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Monroe Community College SPT 142 Public Speaking
“Organized Icebreaker” Speech
Objectives:
) To begin speaking before an audience.
) To prepare and present an organized and creative self-reflection.
) To identify strengths and opportunities in your speaking style.
) To introduce yourself to the class.
TIME: 4-6 minutes (Goal: 5 minutes)
The general subject of this talk is YOU! The objective is to have the audience learn who you are. Since
that topic is too broad for a speech of about 5 minutes, choose either a defining story about your life or
select two - three aspects of your life that will give your audience insight and understanding of you as an
individual. You might tell the audience about your family, work and life goal and tie these ideas together
using a common theme, such as helping others or never giving up. Whatever you discuss, be sure the
main character is you! This speech is a creative, themed self-reflection, not a “list” about your life.
Like any good story, your talk needs a strong beginning and end. Try to create an interesting opening
sentence or question that captures the audience’s attention and relates to the main idea of your speech.
Remember, there should be a common theme that runs through the entire speech so you avoid listing your
life’s events. The conclusion should refer to your opening and tie the entire speech together, along the
theme you have chosen. Be creative. Your goal is to create a well-organized speech that allows your
audience to easily follow along and learn a little bit about your life. Think about which organizing method
will best support your speech purpose and content.
Notes? For this speech you will be able to speak from an outline (refer to this text for format), if you need
one. You can place the outline on the lectern to refer to as needed. Remember that you are not reading a
script, but presenting a speech! Prepare yourself by writing out the entire speech as a script, word for
word, then rehearsing it for the spoken word. Note that writing for the spoken word requires a more casual
style of writing. After reviewing your script, do most of your practice using the outline. Do not try to
memorize word-for-word since you want to be more fluid in your delivery. Practice mainly from the final,
key phrase, one-sided sheet of paper outline using it to reminder you about your points as you rehearse
your presentation. Though you are not required to use an outline while speaking, you must submit one on
the first day presentations begin.
The ideal length for this speech is 5 minutes. We will use timing flags as notification of your elapsed
time. Your minimum expected time is 4 minutes and your maximum is 6 minutes. You will see a green
flag (turtle) held up at the 4-minute mark; a yellow flag (bull’s-eye) at the 5-minute mark, and a pink flag
(rabbit) at 6 minutes. You will then have an additional 30 seconds beyond the 6-minute mark to complete
your final words before applause begins. This is critical in order to provide each student adequate time to
speak. Do NOT guess at the timing of your speech! Practice, edit your speech to fit within the time
requirements and know when to expect each timing flag during your presentation!
Be ready by doing plenty of practice! Rehearse without notes. Practice the speech, OUT LOUD,
visualizing a real audience. Notice where pauses should fit for audience response, concentrate on the flow
of your words and any natural gestures that emerge. Practice until you are comfortable. Don’t worry
about not using the same words you actually write for your written script. You know this topic (YOU!) so
use the script and outline as a guide and just speak from your heart. Practice without notes at least TEN
(10) times so you become quite comfortable.
Enjoy sharing some aspect about your life with us! We look forward to learning about you. Remember, if
you have fun – so will we! (I can’t wait!)
