Brown Bag Speech
Mrs. Jennings
Time Limit: This is a 2-3 minute speech
Outline:
A typed outline in the format of the sample provided will be
due the day the speech is delivered.
Content:
This speech is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the rest
of us. I will provide you with a brown bag. Place three to five
items that describe you in the bag and bring them in to show to
the class. Select objects that represent significant aspects of
your background, personality, values, ambition, etc. Using the
chosen object as a symbol, develop a speech that explains how
it relates to your life. You should have an introduction; three to
five main points (one for each of your items); and a conclusion
(a final thought.) Since we haven’t learned a great deal about
speechmaking, you will be graded on your creativity,
willingness to participate, and your ability to make it interesting
for your audience.
Technique: Use note-cards (3X5 or 4X6) instead of a paper or other method
of assistance while speaking. You may not use more than two
note-cards for this speech. You must hand in your note cards
following your speech. Remember not to chew gum or wear a
hat the day you speak. Please do not be late on speech days and
do not look as though you just rolled out of bed; this
appearance does not present a good first impression.
Preparation:
Prepare your speech as soon as possible. The sooner it is
complete, the more time you will have to practice. The best
advice I have at this time is to be creative and practice, practice,
practice!
Reference: http://sites.actx.edu/~gibson_j/spch%201315%20tipsforbrownbag.htm
BE CREATIVE WITH EVERYTHING!
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX (or bag in this case)!
This speech is due this next class period. Have fun! 
Sample Outline for Brown Bag Speech
Introduction
I.
Capture audience’s attention by telling funny story about getting locked
outside in my underwear (catchy opener)
II.
Explain that this incident shows that I always keep my sense of humor even
though crazy things often happen to me (why this opener relates to my sense
of self)
III.
Introduce self: name, hometown, (A/G/L), etc. (credibility sentence)
IV.
Reveal the topic of the speech: Today I’m going to tell you a little about
myself—my career goals, my upbringing and family, my hobbies and my
personality
V.
Preview the body of the speech: To explain about myself, I have brought three
objects that represent who I am—my keychain, a soccer ball and my name
badge from McDonalds
Body of Speech
I.
Keychain
A. What keys are on keychain
B. What it represents—freedom, car, apartment
C. What it shows about my personality—flaky, always losing keys and
locking self out
D. Story about losing keys
E. Symbolizes my struggle to become more responsible
Transition to next part of speech: As I have grown up, I have worked on becoming more
disciplined and responsible. During high school, I learned a lot about hard work and
self-discipline from playing on a soccer team.
II.
Soccer ball
A. Background on playing soccer
B. Story about winning tournament
C. Support from my family
C. What I learned from playing soccer
Transition to next part of speech: Another way I have learned about the value of hard
work is by working in the fast food industry.
III.
McDonalds name badge
A. Details on fast food job
B. Funny story about getting someone’s order wrong
B. What I like and hate about working at McDonalds
C. How this job has influenced my career goals
Conclusion
I.
Review and summarize: The three objects I’ve shown you today reveal a lot about
me…who I am… who I’ve been… and who I want to be… explain…
II.
Final thought: What you should do if you see me locked outside in my underwear
Brown Bag Speech Evaluation Form
Speaker:_________________________
Date:_____________
Outline
_____ Turned in on time
_____ Followed sample format
_____ Clear and easy to read
10 pts. possible__________
Introduction
____ Gained attention and interest
____ Introduced subject matter (you) clearly
____ Previewed body of speech
10 pts. possible__________
Body
____ Clear and interesting explanation of object one
____ Clear and interesting explanation of object two
____ Clear and interesting explanation of object three
10 pts. possible__________
Conclusion
____ Reviewed what you have discussed
____ Included final thought
10 pts. possible__________
Delivery
____ Maintained eye contact
____ Used note-cards effectively
____ Used voice effectively
____ Used gestures and other nonverbal communication effectively
10 pts. possible__________
Visual Aid (objects in bag)
___Visual aids were appropriate
___Visual aids were presented well
10 pts. possible__________
Overall Evaluation
___ Speech completed in time limit
___ Speaker enthusiastic
___ Speaker creative
___ Good overall effort
40 pts. possible_________
Total pts.________/100___
PRINT ME for a Free Point of Extra Credit.
Turn me in when you give your speech!
Tips for Giving your Brown Bag Speech
A speech introducing yourself to the class should be creative and interesting. Don't expect or
demand a flawless speech from yourself (this is your first one ). Since you are at the beginning
of the course, neither your teacher nor your classmates are expecting perfection.
Here are some steps to follow:
1. If you are worried about being nervous, pick a point on the wall. It will not judge you and thus
will not make you nervous (or shouldn’t). The more time you spend preparing and practicing your
speech, the better it will go! I suggest practicing in front of a mirror if you don’t want to practice
in front of people. This allows you to see yourself and what you look like when you speak.
2. Decide what you are going to say about yourself and what items you will place in your brown
bag. Review the sample outline for the speech and prepare your typed outline.
3. Get a couple of index cards and jot down notes (just a few key words on each card to jog your
memory). Even if you don’t think you need notes, prepare at least one notecard or a short topic
outline just in case you ‘blank-out’ when you get in front of the class.
4. Practice your speech point by point (not word for word) at least four times, or until you can
give it with only occasional glances down at your notes. Have a friend time your practice
sessions. Make sure that you are within the time limits; if your speech is too long, you should
trim it until it is the right length. If your speech is too short, add more information and details
(telling a story is helpful when time permits).
5. When it is time to give your speech, get up from your chair, walk to the front of the room, and
pause a few moments before you begin speaking. When you say your first few words, make sure
that you are looking directly at your audience. (If possible, smile  !)
6. Continue to look at all parts of your audience as you give your talk. Glance at your notes only
occasionally—just long enough to pick up the cue for your next item.
7. Speak in a natural, conversational style, as if you were talking to a friend. Try to sound
friendly.
8. When you end your talk, do not run to your seat immediately. Make eye contact with the
audience and smile if appropriate. Do not thank the audience for listening to you. Do not just say,
“I’m done!” Give us a one-liner that will make us remember you!
9. Here are some items that you can cover in this speech (just suggestions):
What is your name? What name do you go by? Is there significance?
Do you work? If so, where?
What did you do before you came to this school? (high school, military, jobs)
What are your plans after you finish high school?
What are your special interests? (hobbies, sports, clubs, etc.)
Tell something interesting or unusual about yourself OR relate one interesting or unusual
experience in your life.
The basic point of this speech is to introduce yourself to the class and the NEW teacher. If you
are scared people will be bored hearing about you, tell a story about your childhood that people
might not know. Let us meet you in a new light—people discover themselves everyday! 