My professor expects a professionally formatted speech paper—what conventions should I follow for grammar and style?

Start by treating your speech manuscript as a formal academic document rather than a casual script, which means prioritizing standard prose conventions over spoken shorthand. Use complete sentences with proper capitalization and punctuation, avoiding fragments or colloquialisms that might work in delivery but look unpolished on paper. For formatting, stick to a clean, readable structure: use a standard serif or sans-serif font like Times New Roman or Arial at 12-point size, double-space your text, and include one-inch margins on all sides. This creates the visual professionalism your professor expects. Regarding style, maintain a consistent tone that matches your speech’s purpose, whether it’s informative or persuasive. Avoid slang, excessive contractions, or overly complex jargon unless it’s essential to your topic. For instance, if you’re discussing climate change, use precise terms like “carbon emissions” instead of vague phrases like “bad air stuff,” but keep explanations accessible. Proofread carefully for common errors like subject-verb agreement or misplaced modifiers, as these distract from your message. Consider reading your draft aloud to catch awkward phrasing that might slip past visual inspection. Finally, include a clear title page with your name, course details, and date, and use section headings if your speech has distinct parts. This approach ensures your paper meets both grammatical standards and professional formatting expectations, making it easier for your instructor to focus on your content rather than its presentation.