There are numerous ways to classify informative speeches. For instance, a speaker can inform an audience about an object, such as a historical structure. A speaker can also talk about a process, such as how to write an effective resume.

What is the goal of an informative speech?

• Build an audience’s understanding and awareness by imparting knowledge.
• Provide listeners with new information, new ideas, or new ways of thinking about a topic.

Topic:

• You can choose any topic as long as it defines, describes, explains, or demonstrates something. While you might actually persuade your audience by providing information about a topic in an informative speech, the intent of your speech is to inform, not to change behavior or attitudes, which is the intent of a persuasive speech.

• A few topics considered “off-limits” are listed here: how to perform CPR, how to make any sort of food, how blood donation works, and the dialysis process. Anything that you have studied for another class is off-limits. Check with your instructor if you are unsure about your topic choice.

Steps for Your Informative Speech

• Choose a topic. Is your speech a definition, description, explanation, or demonstration?
• Write a key phrase outline (you will submit this to the assignment dropbox this week when you submit your speech).
• Purpose Statement: Include your General Purpose Statement, Specific Purpose Statement, and Central Idea Statement in your Outline.
• Introduction with a thesis statement: Tell the audience your topic and a preview of what is to come.
• Body with 2–3 main points: Here you will elaborate your main points and define, describe, explain, or demonstrate.
• Conclusion: Summarize your thesis/main topic and give a brief review of what you said.