1 | T y p e s o f S p e e c h e s

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPEECHES

1. Informative Speeches
As the word informative implies, an informative speech informs those in
attendance by providing them with information. Thus this could be:
Speeches About Objects
Include those about people, places, animals, structures, etc.
Speeches About Events
Example: The primary causes of World War II
Speeches About Concepts
Concepts are ideas, philosophies, hypotheses, and arguments.
Speeches About Processes
A process is how something is made, how something is done, or
how something works
Some key tips to remember when giving an informative speech are:
Narrow your subject
Dont overestimate what the audience knows
Relate the subject directly to the audience
Dont be too technical
Avoid abstractions
Personalize your ideas
2. Persuasive Speeches
A persuasive speech usually challenges an audiences beliefs and/or tries to
move those in attendance to change existing viewpoints or at least recognize
the validity of opposing viewpoints.
Persuasive speeches focus on issues of controversy, where more than one point
of view exists. They may center on a question of fact, a question of value, or a
question of policy. It is essential to tailor the message to the audience when
giving a persuasive speech. The message should be adjusted to their
knowledge, interests, values, attitudes, goals and beliefs (without
compromising truth).

2 | T y p e s o f S p e e c h e s

3. Impromptu Speeches
Impromptu speaking is delivered without any previous preparation. There are
four basic steps to creating an impromptu speech:
a) State the question you are answering or the purpose of your speech
b) State the main point you wish to make
c) Support your main point with evidence
d) Summarize your main point and show how youve answered the
question or fulfilled your purpose.
A few important tips for students to keep in mind are to stay calm, organize
their thoughts (use the four-step approach) and limit their remarks.
4. Extemporaneous Speeches
Unlike an impromptu speech, an extemporaneous speech is carefully prepared
and practiced ahead of time. The speaker uses only a brief set of notes or
outline to trigger his/her memory. The speech will have a conversational
quality and though it has been rehearsed, it will sound spontaneous to the
audience.
5. Entertaining Speech
Entertaining speeches are:
Usually short
Giving the audience an enjoyable experience
Leave the audience with a favorable impression not only of himself or
herself, but also of the organization
To amuse through humors, stories or illustrations
The purpose of this speech are; to please the crowd, get promotion and hold
attention. The speech still must make a valid point or argument, but it can be
done using humor. A speech to entertain may be either informative or
persuasive in nature, but the supporting materials are selected primarily based
on their entertainment value.