Self-Introduction Speech COMM115

Objectives:

1. To allow students to introduce themselves to the class

2. To provide students with an easy, comfortable, first graded 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:

 Speech must have an introduction, body, and conclusion (see outline)

 Plan to speak from brief notes – not a word-for-word manuscript (this is called extemporaneous delivery). Eye
contact is vital for successful presentations.
 Practice your speech several times before presentation day. You should know your time and get a feel for the
flow of your speech. Time and eye contact are very important elements of memorable presentations.
 The speech must be 2-3 minutes, with 10 seconds forgiveness either side.

Speech Day Guidelines:

 Wear clothing appropriate for your audience and occasion. You will be standing.
 Turn in a typed outline (developed based on the sample provided).
 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.

Public Speaking – Self-Introduction Speech

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 Self-Introduction Speech COMM115

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 don’t 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 one’s 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, you’ll notice many things that connect me to what I do.

Body: (minimum 3 main points)

I. My shoes reveal that I am an artist

a. Specks of paint
b. Clay

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. My shoes reveal that I am an explorer and traveler.

a. Spiritual and physical wanderings
i. Alps, Cliffs of Ireland, 14 countries
III. My shoes reveal that I am a wanderer
a. Backpacking in Wisconsin
b. Archeological digs and rowing regattas
c. Fiancé
i. First hike with fiancé
ii. Walk that ended in proposal
Transition statement: So you can see my shoes have been through a lot, and they’re beginning to show the wear and
tear a bit.

Conclusion: They’ve been witnesses to my everyday adventures and the epic journeys that have shaped my life. You
could learn a lot about me by looking at my shoes, but you could learn a great deal more by walking a few miles in them.

Public Speaking – Self-Introduction Speech

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