CHAPTER 4

Informative Speaking

Broadly considered, there are three types of speeches: (1) Informative Speeches, (2) Persuasive Speeches and (3) Commemorative Speeches. Although the general purpose of a speech has traditionally fallen into one of three categories: (1) Speeches to Entertain, (2) Speeches to Inform, and (3) Speeches to Persuade The general purpose of a speech is defined by its central idea. If the central idea refers to a “lesson,” the speech is informative; whereas, if it refers to a “proposition,” the speech is persuasive. The central idea of commemorative speech is the person, people, or event being celebrated.

Key Terms

Demographics
Psychographics
Speech of Description
Speech of Explanation
Report Speech
Speeches of Instruction