Informational speeches are one of the most common types, so most likely you will be asked to present one sometime. This manual contains information about organizing an informational speech, tailoring your speech to the audience, conducting a demonstration, presenting a report and delivering a speech about an abstract subject.
Part of the Advanced Communication Series.
| Project | Time | Objectives |
| 1. The Speech to Inform |
5-7 minutes | Informative speeches can be educational, entertaining, and enjoyable for your audience, if you plan them carefully. Make the information relevant to your listeners, relate it to what they already know, and involve them in some manner. Keep the information organized and present it in an interesting manner. Remember to repeat the points you want listeners to remember and use visual aids to aid in retention.
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| 2. Resources for Informing |
5-7 minutes | Knowledge of your audience often determines whether your speech will be successful. Strive to find out as much as possible about your listeners, including their ages, occupations, economic status, education, political orientation and hobbies. Then demonstrate your knowledge of the subject, making sure you have the right support material. Use visual aids appropriately.
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| 3. The Demonstration Talk |
5-7 minutes | A demonstration is the most effective way to explain a process, activity, or product. Demonstration can be done through body movement (showing a dance step or skiing technique), showing a physical object, or displaying a model. Carefully rehearse the demonstration and be sure the audience can see it. Anticipate any problems that may occur and plan how to handle each one.
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| 4. A Fact-Finding Report |
5-7 minutes for the speech, and 2-3 minutes for the Q&A | Fact-finding reports are used to present information your audience needs to make a good decision. Keep the report focused, explain the sources of your information, and present facts clearly and quickly. Close with recommendations for action. Often these reports are followed by a question-and-answer session, so anticipate possible questions and prepare your answers beforehand.
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| 5. The Abstract Concept |
6-8 minutes | Explaining a theory, principle, philosophy, or social issue can be challenging. Make sure the audience knows the general concept and how your speech relates to it. Show how your topic relates to listeners’ everyday lives. Use plenty of examples, anecdotes, illustrations, and visual aids to help listeners understand and visualize your points, and avoid technical jargon.
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