Treasure Hunt

Practically Speaking by J. Dan Rothwell

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Chapter 14 Informative Speaking

• Distinguishing Informative from Persuasive

Speaking

• Types of Informative Speeches

• Guidelines for Competent Informative Speaking

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Chapter 14 Learning Objectives

• 14.1 Distinguish key differences between informative and persuasive speaking.

• 14.2 Select an appropriate informative speech type that fits a given speaking situation.

• 14.3 Effectively use competent informative speaking guidelines to adapt content to a given audience.

• 14.4 Effectively use storytelling to adapt content to a given audience.

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Informative vs. Persuasive Speaking (1 of 2)

The goal of informative speaking is to teach your audience something new, interesting, and

useful.

The purpose of a persuasive speech is to convince your listeners to change their

viewpoint and behavior,

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Informative vs. Persuasive Speaking (2 of 2)

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Distinguishing Informative Speaking

• Informative speeches convey noncontroversial information by staying neutral

• There is no call to action in informative speeches

• You should not take a firm stand, present only one side, or advocate a change in behavior

• Informative speeches may act as a precursor to a subsequent persuasive speech

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Is This Informative or Persuasive?

“Everything Happens for a Reason” and Other Lies I’ve Loved

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Types of Informative Speeches

1. Reports: Facts in Brief

2. Explanations: Deeper Understanding

3. Demonstrations: Acting Out

4. Narratives: Storytelling

5. Pros and Cons: Comparisons

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Challenges of Demonstration Speeches

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Guidelines for Competent Informative Speaking

• Be informative

• Adapt to your audience

• Avoid information overload

• Tell your story well

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Be Informative: Tell Us What we Do Not Know

• You should provide new information to listeners

• Ensure your audience does not leave your speech saying “I didn’t learn a thing”

• Focus on information that is not widely known

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Adapt to Your Audience: Topic Choice and Knowledge Base

• Avoid topics that are too complex or abstract for the educational level of your audience

• To clarify difficult material, use: – Examples – Personal stories – Visual aids – Metaphors – Analogies

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Avoid Information Overload: Beware the Data Dump

• Separate useless information from useful information

• Know when to quit • Preparation and practice are essential • Time your speech beforehand • Ask yourself “Do they really need to know

this?”

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Tell Your Story Well: Narrative Tips

• Choose a story that fits your audience • Your story should fit your purpose • Your story should illustrate a key point • Keep stories concise • Practice telling the story • Do not read your narrative • Be animated, even visual when telling your story.

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Examples of Strong Storytelling

“My Stroke of Insight”

“The Last Lecture”

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Review of Chapter 14 Learning Objectives

• 14.1 Distinguish key differences between informative and persuasive speaking.

• 14.2 Select an appropriate informative speech type that fits a given speaking situation.

• 14.3 Effectively use competent informative speaking guidelines to adapt content to a given audience.

• 14.4 Effectively use storytelling to adapt content to a given audience.