Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach Speaking to Inform Steven A. Beebe & Susan J. Beebe Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 “Not only is there an art in knowing a thing, but also a certain art in teaching it.” - Cicero Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 Speeches to Inform Aimed at educating listeners. Objective – to create understanding Convey information to others. When Speakers “teach” they: explain define illustrate clarify elaborate Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Goals of Informative Speaking To enhance understanding: convey ideas that can easily be interpreted and understood. To stimulate interest: keep listeners engaged and intrigued. To be remembered: have listeners recall information long after the speech has ended. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Types of Informative Speeches Expository Descriptive Demonstration Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Types of Informative Speeches Expository Speeches: explain or define objects, issues, concepts or events. rely on facts, data, and research to communicate a comprehensive view of the subject. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Types of Informative Speeches Descriptive Speeches: inform audiences about a topic in vivid detail. use words and pictures so that an audience can form an accurate and precise mental picture of what is being spoken about Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Types of Informative Speeches Demonstration Speeches: inform audiences HOW something is done, displays the stages of the process, or depicts how something works The goal is to have audience describe, understand or follow procedure Typically organized chronologicall STEP-BY-STEP Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Strategies to Enhance Audience Understanding Speak with clarity. Make it Relevant Clarify complex processes. Use effective visual reinforcement. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Strategies to Maintain Audience Interest Create motive for audience to listen. Present information that is relevant and relates to listeners. Use the unexpected. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Strategies to Enhance Audience Recall Build in redundancy. Make key ideas short and simple. Pace your information flow. Reinforce key ideas. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
A Sample Informative Speech Watch the video, and ask yourself: 1. What type of informative speech is this? (About objects? People? Events?, etc.) 2. Does the speaker motivate people to listen? 3. Does the speaker clarify complex ideas? 3. Are there appeals to adult learning? 4. Are ideas reinforced? 5. Is information well-paced? 6. Are ideas short and simple? Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
A Sample Informative Speech Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009