HTML Preview Speech Sample page number 1.
EXAMPLE FOR DISCUSSION: Informative Speech
Introduction
I. (Attention) Imagine that you and your friend are walking through the
woods, one sunny afternoon in the fall, when the ground is covered by
leaves. All of a sudden, your friend accidentally steps on a snake and
gets bitten.
II. (Need) Your friend’s chances of survival would depend on your
knowledge on how to react promptly and take proper measures in such a
situation.
III. (Authority) I have done some research on this matter. For a few years,
I lived in a town where situations like these occurred frequently.
IV. (Central Idea) Today I am going to inform you about three common
poisonous snakes seen in our country and also explain to you about the
effects of snake venom on the human body and how to administer first aid
in the event of a snake bite.
Body
I. First, I am going to give you some information about three of the common
poisonous snakes seen in the U.S. (They are the Rattlesnake, the
Cottonmouth, and the Copperhead.)
A. Rattlesnake—most widely distributed.
1. William Pinkston: responsible for more deaths in this country.
2. Western diamondback found from Texas to eastern California.
A. Copperhead—seen in woodlands of Florida all the way up to
Massachusetts.
B. Cottonmouth—found in swamps and lakes.
1. Before striking, it opens its mouth wide to reveal its white interior.
2. That is how it got its name.
I. Next, I am going to explain to you about the effects of snake venom on the
human body.
A. Haemotoxic.
1. Destroys blood vessels and red blood cells.
2. Deadly and fatal to the victim.
A. Neurotoxic.
1. Affects the Optic nerves in the eyes causing blindness.
2. Affects the nerves controlling the respiratory muscles—causing
suffocation and eventually leading to death if left untreated.
I. Finally, I am going to explain about how to administer first aid in the
event of a snake bite. (From Snyder, First Aid for Health Emergencies
):
A. Immobilize the bite area in a position slightly lower than the heart.
B. Apply a flat constricting band 2-4 inches above the bite.
C. With a sterile scalpel or knife, make one incision that connects both
the fang marks.