Module 2: Informative Speaking
Types of informative speeches.
In the last section we examined how informative speakers need to be objective, credible, knowledgeable, and how they need to make the topic relevant to their audience. This section discusses the four primary types of informative speeches. These include definitional speeches, descriptive speeches, explanatory speeches, and demonstration speeches.
Definitional Speeches
In definitional speeches the speaker attempts to set forth the meaning of concepts, theories, philosophies, or issues that may be unfamiliar to the audience. In these types of speeches, speakers may begin by giving the historical derivation, classification, or synonyms of terms or the background of the subject. In a speech on “How to identify a sociopath,” the speaker may answer these questions: Where did the word ‘sociopath’ come from? What is a sociopath? How many sociopaths are there in the population? What are the symptoms? Carefully define your terminology to give shape to things the audience cannot directly sense. Describing the essential attributes of one concept compared to another (as through use of analogies) can increase understanding as well. For a speech on “Elderly Abuse,” the speaker may compare this type of abuse to child or spousal abuse for contrast.
Regardless of the listeners’ level of knowledge about the subject, it is very important in these types of speeches to show the relevance of the topic to their lives. Often the topics discussed in definitional speeches are abstract—distanced from reality. So provide explicit, real-life examples and applications of the subject matter. If you were going to give a speech about civil rights, you would need to go beyond commonly held meanings and show the topic in a new light. In this type of speech, the speaker points out the unique and distinguishing properties or boundaries of a concept in a particular context (Rinehart, 2002). The meaning of “civil rights” has changed significantly over time. What does it mean today compared to the 1960s? How will knowing this distinction help audience members? What are some specific incidents involving civil rights issues in current news? What changes in civil rights legislation might listeners see in their lifetimes?
Sample Definitional Speech Outline
Title: “Life is suffering,” and Other Buddhist Teachings (Thompson, 1999)
Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, my audience will understand the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path in Buddhism
Central Idea: Regardless of your religious beliefs, Buddhist philosophy teaches a number of useful lessons you can apply to your own life.
- All life involves dukkha (suffering)
- Suffering is caused by tanha (longing for things to be other than they are)
- If this longing stops ( nirodha ), suffering will cease
- The way to eliminate longing is to follow the Eightfold Path
- Right intention
- Right speech
- Right action
- Right livelihood
- Right effort
- Right mindfulness
- Right contemplation
Descriptive Speeches
To gaze in wonder at that magnificent dome and elegant gardens will be a moment that you remember for the rest of your life. The Taj Mahal just takes your breath away. What is immediately striking is its graceful symmetry—geometric lines run through formal gardens ending in a white marble platform. Atop this platform is great white bulbous dome complemented by four towering minarets in each corner. The whole image shimmers in a reflecting pool flanked by beautiful gardens—the effect is magical. The first stretch by the reflecting pool is where most people pose for their photos. But we were impressed by the fresh, green gardens. As you approach through the gardens two mosques come into view flanking the Taj—both exquisitely carved and built of red sandstone.
In the descriptive speech, determine the characteristics, features, functions, or fine points of the topic. What makes the person unique? How did the person make you feel? What adjectives apply to the subject? What kind of material is the object made from? What shape is it? What color is it? What does it smell like? Is it part of a larger system? Can it be seen by the naked eye? What is its geography or location in space? How has it changed or evolved over time? How does it compare to a similar object? When preparing for the speech, try to think of ways to appeal to as many of the senses as possible. As an example, in a speech about different types of curried dishes, you could probably verbally describe the difference between yellow, red, and green curry, but the speech will have more impact if the audience can see, smell, and taste samples.
Sample Descriptive Speech Outline
Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, my audience will be able to visualize some of the main attractions on Easter Island.
Central Idea: Easter Island hosts a number of ancient, mysterious, and beautiful attractions that make it an ideal vacation destination.
- Average 13 feet high; 14 tons
- Play sacred role for Rapa Nui (native inhabitants)
- Central Ahu ceremonial sites
- Snorkeling & Scuba
- Giant crater
- Sheer cliffs to ocean
Be able to describe anything visual, such as a street scene, in words that convey your meaning. ~ Marilyn vos Savant
Explanatory Speeches
An explanatory speech (also known as a briefing) is similar to the descriptive speech in that they both share the function of clarifying the topic. But explanatory speeches focus on reports of current and historical events, customs, transformations, inventions, policies, outcomes, and options. Whereas descriptive speeches attempt to paint a picture with words so that audiences can vicariously experience it, explanatory speeches focus on the how or why of a subject and its consequences. Thus, a speaker might give a descriptive speech on the daily life of Marie Antoinette, or an explanatory speech on how she came to her death. Recall that definitional speeches focus on delineating concepts or issues. In this case, a speaker might give a definitional speech about the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, or an explanatory speech on why the financial bailout was necessary for U.S. financial stability.
If a manager wanted to inform employees about a new workplace internet use policy, s/he might cover questions like: Why was a policy implemented? How will it help? What happens if people do not follow established policies? Explanatory speeches are less concerned with appealing to the senses than connecting the topic to a series of related other subjects to enhance a deep understanding (McKerrow, Gronbeck, Ehninger, & Monroe, 2000). For example, to explain the custom of the Thai wai greeting (hands pressed together as in prayer), you also need to explain how it originated to show one had no weapons, and the ways it is tied to religion, gender, age, and status.
Sample Explanatory Speech Outline
Title: Giant Waves, Death, and Devastation: The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami (National Geographic, 2006)
Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, my audience will be aware of the nature of the 2004 Tsunami and the destruction it caused.
Central Idea: The 2004 Asian Tsunami was one of the worst natural disasters in human history in terms of magnitude, loss of human life, and enduring impact.
- Earthquake epicenter and magnitude
- Tsunami forms (waves reach up to 100 feet)
- Tsunami strikes land of various countries with no warning
- The countries and people involved
- Loss of food, water, hospitals, housing, electricity, and plumbing
- Threat of disease
- Environmental destruction
- Economic devastation
- Psychological trauma
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. – Confucious
Demonstration Speeches
The most practical of all informative speeches, a demonstration speech shows listeners how some process is accomplished or how to perform it themselves. The focus is on a chronological explanation of some process (how potato chips are made), procedure (how to fight fires on a submarine), application (how to use the calendar function in Outlook), or course of action (how court cases proceed to Supreme Court status). Speakers might focus on processes that have a series of steps with a specific beginning and end (how to sell a home by yourself) or the process may be continuous (how to maintain the hard drive on your computer to prevent crashes). Demonstration speeches can be challenging to write due to the fact that the process may involve several objects, a set of tools, materials, or a number of related relationships or events (Rinehart, 2002). Nevertheless, these types of speeches provide the greatest opportunity for audience members to get involved or apply the information later.
When preparing this speech, remember first to keep the safety of the audience in mind. One speaker severely burned his professor when he accidently spilled hot oil from a wok on her. Another student nearly took the heads off listeners when he was demonstrating how to swing a baseball bat. Keep in mind also that you may need to bring in examples or pictures of completed steps in order to make efficient use of your time. Just think of the way that cooking demonstrations are done on TV—the ingredients are premeasured, the food is premixed, and the mixture magically goes from uncooked to cooked in a matter of seconds. Finally, if you are having your audience participate during your presentation (making an origami sculpture), know what their knowledge level is so that you don’t make them feel unintelligent if they are not successful. Practice your speech with friends who know nothing about the topic to gauge if listeners can do what you are asking them to do in the time allotted.
Sample Demonstration Speech Outline
Title: How to Survive if You Get Stranded in the Wilderness (U.S. Department of Defense, 2006).
Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech my audience will understand what to do if they unexpectedly become stranded in the wilderness.
Central Idea: You can greatly improve your ability to stay alive and safe in the wilderness by learning a few simple survival techniques.
- Size up the surroundings
- Size up your physical and mental states
- Size up your equipment (handout “What to Include in a Survival Kit”)
- Obtaining water
- Acquiring food
- Building a fire
- Locating shelter
- Call or signal rescue personnel
- Wilderness navigation
- Leaving “bread crumb” trail
Candela Citations
- Chapter 15 Types of Informative Speeches. Authored by : Lisa Schreiber, Ph.D.. Provided by : Millersville University, Millersville, PA. Located at : http://publicspeakingproject.org/psvirtualtext.html . Project : Public Speaking Project. License : CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
- Taj Mahal, Agra, India. Authored by : Yann. Located at : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taj_Mahal,_Agra,_India.jpg . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
- Maoi at Rano Raraku. Authored by : Aurbina. Located at : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Moai_Rano_raraku.jpg . License : Public Domain: No Known Copyright
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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics
Descriptive Speech
Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.
In this article:
Descriptive Speech Tips
Powerpoint speech tips, topics on places.
Descriptive speech topic list for a public speaking PowerPoint speech presentation plus deliver help with the top ten tips.
Your emotions and feelings are the core leading ladies when you prepare. First write down all thoughts, memories and rough ideas. All the things that pop and come up first when you think about a certain candidate speech idea. Let’s say you want to create a descriptive speech topic about a tall building you have visited, for example the Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The first things that pop up talking about that mega structure are:
- The height of the building in yards or meters;
- The ingenious type of construction;
- The huge pedestrian mall with cascading pools;
- The almost unlimited number of levels and elevators;
- What you see, what you hear and feel when you approach the mighty building:
- The magnificent colors;
- The lights at night;
- The general noises;
- The environment;
- How you experienced the guiding tour;
- The fear of heights, and so on.
Yes, you are right, I have been there. In other words, allow for a free play of facts, feelings and emotions, that is the essence of speech writing on a descriptive speech topic. After the inventory do outline the facts in a text to speech and a few slides.
Use imagery and figurative figures of speech; words and terms that denote all impressions and represent the object or process being described are important.
Here are fifteen sample descriptive speech topics for persuasive or informative purposes.
- How you experienced a typhoon or any other natural disaster.
- Your little baby brother’s first steps – the process of walking.
- How an airplane is prepared for take off – imagine we are in the cockpit.
- The movie theatre you attended recently – mention the movie-going experience from the moment to enter the building, the devices used, the big screen, the seats, the decoration, et cetera.
- How you negotiate and bought a car for a discount price.
- Your most memorable birthday party.
- Your favorite exercise gym.
- The home you lived in in your childhood.
- The nightlife in your favorite town.
- How you have found and developed a description idea…
- A place you like to show your audience and why.
- The short cut from your educational institution to the local supermarket.
- The most beautiful view of a hotel room during vacation.
- A sports event you will never forget.
- An object you never give away.
This descriptive speech topic list is just to accelerate and stimulate your start up. Pick some ideas and write down suggestions and things that may strike you. Give yourself a boost!
May people use PowerPoint slides to enhance understanding on their descriptive speech topic. My ten easy PowerPoint speech help tips:
- Begin each slide with a headline sentence, not just a conversation phrase.
- Use short, directing sentences.
- Use no more than 8 words per line, and 8 lines per image for projection.
- Use large fonts and a simple layout for easy reading.
- Be careful with the data density of the descriptive public speaking topics.
- Choose images and colors carefully.
- Can you read it easily yourself when you stand behind a desk as public speaker? You do not have to stretch your neck in an odd position?
- Can the audience in the rear rows and the corners of the room see all slides?
- Is the projector focused and aligned properly?
- Have you darkened the room enough in a way everyone will see clearly your slides?
Print this handy top 10 public speaking PowerPoint speech advices, use it as a little secret table topics help paper when you are preparing and delivering in class or other speaking arrangement.
Descriptive speech topics for students and Toastmaster International public speakers who struggle with finding descriptive writing topics. These places on earth are sometimes a slightly unknown and uncommon for holiday trips. Describe them with compelling facts while speechwriting:
- Colonization – if appropriate
- Independency conflicts and wars
- Government and political parties
- Foreign relations
- Official languages
- Currency, Demographics and population
- Media, arts and culture
- Flags and symbols
- National traditions
- Sports events
- Nature and climate
I start this list of descriptive speech topics on places, countries and islands with the southeastern European Balkan country Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Adriatic Sea and bordering Croatia.
- The southern African Comoros group of atolls, keys and barrier reefs in the Indian Ocean, actually to be more precise: in the Mozambique Channel.
- The subtropical Florida Everglades in the Southern state of Florida, bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Plenty of things to tell.
- The Middle East coastal Gaza Strip between Egypt and Israel, ruled by the Palestinian National Authority. Egypt, also a good source for descriptive speech topics on places – ad than I mean the past and present: the ancient era is often chosen, but do you agree that the last years there is so much change there that you could wrapping up that turbulent period too?
- The special administrative region of Hong Kong in the South China Sea, of the People’s Republic of China. The changes in the contemporary history are good groundwork.
- The Greater Antilles of Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea, northeast of Central America and south of Cuba. Spellbinding cultural spots on the maps. What is the distinctness between this archipelago and the Royal Netherlands Antilles?
- Landlocked between the Alp countries Austria and Switzerland in Europe: the alpine mini-state Liechtenstein in Central Europe.
- The Marshall of Micronesia in the western Pacific Ocean.
- The hundreds of isles forming the Federated States of Micronesia in the North Pacific Ocean. Have you ever been there?
- The constitutional monarchy of the Netherlands in western Europe, located at the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany.
- The Western African SГЈo TomГ© and Principe islands in the Gulf of Guinea, west of Gabon’s coast.
- The Slovak Republic in Central Europe, south of Poland, east of the Czech Republic and Austria, west to Ukraine and north to Hungary. Formerly it was called Czech-Slovakia, what happened, and when and why?
- The archipelago of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea.
- The Southern African Kingdom of Swaziland, in between Mozambique and South Africa.
- The Republic of Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean, near from Hawaii and Australia.
- The landlocked Vatican City state in of Rome, Italy, governed by the Pope. By the way, you know, the reign of the Holy Father and his Roman Catholic Church could also be seen as descriptive speech topics for a talk. Let your imagination flow …
- The Palestinian Middle East West Bank territory east to Israel.
- The Western Sahara in Northern Africa, between Mauritania and Morocco.
- Middle East Yemen in the tip of the Arabian Peninsula along the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea.
- The Southern African nation of Zambia, west to Angola, south to Congo, west to Malawi.
Of course, only if you can find interesting ideas for speechwriting based on the hints I gave on top of this page, it’s worth to develop and elaborate on these examples of descriptive speech topics.
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Speech Writing Examples: Format, Tips, and Samples to Inspire Your Audience
Stepping up to the podium can seem like an insurmountable task , right? Believe me, I know that feeling all too well – the racing heart, shaky hands, and the overwhelming fear of facing an audience.
It’s a daunting journey I’ve embarked on myself. But through a mix of conquering those fears and mastering the art of speechwriting , I’ve uncovered some strategies that significantly ease the process.
In this article, you’ll find formats, tips, and examples designed not just to get you through your speech but to ensure you leave your audience feeling inspired and impressed . Let’s dive in together!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Know your audience before writing a speech. Consider their age, interests, and background to make your message hit home.
- Use engaging opening lines to grab attention right from the start. A surprising fact or compelling story can set the tone for an unforgettable presentation .
- Organize your speech with a clear structure : a strong introduction , main points with evidence or examples, and a memorable conclusion. This makes it easier for listeners to follow and remember your message.
- Visual aids like slides or props can enhance your speech. They help clarify points and keep the audience engaged but keep them simple so they don’t distract.
- Great speeches come in many forms like persuasive, informative, motivational, impromptu , and graduation speeches . Each type has its own way of connecting with audiences deeply beyond just words.
Understanding Speech Writing
Understanding Speech Writing involves crafting a message for delivery to an audience, ensuring clarity and impact. It is essential for successful public speaking and effective communication.
Speech writing is the art of creating a script for delivering a message to an audience. This process involves choosing a topic, setting goals , and deciding on the best way to present your ideas.
The aim might be to inform, convince, motivate, or entertain listeners. Writing speeches requires clear organization and strong points to make sure your audience understands and remembers what you say.
Good speech writing also means keeping your audience engaged . You can use stories, facts, humor, or quotes to grab their attention right from the start. Knowing who your listeners are helps tailor your speech so it speaks directly to them.
Whether you’re aiming for inspirational messages in public speaking or persuasive writing techniques in debates, how well you write can deeply influence your effectiveness as a speaker.
Understanding the importance of speech writing is crucial for mastering public speaking . Engaging with your audience through a well-crafted speech can inspire, persuade, and captivate.
It’s vital to remember that a good speech has the power to leave a lasting impact and resonate with the listeners . Crafted meticulously, it not only conveys your message effectively but also establishes your authority on the subject matter.
Moreover, delving into different types of speeches opens up opportunities for personalized creative expression tailored towards specific objectives like persuasion or motivation. This underpins the significance of honing your speech writing skills as you embark on your public speaking journey.
Tips for Writing a Successful Speech
To write a successful speech, know your audience and narrow down your topic. Grab attention with engaging opening lines and organize your speech effectively. Use visual aids if applicable to enhance your message.
Know your audience
Understand who will be listening to your speech. Consider their age, background, and interests. This helps tailor your message for maximum impact. When you connect with your audience , they are more likely to listen and engage with what you have to say.
It’s important to speak in a way that resonates with them.
As a speaker, it’s crucial to know what the audience expects from your speech. Tailoring your content towards their needs ensures that they walk away feeling fulfilled by the experience.
Narrow down your topic
Before diving into writing your speech, it’s crucial to narrow down your topic. This means focusing on a specific subject that you are passionate about and that will resonate with your audience.
Think about what message you want to convey and the key points you want to emphasize in your speech. By narrowing down your topic, you can ensure that your speech remains focused and impactful, making it easier for both you as the speaker and for your audience to understand and remember.
Keep in mind that simplicity is key when selecting a topic – choose something meaningful yet manageable for effective communication.
Grab attention with opening lines
Looking to captivate your audience from the start? An intriguing opening line is key. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question , a surprising fact , or a compelling story , the goal is to hook your listeners right away.
For instance, did you know that in just 18 minutes, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech changed history? That’s the power of a gripping opening line! As you craft your speech, think about what will pique curiosity and draw people in immediately.
Remember, those first few words can set the tone for an unforgettable presentation.
Organize your speech effectively
To organize your speech effectively, start by choosing a clear and specific topic that resonates with your audience. Next, create an outline with a strong introduction , main points supported by evidence or examples, and a memorable conclusion.
Make sure to use transitional phrases to guide the flow of your speech. Additionally, consider using visual aids to enhance understanding and engagement . Finally, practice delivering your speech multiple times to ensure confidence and fluency on the day of the presentation.
Once you have chosen your topic and structured your speech accordingly, make sure it aligns with the purpose of the speech – whether it is meant to inform, persuade or entertain. Using supporting materials such as anecdotes or statistics can further reinforce key points in an engaging manner for better retention.
Use visual aids if applicable
Enhance your speech with visual aids , like slides or props , to clarify key points and captivate your audience . Visual aids can help reinforce your message and keep the audience engaged.
When using visual aids, remember to keep them simple and relevant to avoid overwhelming the audience. Integrating visuals can provide a dynamic element to your speech delivery, making it more memorable for your audience.
Ready to dive into crafting compelling speeches? Let’s explore examples of great speeches next!
Examples of Great Speeches
Explore captivating examples of persuasive , informative, motivational, impromptu, and graduation speeches that will inspire your audience. Witness the power of effective speech writing in action!
Looking to persuade your audience? A persuasive speech aims to convince people to see things from a different perspective. Using strong evidence and logical reasoning can help sway opinions.
It’s crucial to understand the audience’s beliefs and concerns in order to tailor the speech accordingly. Engaging storytelling, powerful statistics, and emotional appeal are effective tools for making a persuasive impact.
Remember, the key is to establish credibility and build trust with your audience through well-structured arguments and compelling delivery.
Crafting a persuasive speech requires thorough research, an understanding of rhetorical devices , and clarity in presenting arguments. As you prepare your speech, keep these tips in mind: choose a topic that resonates with the audience; use credible sources to support your claims; anticipate counterarguments and address them convincingly; incorporate persuasion techniques such as repetition or call-to-action statements ; practice delivering your speech with confidence and conviction.
Informative
Are you ready to craft an engaging and informative speech? Speech writing is an art that involves choosing a compelling topic , understanding your audience, and creating a clear structure .
Researching your subject thoroughly and using concrete details will make your speech stronger. You can inspire and captivate your audience by being clear about the goal of your speech from the beginning.
Remember to consider the context, including the event’s purpose and location . Understanding these elements will help you tailor your message effectively.
Ready to dive into some great examples of informative speeches? Let’s explore persuasive writing techniques next.
Motivational
Transitioning from informative to motivational, let’s delve into the art of crafting motivational speeches. As you embark on the journey of speech writing, it is important to note that a well-crafted motivational speech has the potential to inspire, uplift, and energize your audience.
With carefully chosen words and compelling anecdotes, you can ignite passion and drive positive change in those listening. By incorporating real-life examples and powerful stories, you can captivate your audience and leave a lasting impact.
Motivational speeches have the power to instill belief and determination in individuals while also inspiring collective action for a greater cause. Through engaging storytelling and relatable experiences, speakers can connect with their audience on a deeper level, igniting sparks of motivation that lead to meaningful transformation.
Transitioning from preparing motivational speeches to impromptu ones, I can understand the nervousness surrounding speaking off-the-cuff. Being able to give a speech without any prior planning can be daunting, but it’s not impossible.
The key is to stay composed and rely on your knowledge and quick-thinking abilities . When faced with an impromptu speaking situation, remember that simplicity is key . It’s about being clear, concise, and confident in whatever you’re saying.
Drawing on real-life examples or personal experiences can add authenticity to your impromptu speech.
As you prepare for your graduation speech, consider the significance of the moment . Your audience will consist of your peers, teachers, and family members who have supported you throughout your educational journey.
It’s important to reflect on what this achievement means to everyone present and how it symbolizes a transition into a new phase of life . Consider sharing personal stories or challenges you’ve overcome during your academic years to inspire and motivate others as they embark on their own future endeavors.
When crafting your graduation speech, remember that it’s an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments but also offer encouragement for what lies ahead. Keep in mind the impact you want to make with words that resonate and uplift those listening.
Creating a captivating speech can change the world around us. It makes our ideas heard and inspires those who listen. When I stepped into Toastmasters International, my goal was simple: conquer my fear of public speaking .
Little did I know, this journey would not only transform me but also give me insights to share with others eager to master this art.
Understanding speech writing is like learning the rules of a new game; once you know them, playing becomes fun and engaging. Successful speeches hinge on knowing your audience and crafting messages that resonate with them deeply.
Whether using humor or heart-stirring stories, the aim is to connect and leave a lasting impression.
Great speeches come in various forms—persuasive to motivate change, informative to spread knowledge, motivational to inspire action, impromptu for spontaneous moments, and graduation talks that mark new beginnings.
Each type serves a unique purpose but shares common ground: they engage audiences on levels deeper than mere words.
Speech writing is an art perfected over time with practice and dedication. The tips shared here—from understanding your audience’s needs to structuring your message for maximum impact—are tools at your disposal.
Use them wisely as you embark on creating memorable speeches that not only convey your message but do so in an impactful manner that resonates long after the applause fades.
Meet Alex Kolek, your guide through the treacherous world of not sucking at public speaking. Once a sweaty-palmed, tongue-tied disaster in the corporate jungle, Alex spent years perfecting the art of blending into boardroom walls. But after one too many career-threatening presentations, he decided to grab the corporate bull by the horns. Through sheer desperation and a healthy dose of humor, Alex transformed himself from a public speaking coward into a presentation powerhouse. He climbed the corporate ladder, leaving a trail of impressed executives and engaged audiences in his wake.
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Public speaking can be daunting for students. They often struggle to start, engage the audience, and be memorable.
It's a fear of forgetting words or losing the audience's interest. This leads to anxiety and self-doubt.
You may wonder, "Am I boring them? Will they remember what I say? How can I make my speech better?"
The solution lies in speech examples. In this guide, we'll explore these examples to help students create captivating and memorable speeches with confidence. So, keep reading to find helpful examples!
- 1. Speech Examples
- 2. Tips to Write a Good Speech
Speech Examples
Talking in front of a bunch of audiences is not as easy as it seems. But, if you have some good content to deliver or share with the audience, the confidence comes naturally.
Before you start writing your speech, it is a good idea that you go through some good speech samples. The samples will help to learn how to start the speech and put information into a proper structure.
Stuck with your speech? Let our experts write it!
Speech Examples for Students
Speech writing is a huge part of academic life. These types of writing help enhance the creative writing skills of students.
Here is an amazing farewell speech sample for students to get you inspired.
Below, you will find other downloadable PDF samples.
Speech Examples for School
Every school and college has a student council. And every year, students elect themselves to be a part of the student council. It is mandatory to impress the student audience to get their votes. And for that, the candidate has to give an impressive speech.
Here are some short speech examples for students.
Speech Examples For Public Speaking
Speech Examples About Yourself
Speech Examples Short
Speech Examples For College Students
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Speech Examples Introduction
Speech Example For School
2 Minute Speech Examples
Persuasive Speech Examples
The main purpose of a speech is to persuade the audience or convince them of what you say. And when it comes to persuasive speech , the sole purpose of speech becomes more specific.
Persuasive Speech Example
Informative Speech Examples
Informative speeches are intended to inform the audience. These types of speeches are designed to provide a detailed description of the chosen topic.
Below we have provided samples of informative speech for you.
Informative Speech Example
Informative Speech Sample
Entertainment Speech Examples
Entertainment speeches are meant to entertain the audience. These types of speeches are funny, as well as interesting. The given speech samples will help you in writing an entertaining speech.
Entertainment Speech Example
Entertainment Speech Sample
Argumentative Speech Examples
Making a strong argument that is capable of convincing others is always difficult. And, when it comes to making a claim in an argumentative speech, it becomes more difficult.
Check out the argumentative speech sample that demonstrates explicitly how an argumentative speech needs to be written.
Argumentative Speech Example
Demonstration Speech Examples
The demonstrative speeches are intended to demonstrate or describe the speech topic in depth. Get inspired by the demonstrative speech sample given below and write a captivating demonstrative speech.
Demonstration Speech Example
Demonstration Speech Sample
Unsure how to start your speech? Let our experts do it!
Motivational Speech Examples
Motivational speeches are designed to motivate the audience to do something. Read out the sample motivational speech given below and learn the art of motivational speech writing.
Speech Examples About Life
Impromptu Speech Examples
Impromptu speech writing makes you nervous as you are not good at planning and organization.
Check out the sample impromptu speech and learn to make bullet points of your thoughts and plan your speech properly.
Graduation Speech Examples
Are you graduating soon and need to write a graduation farewell speech?
Below is a sample graduation speech for your help.
Wedding Speech Examples
“My best friend’s wedding is next week, and I’m the maid of honor. She asked me to give the maid of honor speech, but I’m not good at expressing emotions. I’m really stressed. I don’t know what to do.”
If you are one of these kinds of people who feel the same way, this sample is for you. Read the example given below and take help from it to write a special maid of honor speech.
Best Man Speech Examples
Father of The Bride Speech Example
Speech Essay Example
A speech essay is a type of essay that you write before writing a proper speech. It helps in organizing thoughts and information.
Here is a sample of speech essays for you to understand the difference between speech format and speech essay format.
Tips to Write a Good Speech
Reading some famous and incredible sample speeches before writing your own speech is really a good idea. The other way to write an impressive speech is to follow the basic tips given by professional writers.
- Audience Analysis: Understand your audience's interests, knowledge, and expectations. Tailor your speech to resonate with them.
- Clear Purpose: Define a clear and concise purpose for your speech. Ensure your audience knows what to expect right from the beginning.
- Engaging Opening: Start with a captivating hook – a story, question, quote, or surprising fact to grab your audience's attention.
- Main Message: Identify and convey your main message or thesis throughout your speech.
- Logical Structure: Organize your speech with a clear structure, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Transitions: Use smooth transitions to guide your audience through different parts of your speech.
- Conversational Tone: Use simple, conversational language to make your speech accessible to everyone.
- Timing: Respect the allocated time and write the speech accordingly. An overly long or short speech can diminish the audience's engagement.
- Emotional Connection: Use storytelling and relatable examples to evoke emotions and connect with your audience.
- Call to Action (if appropriate): Encourage your audience to take action, change their thinking, or ponder new ideas.
- Practice Natural Pace: Speak at a natural pace, avoiding rushing or speaking too slowly.
So, now you know that effective communication is a powerful tool that allows you to inform, persuade, and inspire your audience. Throughout this blog, we've provided you with numerous examples and invaluable tips to help you craft a compelling speech.
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With our proficient essay writing service , you can be confident in your ability to communicate your message effectively and leave a lasting impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of good speeches.
Good speeches often leave a lasting impact due to their content, delivery, and emotional resonance. Examples include:
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream"
- Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address
- Winston Churchill's "We Shall Fight on the Beaches"
What is a 5 minute speech?
A 5-minute speech is a brief address of about 600-800 words, designed to cover key points comprehensively while maintaining audience attention. This format is ideal for classroom presentations, briefings, or public events with limited time.
What is an example of a speech of introduction?
A speech of introduction is designed to welcome and introduce a speaker to an audience, providing relevant background and context. Here’s an example:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to introduce our esteemed guest speaker, Dr. Jane Smith. A renowned environmental scientist with over 20 years of experience in climate change research, Dr. Smith has published groundbreaking studies on sustainable energy solutions and has been a pivotal voice in international climate policy. Today, she will share her insights on the latest developments in renewable energy and how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Jane Smith.
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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.
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What Is a Speech?
Speech generator.
Most people find it difficult to write a speech for themselves. This is because sometimes, whatever is written on print might sound different when said aloud. There’s always the struggle of proper pronunciation and diction, not to mention the fact that delivering a speech can be a a very nerve-racking experience for anyone.
There’s no denying that it’s probably not for everybody. But most of the time, we’re forced to make it anyway. In order for an individual to give an effective speech , one must construct it well and deliver it with confidence.
A speech is a form of verbal or nonverbal communication that is delivered for a given purpose. Good speech communication serves as an important aspect for many professions in terms of promoting proper communication between individuals.
Some speech examples are given during special occasions, such as a wedding speech and a valedictorian speech , while others are made for formal business gatherings.
How to Start a Speech with Power and Confidence
The common misconception about giving a good keynote speech is that it’s a skill that you’re supposedly born with. Obviously, this is not always the case. It’s a skill that you develop overtime through constant practice.
It’s natural to get nervous, everyone does, although it’s not always obvious. This is because it’s all in the mind, if you have a positive mindset then you’re sure to develop the confidence you need. It’s all about believing in yourself, despite all the uncertainties.
Stand straight. Chin up. And look straight at your audience.
This will give you a sense of dominance. Not only that, you would also need to have a certain tone in your voice. When you speak with power, people will want to listen to what you have to say. Whether it’s a motivational speech or a leadership speech , establish your credibility by giving a speech with power and confidence.
Tips for Giving a Killer Speech
- Picture everyone in their underwear. Metaphorically speaking, picturing your audience in their underwear would mean to strip them away from how you perceive them, which could probably be a group of monsters who are watching your every move.
- Interact with your audience. There’s nothing more interesting than watching a speaker engage the audience into being a part of the conversation.
- Observe proper posture. Body language is everything. This will allow you to deliver your speech in word with a high level of confidence.
- Avoid dead air. People who are nervous tend to forget the words to say. If this happens, skip this point and come back to it when you remember.
Importance of Speech
A speech examples comes in various forms, all having a specific purpose. The best part about a speech is that it demands to be heard. Whatever a speaker has to say plays a significant purpose for the audience.
It allows the speaker to deliver a message, while the audience listens attentively. Speech in pdf also contributes to human development. It is a continuous learning process that helps develop an individual’s communication skills.
Text prompt
- Instructive
- Professional
Tips for writing a Speech on the value of teamwork
How to create a Speech for advocating for climate change action
Informative Speeches — Types, Topics, and Examples
What is an informative speech?
An informative speech uses descriptions, demonstrations, and strong detail to explain a person, place, or subject. An informative speech makes a complex topic easier to understand and focuses on delivering information, rather than providing a persuasive argument.
Types of informative speeches
The most common types of informative speeches are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration.
A definition speech explains a concept, theory, or philosophy about which the audience knows little. The purpose of the speech is to inform the audience so they understand the main aspects of the subject matter.
An explanatory speech presents information on the state of a given topic. The purpose is to provide a specific viewpoint on the chosen subject. Speakers typically incorporate a visual of data and/or statistics.
The speaker of a descriptive speech provides audiences with a detailed and vivid description of an activity, person, place, or object using elaborate imagery to make the subject matter memorable.
A demonstrative speech explains how to perform a particular task or carry out a process. These speeches often demonstrate the following:
How to do something
How to make something
How to fix something
How something works
How to write an informative speech
Regardless of the type, every informative speech should include an introduction, a hook, background information, a thesis, the main points, and a conclusion.
Introduction
An attention grabber or hook draws in the audience and sets the tone for the speech. The technique the speaker uses should reflect the subject matter in some way (i.e., if the topic is serious in nature, do not open with a joke). Therefore, when choosing an attention grabber, consider the following:
What’s the topic of the speech?
What’s the occasion?
Who’s the audience?
What’s the purpose of the speech?
Common Attention Grabbers (Hooks)
Ask a question that allows the audience to respond in a non-verbal way (e.g., a poll question where they can simply raise their hands) or ask a rhetorical question that makes the audience think of the topic in a certain way yet requires no response.
Incorporate a well-known quote that introduces the topic. Using the words of a celebrated individual gives credibility and authority to the information in the speech.
Offer a startling statement or information about the topic, which is typically done using data or statistics. The statement should surprise the audience in some way.
Provide a brief anecdote that relates to the topic in some way.
Present a “what if” scenario that connects to the subject matter of the speech.
Identify the importance of the speech’s topic.
Starting a speech with a humorous statement often makes the audience more comfortable with the speaker.
Include any background information pertinent to the topic that the audience needs to know to understand the speech in its entirety.
The thesis statement shares the central purpose of the speech.
Demonstrate
Preview the main ideas that will help accomplish the central purpose. Typically, informational speeches will have an average of three main ideas.
Body paragraphs
Apply the following to each main idea (body) :
Identify the main idea ( NOTE: The main points of a demonstration speech would be the individual steps.)
Provide evidence to support the main idea
Explain how the evidence supports the main idea/central purpose
Transition to the next main idea
Review or restate the thesis and the main points presented throughout the speech.
Much like the attention grabber, the closing statement should interest the audience. Some of the more common techniques include a challenge, a rhetorical question, or restating relevant information:
Provide the audience with a challenge or call to action to apply the presented information to real life.
Detail the benefit of the information.
Close with an anecdote or brief story that illustrates the main points.
Leave the audience with a rhetorical question to ponder after the speech has concluded.
Detail the relevance of the presented information.
Before speech writing, brainstorm a list of informative speech topic ideas. The right topic depends on the type of speech, but good topics can range from video games to disabilities and electric cars to healthcare and mental health.
Informative speech topics
Some common informative essay topics for each type of informational speech include the following:
Informative speech examples
The following list identifies famous informational speeches:
“Duties of American Citizenship” by Theodore Roosevelt
“Duty, Honor, Country” by General Douglas MacArthur
“Strength and Dignity” by Theodore Roosevelt
Explanation
“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” by Patrick Henry
“The Decision to Go to the Moon” by John F. Kennedy
“We Shall Fight on the Beaches” by Winston Churchill
Description
“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Pearl Harbor Address” by Franklin Delano Roosevelt
“Luckiest Man” by Lou Gehrig
Demonstration
The Way to Cook with Julia Child
This Old House with Bob Vila
Bill Nye the Science Guy with Bill Nye
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Aug 6, 2024 · Speech, including narrative speech, is a powerful tool for communication, allowing individuals to express thoughts, ideas, and emotions.It encompasses verbal and non-verbal elements, influencing interactions in personal, academic, and professional contexts, shaping opinions and driving social change.
Jun 25, 2018 · The first step in writing a definition speech is to write a purpose statement that indicates the direction the speech will take and focuses on its main goal. For example, if you intend to describe the school of philosophical thought known as "transcendentalism," the purpose of your speech might be stated as "to define the meaning of the term ...
Often the topics discussed in definitional speeches are abstract—distanced from reality. So provide explicit, real-life examples and applications of the subject matter. If you were going to give a speech about civil rights, you would need to go beyond commonly held meanings and show the topic in a new light.
Oct 7, 2024 · While a debate speech often uses the same mechanics as a persuasive speech and includes plenty of statistical figures to help support a claim, it's different from a persuasive speech. For example, rather than trying to convince someone to join a particular side as with a persuasive speech, debate speeches aim to justify an opinion on a ...
Aug 5, 2022 · Descriptive Speech Tips. Descriptive speech topic list for a public speaking PowerPoint speech presentation plus deliver help with the top ten tips. The goal of descriptive public speaking is to narrate about an object, event or phenomenon in a way the audience is able to visualize the image that is portrayed by the public speaker.
Mar 10, 2024 · Definition. Speech writing is the art of creating a script for delivering a message to an audience. This process involves choosing a topic, setting goals, and deciding on the best way to present your ideas.
Demonstration Speech Examples. The demonstrative speeches are intended to demonstrate or describe the speech topic in depth. Get inspired by the demonstrative speech sample given below and write a captivating demonstrative speech.
Jun 20, 2024 · What is Speech Definition & Meaning. Speech refers to the expression of thoughts and feelings through spoken language. It is the act of talking and communicating verbally with others, using words to convey ideas, information, or emotions. Speech can range from everyday conversation to formal presentations and public speaking.
Jun 21, 2024 · A speech is a form of verbal or nonverbal communication that is delivered for a given purpose. Good speech communication serves as an important aspect for many professions in terms of promoting proper communication between individuals.
Feb 13, 2024 · The most common types of informative speeches are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration. Types of informative speeches. A definition speech explains a concept, theory, or philosophy about which the audience knows little. The purpose of the speech is to inform the audience so they understand the main aspects of the subject matter.