Informative Speeches
“Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.” Jim Rohn.
Types of Informative Speeches
Speeches About Ideas
Speeches About Objects
Speeches About Procedures
Speeches About People
Speeches About Events
Sample Informative Speeches
The main goal of an informative speech is to inform. It's that simple, you're just teaching the audience about something that you find fascinating.
Before you start organizing your speech, know your purpose and write a purpose statement. A purpose statement is like a thesis statement.
You may choose to share your purpose statement with your audience, or you can keep it to yourself. Either way, every decision you make while preparing your speech should revolve around your purpose statement.
Links
So much more effective than a PowerPoint.
from Public Speaking An Audience-Centered Approach
Speech Proficiency Tips
Tape record yourself so you can hear how you sound before going in front of the class
Color-code your note cards; make spots for voice emphasis, pauses, etc.
Note cards are just for reference. Do NOT write your speech word for word. Watch Joshua Foer's TED Talk to learn a very effective way of memorizing speeches.
NO GUM!!!
Don’t draw attention to your mistakes
Take a deep breath before beginning and after finishing
Vocal variety: talk as if you really mean what you are saying; do not speak in a monotone voice. Have sincerity in your voice. Do not trail off at the end of your sentence!
Watch out for crutch words: “um,” “like,” and “you know” especially
Know your opening and closing lines so you can address the audience directly. Do not read from your cards; this will result in a failure
Body movement: don’t flick your hair, no hands in pockets, do not sway or rock, etc.
Wear clothing that does not distract your listeners—no hats!
Do not center your eye contact on the teacher—spread it around the room
Uses pauses—don’t be in such a hurry. Speak slowly.
Make sure your conclusion is effective. Consider your audience—make it as interesting as possible by avoiding too much “technical talk” that the audience cannot identify with. Speak in your own words, not those of another source!!!
Use that visual!!! It should be an integral part of your speech, not something “on the side.”
Be energetic! Everything about you should say, “I like myself, I brush my teeth daily, and I know what I’m talking about!”
