Informative speaking is different from persuasive speaking, and there are several types of informative speaking. Like other types of public speaking, there are also guidelines and strategies to deliver a competent informative speech. For informative speaking, your goal is not to convince your audience, but to teach them. Specifically, informative speeches generally provide noncontroversial information, and do not include a call to action. There are several types of informative speaking, including reports, explanations, demonstrations, narratives, and comparisons.

While the strategies for competent public speaking also apply to informative speeches, there are also some additional strategies specific to informative speaking. First, try to provide new information to your listeners. Second, try to find out what you can about your audience, and adapt your topic and information so that your speech will likely interest them. While it is important to offer new information, be careful to avoid information overload. If you’re telling a story, choose a story that fits your audience, make sure that story fits your purpose and illustrates a key point, keep the stories concise, maintain a narrative structure, practice telling your story, and make sure not to read your story to your audience.

Back to top