Types of Informative Speeches and Methods of Speech Delivery

Types of Informative Speeches

Informative speeches are designed to educate, enlighten, and entertain the audience by providing information on a topic. The topic of an informative speech can be almost anything, as long as it is interesting and relevant to the audience. O'Hair, Stewart, and Rubenstein identified six general types of informative speech topics: objects, people, events, concepts, processes, and issues.

Objects

Object-based speeches focus on discussing the design, function, and significance of objects. A speaker may discuss the history and purpose of an artifact, such as a piece of jewelry, and how it relates to a specific culture.

People

People-based speeches are typically biography-oriented. They could recount an individual's achievements and explain why the person is important in history. The speaker may also share personal experiences or anecdotes about the individual.

Events

These are typically either historical or contemporary. A speaker may discuss a specific battle of World War II or a specific event that changed the course of history. The speaker should focus on the event itself rather than attempting to persuade the audience to judge the event or its effects.

Concepts

Concept-based speeches focus on explaining abstract ideas. The speaker may discuss a scientific theory, a philosophical idea, or a complex concept from a field like mathematics or physics.

Processes

Process-based speeches explain how something is done or how a system functions. The speaker may walk the audience through a process, step by step, and explain how each step contributes to the overall result.

Issues

Issue-based speeches discuss current problems or debates. The speaker should provide background information and context, present various perspectives, and offer insights into the potential solutions or consequences.

Methods of Speech Delivery

There are four basic methods or styles of presenting a speech: manuscript, memorized, extemporaneous, and impromptu. Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of delivery method depends on the context of the speech.

Manuscript Style

In this delivery style, the speech is written and the speaker reads it word for word to the audience. This style is common for newscasters and television personalities, who use teleprompters to read their script. It is also used by the U.S. President, who delivers speeches that reflect national policy and are scrutinized by the press.

Memorized Style

In this style, the speech is committed to memory and recited verbatim to the audience. It is often used by actors on stage and by speakers on high school and university speech and debate teams. Memorizing the speech can help the speaker maintain eye contact and appear more spontaneous, but it can also lead to a robotic and monotone delivery.

Impromptu Style

Impromptu speaking is the presentation of a short message without advance preparation. It is typically used in conversational settings or when someone is asked to "say a few words". The advantage of impromptu speaking is that it is spontaneous and allows the speaker to respond to the situation, but the disadvantage is that the speaker may lack time to organize their thoughts and the message may be disorganized.

Extemporaneous Style

Extemporaneous speaking is the presentation of a carefully planned and rehearsed speech, spoken in a conversational manner using brief notes. It is the most commonly used style in public speaking situations. The speaker uses notes to establish and maintain eye contact with the audience and assess how well the message is being received. Extemporaneous speaking requires a great deal of preparation and rehearsal, but it promotes the likelihood that the speaker will be perceived as knowledgeable and credible.