This document is a worksheet for an informative speech. It asks the speaker to identify their overall issue, specific informative topic, specific purpose statement, and planned methods for gaining attention and establishing credibility in the introduction. It also asks the speaker to identify their planned organizational method, main points, and any visual aids. The speaker is then prompted to research earthquake risks in their community using the USGS website and consider preparedness plans for before, during, and after an earthquake. If earthquakes are not prevalent, they are asked to choose another common hazard and evaluate emergency plans.

1. INFORMATIVE SPEECH TOPIC WORKSHEET
NAME:
QUESTION
YOUR RESPONSE
1. What is the overall “issue” you have chosen to cover for the
course?
2. What is the informative topic related to the “issue” that
you’ve chosen for the informative speech?
3. What is your Specific Purpose Statement?
4. What method(s) of gaining attention do you plan to use in the
introduction?
5. How do you plan to establish your credibility in the
introduction?
6. What method of organization will you use in the informative
speech?
7. State the main points you are preparing for the informative

2. speech.
1.
2.
3.
8. What type of visual aid are you planning to incorporate into
the body of the speech?
Earthquakes are a major concern in many areas of the United
States. What is your community’s level of risk from a quake?
Use the USGS’s earthquake website (Links to an external
site.) to determine when the last earthquake took place in your
state. Consider how earthquake preparedness factors into your
own emergency plan.
Using the website, determine what community leadership should
do, and advise community stakeholders to do, before, during,
and after an earthquake. If earthquakes are not prevalent in your
area, choose a hazard common to your area and evaluate the
federal/national and state emergency plans for your community.
350-450 words excluding references, APA format and a
minimum of 3 references