1. Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach
Speaking to
Inform
Steven A. Beebe & Susan J. Beebe
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2. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
“Not only is there an art in knowing a thing, but also a certain art in teaching it.” Cicero
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3. 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
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4. 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.
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5. Types of Informative Speeches
Expository
Descriptive
Demonstration
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6. 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.
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7. 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
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8. 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
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9. Strategies to Enhance Audience Understanding
Speak with clarity.
Make it Relevant
Clarify complex
processes.
Use effective visual
reinforcement.
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10. Strategies to Maintain Audience Interest
Create motive for audience to listen.
Present
information
that is relevant
and relates
to listeners.
Use the
unexpected.
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11. Strategies to Enhance Audience Recall
Build in redundancy.
Make key ideas
short and simple.
Pace your
information flow.
Reinforce key ideas.
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12. 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?
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13. A Sample Informative Speech
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009