Informative Caffeine

Caffeine

Topic: Caffeine

General Purpose: To inform

Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, my audience should understand the beneficial effects of caffeine, the negative effects and discuss what are considered safe levels of caffeine consumption.

Thesis Statement: The three areas I will cover in my speech are the beneficial effects of caffeine, the negative effects and discuss what are considered safe levels of caffeine consumption.

Introduction

Attention-Getter: If you are still standing you are part of a rare group of Americans because statistics show that 90% of Americans consume caffeine daily.

Audience Justification: Caffeine is pervasive in our society these days and every few months we hear about how a study has shown that it is bad for us or good for us. What are we to believe?

Ethos/Credibility Statement: I have been a big consumer of caffeine in my life and I have consumed it for many reasons. A lot of times I just need the energy and at other times a can of pop really hit’s the spot. My parents are both addicted to caffeine and I am trying not to become as bad as they are about it.

Thesis Statement: The three areas I will cover in my speech are the beneficial effects of caffeine, the negative effects and discuss what are considered safe levels of caffeine consumption.

Body

I. The first thing I will cover is the beneficial effects caffeine.

A. Caffeine, which comes from the leaves, seeds and fruits of about 63 different plants, is well known as a stimulant.

B. Why do we like caffeine?

1. Caffeine has a variety of �psychoactive’ effects, which are assumed to play an important role in influencing the consumption of caffeine- containing beverages. (Peter Rogers, Consumer Sciences Department, AFRC Institute of Food Research)

2. Although this would appear to be contradicted by a failure to find strong reinforcing effects of caffeine, recent studies indicate that caffeine consumption may, at least in part, be motivated and reinforced by the resultant removal of the negative consequences of caffeine withdrawal.

C. Caffeine does help you wake up and feel more alert and it has been shown to increase attention spans.

1. This is a beneficial effect for people who are driving long distances and for people who are doing tedious work.

2. Calling this a health benefit may be stretching it but in some situations this can be a benefit.

D. Caffeine also contains antioxidants which have been shown to have cancer prevention qualities.

Transition: Caffeine has a lot of beneficial effects, but also some negative ones.

II. The negative effects of caffeine are largely dependent on how much you .

Consume.

A. When consumed in small quantities like, for example when you have one cup of coffee or one soda, caffeine can cause