Speaking to Inform

What you must know to pull off an excellent Informative Speech Speaking to Inform The purpose of the informative speech is to provide interesting, useful, and unique information to your audience.

What again is the purpose of this speech? Tell our audience something that they don’t already know! Audience may have some general knowledge of subject, you will provide a more in-depth analysis. Narrow your topic to a manageable size to fit 6-8 minutes.

Is it only possible to inform? Can be a mixed motive for speech New information + persuasive influence Example: Your speech might be about kickboxing, but you might be slightly trying to convince us why it is the best workout or why we should try it.

Types of Informative Speeches Speeches about Objects Processes Events Concepts These are more abstract

The Importance of the Introduction We will develop this more later but getting off to a good start is huge!

Establish Ethos (character of the speaker) SELL YOURSELF! Prove yourself as the expert Make it evident that you researched and are prepared Most likely you are an “eyewitness” to your topic

React to feedback ADJUST! ADJUST ADJUST Look for audience reaction Are they getting it? Are they still with you? Pay close attention to audience Look for signs of understanding, puzzlement, disagreement

Poorly planned = jerky, disconnected mini-speeches Make Smooth Transitions Well- planned = smooth, flowing speech

Sprinkle attention getters throughout speech • Get close to your audience • Be energized and enthused yourself BODY of Informative Speech(The main purpose of the speech) Here is where the central message is completely developed How do you keep attention during the middle of speech?

Finishing the Informative Speech Summarize main points Restate message in brief form Put it all together before you sit down Brief but powerful

Experience • Observation • Research The Goal: shed light on a brand new topic

STEP ONE The Introduction is most important! Gain audience’s attention HUMOR SUSPENSE Build quickly / tease the audience NARRATIVE Keep short and to the point SHOCK TECHNIQUE Startling statement

STEP TWO Build interest in your topic Building interest is not the same as gaining attention. Ask a question (or a series of questions) Directly challenge your audience Start with a quotation

STEP THREE Preview the Topic “Clue audience in” Principal purpose of speech is to teach. WELL, tell them what you will be teaching them about!

STEP FOUR • Audience asks: • What do I stand to gain from listening? • Why should I be interested? • What is this topic’s significance to me? Apply Message to Audience

Speaking to Inform