informative speaking: guidelines and best...

Informative Speaking:

guidelines

and best practices

Informative Speaking:

guidelines

and best practices

What are some of the purposes of informative speaking?

• Teaches your audience something

• Increases understanding,

awareness, sensitivity to a topic

• Presents a new way of

thinking about something

What TECHNIQUES can I use to get my message across?

• Definition

• Explanation

• Description

• Demonstration

• Narrative

• Definition:

from a dictionary OR an expert

OR trace the root of a term

OR examine how it functions

• Explanation:

Analyze it!

Offer examples!

Trace a line of reasoning or causes!

Look at similarities & differences!

Talk about a process!

Discuss an idea or concept!

• Description:

Use vivid language …

Include colorful details …

Evoke the senses …

Talk about feelings …

Use a visual or aural aid …

• Demonstration:

Use physical modeling

along with verbal elements

TIP: make sure you PRACTICE using your

props and visual aids IN ADVANCE!

• Narrative:

Include a story: personal memory,

anecdote, account from someone’s life,

an incident or event

TIP: make sure the story SUPPORTS YOUR

OVERALL MESSAGE! Practice making it

look and feel natural and unrehearsed!

How do I determine what to include in my speech?

• Think about your purpose: to inform!

• Why are YOU interested in the topic?

• Look for common ground with the audience.

• List the information and details you know.

• Research what you don’t know.

• Select the technique(s) you will use to convey

the information and organize the speech.

TIPS to consider …

• Clarify and simplify!

• Move from general to specific: basic message

• Less is more! (Not TMI)

• Use transitions.

• Avoid excessive jargon. (Practice difficult words.)

• Emphasize your main point(s).

• Focus on creating a strong intro & conclusion.

• Cite your sources.

Working Outline

&

Speaking Outline

Working Outline

Detailed write-up

Full sentences

Reads like an essay or formal outline

Includes ‘works cited’ at end

Helps you become familiar

with all of the content

Speaking Outline

Used when you deliver your speech

Facilitates extemporaneous delivery

Points are in keywords or phrases

Formatted on cards or sheets

Includes sources in body

Includes delivery notes