Chapter 12 Speaking to Inform

Speaking to Inform What does a speech to inform do? (Pg 239) What careers/jobs require informative speaking skills

Speaking to Inform Goals of Informative Speaking To enhance Understanding Occurs when message is accurately interpreted Words & nonverbal are often misunderstood To maintain interest Goal will fail if listeners are bored/not focused Audiences listen to what: Affects them, adds to their knowledge Satisfies curiosity, Entertains them

Speaking to Inform Goals of Informative Speaking To be remembered One day after hearing a presentation Audiences remember ____ % of what they were told Two days after presentation To enhance recall use Organization Redundancy – internal & final summaries Relate message to listeners interests

Speaking to Inform Types of Informative Speeches History Classified by the subject they cover History Objects, Places, Events Anything tangible (Something seen or touched) Locations that have value or are worth learning about

Speaking to Inform Speech about major event Sept 11th 2001 Major event can form a fascinating informative speech An event you have witnessed or researched What are major events you can identify? Make the event come alive Use vivid details & emotion to help visualize the event Organize for Effect Most events use chronological structure May be topical

Speaking to Inform Biography Speech about a person Key to effective biographical speech Don’t try to cover every detail of subjects life Focus on specific aspects Career Personality Accomplishments Significant life features Current athletes, celebrities or well known/common figures will not be accepted for the informative biography speech

Speaking to Inform Processes Speech about procedure Explains how something works Circulatory system, How grapes become wine Use of word “how” Many procedure speeches include visual aids Showing how to do something is more effective than telling them The informative research speech should go beyond a basic “How To” speech

Speaking to Inform Ideas Can be more abstract than other info speeches Minimalism Evolution Feng Shui Most idea speeches are organized topically

Speaking to Inform Avoid broad topics To inform my audience about the history of music Avoid faux or Fake informative speech topics To inform my audience why minimalism is good To inform my audience that ghosts are real Avoid topics with limited information To inform my audience about Club 33 To inform my audience about Banksy

Speaking to Inform Be accurate, clear and interesting Speak with clarity To express ideas so that the listener understands the intended message accurately

Speaking to Inform Enhancing audience understanding Message Clarity Preview main points in introduction Tell listeners how content relates to previous point Frequently summarize key ideas Provide visual outline to help listeners follow Provide any handouts prior to speech Stay on message Don’t present too much info too quickly

Speaking to Inform Strategies to enhance audience understanding Clarify complex processes Use analogies/comparisons Give “big picture” before giving details Describe the process Who, what, when, where, why Use word pictures There are many ways to do this

Speaking to Inform Use principles and techniques of adult learning Adult learners like to Be give information that can be used immediately Have active involvement in the learning process Connect their life experiences with the new information Know how new information is relevant to their needs and lives Are problem oriented learners

Speaking to Inform Use effective visual reinforcement Research on learning styles shows Listeners remember ideas reinforced with visual aids Pictures Graphs Posters Audiences like visual messages Television Internet

Speaking to Inform Before you can inform, you must gain interest Establish motive If given motivation audience will listen Boss says "Your job depends on this info" Teacher says "This test will be 50% of your grade" Tell a story Characters & plots fascinate listeners A good story Includes conflict, Incorporates action Creates Suspense, May incorporate humor

Speaking to Inform Present information that relates to your listeners An effective audience centered speaker means Being aware of information audience can use Won’t share information that will bore or disinterest audience What are some informative topics that may relate to or interest this class

Speaking to Inform Build in redundancy Pace information flow Writers usually don’t repeat Readers can reread Speakers Should repeat key points Pace information flow Evenly discuss main points & details Avoid many details for one point & few for others Use support to clarify info new to audience Present info for audience to grasp

Speaking to Inform Reinforce key ideas verbally Use phrases to reinforce ideas “This is the MOST IMPORTANT point” “Be sure to REMEMBER this next point” These will help audience recall information Avoid overuse of this technique (don't tell audience every point is important)

Speaking to Inform Reinforce ideas nonverbally Nonverbal can signal importance Gestures Accent or emphasize key phrases Pauses Can emphasize the information that is between the pauses Movement Can help emphasize major ideas or information presented