Informative Speaking Chapter 10: Speech: Exploring Communication & State of Minnesota Speech Performance Package

Purposes for Informative speeches The purpose of an informative speech is to impart new knowledge or give listeners more in-depth information on a given topic. A speech is considered informative whenever the main purpose is to impart new knowledge.

Uses for Informative Speeches Reports at business meetings Classroom presentations & demonstrations Tours Committee Reports

Types of Informative Speeches Objects Events Concepts Processes

Speeches about Objects Anything you can see, feel, hear, taste, or smell. Objects include people living or dead, animals, places, plants, structures.

Speeches about Objects Usually given in chronological, spatial, or topical order Organizational pattern depends upon the purpose of the speech History- chronological Geographical – spatial Usually topical

Thesis Statement The history of the Eifel Tower is interesting. The Guthrie Theater is a dynamic part of Minnesota fine arts.

Speeches about events An event may be anything that has happened or is happening. Usually these speeches use chronological pattern. (past, present, future)

Thesis Statement The Chicago Fire is an interesting component of Chicago’s history. The 1980 Olympics were critical in revitalizing patriotism in America.

Speeches about Concepts These speeches are more abstract than concrete. They deal with beliefs, theories, ideas, & principles.

Thesis Statement Existentialism became popular during the mid 1800’s and resurfaced during the mid 1900’s. Pi is one of the most important mathematical constants.

Speeches about Processes A process is a related series of events that lead to a specific result or product. These were your demonstration speeches.

Preparing for your speech Develop your thesis statement. Be specific and concise. The thesis statement should be your own words. Remember it is not your attention getter.

Introduction Don’t forget to use an attention getting device. Review the devices available for use. Avoid using a rhetorical question. Remember to connect your topic to the audience. (teens attending CHS) Why is it important that we listen to you? What will your audience gain by hearing this message?

Create the Body of Your Speech The body of the speech is the essential message you are communicating to your audience. Select 3- 5 main points about your topic that you will communicate to your audience. Build interest in your topic by using supporting tools.

Support Tools Define – give meaning of a word or idea Explain – expand upon a definition or previous knowledge Clarify – give additional information to support what the audience already knows or believes

More support tools….. Example – a single instance that supports or develops a point Expert opinion – a statement of belief about a subject for a person who is recognized as an authority on that subject Stories – use stories or anecdotes to capture the listeners’ attention

The Body of the Speech Sprinkle supporting devices throughout the speech to maintain attention. Use humor, stories/anecdotes, statistics, suspense. React to audience feedback—pay attention to non-verbal cues.

Establish Your Ethos Developed by Aristotle, ancient Greek rhetorician A speaker’s character is the most powerful component. It is in the mind of the listeners. Mention your experience, research, etc.

Transitions They allow a speaker to switch from one aspect of the topic to another. Relate what you have just said to what you will say next. Transitions between minor points can be made with a key word or phrase such as first, second, …

Purposes of Transitions It summarizes the point you just made. It tells the listeners what you will cover next. It shows the relationship between the two.

Personalize your speech Have a number of stories, examples, and humor involving people. You may use real life examples or make up a fictitious example.

Conclusion Review conclusion techniques and use them. Question and answer period. Let audience know ahead of time there will be a question and answer period. Remember to have a final concluding statement after questions are finished.

Visual Aids Help the audience see as well as hear information. It must be seen from all parts of the room. It should be neat and attractive. Plan how and where in your speech you will use your visual aid. Only have it displayed when you are using it.

Types of Visual Aids Posters which may contain pictures, graphs, charts. Video tapes/DVD’s (the time should be proportionate to the time of the speech) Power Point – don’t have your outline on the slides