Danica West

Comm 1010 - 415

12-7-16

Informative Speech Outline

Specific Goal: My audience will learn how the writing challenge National Novel Writing Month
(NaNoWriMo) can help them to complete the first draft of a novel.

Application: Both first-time and established writers can benefit: many people have always wanted to write a
book, but don't know how to start, and everyone can find a clear-set goal useful in the writing process.
Ethos: Primary Ethos: I've completed NaNoWriMo successfully 7 times.
Secondary Ethos: I will cite four references out loud in my speech.
Pathos: I'll focus on the thrill of the challenge and the joy of succeeding.
Logos: Past statistics on the event--participation and percentage of winners--as well as general science on the
psychology of challenges and goals.
Audience Assessment: Many writers have heard negative portrayals of the event in the media, how the world
doesn't need more badly written books.
Adaptation to Audience: I'll be presenting to writers, so I'll assume they're already interested in writing.
However, writing is often seen as a solitary activity, so I'll make sure to address that point.
Pattern of Organization: Topical
Introduction
Hook: (very brief quotation)
Bestselling author Jodi Picoult has been quoted as saying, "Everyone has a book inside of them - but it
doesn't do any good until you pry it out." Well, I've found National Novel Writing Month, shortened
hereafter as NaNoWriMo, to be a pretty decent crowbar.
I.

Thesis: A writing challenge like NaNoWriMo can be just the thing to kick-start your writing.
A.
First, Ill help you understand how supportive and useful a writing community can be.
B.
Then, Ill show how a concrete goal and milestones along the way make this challenge both
achievable and fun.
Transition: We're here together for this presentation; let's see how we can all succeed in our writing together.
Body

II.

Writing is often seen as a solitary process

A.
A community with a shared goal helps you to not feel alone and makes the challenge more
manageable (Carr, Walton)
1.
Pep talks inspire and offer advice
2.
Proof of attainability exists in seeing others complete milestones (1)
3.
Word wars and sprints help to boost your wordcount together

Transition: And those milestones themselves are another huge part of the recipe for success

III.

IV.

V.

A clear goal and a path to get there are the building blocks of your success.
A.
50000 words turns a dream into a goal (Jarrow)
B.
Breaking down large goals into small manageable ones has been proven to increase productivity
(Greenberg, Maymin)

Conclusion
Finishing a first draft doesnt have to be an impossible dream.
A.
Instead, we can band together in a community to support each other
B.
And when were all working toward the same clear goal, we can achieve it together
Think about it--this time next year, you could join thousands of other writers in triumphantly typing
The End on the first draft of your new novel.

References:
1.

NaNoW riMo Statistics. (2016, September 30). Retrieved November 20, 2016, from
http://www.wikiwrimo.org/wiki/NaNoW riMo_statistics

2.

Carr, P. B., & W alton, G. M. (2014). Cues of working together fuel intrinsic motivation. Journal of Experimental Social
Psychology, 53, 169-184. doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2014.03.015

3.

Greenberg, M. H., & Maymin, S., PhD. (2013). Profit from the Positive: Proven Leadership Strategies to Boost Productivity
and Transform Your Business, with a foreword by Tom Rath. McGraw-Hill.

4.

Jarrow, C. (2013, April 15). 10 Big Differences Between Goals and Dreams That You Must ... Retrieved November 20, 2016,
from https://timemanagementninja.com/2013/04/10-big-differences-between-goals-and-dreams-that-you-must-know/