Chapter 15 Informative Speaking

Goal of informative speech

To give the audience information they did not already know or to teach them more about a known topic.

Functions of informative speeches

Provide knowledge,

shape perceptions,

articulate alternatives ex. car sales men comparing features on cars,

and enhance survival and evolution ex. culture and technology has been passed down through generations.

Objective of the speaker

To increase the listeners' knowledge in an informative manner.

Credibility in informative speeches

Achieved by citing reputable sources, dressing appropriately, and presenting both sides of an issue.

Types of informative speeches

Definitional speeches

Descriptive Speeches

Explanatory speeches

Demonstration speeches

Definitional speeches

Speeches where the speaker sets forth the meaning of concepts, theories, or issues unfamiliar to the audience.

Should be relevant to people’s lives

Descriptive speeches

Speeches that provide a detailed and vivid picture of a person, animal, place, or object

Explanatory speeches

These focus on reporting current events, customs, inventions, and policies, outcomes, and options.

Ex. Explaining a new company policy

Demonstration speeches

Speeches that show listeners how to accomplish a process or perform an action. The focus is on a chronological explanation of some process, procedure, application, or course of action

Attention getters in speeches

Techniques used to spark interest, such as:

intensity

novelty:  involves those things that are new or unusual

Ex. explain a new invention

contrast

Activity: use action words, well-chosen movements, an increased rate of speech, or s/he can show action with video

Tell a story

Stimulate audience intellect: People want to learn so find topics that they want to know the answers to

Coherence in speech development

Organizing content logically and using simple language to avoid confusion.

Repetition in speeches

A method to make a speech memorable by restating main points and using poetic repetition and nonverbal communication such as holding up 4 fingers when you say 4

Learning styles in speeches

The need to teach with all learning styles in mind to enhance retention and understanding.

Benefits of visuals in speeches

Increase interest, understanding, retention, and speed in comprehending complex information.

Citing reputable sources

Essential for establishing credibility as an informative speaker.

Using stories in speeches

A creative method to teach and engage the audience effectively.