1. Speaking to inform
CH. 15

2. 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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Practice