Speaking to inform CH. 15

Graduates from five US colleges rated informative speaking number the number one skill most important to their jobs 62 percent of respondents to a survey said they used informative speaking almost constantly Competence in informative communication proves to be an invaluable skill

For an informative speech, your aim is to convey knowledge and understanding NOT to advocate for a cause An informative speech is judged in light of three criteria Is the information communicated accurately? Is the information communicated clearly? Is the information made meaningful and interesting to the audience?

Types of informative speeches: analysis and organization Speeches about objects Includes anything that is visible, tangible, and stable in form – includes things that are alive Examples of effective specific purposes To inform my audience about three major kinds of service dogs To inform my audience about the role of Susan B Anthony in the US Women’s Rights Movement To inform my audience about the worldwide fascination with Legos

Types of informative speeches: analysis and organization Speeches about processes Examples of effective specific purposes To inform my audience how flash floods develop To inform my audience how to write an effective job resume To inform my audience how US currency is made Two types: A process listeners will understand A process listeners will perform

Types of informative speeches: analysis and organization Speeches about events Examples of effective specific purposes To inform my audience about the events of Peru’s Festival of the Sun ceremony To inform my audience about the major types of therapeutic massage To inform my audience about what occurred at the battle of Little Big Horn

Types of informative speeches: analysis and organization Speeches about concepts Examples of effective specific purposes To inform my audience about the philosophy of Net neutrality To inform my audience about the doctrine of original intent in constitutional interpretation To inform my audience about the basic principles of Confucianism

Guidelines for information speaking Don’t overestimate what the audience knows Relate the subject directly to the audience Don’t be too technical Familiar words Avoid abstractions Use concrete language Personalize your ideas

Practice