, full-sentence typed outline that follows the format laid out in the outline template in the syllabus Appendix. You must follow outline format, including typing all headings, and indenting. Assignments that are not typed or are not in outline format will receive grades of F.

5. For the finishing touch, you can practice/rehearse and you can record your speech so you can see how you look and sound to others. However, for this assignment, all you have to do is send your instructor your typed outline to the appropriate Assignment Folder by no later than the due date.

“I’m Such a Character” Introductory Speech Outline Template

(this is a basic, three-point speech outline format)

Name:________________________________ Class Ref#: XX Group Letter: X

Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about_______________________.

Introduction

I. Gain attention:

II. Speech thesis:

III. Establish credibility:

IV. Preview:

1.

2.

3.

Transition to Body of Speech:

Body

I. First main point:

A.

1

2..

B. etcetera (note: the amount of supporting material you include will depend on the speech time allotted for the presentation),

Transition to second main section: ______________________________________

II. Second main point:

A.

1

2..

B. etcetera

Transition to third main section: ________________________________________

III. Third main point:

A.

1

2..

B. etcetera

Transition to Conclusion: ___________________________________________________

Conclusion

I. Summary of Speech:

II. Restatement of Thesis

II. Final Memorable Remarks: _________________________________________________

Sample “I’m Such a Character” Introductory Speech

Name: Imma Student Class Ref#: XX Group Letter: X

Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about why I see myself as Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory.

Introduction

Gain attention: Story about the episode where Leonard first asked Penny out on a date.
Thesis: I see myself as Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory.
Establish credibility: I have been watching The Big Bang Theory since it first aired on TV, and I am a big fan of this show
Brief Preview Statement: I relate to Leonard because 1) he’s nerdy, 2) he’s loyal, and 3) he’s awkward.

TRANSITION: As I’ve said, I see myself as Leonard Hofstadter and one major reason is: he is nerdy.
Body

I. Main Point One: Like Leonard, I too am nerdy.

Story showing Leonard’s nerdiness.
Story showing my nerdiness.
TRANSITION: Leonard may be a nerd, but he’s also loyal.

II. Main Point Two: I am as loyal as Leonard.

Story about Leonard taking care of Sheldon.
Story of my loyalty
TRANSITION: Loyalty is hard work, but being awkward comes easily.

III. Main Point Three: Leonard Hofstadter is awkward and so am I.

Story of Leonard screwing up.
Awkward story about me.

TRANSITION: As you can see, I am indeed Leonard Hofstadter.

Conclusion
Brief Summary: Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory is nerdy, loyal, and awkward. I see myself the same way.
II. Restate Thesis: Therefore, Leonard is a good character to describe me.

III. Memorable Concluding Remarks: In the words of the show’s theme music, my life, as did Leonard’s, “All started with a Big Bang.”