Chapter 14 :Chapter 14 Speaking to Inform


Types of Informative Speeches :Types of Informative Speeches Speeches About Objects (stock market, the human eye, Abraham Lincoln) Speeches About Processes (how hurricanes develop, how oriental rugs are made) Speeches About Events (civil rights movement, tsunamis, el chupacabra) Speeches About Concepts (religious beliefs, existentialism, international law)


Speeches About Objects :Speeches About Objects “Objects” include anything that is visible, tangible, and stable in form. You will not have time to describe everything about the topic, so pick a specific purpose that focuses on one aspect of your subject. Organize your speech into either chronological, spatial, or topical order. Limit your speech to between two and five main points. Keep your main points separate. Try to use the same pattern of wording for all main points Finally, balance the time devoted to each main point.


Speeches about Processes :Speeches about Processes A “process” is a systematic series of actions that leads to a specific result or product. These are speeches that explain how something is made, something is done, or how something works. Arrange your speech into chronological or topical order. Concise organization is VERY important! Limit the number of main points.


Speeches about Events :Speeches about Events An “event” is anything that happens or is regarded as happening. Narrow your focus and pick a specific purpose. Can be organized chronologically, in causal order, or topical order. Subdivide the subject logically and consistently.


Speeches about Concepts :Speeches about Concepts A “concept” includes beliefs, theories, ideas, and principles. They are abstract. Concept speeches are usually organized into topical order. Avoid technical language, define terms clearly, and use examples and comparisons to illustrate the concepts.


Guidelines for Informative Speaking :Guidelines for Informative Speaking Don’t overestimate what the audience knows. Relate the subject directly to the audience. Don’t be too technical. Avoid abstractions. Use comparisons, contrasts, and descriptions. Personalize your ideas. If you start with a personal story, you might reference it throughout the speech.


Questions? :Questions? What are the 4 types of informative speeches? Give an example of a good specific purpose statement for each type. Why must informative speakers be careful not to overestimate what the audience knows about the topic? What can you do to make sure your ideas don’t pass over the heads of your listeners? What should you do as an informative speaker to relate your topic directly to the audience? What tow things should you watch out for in making sure your speech is not overly technical? What are three methods you can use to avoid abstractions in your informative speech? What does it mean to say that informative speakers should personalize their ideas?