types of speeches in purposive communication

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Types of Speech in Communication

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, and speech is one of its most powerful tools. Speech allows individuals to convey ideas, emotions, intentions, and information effectively. Different types of speech are used depending on the context, audience, and purpose of communication. Understanding these types helps in selecting the appropriate mode of expression and achieving the desired impact.

1. Informative Speech

Informative speech educates or informs the audience about a particular topic. The primary goal is to provide knowledge, explain concepts, or clarify issues. This type of speech is often used in educational settings, professional presentations, or public lectures.

Example:   A professor giving a lecture on the impacts of climate change is delivering an informative speech. The professor provides data, explains scientific concepts, and discusses potential solutions to the problem. The focus is on sharing factual information to enhance the audience’s understanding.

2. Persuasive Speech

Persuasive speech aims to convince the audience to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action. The speaker uses logical arguments, emotional appeals, and credible evidence to influence the audience’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. Persuasive speeches are common in political campaigns, advertising, and debates.

Example: A politician giving a campaign speech will likely use persuasion to garner support. They might highlight their achievements, present their future plans and appeal to the emotions of the audience by addressing pressing societal issues. The objective is to persuade the audience to vote for them.

3. Demonstrative Speech

Demonstrative speech involves showing the audience how to do something. It combines explanation with practical demonstration, making it easier for the audience to understand and replicate the process. This type of speech is useful in workshops, training sessions, and instructional videos.

Example: A chef giving a cooking class is engaging in demonstrative speech. They not only explain the recipe but also demonstrate each step, such as chopping vegetables, mixing ingredients, and cooking the dish. The audience learns by watching and can follow along.

4. Entertaining Speech

Entertaining speech is intended to amuse the audience and provide enjoyment. While it may contain informative or persuasive elements, its primary purpose is to entertain. This type of speech is often light-hearted, humorous, and engaging, making it suitable for social events, ceremonies, or entertainment shows.

Example:   A stand-up comedian performing a routine uses an entertaining speech to make the audience laugh. The comedian may share funny anecdotes, joke about everyday situations, or use witty observations to entertain the crowd. The focus is on creating an enjoyable experience.

5. Special Occasion Speech

Special occasion speech is delivered during specific events or ceremonies, such as weddings, graduations, funerals, or award ceremonies. The content is often personalized and tailored to the occasion, focusing on the significance of the event and the emotions associated with it.

Example: During a wedding, the best man might give a special occasion speech to honor the couple. The speech might include heartfelt memories, humorous stories, and well-wishes for the future. The purpose is to celebrate the occasion and express support for the couple.

6. Impromptu Speech

An impromptu speech is delivered without preparation, often in response to an unexpected situation or question. It requires quick thinking and the ability to articulate thoughts clearly on the spot. This type of speech is common in casual conversations, interviews, or meetings.

Example: In a team meeting, an employee might be asked to give an impromptu speech about the progress of a project. Without prior notice, the employee summarizes the project’s status, highlights key achievements, and addresses any challenges. The speech is spontaneous and unscripted.

7. Extemporaneous Speech

Extemporaneous speech is prepared in advance but delivered without a script. The speaker has a general outline or notes but speaks more freely, allowing for natural delivery and adaptability. This type of speech is common in business presentations, academic conferences, and public speaking engagements.

Example: A business executive presenting a quarterly report to stakeholders might use extemporaneous speech. They have prepared key points and data but speak conversationally, adjusting their delivery based on the audience’s reactions and questions. This approach allows for a more engaging and dynamic presentation.

8. Manuscript Speech

Manuscript speech is read word-for-word from a prepared text. This type of speech is often used when precise wording is essential, such as in official statements, legal proceedings, or news broadcasts. The speaker focuses on delivering the content accurately without deviation.

Example: A news anchor reading the evening news is using manuscript speech. The anchor reads from a teleprompter, ensuring that the information is conveyed accurately and clearly. The emphasis is on precision and professionalism.

9. Memorized Speech

Memorized speech involves delivering a speech from memory, without notes or a script. This approach is often used in performances, speeches that require exact wording, or competitive speaking events. Memorization allows for a polished and confident delivery but requires extensive practice.

Example: An actor reciting a monologue in a play is giving a memorized speech. The actor has committed the lines to memory and delivers them with emotion and expression, engaging the audience fully. The speech is fluid and rehearsed, showcasing the actor’s skill.

10. Motivational Speech

Motivational speech is designed to inspire and energize the audience, often encouraging them to pursue their goals or overcome challenges. The speaker uses personal stories, powerful messages, and emotional appeals to uplift the audience and provoke action.

Motivational speeches are common in self-help seminars, leadership conferences, and personal development events.

Example: A life coach speaking to a group of entrepreneurs might give a motivational speech about resilience and perseverance. The coach shares personal experiences of overcoming obstacles and encourages the audience to stay focused on their goals, despite setbacks.

11. Pitch Speech

A pitch speech is a brief, persuasive speech used to present an idea, product, or proposal to an audience, usually with the aim of securing funding, approval, or support. The speaker must be concise, clear, and convincing, often focusing on the benefits and potential impact of the proposal.

Example: An entrepreneur pitching his startup idea to potential investors is giving a pitch speech. The entrepreneur outlines the problem their product solves, the market opportunity, and how the investors will benefit, all within a few minutes.

A eulogy is a speech delivered at a funeral or memorial service, honoring the life and legacy of a deceased person. The speaker reflects on the person’s character, achievements, and the impact they had on others, often blending personal anecdotes with expressions of gratitude and remembrance.

Example: A family member delivering a eulogy at a funeral might share touching stories about the deceased, highlighting their kindness, generosity, and love for their family. The eulogy serves as a tribute, celebrating the life of the person who has passed away.

Tips for Giving a Great Speech

1. Know Your Audience : Understanding your audience’s interests, values, and expectations helps tailor your message effectively.

2. Structure Your Speech: Organize your content with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. A well-structured speech is easier to follow and more impactful.

3. Practice: Rehearse your speech multiple times to become familiar with the content and improve your delivery.

Rehearse your speech alone or in front of your friends (maybe in low numbers) to become familiar with the vocabulary and pronunciation of the precise phrases. so you can control the speed and improve your speech delivery.

4. Use Visual Aids: Visual aids can enhance understanding and retention. Ensure they are relevant and not overly distracting.

5. Engage with the Audience: Make eye contact, use gestures, and involve the audience through questions or interactive elements to keep them engaged.

How to Make Your Speech More Memorable

1. Start with a Strong Opening: Capture attention with a powerful quote, anecdote, or question that relates to your main message.

2. Use Stories: People remember stories better than facts alone. Incorporate personal or relatable stories to illustrate your points.

3. Be Passionate: Express enthusiasm and passion for your topic. A passionate delivery can leave a lasting impression.

4. Repeat Key Points: Repetition helps reinforce important ideas. Summarize key points at the end of your speech to ensure they stick.

5. End with a Call to Action: Encourage your audience to take a specific action or reflect on your message. A clear and compelling conclusion makes your speech memorable.

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Chapter 5: Presenting Your Speech Module

Four Types of Speeches

Speeches can be categorized into four broad areas depending on the amount of preparation that is undertaken and depending upon the nature of the occasion.  The four types of speeches are manuscript, memorized, extemporaneous, and impromptu.  Our aim is to acquaint you with these four different modes of delivery, to provide suggestions for when you are asked to make impromptu remarks, and then to focus most your time on the preparation, practice, and presentation of extemporaneous speeches.

Manuscript Speech

When you listen to the President deliver a State of the Union message, you listen to a well-crafted speech being read from a teleprompter. The speech has been polished by a staff of speechwriters and has been practiced many times. The President will know how to anticipate the reaction of the audience and will know when to pause for applause and when to expect laughter. This form of speaking is used when the exact words matter and when much time and energy is expended on getting everything just right. There are times when people who are not leaders of countries deliver manuscript speeches as well. They are used when people testify before Congress, when people read important statements in a public setting, or when people deliver reports at professional meetings. All call for exact words in the correct order.

While the President has access to a staff of speech writers and a teleprompter, most of us do not. If you were given this type of assignment, you would have to read your manuscript speech from printed notes. In that case, you would want to ensure that you had prepared your manuscript carefully, using large fonts so you could read it easily without burying your nose in the pages. Reading the speech does not allow you to skimp on the preparation. Practice the speech many times. This allows you to make changes, if needed, and to select the best words to communicate your exact meaning. Remember to speak clearly and naturally -strive for a conversational tone. It shouldn’t sound read -even if you are reading. Also, remember to speak slowly; there is a natural tendency to speed up when we speak in public. Delivering a speech is not a race; you do not receive bonus points for finishing early.

Unless you are specifically told by your instructor to prepare and deliver a manuscript speech, you should never write out the entire speech. Spend your time developing your outline, organizing your ideas, and determining where you can best insert your supports. Then practice using the outline while speaking.

Memorized Speech

When you were in elementary school, did you ever have to memorize a poem or a part of a speech? If you are like most students, the answer is “Yes. ” There is nothing wrong with memorization. But if you try to memorize a speech, you risk forgetting what you planned to say and coming across as completely unprepared. Memorizing your speech is even worse than reading it. All the objections that apply to the read speech also apply to the memorized speech. Spontaneity is gone. The speech can sound stilted. Often, delivery is too rapid. Concentration is on the words, not the ideas. Sometimes the speech sounds too formal, like a written essay. There is minimal feedback or other contact with the audience. And what happens if your mind goes completely blank or if an audience member interrupts? The entire presentation will likely fall apart. Memorizing a speech puts entirely too much pressure on the speaker.

That said, there are a couple of parts of the speech that you may want to have memorized -or practiced so well that you can deliver them almost as if memorized. These include:

Your introduction:  It sets the stage for the entire speech. The words should be well chosen and rehearsed. You may find that as you repeat this portion of the speech during your rehearsals you do come to memorize it word for word. If so, this is fine. After all, once you have determined the best way of saying something, why not use it? Just make sure the presentation does not sound memorized. Your conclusion:  The summary and call to action are the final words that your audience will hear. As with the introduction, if you practice this repeatedly you will develop the best way to say what you want and you will probably have perfected this portion of the speech.

Impromptu Speech

There will come a time for all of us when we are asked to “say a few words ” without much preparation.  You haven’t prepared any notes, you haven’t practiced what you’ll say, and you’re being asked to “wing it. ” While this may seem incredibly scary, impromptu presentations are the most common type of public speaking. You’re in class and suddenly the professor wants to hear how group projects are going. You, as the leader of your group, are asked to stand and briefly discuss what the group is doing and how much you’ve completed so far. That’s an impromptu speech. You didn’t know when you headed to class that day that you’d be speaking in public, but you did it. No sweat! Or maybe you’re in a meeting at work and the boss announces that he wants you to brief everyone in the meeting on the new equipment being installed that afternoon. Again, no prior planning, no notes, you just do it. That’s impromptu speaking.

Extemporaneous Speech

The focus of most college courses in public speaking is the extemporaneous speech.  This is because this is the type of speech used most in business, education, preaching, and political affairs. Few of us will ever have a professional staff of speechwriters or ever deliver a speech with the aid of a teleprompter. But when you do have a speech or presentation to deliver, you’ll want to sound prepared, authoritative, and clear.

Simply stated, an extemporaneous speech is one where you will have time for preparation and practice but will not be expected to read from a manuscript or to have the speech memorized.  The question most students ask is, “How much time should be spent in preparation and practice? ” Perhaps Mark Twain said it best. When speaking about preparing for an impromptu speech, he noted, “It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech ” (King). While celebrated as a humorist, there is much truth in his words. To appear to be speaking off the cuff, and to do it well, you must prepare thoroughly and practice to perfection. When you speak extemporaneously, it means you’ve had ample time to prepare and research and that you have rehearsed your speech (many times) using an outline or notes to remind you of the progression of ideas you wish to present. You will follow all the normal steps outlined in the earlier chapters. Choose a topic, narrow appropriately, analyze your audience, choose your supports, and create an outline. You will know your speech so well and will amaze your audience!

Fundamentals of Public Speaking Copyright © by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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4 Main Types of Speeches in Public Speaking (With Examples)

We live in a world where communication is king.

With social media and all the digital stuff, we’re bombarded with information constantly, and everyone is fighting for our attention.

Research shows that our attention spans have declined from 12 seconds to just 8.25 seconds in the past 15 years, even shorter than a goldfish’s attention span.

So, the point is being able to get your point across quickly and effectively is a big deal. That’s where the invaluable skill of public speaking comes in handy.

But being a great speaker goes beyond just having confidence. It’s about understanding different kinds of speeches and knowing which one works best for your audience and purpose.

In this blog, we will explore four main types of speeches (or types of public speaking), each with its own purpose and impact. By understanding these types, you can connect with your audience , cater to their needs, and deliver a message that resonates.

So, let’s dive right in:

What is Speech?

Importance of public speaking (7 benefits).

• 4 Main Types of Public Speeches (With Examples)

Other Types of Speeches

Final thoughts.

A speech is a formal or informal presentation in which a person communicates their thoughts, ideas, or information to an audience. It is a spoken expression of thoughts, often delivered in a structured and organized manner.

Speeches can be delivered to serve various purposes, such as to persuade , educate, motivate, or entertain the audience.

People usually give speeches in public places, like meetings, conferences, classrooms, or special events, aiming to connect with and influence the listeners through their words.

A public speech may involve the use of supporting materials, such as visual aids, slides , or props, to enhance understanding and engagement.

The delivery of a speech encompasses not only the words spoken but also factors like the tone of voice, body language , and timing, which can greatly impact the overall effectiveness and reception of the message.

You may want to check out our short video on how to speak without hesitation.

Public speaking is a superpower that transforms your life in more ways than you can imagine.

Here are 7 reasons why Public speaking is an invaluable skill:

• Effective Communication: Being a good public speaker helps you express yourself clearly and confidently. It allows you to share your knowledge, opinions, and ideas in a captivating manner.
• Professional Growth: Mastering public speaking gives you a competitive edge in the job market. It allows you to lead meetings , present ideas, negotiate deals, and pitch projects with confidence.

• Building Confidence: Overcoming the fear of public speaking and delivering successful presentations significantly boosts your self-confidence . With experience, you become more self-assured in various situations, both inside and outside of public speaking.
• Influence and Persuasion: A strong public speaker can inspire, motivate, and influence others. By effectively conveying your message, you can sway opinions, change attitudes, and drive positive change in your personal and professional circles.

• Leadership Development: Public speaking is a crucial skill for effective leadership. It enables you to inspire and guide others, lead meetings and presentations, and rally people around a common goal.
• Personal Development: Public speaking encourages personal growth and self-improvement. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, enhances your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and helps you become a more well-rounded individual.
• Increased Visibility: The ability to speak confidently in public attracts attention and raises your visibility among peers, colleagues, and potential employers. This can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and recognition for your expertise.

Public speaking is a vital tool for social change. History has shown us how influential speeches have shaped the world we live in. From Martin Luther King Jr.’s “ I Have a Dream ” speech to Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education, public speaking has been at the forefront of inspiring change. Your words have the power to challenge beliefs, ignite passion, and rally others around a cause. So, if you have a message you want to share or a mission you want to pursue, mastering the art of public speaking is essential.

1. Informative Speech

An informative speech is a type of public speaking that aims to educate or provide information to the audience about a specific topic. The main purpose of this speech is to present facts, concepts, or ideas in a clear and understandable manner.

Delivering an Informative Speech

In an informative speech, the speaker’s objective is to provide knowledge, increase awareness, or explain a subject in detail.

To be informative, you need to structure your content in a way that’s clear and easy to follow. The structure of an informative speech typically includes:

• an introduction where you grab the audience’s attention and introduce the topic
• the body where you present the main points and supporting evidence
• a conclusion where you summarize the key information and emphasize your message.
• a Q&A session or a brief discussion to further deepen their understanding.

Informative speech could be formal or informal speech, depending on the context. However, it is helpful to maintain a conversational tone.

Use relatable examples, anecdotes, or even a touch of humor to keep your audience engaged and interested. Think of it as having a friendly chat with a group of curious friends.

Examples of Informative Speeches:

An Example of Informative Speech

• Academic Settings : Students may deliver presentations to educate their classmates. Teachers or instructors may explain a specific subject to students in schools, colleges, and universities.
• Business and Professional Presentations: In the corporate world, professionals may present information about industry trends, new technologies, market research, or company updates to inform and educate their colleagues or clients.
• Public Events and Conferences: Informative speeches are prevalent in public events and conferences where experts and thought leaders share their knowledge and insights with a broader audience.
• Ted Talks and Similar Platforms: TED speakers design their speeches to educate, inspire, and spread ideas that have the potential to make a positive impact on society.
• Community Gatherings: Informative speeches can be delivered at community gatherings where speakers may inform the community about local issues, government policies, or initiatives aimed at improving the community’s well-being.

The beauty of informative speeches is their versatility; they can be adapted to different settings and tailored to suit the needs and interests of the audience.

2. Demonstrative Speech

In a demonstrative speech, the main goal is to show how to do something or how something works. It is like giving a step-by-step guide or providing practical instructions.

The purpose of a demonstrative speech is to educate or inform the audience about a specific process, task, or concept.

It can be about anything that requires a demonstration, such as cooking a recipe, performing a science experiment, using a software program, or even tying a tie.

The key to a successful demonstrative speech is to be organized and concise.

When preparing for a demonstrative speech, you need to break down the process or technique into clear and easy-to-follow steps.

You need to make sure that your audience can grasp the concepts and replicate the actions themselves. Visual aids like props, slides, or even live demonstrations are incredibly helpful in illustrating your points.

A great demonstrative speech not only teaches but also inspires.

You need to ignite a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity in your audience . Encourage them to try it out themselves and apply what they’ve learned in their own lives.

Examples of Demonstrative Speeches:

An Example of Demonstrative Speech

• Educational Settings: Demonstrative speeches are often used in classrooms, workshops, or training sessions to teach students or participants how to perform specific activities. For instance, a teacher might give a demonstrative speech on how to conduct a science experiment, play a musical instrument, or solve a math problem.
• Professional Training: In the workplace, a trainer might give a demonstrative speech on how to use a new software application, operate a piece of machinery, or follow safety protocols.
• DIY and Home Improvement: Demonstrative speeches are commonly seen in DIY (do-it-yourself) videos, TV shows, or workshops where experts demonstrate how to complete tasks like painting a room, fixing plumbing issues, or building furniture.
• Culinary Demonstrations: Demonstrative speeches are prevalent in the culinary world, where chefs or cooking experts showcase recipes and cooking techniques.

Overall, a demonstrative speech is a practical and hands-on type of speech that aims to educate, inform, and empower the audience by teaching them how to perform a particular task or skill.

3. Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech is when the speaker tries to convince the audience to adopt or support a particular point of view, belief, or action. In a persuasive speech, the speaker aims to influence the audience’s opinions, attitudes, or behaviors.

You may present arguments and evidence to support your viewpoint and try to persuade the listeners to take specific actions or simply agree with you.

You have to use persuasive techniques such as logical reasoning, emotional appeals, and credibility to make your case.

Let me break it down for you.

• First, you need a clear and persuasive message. Identify your objective and what you want to achieve with your speech. Once you have a crystal-clear goal, you can shape your arguments and craft your speech accordingly.
• Secondly, you need to connect with your audience on an emotional level. You may use stories , anecdotes, and powerful examples to evoke emotions that resonate with your audience.
• Thirdly, you need to present compelling evidence, facts, and logical reasoning to support your arguments. Back up your claims with credible sources and statistics.
• Additionally, the delivery of your speech plays a crucial role in persuasion. Your body language, tone of voice , and overall presence should exude confidence and conviction.
• Lastly, end your persuasive speech with a call to action. Whether it’s signing a petition, donating to a cause, or changing a behavior, make it clear what steps you want your audience to take.

Examples of Persuasive speeches:

An Example of Persuasive Speech

• Political speeches: Politicians ****often deliver persuasive speeches to win support for their policies or convince people to vote for them.
• Sales and marketing presentations: Advertisements ****use persuasive techniques to persuade consumers to buy their products.
• Social issue speeches: Activists, advocates, or community leaders often give persuasive speeches to raise awareness about social issues and mobilize support for a cause.

Effective persuasion helps you win over clients, close deals, and secure promotions.

However, it’s important to note that persuasion should always be used ethically and with integrity. It’s not about manipulating people but rather about creating win-win situations.

4. Entertaining Speech

An entertaining speech is a type of public presentation that aims to captivate and amuse the audience while providing enjoyment and laughter. Unlike other types of speeches, entertaining speeches prioritize humor, storytelling , and engaging content to entertain and delight the listeners.

In an entertaining speech, the speaker uses various techniques such as jokes, anecdotes, funny stories, witty observations, humorous examples, and clever wordplay to engage the audience and elicit laughter.

The primary objective is to entertain and create a positive, lighthearted atmosphere.

An entertaining speech is a powerful tool for building a connection with the audience. It isn’t just about cracking jokes. It’s about using humor strategically to reinforce the main message.

When we’re entertained, our guards come down, and we become more receptive to the speaker’s message. It’s like a spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down.

An entertaining speech can be particularly effective when the topic at hand is traditionally considered dull, serious, or sensitive. By infusing humor, you can bring life to the subject matter and help the audience connect with it on a deeper level.

With entertainment, you can make complex concepts more accessible. And also break down barriers that might otherwise discourage people from paying attention.

Delivery and timing are crucial elements in entertaining speeches.

The speaker’s tone, facial expressions, gestures , and voice modulation play a significant role in enhancing the comedic effect.

Effective use of pauses , punchlines, and comedic timing can heighten the audience’s anticipation and result in laughter and amusement.

Examples of Entertaining Speech:

An Example of Entertaining Speech

• Social Events: Entertaining speeches are often seen at social gatherings such as weddings, birthday parties, or anniversary celebrations.
• Conferences or Conventions: In professional conferences or conventions, an entertaining speech can be a refreshing break from the more serious and technical presentations. A speaker may use humor to liven up the atmosphere.
• Stand-up Comedy: Stand-up comedians are prime examples of entertaining speeches. They perform in comedy clubs, theaters, or even on television shows, aiming to make the audience laugh and enjoy their performance.

The content and style of an entertaining speech should be tailored to the audience and the occasion. While humor is subjective, the skilled entertaining speaker knows how to adapt their speech to suit the preferences and sensibilities of the specific audience. By carefully selecting appropriate humor, you can transform a dull or serious setting into an enjoyable experience for the audience.

Beyond the four main types of public speeches we mentioned, there are a few other different types of speeches worth exploring.

• Special Occasion Speeches: These speeches are delivered during specific events or occasions, such as weddings, graduation ceremonies, or award ceremonies. They are meant to honor or celebrate individuals, express congratulations, or provide inspiration and encouragement.
• Motivational Speeches: Motivational speeches aim to inspire and are commonly delivered by coaches, entrepreneurs, or motivational speakers. They often focus on personal development, goal-setting, overcoming obstacles, and achieving success.
• Commemorative Speeches: These speeches are delivered on anniversaries, memorial services, or dedications. These speeches express admiration, highlight achievements, and reflect on the impact of the person or event being commemorated.
• Debate Speeches: Debate speeches involve presenting arguments and evidence to support a particular viewpoint on a topic. They require logical reasoning, persuasive language, and the ability to counter opposing arguments effectively.
• Impromptu Speeches: Impromptu speeches are delivered without prior preparation or planning. You are given a topic or a question on the spot and must quickly organize your thoughts and deliver a coherent speech. These speeches test the speaker’s ability to think on their feet and communicate effectively in spontaneous situations.
• Oratorical Speech: An oratorical speech is a formal and eloquent speech delivered with great emphasis and rhetorical flair. It aims to inspire, persuade, or inform the audience through the skilled use of language and powerful delivery techniques. Oratorical speeches are typically given on significant occasions, such as political rallies, commemorative events, or public ceremonies.

No matter what kind of speech you are giving, pauses play a key role in making it captivating.

Check out our video on how pausing can transform your speeches.

Public speaking is a powerful skill that holds tremendous value in various aspects of our lives. Whether you’re aiming to inform, demonstrate, persuade, or entertain, mastering the art of public speaking can open doors to new opportunities and personal growth.

Growth happens when you push beyond your comfort zones. Public speaking may seem daunting at first, but remember that every great speaker started somewhere. Embrace the challenge and take small steps forward.

Start with speaking in front of friends or family, join a local speaking club, or seek opportunities to present in a supportive environment . Each time you step out of your comfort zone, you grow stronger and more confident.

Seek resources like TED Talks, workshops, books , and podcasts to learn from experienced speakers and improve your skills.

Just like any skill, public speaking requires practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become.

Seek opportunities to speak in public, such as volunteering for presentations or joining public speaking clubs. Embrace every chance to practice and refine your skills.

If you are looking for a supportive environment to practice and hone your public speaking skills, try out BBR English.

Our 1:1 live sessions with a corporate expert are designed to help you improve your communication skills. You’ll gain the confidence and skills you need to communicate effectively in any situation.

Don’t let fear or insecurity hold you back from achieving your goals.

Book your counseling session now and take the first step towards becoming a more confident and effective communicator.

Your future self will thank you!

To get a peek into our results, check out How A Farmer’s Son Faced His Fear Of Public Speaking To Climb Up The Leadership Roles In An MNC.

Happy Speaking!

Team BBR English

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Subject Libguide: Speech Communication: Types of speeches

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A persuasive speech tries to influence or reinforce the attitudes, beliefs, or behavior of an audience.  This type of speech often includes the following elements:

• appeal to the audience
• appeal to the reasoning of the audience
• focus on the relevance of your topic
• alligns the speech to the audience - ensure they understand the information expressed

An informative speech is one that informs the audience.  These types of speeches can be on a variety of topics:

A informative speech will:

• define terms to make the information more precise
• use descriptions to help the audience towards a larger picture
• include an demonstration
• explain concept the informative speech is conveying
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Persuasive Speeches

A  persuasive speech attempts to influence or reinforce the attitudes, beliefs, or behavior of an audience.  This type of speech often includes the following elements:

• appeal to the needs of the audience
• appeal to the reasoning of the audience
• focus on the relevance of your topic to the audience
• fit the speech to the audience - ensure they understand the info
• make yourself credible by demonstrating your expertise

Watch out for logical fallacies in developing your argument:

• ad hominem argument   = attacking an opponent rather than their argument
• bandwagoning  = using popular opinion as evidence
• begging the question = using circular reasoning
• either-or fallacy = the argument is structured as having either one answer or another
• hasty generalization = taking one instance as a general pattern
• non sequitur = aka: it does not follow ; your conclusions are not connected to the reasoning
• red herring fallacy = using irrelevant info in the argument 
• slippery slope = arriving at a truth by supposing a series of possible events
• Persuasive Speech Topic Ideas

Informative Speeches

An  informative speech is one that enlightens an audience.  These types of speeches can be on a variety of topics:

A good informative speech will:

• define terms to make the information clearer
• use descriptions to help the audience form a mental picture
• incorporate a demonstration
• explain concepts in-depth for greater understanding 

Informative speech example from Bill Gates:  Mosquitos, malaria and education

• Informative Speech Ideas
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• Last Updated: Jul 16, 2024 3:17 PM
• URL: https://nscc.libguides.com/speech