Types of Public Speaking
Public speaking is the art of communicating with an audience in a stylized manner for the purpose of educating, entertaining or persuading. Knowing the different types of public speaking will enable you to choose a style best suited to your audience and for accomplishing the goals of your speech.
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Persuasive Speaking
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Persuasive public speaking aims to shift the opinions or behaviors of the audience to align with the message the speaker is delivering. At the conclusion of the speech, the speaker hopes the audience will take some action in a way that supports the speaker's goals. Sales professionals, politicians and religious leaders most commonly use a persuasive style of public speaking. Anecdotes and stories are used frequently in this format in order to connect to the audience on an emotional level.
Informative Speaking
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The purpose of an informative speech is to inform. The goal is to introduce new information to the general public or a specific group. Because of that objective, professionals in fields such as technology, health care and science employ this type of public speaking. Most informative speeches are structured with an introduction, body and conclusion. The introduction provides an overview of the speech topic and explains what the audience will learn. The body provides the information and supporting facts. The conclusion reiterates the major points learned.
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Demonstrative Speaking
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Demonstrative speeches are designed to show audience members how to perform a task. In this speaking style, speakers use visual and audio aids to assist in instructing the audience. PowerPoint presentations, flip charts and product displays are types of supporting tools that speakers use. Many infomercials and workshops are presented using a demonstrative speaking format.
Ceremonial Speaking
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Wedding receptions, graduation ceremonies and religious inductions are occasions where toasts and other ceremonial speeches are commonly delivered. There is no mandated structure for this type of speech; however, speakers must know the background facts of the event and assess their audience to determine what information is most appropriate to share for the occasion.
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