Luck of the Irish Invitational
2024 — Online, MI/US
Informative Speaking
Event Description:
An informative speech is an original presentation designed to clearly explain, define, or illustrate a particular subject. Because the basic purpose of the speech is to inform, material that is argumentative, persuasive, or entertaining may be used only to illustrate, enliven, or clarify the information the speaker presents.
A participant in informative speaking must use a different speech each year. A contestant, however, can make modifications in material at any time, including revision in a speech for the local, district, regional, or state tournament.
Each speaker chooses an original topic and prepares the speech before the contest. The contestant and the director at the school of the contestant must certify, prior to the start of the tournament, that the informative speech is the original work of the contestant. Written certification of the originality of the speech must be given to the tournament director prior to the start of the contest.
Contestants participating in informative speaking must have a digital manuscript or an outline for the judge. Speakers must use proper documentation in the manuscript.
The manuscript or outline must include directly quoted material and/or paraphrased material, which is used in the speech. Plagiarism, the failure to provide accurate credit to the author(s) of directly quoted material or paraphrased material, is a serious offense and is a basis for disqualification.
The speaker may wish to incorporate the use of visual aids, audiovisual projections, or demonstrations. A demonstration is defined as the actual operation of a piece of equipment, an object, a device, or a process. Visual/audio aids should supplement the presentation and should not be the major focus of the speech. The use of visual aids, audiovisual projections, or demonstrations should not interfere with the speaker's communicative contact with audience. Set-up time is limited to two minutes.
Procedures that endanger the health and safety of the viewers are prohibited. Live animals are not permitted. Caution should be used in distributing consumable products to an audience.
The suggested time limit for informative speaking in high school is five minutes to eight minutes, while the suggested time for informative speaking in middle level events is four to seven minutes. Presentations that do not conform to the suggested time parameters may be penalized at the discretion of the judge. Penalties are not mandatory for timing irregularities.
BASIS OF DECISION
Concept of Informative Speaking: The purpose of an informative speech is to secure understanding. The topic should be suitable for the audience, yet reflect originality. A good informative speech is developed through organization, amplification, clarity, and interest. Supporting material should be presented in a logical manner designed to maintain a high level of interest for the listener.
Action and Platform Conduct: The speaker should exhibit personality, maintain direct eye contact with the audience, show physical poise, and demonstrate freedom in posture, movement, and gesture. Prompting from the audience is not allowed and could be the basis for disqualification.
Oral Presentation: The delivery of the speech should be enthusiastic, direct, sincere, and communicative. The speaker's delivery should be free from marked defects in the mechanics of speech — quality and use of voice, enunciation, and fluency — and should be effective in enlisting and holding the interest of the audience. The informative speaker may deliver the speech from a manuscript, memory, an outline, or any combination thereof.