Informative Speech
Presentations that have the goal of
increasing others’ knowledge,
understanding, or abilities.
Types of Informative Speeches
Type
Sample specific purpose
Demonstration
To show listeners how to construct an outline
Instruction
To teach listeners how to perform CPR
Description
To describe the people and land of Nepal
Explanation
To explain why (or how) hurricanes form
Briefing
To summarize the results of our new
marketing strategy
Reporting
To provide detailed information on the
results of our new marketing strategy
Informative vs Persuasive Speaking
1. Persuasive speeches tend to have more
controversial purposes.
2. Persuasive speeches seek more
powerful responses from listeners.
3. Persuasive speeches require greater
degrees of proof.
4. Persuasive speeches require earning
greater amounts of credibility.
Importance of Credibility
• A speaker has
credibility when
the listeners are
convinced the
speaker has:



Knowledge
Goodwill toward
them
Trustworthiness
• In general
credibility is
more important
for a speaker
attempting to
change people
than a speaker
who seeks to
inform them.
Design Your Speech to Enhance
Learning and Retention
• Limit the information you present.
• Move from familiar to unfamiliar.
• Repeat important ideas.

Repetition is a powerful way to increase
retention.
Involve Listeners
• Call for direct participation.
• Ask rhetorical questions.
• Poll listeners.
• Refer to specific listeners.
Guidelines for Effective
Informative Speaking
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Provide listeners with a clear thesis statement.
Connect with listeners’ values and experiences.
Motivate listeners to want information.
Incorporate diverse perspectives.
Organize so listeners can follow easily.
Design your speech to enhance learning and
retention.
7. Involve listeners.
8. Use effective and ethical supporting materials.
Informative Speech Outline
General Purpose:
Specific Purpose:
________________________________________
Introduction
A.
Attention Device
B.
Motivation for listening
C.
Thesis statement
D.
Preview of speech
Transition to body of speech
Body
I. First main point
A. Supporting material
B. Supporting material
C. Transition
II. Second main point
A. Supporting material
B. Supporting material
C. Transition
III. Third main point
A. Supporting material
B. Supporting material
C. Transition
You may have
only two main
points.
You may have
more than two
kinds of
supporting
material for
main points.
Conclusion
A. Summary of main points
B. Strong closing statement
References
• Cite all sources
• Follow appropriate style guidelines

MLA, APA, or CBE
Experiencing Communication
in our Lives . . .
Discuss the following speech using
material presented in Chapter 16.
Wadsworth/Thomson