Edible Insects Informative Speech

Tyler Parks

Communication 2200

Dr. Kim

30 May 2013

Preparation Outline

Topic: Insects can be eaten as food
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience of the nutritional value of edible insects.
Central Idea (thesis statement): Edible insects could be an excellent source of nutrition in our lives.

Introduction

I. Get audience's attention (attention getter)
As the days of summer descend upon us, we await lazy days, beach parties, deep suntans, and of course insects. We may look forward to seeing grasshoppers jump through meadows, and admiring butterflies fluttering through flowers, yet we dread being stung by those black and yellow villains. But the future may bring insects an extra step closer to us-not so much for their stings but for their food value. II. Thesis Statement: Edible insects could be an excellent source of nutrition in our lives.

III.Preview the main points of the body. I. The presence of insects in our everyday lives. II. The history of edible insects. III. The nutritional value of insects. IV. Making insects a prevalent part of everyday diet.

(Transition: “To begin, we must realize that while the idea of eating insects may be a new one, we unconsciously consume them with our everyday foods.”)

Body

I. Insects are present in the foods we eat everyday.
A. We unconsciously consume insects in our everyday food. 1. Foods such as bread, corn, tomatoes, and lettuce may contain insects. B. Insects in food are not as dangerous as salmonella or other food poisoning. 1. According to entomologist, insects can be nutritious. a. “Unlike the dangerous chemicals in our food, sometimes the insects in food are more nutritional than the foods they are in.”

(Transition: In fact our ancestors relied on insects for mere survival.)

II. Edible insects have a long history throughout the world. A. 1.25 million years ago, ancient humans survived by eating insects during droughts. B. In 1855, settlers consumed the very grasshoppers that destroyed their crops. C. In the world's tropical areas, insects are commonly consumed. 40% of protein intake in Zier is through insects University of Mexico documents 270 insects eaten by both rich and poor. a. At least 60 other countries use insects in their diets.

(Transition: The insects taste and nutrition make them and excellent food source)

III. Edible insects have a high nutritional value. A. Insects nutritional value make them a valuable food source. 1. Insects contain on average 15 more grams of protein per quarter pound. 2. Insects contain double the energy content of traditional meats. B. Insects surpass traditional meats in mineral content, except for niacin. 1. Traditional meats contain only a couple dozen milligrams of minerals. a. Insects can contain hundreds of milligrams of minerals.

(Transition: However, the idea of using insects for nutritional value is just that-an idea.)

IV. Insects should be a more prevalent part of our everyday diets. A. Individuals who tried insects complained of their appearance. 1. Insects were made to look more desirable by 25 food scientist and advisers. B. It will be emphasized that insects are a healthier option than foods with saturated fats. C. Insects will be introduced to upper echelon of society. 1. Insects are compared to other foods such as caviar and escargot. a. The hope is insects will be treated as a status food.

(Transition: In conclusion I'll admit the idea may bother some people.)

Conclusion

I. Summary of main points in body. A. The presence of insects in everyday food.
B. The history of edible insects. C.Nutritional value of edible insects. D.Making insects a more prevalent part of our everyday lives.
II. Creative concluding thought. In the future, the possibility of expanding insects as a food source might not receive an available space at every single dinner table. But when we sit down and consider options for feeding the world's hungry, insects are likely to be on the table. Given these possibilities, the animal kingdom might eventually experience sibling rivalry between dogs and insects over who really in humanity’s best friend.