The first step of Task 1 is to choose a topic. We do not have a list of topics that you are limited to. In some ways, the sky is the limit! It just needs to have some research behind it from credible sources. Here is a link to a document that will help you brainstorm a topic:
Deciding on a Topic
You certainly do not need to use any from this list or do a topic that has anything to do with your major. But, sometimes those are the easier topic ideas because you already know something about it.
Once you have a topic, you will develop a thesis statement for the speech. Please see page 70-71 in your course textbook for help on writing the thesis statement.
As you think of a topic, also consider who your pretend audience would be. So, for instance, if you were going to talk about the importance of price transparency in healthcare costs in hospitals, your audience might be hospital administrators who would be in the position to make costs transparent for patients. In your Task 1, you will need to clearly state who your audience is and why this topic is significant (or important) for them to hear.
As you build your task 1, please use the attached Task 1 Template. Once you have completed the template, you may submit it for evaluation. Once you submit it, please let me know and I will send you my step-by-step guide for completing task 2.
A. Describe your intended audience and why the topic is important to this audience (suggested length of 25 sentences).
B. Create a presentation plan (e.g., outline) for a five- to seven-minute presentation on your chosen topic by including the following parts:
1. An effective introduction that includes the following aspects:
an attention-getting opening
a thesis statement
a preview of the main points of the presentation
Note: For a five- to seven-minute speech, two to three main points are recommended.
2. Supporting evidence (e.g., statistics, published research) for the main points
Note: Avoid using personal opinion, personal research, or personal experience as your supporting evidence.
3. an effective conclusion that includes a summary of the main points and closing comments.
4. a minimum of three credible sources
a. Acknowledge sources within the text for all content that is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized, and provide a reference list that includes the author, date of publication, title, and location of information (e.g., publisher, journal, website URL) for each source. APA citation style is strongly encouraged.