Name and define the 4 types of Informative Speech. Give 2 examples each. (8 Points) Each of the following statements is an informative speech about an object, policy, event or concept. (COPE) Correct

CHAPTER # 15 – INFORMATIVE SPEAKING

Public speaking to inform occurs in a wide range of everyday situations. An informative speech is designed to convey knowledge and understanding about a topic subject. An informative speech is judged by 3 general criteria:

1. Is the information communicated accurately?

2. Is the information communicated clearly?

3. Is the information meaningful and interesting to the listening audience?

There are 4 types of informative speeches (COPE)

Speeches about Objects – anything that’s visible, tangible and stable in form. They may include persons (past or present), places, structures or animals. Examples: Cancun, Mexico, pet poodle, tropical fish, the Grand Canyon, Chief Sitting Bull, Theodore Roosevelt, Willie Nelson, human eye, seaweed, Costa Rico, etc.

Speeches about Processes

Inform my audience how hurricanes develop.

Inform my audience how oriental rugs are made.

Inform my audience how to write an effective job resume.

There are two kinds of informative speeches about processes:

1. One kind explains a process so that a listener will better understand it (how to fill out the student section of the FAFSA application; how a tsunami forms)

2. Second one explains a process so listeners will be able to better perform the process themselves (how to fix a small hole in the wall, how to perform CPR or the Heimlich maneuver

Speeches about Events

Topics could include the civil rights movement, figure skating, a job interview, General Custer’s Battle of the Little Big Horn, the Chicago Marathon, the sinking of the ocean-liner Titanic, the COVID 19 Pandemic

Speeches about Concepts – a belief, theory, idea, notion, or principle

To inform my audience about the major principles of film theory. To inform my audience about the basic principles of the Islamic faith.

Guidelines for Informative Speaking;

1. Don’t overestimate what the audience knows about your subject matter. Don’t assume the audience knows facts about a speech. Keep it simple.

2. Relate the subject directly to the audience. It’s the speaker’s job to get the listeners interested in the topic. What interests you might not interest the audience.

3. Don’t talk about a topic too technical, over our heads.

4. Personalize your topic

Remember, people are interested in people. Try to personalize your ideas in human terms.

You’re a student in nursing school – demonstrate the procedure how to take a person’s blood pressure.

You’re a diabetic – explain what is diabetes, its causes and symptoms, treatments and medications. Demonstrate an insulin injection.