We're knee deep in snow with plenty of time to prepare an informative speech

Informative speaking is the dissemination of information that's interesting and relevant.

Four and half minute informative speech video on ALS. For your informative speech, you'll need a visual aid presentation.

Tips for Informative Speaking
1. Choose a topic that you're familiar with or at least interested in. 
2. Begin gathering materials for your speech.
3. Look for at least three credible sources. Credible websites from governmental or educational institutes such as .gov and .edu. Use materials published within the last 10 years. Find articles written by respected and well-know authors. Go to academic databases (JAVA, AAAS, etc.)
4. A preparation outline will need to be written for this speech. It must contain (a specific purpose statement, labeling of the introduction, body and conclusion, similar indentation and symbolization throughout the outline, all main points and subpoints need to be written in complete sentences, label any transitional statements, and list credible sources on the last page of the outline. 

Example: 
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about taking antibiotics only when necessary.
Introduction: In today's world, everyone wants a quick fix. If you get a cough, take a cough drop. If your throat gets sore, gargle with warm salt water. If you get a cut, clean the cut and put a band-aid on it. These are quick and easy ways to treat minor problems. If your illness is more serious like a low-grade fever or a cough that starts to filter down into your chest, maybe it's time to see a doctor. Today, I'm going to discuss when to see a doctor, the purpose of an antibiotic, and taking care of yourself so you don't get sick. (This last statement is your preview statement. It contains the main points of a speech). 
I. The first item to discuss is when to see a doctor. 
            A. Go see your doctor when it becomes a challenge to breathe deeply.
             B. Go see your doctor when you've had a low-grade fever for a couple of days.
II. The next item to discuss is the purpose of the antibiotic.
            A. The first purpose is to clear up the infection.
            B. The second purpose is to keep patients from becoming sicker.
III. The last item to discuss is taking care of yourself so you won't get sick.
             A. Be sure and get plenty of rest to keep your strength up.
             B. Be sure and eat healthy to keep immunity up.
             C. Be sure and exercise to keep the heart pumping and blood flowing.  
Conclusion: All people are susceptible to colds from time to time, but this is no reason to rush off to the doctor every time you have a sniffle. Remember, know when to seek help from your doctor, understand the purpose of antibiotics, and ways to stay healthy. 
Cited Sources 
www.margaretlatta.edu/medicalseriousnes/blowyournose
www.margaretlatta.gov/wkctc/learninghowtouseavisualaid
Interview with Margaret Latta FMD (Fictitious Medical Doctor)
(Obviously, I'm the only source but this is the idea behind the preparation outline. It's well-thought out, planned, and backed by credible evidence)

5. After the preparation outline is ready to go, it's time to write the speech. 
6. Once the speech is written, it's time to start practicing your speech. It needs to be three minutes in length. Once you've got the general idea of the speech ready to go, create a speaking outline for your eyes only.
7. For the Informative Speech, you'll need to present a visual aid. Don't just show the visual aid, explain it. You'll need to go old school. There will be no presentations on the computer. Once you present your visual aid, set it aside and continue with your speech. Read over the visual aid power point for more information. 
8. As you're practicing delivering your speech out loud, if there are any words or phrases that don't work, delete them from your speech. 
9. Make sure on speech day that you have a preparation outline for me as well as yourself. It must be typed, double-spaced, 12 point font. 
10. Most importantly, have fun. You're sharing with the audience a topic that you're very familiar with. It's something you know well and you're just telling a story. The video at the top of the page is a very good example of how to deliver the speech. The presenter doesn't have a visual aid and her speech is over four minutes long, however, she has just enough notes to jog her memory. She has an introduction and a conclusion. She shares the preview statement in the introduction and concludes the speech by restating the main points. 

Let me know if you have questions by sending an email. See you next week.

Ms. Latta