Types of Informative

Speeches
An informative speech is one that informs the audience. However,
as should be clear, this general definition demonstrates that there
are many ways to inform an audience. Therefore, there are several
types of informative speeches. The main types of informative
speeches include definition, descriptive, explanatory, and
demonstrative.

A definition speech explains the meaning, theory, or philosophy of

a specific topic that the audience likely does not know much about.
The topics may be general, such as a sport, or highly specific, like a
particular person. The main goal of this speech is to educate the
audience so that they understand the main points regarding this
subject. 

A demonstration speech explains how to do something. If you have

ever sat through a lecture where a teacher explained how to create
a bibliography, then you have heard a demonstration speech. Like
most informative speeches, a how-to speech will likely use visual
examples that show the audience how to move from step to step
through a particular activity. Visualizations help the audience retain
what each step looks like, increasing the likelihood that they will
retain the overall information of the speech.

An explanatory speech might give a description of the state of a

given topic. As an example, consider the types of speeches that are
given at industry conferences. The goal of these speeches is for the
speaker to inform the audience on a particular part of an industry.
Commonly, these will also utilize visualizations that give the
audience a visual representation of the particular data or statistics
contained in the speech. This is one way to condense highly
complex information into an easily retainable package for the
audience.

A descriptive speech creates a vivid picture in a person's mind

regarding an object, person, animal, or place.
An archaeologist who has discovered a new temple in South
America or a paleontologist who believes they have found a new
dinosaur may use a descriptive speech to inform an interested
audience about their recent discoveries .
As all of these types make clear, there are many ways that a given
set of information can be communicated in a speech. When
deciding what type of informative speech you want to write and
deliver, consider what you want the audience to know about your
topic.

Informative Speaking

Major Types of Informative Speeches

In this guide, we focus on informative speeches about:

1. Objects
2. Processes
3. Events
4. Concepts

These categories provide an effective method of organizing and evaluating informative

speeches. Although they are not absolute, these categories provide a useful starting
point for work on your speech.

In general, you will use four major types of informative speeches. While you can
classify informative speeches many ways, the speech you deliver will fit into one of
four major categories.

Speeches about Objects

Speeches about objects focus on things existing in the world. Objects include, among
other things, people, places, animals, or products.

Because you are speaking under time constraints, you cannot discuss any topic in its
entirety. Instead, limit your speech to a focused discussion of some aspect of your
topic.

Some example topics for speeches about objects include: the Central Intelligence
Agency, tombstones, surgical lasers, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the pituitary gland,
and lemmings.
To focus these topics, you could give a speech about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and
efforts to conceal how he suffered from polio while he was in office. Or, a speech
about tombstones could focus on the creation and original designs of grave markers.

Speeches about Processes

Speeches about processes focus on patterns of action. One type of speech about
processes, the demonstration speech, teaches people "how-to" perform a process.
More frequently, however, you will use process speeches to explain a process in
broader terms. This way, the audience is more likely to understand the importance or
the context of the process.

A speech about how milk is pasteurized would not teach the audience how to milk
cows. Rather, this speech could help audience members understand the process by
making explicit connections between patterns of action (the pasteurization process)
and outcomes (a safe milk supply).

Other examples of speeches about processes include: how the Internet works (not
"how to work the Internet"), how to construct a good informative speech, and how to
research the job market. As with any speech, be sure to limit your discussion to
information you can explain clearly and completely within time constraints.

Speeches about Events

Speeches about events focus on things that happened, are happening, or will happen.
When speaking about an event, remember to relate the topic to your audience. A
speech chronicling history is informative, but you should adapt the information to your
audience and provide them with some way to use the information. As always, limit
your focus to those aspects of an event that can be adequately discussed within the
time limitations of your assignment.

Examples of speeches about events include: the 1963 Civil Rights March on
Washington, Groundhog's Day, the Battle of the Bulge, the World Series, and the 2000
Presidential Elections.

Speeches about Concepts

Speeches about concepts focus on beliefs, ideas, and theories. While speeches about
objects, processes, and events are fairly concrete, speeches about concepts are more
abstract. Take care to be clear and understandable when creating and presenting a
speech about a concept. When selecting a concept, remember you are crafting an
informative speech. Often, speeches about concepts take on a persuasive tone. Focus
your efforts toward providing unbiased information and refrain from making
arguments. Because concepts can be vague and involved, limit your speech to aspects
that can be readily explained and understood within the time limits.

Some examples of topics for concept speeches include: democracy, Taoism, principles
of feminism, the philosophy of non-violent protest, and the Big Bang theory.

Informative Speaking

Strategies for Selecting a Topic

In many cases, circumstances will dictate the topic of your speech. However, if the
topic has not been assigned or if you are having difficulty figuring out how to frame
your topic as an informative speech,the following may be useful.

Begin by thinking of your interests. If you have always loved art, contemplate possible
topics dealing with famous artists, art works, or different types of art. If you are
employed, think of aspects of your job or aspects of your employer's business that
would be interesting to talk about. While you cannot substitute personal experience
for detailed research, your own experience can supplement your research and add
vitality to your presentation. Choose one of the items below to learn more about
selecting a topic.

Informative Speaking

Structuring an Informative Speech

Typically, informative speeches have three parts:

1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion

In this section, we discuss the three parts of an informative speech, calling

attention to specific elements that can enhance the effectiveness of your speech.
As a speaker, you will want to create a clear structure for your speech. In this
section, you will find discussions of the major parts of the informative speech.

Outlining an Informative Speech

Two types of outlines can help you prepare to deliver your speech. The complete
sentence outline provides a useful means of checking the organization and content
of your speech. The speaking outline is an essential aid for delivering your speech.
In this section, we discuss both types of outlines.
Two types of outlines can help you prepare to deliver your speech. The complete
sentence outline provides a useful means of checking the organization and content
of your speech. The speaking outline is an essential aid for delivering your speech.

Informative Speaking

Delivering an Informative Speech

For many speakers, delivery is the most intimidating aspect of public speaking.
Although there is no known cure for nervousness, you can make yourself much
more comfortable by following a few basic delivery guidelines. In this section, we
discuss those guidelines.

The Five-Step Method for Improving Delivery

1. Read aloud your full-sentence outline. Listen to what you are saying and adjust your
language to achieve a good, clear, simple sentence structure.
2. Practice the speech repeatedly from the speaking outline. Become comfortable with
your keywords to the point that what you say takes the form of an easy, natural
conversation.
3. Practice the speech aloud...rehearse it until you are confident you have mastered the
ideas you want to present. Do not be concerned about "getting it just right." Once you
know the content, you will find the way that is most comfortable for you.
4. Practice in front of a mirror, tape record your practice, and/or present your speech to a
friend. You are looking for feedback on rate of delivery, volume, pitch, non-verbal
cues (gestures, card-usage, etc.), and eye-contact.
5. Do a dress rehearsal of the speech under conditions as close as possible to those of the
actual speech. Practice the speech a day or two before in a classroom. Be sure to
incorporate as many elements as possible in the dress rehearsal...especially visual
aids.

It should be clear that coping with anxiety over delivering a speech requires
significant advanced preparation. The speech needs to be completed several days
beforehand so that you can effectively employ this five-step plan.

Authors and Contributors

The following citation is provided for this guide:

Thad Anderson and Ron Tajchman.. (1994 - 2012). Informative Speaking. Writing@CSU.
Colorado State University. Available at
https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=52.