Day Eight: Speaking to Inform by Yana Cornish Hamilton Business College

Agenda: Short Speeches Review Homework Chapter 15: Informative Speech Individual discussions about speeches

Homework for Next Class Read chapters 16 & 17 Ch. 16 Suggested Activities p. 377 (#1) Ch. 17 Suggested Activities pp (#3) Complete outline & bibliography for persuasive speech

Speaking to Inform

Goals of Informative Speaking: Speaking to enhance understanding Speaking to maintain interest Speaking to remember Speaking to describe or demonstrate

Types of Informative Speeches: Speeches about objects Speeches about procedures Speeches about people Speeches about events Speeches about ideas

An Informative Speech can… Report new information Explain difficult concepts and complex processes Clarify and correct misunderstood information

Reporting New Information Answers who, what, where, when, how, and why questions Explain the concept clearly with various types of supporting material so the audience can grasp the new idea. Include a value step (or reason for the audience to listen) and relate the information to audience needs, interests, and values.

Explaining Difficult Concepts Define or list the concept’s essential features. Explain how it differs from other related concepts. Use typical examples. Contrast examples and nonexamples (i.e.: The opposite of communism is capitalism, not democracy.) Quiz the audience. Pose questions and give the audience time to think about their responses. Then, make sure you provide the correct answer to your question.

Explaining Complex Processes Provide clear key points and make sure you are well organized. Use analogies to compare the unfamiliar process with one the audience already understands. Use presentation aids such as models and drawings to help your audience visualize the process. Use connectives - transitions, previews, and summaries - frequently to help your audience understand the relationships among key ideas.

Overcoming Confusion and Misinformation State the misconception Acknowledge its believability and why it’s believable. Reject the misconception by providing contrary evidence. State and explain the more acceptable and accurate belief.

Tips for Informative Speeches Address audience needs: Find out what audience members already know about your topic, and make sure all information is related to your purpose. Include a value step: A value step is at the beginning of your speech and tells your audience why your information should matter to them and how it can affect their success or well-being. Don’t expect your audience members to figure out why they should listen. Enhance your credibility: Let your audience know you are an expert, or show that you care about them in order to earn their respect, trust, and attention.

Tips for Informative Speeches KISS (Keep It Simple, Speaker): Most audiences cannot absorb and retain complex information. Keep your topic focused and concentrate on one or two important ideas instead of ten. One Sensory Image: Make a presentation more memorable by focusing on one sensory image- choose a topic that taps one of the five senses. -For example, a presentation about garlic could focus on methods for getting rid of garlic odor on your hands and breath.

Strategies to enhance understanding: Define ideas clearly Use principles and techniques of adult learning Clarify complex processes Use effective visual reinforcement

Strategies to enhance interest: Establish a motive for the audience to listen Tell a story Present information that relates to the audience

Strategies to enhance recall: Build in redundancy Pace your information flow Reinforce key ideas verbally Reinforce key ideas nonverbally

Activity: Suggested Activities: #1 p. 354 in the book

Homework for next week Read chapters 16 & 17 Ch. 16 Suggested Activities p. 377 (#1) Ch. 17 Suggested Activities pp (#3) Complete outline & bibliography for persuasive speech