This document provides information on informative speeches, including the purpose and strategies of informative communication. It discusses the different types of informative speeches, including descriptions of objects, explanations of processes, events, concepts/definitions, and issues. The document cautions that some topics may fit into multiple categories and can be organized using different patterns. It advises picking one type and organizational pattern to use consistently. Finally, it offers strategies for teaching new information to audiences, such as using analogies, illustrations, explanations, and comparing/contrasting to known concepts.

1. Speaking to Inform

2. Informative Speech
Is a speech that is designed to
convey knowledge and
understanding.
“A Speech to Teach”

3. Informative Communication
Strategies
Informatory
To create or
increase awareness
To report new
information
Examples: Simple
directions, brief news
stories, demonstration
speeches.
Explanatory
To deepen
understanding
To clarify difficult
information and create
understanding
Examples: Academic
lectures, Philosophies,
Documentaries, etc.

4. Types of Informative Speeches
1. Descriptions or Objects
“Includes anything visible, tangible or stable in
form”
1. Includes places, structures, people, & animals
2. Typically uses Chronological, Spatial or Topical
Organizational Patterns

5. Types of Informative
Speeches
2. Explanations or Processes
“A systematic series of actions that leads to a
specific result or product”
2 Types of Process Speeches:
1. Designed to understand the process better
2. Designed to have listeners do the process
(Demonstration speech)
- Chronological or Topical Organizational Patterns

6. Types of Informative
Speeches
3. Events – “Anything that happens”
1. Make sure to narrow your focus
2. Chronological, Topical or Cause/Effect
Organizational Patterns
4. Concepts or Definitions – “A belief, theory,
idea or principle”
1. Can be tricky!
2. Topical organizational pattern

7. Types of Informative
Speeches
5. Speeches about Issue
1. Problems or disputes
2. Does not advocate, only informs

8. Caution!
Caution: Sometimes topics fit into more
than one category and can be
organized using various patterns
Pick one type of informative speech topic and one
organizational pattern! Then use each option consistently
throughout your speech.

9. How can I teach my audience
new information?

10. Strategies to Reduce
Confusion
1. Use analogies to build on prior
knowledge
2. Use Illustrations
 By using charts, graphs, pictures, objects,
etc.
1. Avoid abstractions by comparing and
contrasting with things the audience
already knows
2. Provide explanations, definitions, &
descriptions