How to Give an Informative Speech

You can explain something to your audience with an informative speech.

An informative speech, as opposed to a persuasive speech, has the purpose of enlightening an audience about a particular subject. Although you could express your opinions, your own personal view of the subject isn't the main point when it comes to an informative speech. Whatever your topic, your speech can be a success with some preparation and by following a few simple guidelines.

Things You'll Need

• Professional attire
• Flashcards
• Visual aids
• Computer (optional)

Instructions

The Informative Speech

1. Prepare your speech ahead of time. Choose a topic that you can explain to others or that will help your audience understand something, perform a task or use something. Collect research from reliable sources. Construct an intriguing introduction followed by a series of main points for your topic and a conclusion that summarizes your speech and ties everything together.

2. Write your speech or the main points of your speech down on flashcards or paper or type them up on a laptop for you to follow along as you're giving your speech.

3. Make sure to look at your audience and speak loud enough for them to hear you comfortably. If necessary, use a microphone to amplify your voice.

4. Use visual aids, such as slides from a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, blown-up graphs, charts, pictures or media such as videos and audio recordings to enhance your speech. For example, if you're informing your audience about a type of new software, demonstrate on a projection screen how the software works.

5. Ask the audience for questions after your speech is over to ensure that they are left with an understanding of your subject. Refer them to other resources for more information.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have a clear thesis statement in your introduction where you state specifically what you'll be explaining to your audience.

• Add some humor such as jokes or anecdotes to keep your audience's attention.

• Practice your speech ahead of time, in the same room you'll be delivering it, if possible. Ask a trusted friend or associate to listen and give you feedback for you to improve your speech.

• Add as many audiovisual aids as possible, but not so many that they become a distraction.

• Dress professionally in attire suited for the occasion.

References

• University Center Rochester: Sample Informative Speech Outline
• West Coast Publishing: Preparing Expository-Informative Oratory-Persuasive After Dinner Speeches