Self-Introduction Speech Assignment Materials
Self-Introduction Speech Assignment Materials
COM115
Objectives:
1. To allow students to introduce themselves to the class
2. To provide students with an easy, comfortable, first speaking experience in the public speaking class
3. To introduce students to the process of speech making and presenting
Speech Details:
In preparation for this speech, select an object that represents a significant aspect of your cultural background,
personality, values, ambitions, etc. Using the chosen object as a starting point, you should develop a speech that
explains how it shows who you are and how it relates to your life.
For example: A new father/mother might select a diaper/bottle/baby blanket as a vehicle for discussing his/her
new identity as a parent. An avid tennis player might select a tennis racket to illustrate her passion about the
sport and how that passion shapes her personality. Or an artist might pick a paint brush to represent how she
expresses herself and her ideals through painting.
If possible, you should bring the object of your speech to class on the day of the presentation. If this is not possible
because the object is too large, too rare, or too valuable, you should bring in a model, drawing, or photograph of the
object.
The purpose of this speech is not to explain the object in detail, but to use it as a vehicle for
the speaker to introduce herself or himself to the class.
Organizational Guidelines:
Wear clothing appropriate for your audience and occasion. You will be standing.
Turn in a typed outline (developed based on the sample provided).
Remember, you MUST have an audience of no less than 3 individuals for your speech. Show them at the
beginning and end of your speech and have one of them record you. No selfie-style recordings.
If using a visual aid, prepare it before the start of class
o If it is a digital file, have it saved in MULTIPLE locations (flash drive, e-mail, student drive) and make sure
the format is compatible with software in the classroom.
Jodie Bowers
Self-Introduction Speech
COM115
Example Outline
A Mile in My Shoes
Specific Purpose: To introduce myself to my audience by explaining how my shoes reveal my everyday activities, my
hobbies, and the events that have shaped my inner self.
Thesis: My shoes reveal that I am an artist and a wanderer and a traveler.
Introduction (attention grabber): Someone once said you dont really know a person until you walk a mile in his/her
shoes. Whoever said this must have met many a person like me. Where ones shoes have been and what they have
done can give you a great deal of insight into a person. I think my shoes reveal a lot about me not only my everyday
activities and hobbies, but the events that have shaped my inner self.
Transition statement: If you closely examine my shoes, youll notice many things that connect me to what I do.
Body: (minimum 3 main points)
I.
Transition statement: The exterior of my shoes can tell you a lot about what I do, but they can also provide clues to who
I am and where I have been.
II.
Jodie Bowers
Self-Introduction Speech
COM115
Evaluation Rubric
Speaker:
Day/Section:
Date:
INTRODUCTION
Gained Attention
Introduced Topic Clearly
Previewed Body of Speech
/2.5
BODY
Organization/Main Points clear
Effective Transitions
Content Clearly/Equally Covered
/5
CONCLUSION
Summarized Speech
Strong Concluding Remarks
/2.5
DELIVERY
Eye Contact
Body Language
Vocal Projection/Variety
/5
OVERALL PRESENTATION
Appeared Prepared
Met Assignment Goals
Delivered within 1-2 minutes:
/5
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT
Outline Content
Outline Format
/5
TOTAL SCORE:
/25
Additional Comments:
Jodie Bowers