This document provides guidance on delivering an informative speech by outlining the key elements to consider when preparing such a speech. It recommends identifying the goal of the speech as clarifying a complex issue, increasing knowledge on a subject, demonstrating something useful, or showing relationships between concepts. It then provides examples of topics for each goal and discusses techniques to engage the audience like generating "information hunger" through questions or statements, using storytelling, defining terms, and demonstrating concepts without causing information overload. The document stresses the importance of anticipating the behavioral purpose of the speech and engaging the audience through clear organization and presentation of content.

1. Delivering the
informative speech
How can we enhance the audience’s knowledge and
understanding of a topic through this speech type?
Dawn Bartz, instructor

2. Identify the goal
for the speech
Clarifying a complex issue
Increasing knowledge of a subject
Demonstrating something useful
Showing the relationship between
things
Increasing interest in topics
What do you want your audience
to walk away knowing?

3. To clarify complex issues
Select a topic that may be confusing to many people
and explain to the what the issue can mean to them.
For example:
● How does identity theft work?
● Should some illegal drugs become legal in the US?
● What are “cookies,” and how do they influence
web browsing?

4. Increasing what the audience knows about a topic
This type of speech is the most like teaching. What knowledge can you impart?
This speech provides useful information listener can choose to use (or not).

5. Demonstrating something useful
The audience will remember better if they not
only hear what you say but also do it. Including a
demonstration can add impact to words and
images.
Examples:
● How can walking everyday for 10 minutes improve
your health?
● What is the process to taking out a personal loan?
● What is the correct way to lift weights without
causing injury?

6. To show how things are related in space
Relates well to
scientists, engineers,
architects, electricians,
designers, etc.
● How should you
compose a photograph?
● What is the geography
of the brain?
● What is the most
effective way to
research online in the
college library?

7. To increase interest in an issue or topic
Informative speeches often try to increase
interest in topics that may seem dull or
ordinary. These examples may seem
uninteresting however when using the right
devices they can be engaging.
● What are the lessons learned from
Shakespeare?
● What are the most common phobias?
● What was the presidential record of
William Henry Harrison?

8. Think about the purpose of your speech
What do you want the audience to know as a result of the presentation?
How will you ensure that you are successful?
What techniques can you use to keep the attention of the audience?
How can research assist you in supporting your main objective and your
reasons?
Are there any attitudes or predispositions that audience members may have to
your topic and, if so, how can you adapt your speech so that you are more
successful?

9. Anticipate the immediate behavioral purposes
● Provide definitions of words, objects,
concepts
● Describe objects, persons, or issues
● Distinguish between different things
● Compare and/or contrast items

10. Think about how to present information
in a way that will engage your readers

11. Generate “information hunger”
The presenter must create a need for the information
Methods can include:
● Using a rhetorical question (“Can you identify the warning signs of a heart attack?”)
● Provide an interesting statement (“I have a secret for achieving financial success.”)
● Having an unusual object or wearing unusual clothing (Be sure it is related to
your topic.)
● Using an anecdote to help the audience relate to the topic.

12. Techniques
Forecast (tell your audience what you are going to tell them, tell them, and remind
them at the end)
Use transitions to increase understanding
Tell the audience the points that are most important
Repeat the points for better understanding

13. Storytelling is an effective technique
Most people are
drawn to stories.
They often provide
a level of detail and
imagery that
appeals to different
audiences.

14. Techniques (continued)
Define (compare/contrast, operational definitions, synonyms)
Describe (concrete, specific, accurate, imagery metaphor
Explain (simplifies, clarifies)
Narrate (presentation and interpretation of a story, a dramatic reading, acting)
Demonstrate (provide information and then show your audience)

15. Avoid information overload
● Avoid being overly complex
● Avoid using words or jargon that only some
audience members understand
● Avoid too many definitions or technical terms
● Don’t try to cram too much information into the
speech
Be clear in sentence structure
Organize the content in a logical manner