Chapter 15

Informative speech

A speech designed to convey knowledge and understanding.

Object

Process

A systematic series of actions that leads to a specific result or product.

Event

Anything that happens or is regarded as happening.

Concept

A belief, theory, idea, notion, principle, or the like.

Description

A statement that depicts a person, event, idea, or the like with clarity and vividness.

Comparison

A statement of the similarities among two or more people, events, ideas, etc.

Contrast

A statement of the differences among two or more people, events, ideas, etc.

Personalize

To present one's ideas in human terms that relate in some fashion to the experience of the audience.

1. Speeches about objects
2. Speeches about processes
3. Speeches about events
4. Speeches about concepts

1. Don't overestimate what the audience knows
2. Relate the subject directly to the audience
3. Don't be too technical
4. Avoid abstractions
5. Personalize your ideas
6. Be creative