Informative Speeches — Types, Topics, and Examples
What is an informative speech?
An informative speech uses descriptions, demonstrations, and strong detail to explain a person, place, or subject. An informative speech makes a complex topic easier to understand and focuses on delivering information, rather than providing a persuasive argument.
Types of informative speeches
The most common types of informative speeches are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration.
A definition speech explains a concept, theory, or philosophy about which the audience knows little. The purpose of the speech is to inform the audience so they understand the main aspects of the subject matter.
An explanatory speech presents information on the state of a given topic. The purpose is to provide a specific viewpoint on the chosen subject. Speakers typically incorporate a visual of data and/or statistics.
The speaker of a descriptive speech provides audiences with a detailed and vivid description of an activity, person, place, or object using elaborate imagery to make the subject matter memorable.
A demonstrative speech explains how to perform a particular task or carry out a process. These speeches often demonstrate the following:
How to do something
How to make something
How to fix something
How something works
How to write an informative speech
Regardless of the type, every informative speech should include an introduction, a hook, background information, a thesis, the main points, and a conclusion.
Introduction
An attention grabber or hook draws in the audience and sets the tone for the speech. The technique the speaker uses should reflect the subject matter in some way (i.e., if the topic is serious in nature, do not open with a joke). Therefore, when choosing an attention grabber, consider the following:
What’s the topic of the speech?
What’s the occasion?
Who’s the audience?
What’s the purpose of the speech?
Common Attention Grabbers (Hooks)
Ask a question that allows the audience to respond in a non-verbal way (e.g., a poll question where they can simply raise their hands) or ask a rhetorical question that makes the audience think of the topic in a certain way yet requires no response.
Incorporate a well-known quote that introduces the topic. Using the words of a celebrated individual gives credibility and authority to the information in the speech.
Offer a startling statement or information about the topic, which is typically done using data or statistics. The statement should surprise the audience in some way.
Provide a brief anecdote that relates to the topic in some way.
Present a “what if” scenario that connects to the subject matter of the speech.
Identify the importance of the speech’s topic.
Starting a speech with a humorous statement often makes the audience more comfortable with the speaker.
Include any background information pertinent to the topic that the audience needs to know to understand the speech in its entirety.
The thesis statement shares the central purpose of the speech.
Demonstrate
Preview the main ideas that will help accomplish the central purpose. Typically, informational speeches will have an average of three main ideas.
Body paragraphs
Apply the following to each main idea (body) :
Identify the main idea ( NOTE: The main points of a demonstration speech would be the individual steps.)
Provide evidence to support the main idea
Explain how the evidence supports the main idea/central purpose
Transition to the next main idea
Review or restate the thesis and the main points presented throughout the speech.
Much like the attention grabber, the closing statement should interest the audience. Some of the more common techniques include a challenge, a rhetorical question, or restating relevant information:
Provide the audience with a challenge or call to action to apply the presented information to real life.
Detail the benefit of the information.
Close with an anecdote or brief story that illustrates the main points.
Leave the audience with a rhetorical question to ponder after the speech has concluded.
Detail the relevance of the presented information.
Before speech writing, brainstorm a list of informative speech topic ideas. The right topic depends on the type of speech, but good topics can range from video games to disabilities and electric cars to healthcare and mental health.
Informative speech topics
Some common informative essay topics for each type of informational speech include the following:
Informative speech examples
The following list identifies famous informational speeches:
“Duties of American Citizenship” by Theodore Roosevelt
“Duty, Honor, Country” by General Douglas MacArthur
“Strength and Dignity” by Theodore Roosevelt
Explanation
“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” by Patrick Henry
“The Decision to Go to the Moon” by John F. Kennedy
“We Shall Fight on the Beaches” by Winston Churchill
Description
“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Pearl Harbor Address” by Franklin Delano Roosevelt
“Luckiest Man” by Lou Gehrig
Demonstration
The Way to Cook with Julia Child
This Old House with Bob Vila
Bill Nye the Science Guy with Bill Nye
- Methodology
- Specialized
- Train-the-Trainer
- Build Your Own Program
Informative Speech Outline
Informative speeches are a cornerstone of effective communication, whether in educational settings, professional environments, or public forums. Unlike persuasive speeches that aim to sway opinions or encourage actions, informative speeches traditionally focus on delivering clear, factual, and useful information to an audience. Informative speeches have been thought of as a way to enlighten the listener by breaking down complex topics into understandable segments, enriching their knowledge or understanding of a subject without necessarily aiming to alter their stance.
So what’s wrong with this picture?
A lot. Many people overlook the significant opportunity informative speeches provide to not only inform, but to persuade. Traditionally viewed as vehicles for delivering facts and data, informative speeches actually possess a big opportunity to subtly influence and move audiences. Even when the immediate goal isn’t to elicit a direct action, such as a purchase or commitment, a good informative speech should be strategically designed to shape the audience’s perceptions or future decisions.
The structure of an informative speech is crucial to its success. This is where the concept of an organized speech outline comes into play. An outline serves as a blueprint for the speech, organizing the content logically and coherently. It helps speakers ensure that they cover all necessary points while also maintaining a smooth flow of information. Outlines prevent the common pitfalls of disorganized speech, such as digressing from the topic or overwhelming the audience with too much information at once. Additionally, a well-structured outline can aid in keeping the speaker focused and calm, as they have a clear roadmap to follow during the delivery.
What is an Informative Speech?
A traditional informative speech is designed to educate the audience on a specific topic. It aims to provide clear, factual, and detailed information that enhances the listener’s understanding or knowledge. These speeches are foundational in academic lectures, technical conferences, and quarterly business meetings.
Informative speeches are traditionally characterized by the delivery of unbiased, non-persuasive content, aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of facts, data, and figures related to a specific topic. Key characteristics of informative speeches include clarity, accuracy, and relevance, which assist the speaker in communicating complex information in an accessible format.
Unlike a descriptive speech, which focuses primarily on painting a vivid picture of a particular subject or scene, informative speeches provide a broader spectrum of information. Similarly, a demonstration speech, which typically shows the audience how to perform a task or process, differs from informative speeches that may use visual aids like charts, diagrams, or slides to enhance understanding and retention but do not necessarily include a procedural demonstration. These distinctions help in tailoring the content to meet the specific educational goals of each type of speech.
Traditional Distinction Between Informative & Persuasive Speeches
While both informative and persuasive speeches aim to hold the audience’s attention, their core intentions diverge significantly. Persuasive speeches are designed to influence the audience’s beliefs or actions, encouraging them to adopt a new perspective or engage in a specific behavior. In contrast, informative speeches are neutral; they do not seek to persuade but rather to inform. The speaker of an informative speech will carefully avoid personal bias or persuasive language, focusing instead on delivering straightforward and factual content.
This traditional distinction, however, is short-sighted. It underestimates the subtle power of informative speeches to also shape attitudes and future behaviors. While the primary aim of informative speeches is to educate, this does not preclude them from being crafted in a manner that also persuasively frames information. By integrating persuasive elements, speakers can enhance engagement and retention, and subtly nudge the audience to think about the topic in a way that the speaker would prefer.
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What is the Most Important Part of an Informative Speech?
Now that you understand your informative speech is an opportunity to do more than educate, we’ll break down how to create an impactful informative speech.
The most crucial aspect of any informative speech is its objective. In any speech, persuasive or informative, Suasive refers to this as “Point B.” This objective is the guiding star of the presentation, like a thesis statement. Understanding and clearly defining this objective is paramount to creating an effective informative speech that not only conveys information but also keeps the audience engaged.
Importance of Having a Clear Objective (Point B) for the Speech
The objective of an informative speech—Point B—answers the fundamental question: What do I want my audience to know, or do, or feel after listening to my speech? This clear endpoint is essential because it helps structure the entire presentation around a central goal. It ensures that every piece of information presented moves the audience closer to a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Without a clear objective, a speech can easily become a collection of disjointed facts that fail to provide value or enhance understanding.
Having a defined objective also aids in selecting content. It helps the speaker decide what to include and, crucially, what to omit. This focus prevents the common pitfall of overwhelming the audience with too much information, which can lead to confusion or disinterest.
Why Create an Outline for an Informative Speech?
Creating an outline for an informative speech is crucial in organizing and delivering content effectively. This framework not only structures the speech but also ensures that the speaker communicates the essential information in a logical and engaging manner.
The Role of an Outline in Organizing and Focusing Your Speech Content
An outline acts as a roadmap for both the preparation and delivery phases of an informative speech. It guides the structure of the speech, ensuring that all included information is relevant and contributes directly to the overarching goal of the presentation. By organizing the speech around a clear objective, this informative speech outline template helps maintain focus and prevents deviation from the main topic.
How Outlines Prevent Information Overload
The challenge of overloading the audience with information, leading to confusion and disengagement, is a significant concern in informative speeches. An outline addresses this issue by breaking down the speech into manageable segments, allowing the speaker to introduce complex information gradually and coherently. This structured approach helps maintain audience engagement by providing clear transitions and logical progression between topics.
Additionally, incorporating elements that resonate with the audience’s interests and needs within the outline can turn a potentially dry presentation into a compelling narrative. Even in an informative speech, subtle persuasive elements can make the information more impactful, ensuring that the audience not only understands but also values the presented information.
An outline helps speakers effectively pace their presentation, highlight key points, and adapt their delivery based on audience feedback, enhancing both understanding and engagement.
What are the Steps in Writing an Informative Speech?
Writing an informative speech involves a systematic process to ensure clarity and effectiveness in delivering the intended message. This process includes developing a detailed outline that organizes the content of the speech so it is logical and compelling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Developing an Outline
1. Brainstorm
This involves generating a wide range of ideas, one point at a time, and then distilling these into main points that are directly relevant to the objective. The brainstorming process is crucial to explore diverse aspects and ensure that no critical information is overlooked. You need not use a complete sentence format when brainstorming, just one or two keywords is best.
After brainstorming, create individual clusters by selecting 2-6 main points. These become the centers of individual clusters. Next, add sub-points around each cluster like spokes in a wheel. Clustering simplifies complex data into more manageable chunks, making it easier to tell your story with crystal-clear clarity.
3. Organize the Flow
Arrange the main points in a logical sequence so the story is easy for you to tell, and easy for the audience to understand. This transforms your speech from information to a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
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Flow Structures to Shape Your Story
To enhance the effectiveness of an informative speech, different flow structures can be used depending on the nature of the content and the desired impact on the audience. Here are a few examples:
1. Problem-Solution
This structure is effective for topics that involve addressing specific issues or challenges. The speech outlines a problem and then discusses possible solutions, making it highly engaging and practical for the audience.
2. Chronological
For topics that involve historical events, processes, or narratives that unfold over time, a chronological structure is appropriate. It helps the audience easily follow the progression of events or steps in a process.
3. Form-Function
This structure is useful for explaining the evolution of a concept. It starts with the original idea (form) and then describes its multiple applications (function) for the growth of an enterprise.
By carefully selecting and applying a flow structure, you can tailor your presentation to your topic and audience, enhancing both the delivery and comprehension of your speech. Each structure provides a unique way to arrange information, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and can easily follow your story.
What are the Three Parts of a Conclusion in an Outline for an Informative Speech?
A well-crafted conclusion is crucial for reinforcing the main message and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. In an informative speech, the conclusion serves as the final opportunity to emphasize your objective and ensure the audience takes away the intended message. The conclusion typically consists of three key parts: the Bookend Gambit, the Recap, and Point B.
1. Bookend Gambit
This element serves as the initial part of the conclusion, designed to recapture the audience’s attention and prepare them for the final message. It often mirrors the creativity of the opening Gambit in style and content, providing message continuity and consistency.
After the Bookend Gambit, the Recap summarizes the main points of the speech. This is crucial for reinforcing the information delivered, especially the core concepts that support the objective. By succinctly reviewing each main point, the speaker helps solidify audience understanding and retention.
The last part of the conclusion is where the speaker reiterates the main message or objective, emphasizing what they want the audience to remember or act upon. This statement should be short, compelling, and memorable, leaving no doubt about the importance of the content.
How to tell your story so the audience feels it’s their story.
End with a Strong, Memorable Conclusion
The conclusion is your last chance to impact your audience, making it one of the most important parts of the speech. A strong, memorable conclusion ensures that the main message is understood and remembered. It reinforces the purpose of the speech and can significantly influence how the audience feels about the topic discussed. A well-executed conclusion not only enhances understanding but also elevates the overall effectiveness of the speech, ensuring that the audience leaves with a clear sense of the speech’s significance and relevance.
In crafting a conclusion, it is beneficial to think about the desired impact on the audience. Whether the goal is to inspire, inform, or call to action, the conclusion should succinctly encapsulate the essence of the speech while also motivating the audience to reflect on the importance of the topic. This approach ensures that the speech doesn’t only convey just what you want them to know, but also leaves a lasting impression that extends beyond the presentation itself.
Throughout this article, we’ve explored the key components and strategies required to craft effective informative speeches. From clearly stating your goal for the audience, to utilizing a complete sentence outline for precise structuring, every step is crucial in delivering an engaging and informative presentation.
Summary of Key Points
Importance of a Clear Objective / Point B
We emphasized the significance of communicating early the informative goal as the guiding force for the entire speech. Point B ensures that every part of the speech is aligned and focused on the main goal and is critical for both persuasive and informative speeches.
Outline Creation
The process of crafting a solid informative speech outline, from brainstorming, to clustering ideas into a coherent speaking outline, to ensuring flow was explored.
Speech Conclusion
The three essential parts of the conclusion—the Bookend Gambit, Recap, and Point B—were highlighted to show how a powerful conclusion can encapsulate the entire speech and reinforce the main message.
We encourage all speakers, whether in public speaking scenarios, boardrooms, or classrooms to employ these outlined strategies to enhance the impact of their informative speeches. Starting with a well-defined Point B, utilizing an effective outline, and crafting a memorable conclusion are foundational elements that ensure your speeches are not only informative but also make the impact you deserve.
Suasive, Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based communication consulting company that offers public speaking classes for organizations and individuals.
To date, we’ve coached over 600 IPOs and helped individuals in some of the world’s largest companies including Netflix , eBay , Sonos , Lyft , and Freshworks .
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