1. CHAPTER 13 INFORMATIVE SPEAKING

2. I. CATEGORIZING TYPES OF INFORMATIVE SPEAKING

3. A. Content 1. OBJECTS: Tangible (seen/touched) E.g. spider monkey, computer software 2. PROCESSES: Series of actions that leads to a result. E.g. time management, process of aging 3. EVENTS: Notable event. E.g. 9/11, JFK’s death 4. CONCEPTS: Beliefs, theories, ideas, and principles. E.g. Catholicism, evolution

4. B. Purpose 1. Description 2. Explanations 3. Instructions 1. Straightforward, creates “word picture” 2. Clarify ideas & concepts, “WHY?” 3. Teach something in a logical, step-by-step manner, “HOW?”

5. II. INFORMATIVE vs. PERSUASIVE TOPICS

6. A. Informative speaking is noncontroversial B. Informative speaking is not intended to change the audience attitudes.

7. III. TECHNIQUES OF INFORMATIVE SPEAKING

8. A. DEFINE A SPECIFIC INFORMATIVE PURPOSE 1. Informative purpose statement – Worded to stress audience knowledge, ability, or both “After listening to my speech, my audience will be able to discuss the idea of dramatic structure.” –Specific verbs: Analyze, apply, list, perform, review (p. 401) 2. Clear thesis – The purpose statement will lead to your thesis statement. E.g. “The 5 components of dramatic structure- conflict, rising tension, climax, resolution, and denouncement- are found in every effective form of storytelling. ”

9. B. INFORMATION HUNGER 1. Def.: A reason for your audience members to want to listen to and learn from your speech. – Appeal to your audience’s needs!

10. C. MAKE IT EASY TO LISTEN 1. Limit the amount of information you present 2. Use familiar info. to increase understanding of the unfamiliar 3. Use simple info. to build up understanding of complex information

11. D. EMPHASIZE IMPORTANT POINTS 1. Repetition – Ineffective if… (1) you are redundant w/ obvious, trivial, or boring points. 2. Signposts – Def.: Words or phrases that emphasize the importance of what you are about to say. “What I am about to say is really important”

12. E. USE A CLEAR ORGANIZATION 1. Introduction – a. Establish the importance of your topic to your audience – b. Preview the thesis, the 1 central idea you want your audience to remember. – c. Preview your main points.

13. 2. The body a. Limit your division of main points to 3 to 5 subpoints. b. Use transitions, internal summaries, and internal previews. c. Order your points in the way that they will be most easy to understand and remember.

14. 3. The conclusion a. Review your main points b. Remind your audience members of the importance of your topic to them. c. Provide your audience w/ a memory aid.

15. F. USE CLEAR LANGUAGE 1. Simple vocabulary 2. Avoid jargon