Informative Speakers Are Objective
Informative Speakers Are Objective
Most public speaking texts discuss three general purposes for speeches: speeches to inform,speeches to persuade, and speeches to entertain. Although these general purposes are theoretically distinct, in practice, they tend to overlap. Even in situations when the occasion calls for an informative speech (one which enhances understanding), often persuasive and entertaining elements are present. First, all informative speeches have a persuasive component by virtue of the fact that the speaker tries to convince the audience that the facts presented are accurate6. Second, a well written speech can make even the most dry, technical information entertaining through engaging illustrations, colorful language, unusual facts, and powerful visuals.
In spite of this caveat, when planning your informative speech your primary intent will be to increase listeners’ knowledge. For instance, in a speech about urban legends 7, your specific purpose statement may be: “At the end of my speech, my audience will understand what an urban legend is, how urban legends are spread, and common variations of urban legends.” Peterson et al 8 argue that the topic you choose is not as important as your approach to the material in determining whether your speech is informative or persuasive. Can you imagine how speeches on witchcraft, stem cell research, or hybrid cars could be written either to inform or persuade? Informative speeches need to be as objective as possible. When writing your speech, present both sides of the story and try to remove all unrelated facts, personal opinions, and emotions 9.
