2. Informative Speech
Is a speech that is designed to
convey knowledge and
understanding.
“A Speech to Teach”
3. Informative Communication
Strategies
Informatory
To create or
increase awareness
To report new
information
Examples: Simple
directions, brief news
stories, demonstration
speeches.
Explanatory
To deepen
understanding
To clarify difficult
information and create
understanding
Examples: Academic
lectures, Philosophies,
Documentaries, etc.
4. Types of Informative Speeches
1. Descriptions or Objects
“Includes anything visible, tangible or stable in
form”
1. Includes places, structures, people, & animals
2. Typically uses Chronological, Spatial or Topical
Organizational Patterns
5. Types of Informative
Speeches
2. Explanations or Processes
“A systematic series of actions that leads to a
specific result or product”
2 Types of Process Speeches:
1. Designed to understand the process better
2. Designed to have listeners do the process
(Demonstration speech)
- Chronological or Topical Organizational Patterns
6. Types of Informative
Speeches
3. Events – “Anything that happens”
1. Make sure to narrow your focus
2. Chronological, Topical or Cause/Effect
Organizational Patterns
4. Concepts or Definitions – “A belief, theory,
idea or principle”
1. Can be tricky!
2. Topical organizational pattern
8. Caution!
Caution: Sometimes topics fit into more
than one category and can be
organized using various patterns
Pick one type of informative speech topic and one
organizational pattern! Then use each option consistently
throughout your speech.
10. Strategies to Reduce
Confusion
1. Use analogies to build on prior
knowledge
2. Use Illustrations
By using charts, graphs, pictures, objects,
etc.
1. Avoid abstractions by comparing and
contrasting with things the audience
already knows
2. Provide explanations, definitions, &
descriptions